New Orleans, Louisiana, is a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant anthropology-related sites. Whether you’re visiting for our 2025 Annual Meeting or exploring on your own, here’s what you need to know about traveling to and around the city.
The AAA has secured a discounted room rate in the same two hotels which the Annual Meeting will take place. Rooms will be available until October 29, 2025 or until the AAA room block is full, whichever comes first.
New Orleans Marriott
555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Attendee Room rate: $249 single/double/triple/quad
- Student Room Rate: $186.75 single/double/triple/quad (discount code provided in your registration confirmation email)
- Current Taxes on room rate: 15% plus $3 per room/per night occupancy tax; 1.75% New Orleans & Company Tourism Support Assessment
Reserve a room at the New Orleans Marriott »
Sheraton New Orleans
500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Attendee Room rate: $249 single/double/triple/quad
- Student Room Rate: $186.75 single/double/triple/quad (discount code provided in your registration confirmation email)
- Current Taxes on room rate: 15% plus $3 per room/per night occupancy tax; 1.75% New Orleans & Company Tourism Support Assessment
Reserve a room at the Sheraton New Orleans »
Notes:
- A credit card must be provided when making your reservation. The credit card will not be charged unless you cancel your room less than 48-hours prior to arrival.
- If you decide to leave your hotel reservation early, there is an “early check out fee” of one-night room & tax. To avoid the early check-out fee, reconfirm your departure date upon check-in at the hotel by discussing with the check in clerk at hotel reception desk.
By Air
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the primary airport serving the city. It is located about 15 miles west of downtown. Major airlines operate daily flights, making travel convenient from most U.S. cities.
By Train
Amtrak’s Union Passenger Terminal offers service via the Crescent, City of New Orleans, and Sunset Limited routes, connecting New Orleans with major cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.
By Car
New Orleans is accessible via major highways including I-10, I-55, and I-610. Parking in the downtown area can be limited, so consider reserving a spot in advance if driving.
Public Transit
- RTA Streetcars: The historic streetcars are a great way to see the city. The St. Charles, Canal Street, and Riverfront lines connect major areas.
- Buses: The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) operates an extensive bus system covering much of the city.
Local Tip: Download the RTA’s “Le Pass” app for easy access to schedules, routes, and fare payments!
Rideshare & Taxis
Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city, and taxis are readily available at the airport and key locations downtown.
Biking & Walking
New Orleans is a walkable city with many bike-friendly areas. Blue Bikes, the city’s bikeshare program, provides a convenient way to get around.
The Historic French Quarter
Home to some of the oldest buildings in the U.S., the French Quarter offers a deep dive into the city’s Creole and colonial history. Visit the Cabildo, which houses exhibits on Louisiana history, and The Historic New Orleans Collection on Royal Street, which features both history galleries and special exhibitions.
The Backstreet Cultural Museum
This museum in the Treme neighborhood showcases the history and traditions of New Orleans’ African American community, including Mardi Gras Indians and jazz funerals. While you’re there, check for special events and exhibits at the New Orleans African American Museum nearby.
The New Orleans Jazz Museum
Located in the historic Old U.S. Mint, this museum explores the city’s deep connection to jazz music and its cultural impact.
Whitney Plantation
A powerful site just outside the city, the Whitney Plantation focuses on the history of slavery in Louisiana, offering an in-depth perspective on the lives of enslaved individuals.
Classic Creole & Cajun
- Commander’s Palace – A historic restaurant known for its Creole fine dining and famous turtle soup.
- Dooky Chase’s Restaurant – A legendary spot for Creole cuisine and a key gathering place during the Civil Rights Movement.
- Luke– A modern “Creole–inspired Brasserie” near the conference hotels.
Casual & Local Favorites
- Cochon – Specializing in Cajun dishes and locally sourced ingredients. And if you’re looking for a quick bite, check out Cochon Butcher, its more casual counterpart around the corner.
- Willie Mae’s Scotch House – Famous for some of the best fried chicken in the country.
- Juan’s Flying Burrito – Casual tacos and burritos with a punk rock twist.
- Pho Tau Bay – Great Vietnamese in the outskirts of the CBD
Coffee & Beignets
- Café du Monde – The iconic French Quarter spot for beignets and café au lait.
- Morning Call – A locals’ favorite with excellent beignets and coffee.
Global Cuisine
- Addis – Classic Ethiopian dining near the Fairgrounds.
- Saba – A modern Israeli restaurant with a focus on shared plates.
- Peche Seafood Grill – A James Beard Award–winning seafood spot with a Southern twist.
- N7 – Japanese French fusion tucked away in the Bywater neighborhood.
- Alma – Brunch and lunch celebrating the Honduras–New Orleans connection.
Thank you for your important questions and for raising critical concerns. The American Anthropological Association (AAA) is committed to supporting all members of our international scholarly community, including international students, faculty, postdocs, and U.S. permanent residents (green card holders), and especially those navigating the challenges of international travel, visa uncertainty, and border enforcement. Please see below for our responses and available resources:
U.S. Visa Resources
International attendees requiring a visa to enter the United States can request an official invitation letter from the American Anthropological Association (AAA).
Learn more about how to obtain a visa »
Guidance on Whether to Travel for Meetings
We recognize the uncertainty surrounding international and cross-border travel, especially for anthropologists who may face visa delays, indefinite detainment, or risk of blocked reentry. These concerns could include:
- Students
- International faculty and postdoctoral researchers
- U.S. permanent residents (green card holders)
- Anthropologists conducting summer fieldwork or teaching abroad
We urge all travelers to carefully assess the risks of leaving and reentering the U.S., particularly during the May–September period, when fieldwork and teaching abroad are common.
Practical Tips for Traveling to the U.S.
- Keep clear documentation of your travel purpose: conference registration, invitation letter, and student ID.
- Monitor U.S. travel advisories and your country’s embassy updates.
- Apply for your visa as early as possible to avoid delays.
- If questioned at the border, remain calm and consistent in explaining your academic purpose.
To support your decision-making, AAA offers:
- Personalized visa support letters or invitation letters
- A virtual-only event, November 14-15th, from 9 AM – 8 PM ET), intended to serve as an accommodation for those unable to travel.
Resources in Case of Travel Trouble, Including Legal Support
We recommend the following resources and organizations in the event of travel challenges:
Institutional & Legal Support
- Your university’s International Student or Scholar Office – often provides direct legal assistance or referrals
- National Immigration Law Center
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) – use their directory to find immigration attorneys. You can look up those in the city where you will first land in the U.S. and carry this list with you.
- MESA Advocacy Resource Center
Border Rights & Practical Travel Tools
- U.S. Border Patrol and Customs Information – Top Ten Travel Tips
- ACLU Border Zone Rights Guide
- Electronic Frontier Foundation – digital privacy rights when crossing U.S. borders
- Advocates 4 Trans Equality – for gender-diverse and LGBTQIA+ travelers
- CLEAR/CUNY – free legal support for international travelers (Spanish version available)
- We also recommend carrying hard copies of important travel documents (e.g., passport, visa, I-20 form, invitation letter, financial proof) and preparing for possible electronic device inspections at the border.
Please be aware AAA cannot provide legal guidance nor is AAA equipped to provide legal counsel to members.
Consideration of AAA Deadlines Given Travel Uncertainty
We understand that visa delays and travel restrictions can make it difficult to meet standard deadlines. The submission deadline for participation in the General Call for Participation at the Annual Meeting was April 18th and cannot be extended due to the constraints imposed by the peer review process. As an accommodation, we encourage those encountering specific challenges to submit to the Virtual Call for Participation, which will be open May 5th- 16th 2025. If you have further questions, you can contact us directly at aaameetings@americananthro.org.
Contact us at: aaameetings@americananthro.org
DISCLAIMER: The information in this Guidance is provided in good faith for informational purposes only. This information is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you have concerns about the issues raised in this Guidance, we encourage you to consult a qualified legal professional.
