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Tracking down free museum days in New Orleans is no easy task, but Best Travel Deals has successfully completed the challenge. While some institutions, like the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Louisiana Children’s Museum feature clear days when everyone is admitted for free, other places are  prone to allowing only certain individuals in at no cost (such as state residents and military vets). So when you’re looking for a cultural adventure in New Orleans, keep these free museum days in mind, and pass along the info to any of your friends and family who might benefit as well!

The New Orleans Museum of Art, located in City Park, offers Free Wednesdays (thanks to the Helis foundation). NOMA is the city’s oldest fine arts institution, housing an impressive permanent collection of more than 40,000 objects. Visitors are always blown away by the museum’s eclectic displays of French and American artwork, as well as their photography, glass, African and Japanese collections. While the museum regularly charges $10 admission for adults (with the exception on Wednesdays), entry into the five-acre Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is always free. There is never a charge for children under 6.

The Louisiana Children’s Museum features Free Sundays every third Sunday of the month, courtesy of Target. Bring your curious tikes to explore and experience 30,000 square feet of hands-on fun, including interactive exhibits and engaging programs for all ages. The possibilities are endless at the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Come and pilot a towboat down the Mississippi, stand inside a giant bubble, trap your shadow and much more.  A trip to this museum isn’t just fun, it’s educational, too.

Listen up Louisiana residents! The Ogden Museum of Southern Art at the University of New Orleans offers free admission every Thursday when you present a valid Louisiana State I.D.  Explore any or all of the museum’s seven extensive collections. The museum’s Permanent Collection includes Southern artwork from Washington DC and 15 Southern states spanning the 18th-21st centuries. Paintings, prints, watercolors, photographs, ceramics, sculpture and design are all featured in the Permanent Collection.

Renowned historian, Dr. Stephen Ambrose founded The National World War II Museum Foundation in New Orleans in 1991. The National WWII Museum, which didn’t officially open until June 6, 2000, is the only museum in the country that addresses all “D-Days,” of the war. It stands as a tribute to the more than 16 million Americans who played a role in this infamous global conflict. Exhibits at the museum encompass the June 6, 1944 invasion of Normandy, the Home Front during WWII and the D-Day invasions in the Pacific. A number of inspiring films are showcased in the museum’s theatre. While there is an admission fee for adults and students, WWII veterans are always welcome for free, as are military personnel in uniform and children under 5.

What can we say, New Orleans (and visitors) is simply fascinated by history and past military operations, especially those that occurred in the area. This couldn’t be better represented than it is at the Jackson Barracks Military Museum. This free museum holds artifacts dating back to the War of 1812, and even includes artifacts dated recently as the Gulf War. A must-see for history buffs, the museum features modern and Old Time weapons of war on display throughout the grounds.

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Known for its position on the Mississippi, its French-Creole architecture, and its blend of American, Spanish, and French cultures, New Orleans is considered one of the most unique cities in the United States. While some of the city’s attractions come with a price tag, there are plenty of options that you can enjoy free of charge. This list covers natural, cultural, musical, and educational sites which can improve your trip without adding to the cost.

1. Jackson Park

This historic park is located in the center of the famous French Quarter. The center of the park features a statue of the park’s namesake – Andrew Jackson, on horseback, by Clark Mills. The surrounding streets feature great coffee shops, colonial buildings and a popular brewery. For history buffs, the park will excite interest as the site of the 1811 German Coast Uprising. Anybody visiting the city should stop in Jackson Park and explore both it and the surrounding area.

2. National WWII Museum

New Orleans’ WWII museum was, in 2003, designated America’s National WWII museum. Though there’s an entrance cost for most visitors, children and those with a military ID can gain access for free, and all are welcome to free swing dances every Sunday!

3. Besthoff Sculpture Garden

This impressive outdoor sculpture garden includes over works 50 by dozens of artists including Louis Bourgeois, Henry Moore and Joel Shapiro. Take a stroll through the garden and catch a free glimpse of some of the city’s best sculptural artwork.

4. Canal Street Ferry

Pedestrians gain free access to this ferry ride, which sails to Algiers Point – an historic residential neighborhood with a number of great places to eat. Enjoy the skyline on the ferry and the antique architecture of the neighborhood before heading back!

5. Satchmo Summer Fest

Louis Armstrong’s birth city pays tribute to the legendary musician during this annual, three-day jazz festival. Musicians from New Orleans and Japan take part in a wide array of concerts. If you’re visiting during the summer, check to see if you can enjoy this unique cultural celebration!

6. Frenchman Street

This two-block strip features some of the city’s best music and dance clubs, many of which have free admission! Head to Frenchman Street any day of the week and enjoy some of the city’s entertainment with the locals.

7. Barataria Preserve

Part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Barataria is a 20,000 acre preserve of forests, marshes, and swamps. The site also contains a visitors center with films, exhibits, and environmental education materials. The preserve is a short drive from the city of New Orleans.

8. St. Louis Cathedral

The St. Louis Cathedral was built in 1727, making it oldest continuously operating Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States. This magnificent edifice features beautiful stain-glass designs and a garden in back. At night, the cathedral is lit up and makes a spectacular sight for passers-by. The St. Louis Cathedral is located across the street from Jackson Park.

9. Arnauld’s

This well-known restaurant has a museum dedicated to the city’s famous Mardi Gras parades. Enjoy the history and artifacts whether or not you’re dining at Arnauld’s.

10. Chalmette Battlefield

The site of the 1815 Battle New Orleans is commemorated with this National Historical Park. The Battlefield hosts presentations, films, and exhibits about the famous battle. Next to the battlefield is an historic cemetery for US soldiers serving in wars from the Civil War to Vietnam. The battlefield and cemetery are part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

The Southern United States is filled with unique attractions.  In fact, this region, more than any other in the US, has a  distinct culture that inspires certain expectations from visitors.  Whether it is the theme parks and beaches of Florida, the rowdy good times of New Orleans or the modern, cosmopolitan Southern culture of Atlanta and Charlotte, visitors seek a certain amount of “southern-ness” when they choose to spend their summertime holiday south of the Mason Dixon Line.

Here are the five best summertime travel destinations in the Southern United States.  In many ways, these places fit the Southern stereotype, but more often than not, visitors find themselves confronted with unexpected – but welcome – surprises.

1. The Barrier Islands of South Carolina are known for their golf courses, beaches, gated communities and water sports.  Nearby Charleston, a city of rich history, is an attraction in its own right.  But the unique geography and natural, untouched beauty are what truly make this part of the Carolinas worth a visit.  Outfitters, such as Aqua Safari, take tourist on cruises to explore the natural side of the islands, allowing them to come in close contact with wildlife, including alligators and dolphins.

Of course, surfers are always at home on South Carolina’s Central Coast, one of the most underrated wave-riding spots in the nation, especially during summer hurricane season.  Or, you can remain dry and just enjoy the area’s laid back version of beach culture.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular park in the nation in terms of the number of visitors.  Wander through the wild, rural landscapes and its easy to see why.  The Smokies boast some of the most unbelievably picturesque scenery.  Summers can be hot and hazy, but large parts of the park lie at higher elevation, meaning that the weather is cooler.  The road up to  Clingman’s Dome (more than 6600 feet of elevation) is littered with scenic overlooks, while trails can be accessed from the Oconaluftee Visitors Center, in North Carolina, and the Sugarlands Visitors Center, in the Tennessee portion of the park.

3. Key West proves that sometimes the classic destinations are still the best ones.  Seafood, water sports and, most of all, that un-copyable, frozen-in-time Key West vibe that attracted famous vacationers like Ernest Hemingway in years past.

There are plenty of touristy attractions, such as the Conch Train Tour and the Key West Nature Preserve, but also plenty of opportunities to get away from the city for some diving, fishing or simply for a boat ride or hike.  And Duval Street, though a bit overly-crowded with tourists sometimes, is home to some of the most iconic bars in the Southern US.

Yes, summertime is rainy season in Key West, but most of the showers occur during the morning hours, with the days being perfectly dry.

4. Atlanta is the cultural and economic capitol of the so-called New South.  Yes, the city suffers from all the standard big city woes, but the culture (especially the cuisine and nightlife) and the sense of history make this one of the more interesting and exciting all-around vacation destinations.  Of course, mainstream tourist attractions like the CNN Studio, Coca-Cola World and a world famous zoo are reasons to visit as well.  If you want to mix a bit of high-brow entertainment with your sightseeing, this is one of the better choices in the country, with The Atlanta Ballet, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Symphony and more than 60 theater groups regularly staging plays and musicals.  Summertime festivals – the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Georgia Shakespeare Festival and the National Black Arts Festival, to name a few – make the warmer months the best time to get a full cultural experience.

5. Charlotte is another Southern city on the rise.  Attractions aside, this is arguably the best city to experience both the excitement and diverse culture of the modern South and a healthy dose of old fashioned southern charm.  Charlotte’s large immigrant population and numerous “new transplants” from other parts of the country give it its cosmopolitan vibe, while museums and art galleries give visitors plenty of high-brow options. Many great Charlotte hotel deals are available while enjoying all the excitement this city has to bring.

Summertime is the high season for golfers and stock car racing fans.  Most of all, though, June and July provide the ideal weather for getting out and experiencing Charlotte’s best trait: its public parks.

Food is always an integral part of a Charlotte vacation.  June’s Taste of Charlotte Festival is the perfect opportunity to find all of the flavors that make Charlotte’s eating scene  unique in one place.

via Paul Mannix, Flickr

Carnival is one of the most famous festivals in the Western Hemisphere.  It is known as Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) in francophone places.  Images of elaborate, revealing costumes, city-size parties and raucous parades have been drawing hard-partiers from around the world for years.  While the samba parade in Rio de Janeiro is the most iconic of the Carnival celebrations, it is far from being the only version worth attending.  Fat Tuesday fests occurring in Latin America, the Caribbean and even the US and Canada are equal to Rio’s event when it comes to fun and memorable experiences.  The party culminates on February 16th this year, but the good times start rolling well before that.

Here are the best destinations to enjoy the world’s biggest party.

Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is the biggest of these celebrations.  That is enough of a reason for many travelers to head south of the Equator in early February.  However, a trip to Brazil is expensive (airfares from the US are currently hovering the $700-$800 range).  The city is notorious because of its crime problem and non-Portuguese speakers might find it intimidating to get around the crowded streets during the festivities.  That said, it is difficult to imagine that other Carnivals can match the atmosphere and sheer good times at the main samba parade and the many neighborhood-wide parade/street party events held throughout the city.

But Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival at least comes close.  The laid-back island vibe of this festival is a major positive for visiting revelers.  Party trucks, complete with towering speakers and mobile DJs are as common a sight as ornate floats.  There is plenty of dancing in the streets.  Bands, with percussion instruments vie for prizes.  Their ornate costumes are not the only ones on the street.  Locals and tourists don colorful, sometimes skimpy outfits as well.  The five day affair, beginning on   February 12th this year, is characterized by the unique culture of Trinidad, with African, Caribbean, French, Latin American, and South Asian influences evident.  The fact that Trinidad is an English-speaking island and the reasonable airfares from the US (from $400), are major positives for would-be American Carnival attendees.

via Vince Alongi, Flickr

In the US, New Orleans holds the biggest Carnival festival.  It is, of course, known as Mardi Gras.  The epicenter of the party takes place on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.  Revelers stand shoulder to shoulder in the streets and the bars and balconies are also filled to capacity.  Of course, there is more to Mardi Gras in the Big Easy than this small strip of pavement.  Groups known as Krewes put on parades throughout the city in the days leading up to Fat Tuesday.  The major parades take place in the Uptown and West Bank districts on Tuesday morning.  Yes, the all-out party in the French Quarter can be rowdy and over-crowded, but New Orleans is still the gold standard for Mardi Gras in the US.  It is, of course, cheaper to fly to New Orleans than to international destinations that celebrate Mardi Gras, but hotels, from five-stars to respectable bed-and-breakfasts, are difficult to come by unless you book well in advance.

Brazil’s Spanish-speaking neighbor, Uruguay has one of the longest-running Carnivals in the world.  Like other Carnivals the festivities start late in January with the parades and dancing in the streets culminating on Fat Tuesday.  But the capitol of the country, Montevideo, hosts celebrations and Carnival-related events until late March.  Despite the fact that most of its citizens are descended from European ancestors, many of the celebrations have a decidedly African vibe.

via A. da Silva, Flickr

Skimpy, colorful outfits, dancing in the streets, percussion-heavy music and parades are not confined to the end of January and beginning of February.  In the US Virgin Islands, Carnival takes place in late April (starting on the 27th, this year).  This is one of the more popular events in the Caribbean and has something for everyone.  There are separate parades for families and the general public, and an adult-centered parade that takes place on the final day of the festival.  Not only does the late date give would-be revelers some extra time to plan, but passports are not required to travel to and from the USVI, making it one of the more convenient Caribbean destinations for US-based travelers.

Toronto’s Caribana, a celebration of Caribbean culture held each August in Toronto, has a Carnival-like vibe and draws more than a million people each year.  Attractions include parades, fashion shows, musical performances and art shows.  Packages including hotel and event tickets start at just over $200.