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How to Book Mardi Gras in New Orleans

How to · Travel

How to Book Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Plan nine months early to lock in decent hotel rates and spread the cost over time.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $166.67/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,500 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

New Orleans during Mardi Gras is pure energy. You get brass bands on street corners, parades throwing beads, and incredible food everywhere you turn. If you want a place to sleep that isn't miles away from the Quarter, you need to lock in your plans about nine months early.

A solid trip runs about $2500 for flights, a well-located hotel, and spending money. Instead of taking that hit all at once, you can put the expenses on a Discover it® Cash Back card. The card offers a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, giving you time to pay off the trip in monthly pieces.

Remember that a 0% intro APR is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance when those 15 months end, the standard interest rate kicks in on whatever is left. Set a calendar reminder for month 14 so you can double-check that your trip is fully paid off.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your travel window

    Mardi Gras isn't just a single day. The biggest parades roll during the weekend right before Fat Tuesday. Target those four or five days so you get the full experience without exhausting your schedule.

  2. 02

    Book your hotel nine months ahead

    Hotels fill up faster for Mardi Gras than almost any other US festival. Reserve your room nine months early to get a spot near the parade routes or in the French Quarter before rates surge. Look for places with flexible cancellation policies just in case.

  3. 03

    Track and buy airfare

    Flights into Louis Armstrong International spike as spring approaches. Set up price alerts about six months out and buy as soon as you see a reasonable rate. Flying in on a Thursday instead of Friday can save you a chunk of cash.

  4. 04

    Pay with the Discover it® Cash Back card

    Put the $2500 total spend on the Discover it® Cash Back card. You get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. That breaks down to $166.67 per month to clear the balance before any interest kicks in.

  5. 05

    Set up automatic monthly payments

    Divide your total trip cost by 15 so you do not miss the deadline. Set your monthly autopay to $166.67 right after booking. That keeps your payoff on track without you having to think about it every month.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

How far in advance should I book Mardi Gras hotels?

Aim for nine months ahead. Rooms along the main parade routes sell out early, and prices double or triple as the festival gets closer.

How much does a Mardi Gras trip usually cost?

Plan on spending around $2500 for two people. That usually covers flights, three or four nights in a hotel, parade gear, and meals.

Is a 0% APR deal the same as a free trip?

No. You still have to pay back every dollar you spend. It just buys you time by pausing interest charges for a specific window.

What happens if I do not finish paying in 15 months?

Any remaining balance starts accumulating standard credit card interest once the 15 months run out. That will quickly add unwanted costs to your trip.