If you have been a frequent flier over the years you are a pioneer of change. Air travel has undergone many drastic changes in the past few years, more then we have seen before. On the better side of change you may be thinking of  the ease of self-check in and a seat-back video screen so you can watch that much awaited inflight movie. On the annoying side of change you may be thinking of the long security lines and lack of meals. In order to have a stress free flying experience it is important to keep some of the following factors in mind.

Try to Leave Early: Yes it is important to get to the airport 2 hours earlier for a flight, but we’re talking about leaving a day early if your travel encompasses a special celebration or other important function. In case there are delays you are covered, and have time to defrag as well.

Pick the Right Time to Fly: Early morning flights are the best way to go, just make sure to have that extra cup of Joe to get you on your way. We are always warned about this around holiday time, but as it fades away remember the same applies. One delayed flight has a ripple effect, and your better off avoiding the ripple all together.

Meal Options: If you are on a long flight a meal is part of the trip. If you’re a vegetarian, or require special diets, you should discuss this with your booking agent so that the airline can make the adjustments as needed. There is usually a choice of menus. Planning this ahead of time could save you a grumbly stomach and crankiness if not planned ahead.

Dress Comfortably: Getting through security is the first challenge on your journey so be prepared ahead of time when you are making your wardrobe choice. Wear something that is comfortable to travel in as well. If you are on a long flight temperatures may vary. Layering is a good thing to keep in mind.

Distinguishable Luggage: This is extremely important if you have luggage that will be part of the pile for pick up at baggage claim once you reach your destination. How many black suitcases are there that look exactly like yours? The answer is “to many to count”. There are number of ways to mark your luggage for easy visual identification. A special tag, sticker, or perhaps a sewn in patch. Whatever it be, the time spent looking will significantly decrease.

This week, our focus is on a nonprofit organization established in 1961 with the endorsement of President John F. Kennedy (and backed by a Joint Congressional Resolution), called Operation Sail, Inc. Its mission is to advance sail training and promote goodwill among nations. They have five international sailing events which are tied to a landmark historical event and culminate in a traditional Parade of Sail in New York Harbor. Previous OpSails have been staged in 1964 (the New York World’s Fair), 1976 (the U.S. Bicentennial), 1986 (the Statue of Liberty centennial), 1992 (the Columbus 500th anniversary), and 2000 (the New Millennium).

New Orleans is about share in the honors associated with their mission. In commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, The NOLA Navy Week Host Committee and Operation Sail, Inc. have confirmed that three vintage tall ships will be coming to New Orleans April 17-23, 2012. The historic USCG Barque Eagle will join the Guayas of Ecuador and the Gloria of Colombia, docking alongside the Mississippi River at Woldenberg Park. New Orleans was chosen as the host city for the opening events marking the 200th anniversary of what has been referred to as “America’s Second War for Independence.” The three-year celebration will also end in New Orleans where the last battle of the war was fought.

As part of the commemoration there will be an air show by the U.S. Naval Air Division’s celebrated Blue Angels aircraft. It is a week-long program that will also include a parades of sail, public visitations to the ships, international athletic competitions, and community relations activities. The theme of the event is, “Our Flag Was Still There.” After 50 years of the Nave andy Operation Sail partnering up to produce these patriotic events it is finally coming to New Orleans.

Why is this war so significant? It began in  1812 in the northern region of the United States and ended with the Battle of New Orleans, fought on the grounds of a plantation in Chalmette, just outside the city, on January 8, 1815. The Battle of New Orleans helped victorious General Andrew Jackson win election as president in 1828. It also marked the last time an invading foreign army ever set foot on American soil and was a significant factor in the strengthening of the American Navy.

Keep these dates in mind when planning your April New Orleans activities. For more information about the event you can visit www.nolanavyweek.com

Mardi Gras parades can be enjoyable for the whole family, and not just the adults. If you are looking for a family friendly spot to go keep the area of St. Charles Avenue in mind. There are many picnic and barbque areas along the parade route there. Keep the following tips in mind to make your family friendly visit fun and unstressful:

• Parking is not always readily available near the parade route area. There will be a certain amount of walking involved, and with children always a lot of “stuff”. Be prepared with easy to carry backpacks, or even a wagon to pull that can make the transport of these items easy.
• There is such a multitude of people around it is easy to get separated. Make sure your children have ID information with them at all times. Make your children aware of local area authorities to look for, such as police officers, in case you get separated.
• A fun part of the parade for children is the “stuff” that they end up getting as its thrown off the parade floats. It can be expected to have a few stuffed animals or the like thrown your way, so make sure to have a bag ready to collect the spoils for easy transport.
• Children are notorious for needing that emergency potty break. Many businesses along the parade route reserve bathroom usage for patrons only. If you know you will be in an area for an extended period of time some restaurants have tickets you can purchase that allow you access to special food and bathroom facilities.
• Pack easy to carry snacks and drinks to minimize cost. Anyone who has children knows that a snack can be an instant mood shifter, especially as the day draws on.

To make your family’s Mardi Gras experience the safest and least stressful, book Limo Livery to get you to and from your favorite spot in New Orleans!

When you think of streetcars, most people think of San Francisco, but did you know that New Orleans’ has the world’s oldest continuously operating electric street railway?

Streetcar beginnings were modest in 1835. It was a steam engine train that ran from the Vieux Carré along St. Charles to the outlying town of Carrollton (now the Uptown Riverbend area). In the 1860s the route became a horse-and mule-drawn line, and then went electric in 1893.

If you are visiting and need to get around this is a good alternate form of transportation to note. There are three different lines: St. Charles, Canal Street, and the Riverfront, each of which originates downtown but takes you different parts of the city.

The St. Charles Line: The cars themselves have mahogany seats and brass fittings. It has been around for more than 150 years. The route forms a 13.2-mile crescent from Carondelet at Canal Street in the Central Business District through the oldest and most majestic section of uptown New Orleans, around the Riverbend to Carrollton at Claiborne Avenue. To see a video about the St. Charles Streetcar visit http://www.neworleansonline.com/tools/transportation/gettingaround/streetcars.html#data

The Canal Street Line: For 40 years the Canal Streetcar has operated in the business district of the city. It travels a five-and-a-half mile route from the French Market, along Canal Street through the Central Business District of New Orleans and into the Mid-City area. The line ends at City Park Avenue and the historic city cemeteries.

The Riverfront Line: In operation since 1926 this streetcar starts in the French Market. The Riverfront Streetcar line is the first major capitol project in New Orleans that combines the resources of the public and private sectors.