For my 22^nd birthday I took a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. It was definitely a good time and I recommend it to anyone. I tried to do my research and learn as much as I could about what to do while I was there, what to watch out for, and what to expect but there are some things you just won’t know until you’re there. For instance, I had no idea Bourbon Street was under construction until September or October until I got there in July, which was a slight disappointment. Nola was such a wonderful experience, but here are 10 things I learned while I was there, both good and bad.

1. They have their own birthday tradition.

I was sitting in the Carousel Bar when I heard about this tradition. Not only did the entire bar sing me happy birthday but the guy next to me asked me where my pin was. I was so confused, so I had to ask him what pin? He rushed to find his wallet, took out a dollar bill and gave it to me. He said for me to pin it to my shirt and people will literally pay you for it being your birthday. I later found out it is bad luck to count your money until after midnight, so your birthday is over. New Orleans is very superstitious so you better believe I didn’t count it until the next day. I did feel like a prostitute and thought people would give me weird looks but the amount of people that told me happy birthday or gave me a dollar was uncanny.

2. There is so much more to do than drink.

When I was planning my trip everyone asked me why I was planning? And what was I going to do besides drink? Believe it or not Nola has a lot of great activities besides destroying your liver. The WWII museum is definitely a place I recommend for anyone, there is also tons of shopping, sightseeing, and my favorite, eating. I even got a chance to tour the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Go see the Cathedral, go do it all! Live music is rare on the weekends though, if you're going more than just Friday and Saturday make sure you find street artists before the weekend comes. Drinking is fun and all but explore the culture New Orleans has to offer, you won’t be disappointed.

3. There really is a smell.

People always told me before I went that the city smelt awful and I just blew them off. Do not blow off this statement, it is true. There are some parts that are worse than others but just be prepared. Bring plenty of clothes with you because once you get back to your hotel room you will want to shower, change, and hide those smelly clothes for the rest of your trip. There’s no re-wearing your favorite top on this vacation.

4. You walk everywhere.

Parking is so rare and so outrageously priced that once your car is in a spot, you don’t move it. We got lucky and found a place for $15 every 24 hours which was actually a steal. Everything is pretty much in walking distance but if you need a break there are trolleys and Uber is a life saver. Plus, when you walk around a city it is the perfect way to get the feel of the locals and appreciate the scenery more.

5. It is hot.

I am a Florida girl so when people told me not to go in July I was like I can handle it. The first day I was there, there was a heat index of 110 degrees. I don’t know about you but that’s not something I’m used to. Luckily, in New Orleans there is a new building to explore every 10 feet so check out those stores and bars and appreciate their air conditioning.

6. You can take your drink to go.

This threw me for a loop every single time. Go out to eat, grab a drink, don’t finish it? No problem, literally just ask for it to go. I’ve been to Duval Street in Key West so drinking on the streets wasn’t too weird for me but literally the fact that you can just ask for a Togo cup blew my mind.

7. People are either extremely nice or extremely rude.

I had both pleasant and unpleasant experiences with the people of New Orleans. But oddly enough they were all to the extremes. Either someone will do anything they can to help you and make sure you’re happy or they will just snub you off, there is no in between. Just stay positive and if one person disregards you, the next person will most likely welcome you with open arms.

8. Try all the food.

From Po Boys to Cajun to gumbo to beignets, New Orleans has the best food. Don’t go to a chain restaurant while you’re there, explore what there is to offer. There was one night we just wanted a pizza and wings, don’t go to Dominoes, go to that little pizza joint on the corner. I promise you won’t be disappointed. I had the best friend alligator while I was there and I cannot stop thinking about those beignets. The powdered sugar will literally coat your teeth but I think it may be my new favorite food. Also, get a box of mix to take home. They’re literally only three dollars. Try a praline. Try everything and anything you can even if you think you won’t like it, it’s worth the experience.

9. There are a lot of homeless people.

Homelessness is a big issue in New Orleans. It is a sad sight to see but if you are aware of your surroundings you will be fine. Some of them are just con-artists and some of them are legit. Just stay in a group and don’t let them intimidate you and you will be fine. Most of them are not dangerous at all you just need to keep an eye on your stuff and have fun.

10. Hurricane Katrina's impact is still there.

Over 10 years later and you can still see the impact that Hurricane Katrina had on the city. It is sad to see abandoned buildings and you can even still see where the water line was on some buildings. From what I've been told, the city is finally starting to be as vibrant as it was before Katrina, but it will never be the same.