Terri O'Connell

When traveling to New Orleans, one of America’s most walkable cities, selecting the perfect hotel near Jackson Square can enhance your experience, immersing you in the heart of the vibrant Big Easy. Having explored New Orleans on several occasions, including memorable trips for the Sugar Bowl and a Girls Trip for the Rock & Roll 10K Run, I've curated this list of top hotels near Jackson Square that capture the essence of the city's charm and hospitality. These five handpicked hotels offer an eclectic mix of accommodations, ensuring that regardless of when you visit – whether it’s during Mardi Gras, the excitement of a bowl game, the electric atmosphere of New Year’s Eve, the soulful melodies of JazzFest, or simply to soak in the unique ambiance of the city – there's an ideal option for you in a hotel near Jackson Square.

If you are one of the over 55 million retirees in the United States, it’s time to hit the road and take advantage of your time now that you’re not tied to the clock or calendar. According to the U.S. Travel Association, retirees spend more on travel than any other age group. So where do you begin to plan your next chapter traveling in retirement? You’ve spent your entire adult life working and planning for this time, and along the way engaged career counselors, financial advisors and other experts to help meet your life goals. For the same reasons you’d utilize a financial manager, it’s wise to connect with a travel advisor each year to map out (no pun intended) your travel goals and identify the best bang for your buck. Travel advisors give you access to insider information, extensive resources and valuable perks that will significantly enhance your vacation experience.

With Paris on the mind of so many this year as it gears up for the Summer Olympics, it’s great to see a classic hotel in the heart of Paris embracing the excitement while continuing to offer all the wonderful amenities that this 5-star hotel has offered for years! Staying in the 1st arrondissement, in the heart of the city, is right for all types of travelers from those with families to couples looking for the ultimate romantic getaways to business travelers. 1st is filled with iconic landmarks, historic sites and cultural attractions. The Regina Hotel Paris is the perfect centrally located hotel located just across the street from the Louvre and overlooks the tranquil Tuileries Garden. On a recent trip to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, my husband and I enjoyed all the Regina Hotel Paris and the 1st arrondissement had to offer.

When I discovered that the 2024 Summer Olympics — the year I turn 60 – were going to be held in Paris, I started my planning immediately! This ultimate girls' trip included Olympic fanfare and traditions coupled with the art, fashion, food and culture of the City of Lights. Paris is always a good idea!

In the past 12 years, I have had the great fortune to stay at the Four Seasons Aviara, a Residence Club in San Diego, several times. A family friend owns a timeshare at this wonderful resort, and I have spent several enjoyable respites on property. The residences are spacious and customizable so you can host anything from large families with multiple rooms to a romantic getaway for two. In the summer, my family of 18 booked multiple units at the Four Seasons Aviara and used it as home base to explore Carlsbad and San Diego, as well as day trips to Los Angeles and Catalina Island. There is so much to do for all ages in this part of California and the perfect weather — sunny almost every day! — makes for a great vacation year-round.

Heading to Georgia in April for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Course is on the top of every golfer's bucket list. It’s a tradition unlike any other! To best experience the Masters and all it has to offer on your week in Augusta, it's recommended that you work with a company who has access to VIP tickets, local accommodations and the ability to book tee times for a round of golf or two during your stay. Tickets to the 2024 Masters are sold out for this year (registration to enter to purchase tickets for 2025 starts in June 2024), but many packages are available through on-site destination management companies to suit your travel needs. Here are our suggestions for navigating the ins and outs of Masters week in Augusta.

My grandfather was born in County Mayo, so whenever I go to Ireland, I enjoy visiting this mystical part of the country. Exploring Western Ireland is a wonderful travel adventure that offers a mix of stunning landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture. Western Ireland is known for its dramatic coastline, charming villages, lush green hills and welcoming people. Here's a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your trip.

My grandfather was born in County Mayo, so whenever I go to Ireland I enjoy visiting this mystical part of the country. Exploring Western Ireland is a wonderful travel adventure that offers a mix of stunning landscapes, rich history and vibrant culture. Western Ireland is known for its dramatic coastline, charming villages, lush green hills and welcoming people. Here's a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your trip:

A week in the Cayman Islands can be a fantastic tropical getaway that is perfect for families with young children or with high school and college age. I got married in the Cayman Islands and have returned several times with my family since then, including an Easter break. The Cayman Islands are known for their stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and scuba diving to experience the vibrant marine life. Hotels are available for all budgets along the beautiful seven-mile beach and many have family rooms and suites to accommodate all family sizes.

Here's a suggested itinerary for a memorable week in the Cayman Islands:

I have watched the Academy Awards since I was a little girl and have hosted watch parties with neighbors and friends over the years. One year while watching from the sofa in New Jersey we said, "we should go next year" — and we did! This trip will give you an all-access look at Oscar weekend, without even being nominated!

On a recent road trip to Augusta, GA for New Year’s Eve, we broke up the trip with a stop at The Greenbrier in WV. What a wonderful place to stay for a few days of R&R, and we also discovered it is a great location for a multi-generational family getaway! Talk about a place where you never have to leave the resort and enjoy everything they have to offer right on the property! Plus, with over 100 Christmas trees and hundreds of fresh poinsettias on the property, you will never run out of photo ops! You will feel like you stepped into a Hallmark Movie set. In the winter, the Christmas decorations may be removed but the famous Dorothy Draper elegant décor remains for Instagram posts around every corner.