How to Fund Your Fun Trip Out of Town
This is the perfect time of year for New Orleanians to get out of New Orleans. Jazzfest and Mardi Gras faded away in our rearview mirrors months ago. College kids are back in school, and fall has fallen. With a steady stream of tourists filling the streets, and the holidays on the horizon, why not take that weekend trip you’ve been dreaming about for months? There are thousands of Americans trying to get into New Orleans. Why not make a little money while you get out? Fund your trip by letting Airbnb fill your home with paying guests while you get away.
There are hundreds of amazing weekend jaunts, but we narrowed it down to our three favorites. Book your vacation after you register your space on Airbnb. There’s no better way to put a little extra money in your pocket and put your home to good use while you leave the humidity behind. Airbnb has partnered with New Orleans to simplify the process of sharing your spare bedroom or home. But before you boost your income by using your home to host, you’ve got to decide where to go yourself!
Here are our top three weekend destinations outside of New Orleans. It’s never been more fun—or profitable—to get out of the Big Easy.
Memphis, Tennessee
It’s less than five hours by car, and for the music lovers who live in New Orleans, it’s the perfect weekend away. Experience the epic stylings of blues guitar on Beale Street, or remember the King with a trip to Graceland. Memphis is the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, and the home of soul too! Head to Sun Studio and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music for a bit of history. When you’ve wrapped up there, it’s time to experience the dry rub BBQ that Memphis is known for. At A&R BBQ, the meat slides right off the bone, and you’ll appreciate the complex seasoning as well as the residual smoke flavor that comes from being in the pit out back all day.
Rosemary Beach, Florida
A picturesque community, Rosemary Beach is located on the easternmost side of Scenic Highway 30A, and is a wonderful romantic destination away from New Orleans. With a laid-back, old-fashioned vibe, this charming town is one of Florida’s best kept secrets. Relax on the beaches filled with soft, white sand and swim in the crystal blue waters. At night, there’s no shortage of great restaurants to enjoy. Edward’s has amazing food, and most nights, you’ll find a local jazz or blues singer serenading the locals and tourists. Stop off at the famous Sugar Shak for a sweet treat after dinner.
Natchez, Mississippi
It’s hard to believe, but Natchez, just three hours north of New Orleans, is known as the Biscuit Capital of the World! Food lovers from New Orleans can appreciate the buttery goodness of biscuits as well as the mighty Mississippi River, which bends around the town. It’s a gorgeous area, and quintessentially Southern, with Spanish moss, gnarled live oaks, and beautiful azaleas at every turn. Stay in one of the gorgeous antebellum homes, or at the Monmouth Historic Inn, which has those famous biscuits built into the price of a room, as well as 26 acres of gardens to enjoy it in. The best part of Natchez? The people, who are as colorful as the town itself. Ask one resident a question and twenty will answer. Soon, you’ll be surrounded by locals all wanting to host a dinner in your honor at their home.
Start hosting your home, and earn the money to fund your passion for travel. For more info, go to www.airbnb.com.