When one thinks of Mardi Gras, parades, floats, Bourbon Street and beads come to mind. Last year New Orleans bought in nearly a million celebrators. The Super Bowl Champions New Orleans Saints may cause visitors to double.
While there is nothing wrong with leisure and travel, safety must be remembered. Visitors to The Big Easy sometimes forget that it is possible to be a victim.
The following are tips to assist you during the Mardi Gras festival:
KEEP YOUR CLOTHES ON. Everyone wants to catch beads, but it’s not a good idea to remove clothing for them. It only takes a few seconds for a video to be recorded on a cell phone or camera.
NEVER leave your drink attended. Date rape drugs are odorless and cannot be detected. Should you take a bathroom break and leave your drink, purchase another one and discard the previous one.
No matter how “sober” you seem, DO NOT attempt to drink and drive. One drink is too many. If you plan on drinking and not traveling by foot, have a designated driver.
n Trust yourself and your intuition. If you have a gut feeling that something could be a bad idea, chances are, it is.
Mardi Gras festivals should be a memorable yet safe experience. Remember to have a good time. Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez!