riches for rags

So you’re heading to Mardi Gras and ready to do it big. Mardi Gras is a festival experience unlike any other, so get ready for over the top celebrations 24 hours a day for many days straight. Despite the debauchery and consumption you may partake in, this holiday doesn’t have to break the bank. The easiest way to avoid unnecessary expenses is to make smart decisions about food, drinks and where you stay. If you follow these tried and true tips for this Mardi Gras season you’ll go home without the regrets of an empty wallet.

Don’t take a cab if you can walk.

Do consider renting a bicycle if you don’t live in the area or own one.

Don’t book a hotel in the middle of the Quarter.

Do find a rental along the parade route well in advance.

Don’t purchase too many margaritas outside Superior Grill.

Do bring your own drinks from home.

Don’t carry alcoholic beverages in glass bottles.

Do catch lots of fun throws.

Don’t buy beads from a souvenir shop.

Do collect costume pieces throughout the year.

Don’t spend a fortune on last minute costumes.

Do make friends with your parade route neighbors who have set up a full tailgate style feast.

Don’t come empty handed without at least a few snacks or beverages to offer in return.

Do score an invite to a ball if you have connections.

Don’t wander into every bar along Bourbon – those Mardi Gras cover charges add up.

Do catch a free jazz performance – try Les Bons Temps, Howlin’ Wolf or the Frenchman Street bars.

Don’t eat out for every meal.

Do stock up at the grocery store (because you were smart and already booked a rental with a kitchen).

Don’t pay every time you use the bathroom.

Do walk back to that awesome rental you have on the parade route to use the bathroom, or pay for a day pass to use the portapotties outside one of the churches.

Look at you, you’ve done so well you should treat yourself to a drink at the Carousel Bar or a nice dinner at Antione’s!

Have you been to Mardi Gras before? What tips do you have to add? Let me know in the comments!

(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i[‘GoogleAnalyticsObject’]=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
(i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o),
m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m)
})(window,document,’script’,’//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js’,’ga’);

ga(‘create’, ‘UA-49466220-1’, ‘auto’);
ga(‘send’, ‘pageview’);