Ever considered spending Mardi Gras in New Orleans? Well make sure you know the basics before you trek down south. The city and climate may seem very unfamiliar and you ought to be prepared!

1. Managing the mane is mayhem.

If you’re not used to humid climate and your hair is of a curly variety, you'll find yourself dealing with tons of frizz. A straightener is not your friend here. The southern heat will sweat your hair instantly. Bring lots of hair products or maybe just a hat.

2. Watch out for scam artists.

Despite the city’s status as a popular tourist location, New Orleans is a very poor city and many of its low-income citizens are hustling for a quick buck. The best thing to do is to travel in groups and avoid speaking to strangers.

3. Money on your mind.

It costs a pretty penny to have a good time in NOLA. From purchasing food and beverages to souvenirs, every penny adds up. NOLA is not very credit card friendly so be sure to bring cash. ATMs are available in most establishments but who really wants to pay the $4 ATM fee. Popular cash only places include Café du Monde and Bourbon Street.

4. Da food, though.

Be sure to try some authentic Louisiana cuisine. From buttery crawfish to the larger-than-life po' boy, anything you eat is going to be delish. Be sure to walk down to Café du Monde for some signature beignets loaded with powder sugar paired with coffee or hot chocolate. The line may be long but it’s sure worth the wait.

5. Wake up, drank, post.

Drinking is a part of the culture so if you’re 21, be sure to try these signature NOLA drinks:

Jester.

The Jester, is made with a blend of secret premium ingredients that include strawberry kiwi, Everclear, and 151 dark rum that gives it a unique flavor and bright Mardi Gras-green color.

Hurricane.

A sweet alcoholic drink made with rum, fruit juice and syrup or grenadine. It is one of the most popular drinks served in New Orleans.

Hand Grenade.

The specialty cocktail drink known as the Hand Grenade is sold frozen or on the rocks exclusively by 721 Bourbon, Inc., through five licensed nightclub bars in the New Orleans French Quarter.Pam Fortner and Earl Bernhardt, owners of the Tropical Isle bar founded during the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition, created the melon-flavored Hand Grenade as their signature cocktail.