You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
22<br />
CHAPTER 1 . PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO NEW ORLEANS<br />
Driving in <strong>New</strong> <strong>Orleans</strong> can be a hassle, and parking is a nightmare.<br />
It’s a great city for walking, and cabs are plentiful and not too<br />
expensive, so you really don’t need a car unless you’re planning several<br />
day trips.<br />
Nevertheless, most major national car-rental companies are represented<br />
at the airport including Alamo (& 800/327-9633; www.<br />
alamo.com), Avis (& 800/331-1212; www.avis.com), Budget<br />
Rent A Car (& 800/527-0700; www.budget.com), Dollar Rent A<br />
Car (& 800/800-4000; www.dollar.com), Hertz (& 800/654-<br />
3131; www.hertz.com), and National (& 800/227-7368; www.<br />
nationalcar.com).<br />
BY TRAIN<br />
As with the interstates and highways into <strong>New</strong> <strong>Orleans</strong>, the passenger<br />
rail lines cut through some beautiful scenery. Amtrak (& 800/<br />
USA-RAIL or 504/528-1610; www.amtrak.com) trains serve the<br />
city’s Union Passenger Terminal, 1001 Loyola Ave.<br />
The <strong>New</strong> <strong>Orleans</strong> train station is in the Central Business District.<br />
Plenty of taxis wait outside the main entrance to the passenger terminal.<br />
Hotels in the French Quarter and the Central Business District<br />
are just a short ride away.<br />
6 Specialized Travel Resources<br />
TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES<br />
Be aware that although <strong>New</strong> <strong>Orleans</strong> facilities are mostly accessible<br />
(especially in the Quarter), with proprietors being most accommodating<br />
(making narrow doors wider to fit wheelchairs and such),<br />
you are still dealing with older structures created before thoughts of<br />
ease for those with disabilities. Before you book a hotel, ask questions<br />
based on your needs. If you have mobility issues, you’ll probably<br />
do best to stay in one of the city’s newer hotels, which tend to<br />
be more spacious and accommodating.<br />
For information about specialized transportation systems, call<br />
LIFT (& 504/827-7433). Organizations that offer a vast range<br />
of resources and assistance to travelers with disabilities include<br />
MossRehab (& 800/CALL-MOSS; www.mossresourcenet.org);<br />
the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) (& 800/232-<br />
5463; www.afb.org); and SATH (Society for Accessible Travel &<br />
Hospitality) (& 212/447-7284; www.sath.org). AirAmbulance<br />
Card.com is now partnered with SATH and allows you to preselect<br />
top-notch hospitals in case of an emergency.
Change language