Thanks Emily, keep me posted, your trips sound amazing!
We are in Perth and go down to Margaret River regularly, it's so lovely down there!
Everyone I know that's been to America says the same about LA so that's good to hear from someone I don't know as well.
New York wasn't high on our list, but taking into account recovery time we may need to extend it a couple of days, so much to squeeze in!

nonib: You mentioned in your first post that you enjoy nature but most of your time seems city-based.... The US is has many beautiful natural sights. Among them are canyons out west. Bryce National Canyon covered in snow is one of the most breathtaking I've seen at that time of year. The jagged, red-clay peaks against the white snow is quite memorable. Hiking may be hampered but it is still worthwhile investigating. Also, the Grand Canyon + Colorado River, Arches National Park, Zion in the vicinity are worth checking out. It would take some driving and you'd have to pick one with your time parameters, but do take a look. Maybe around your time in NO and Colorado.... LA is not my favorite city, but to enjoy it you need a car (NB: there is traffic at every turn) and time to explore museums, restaurants. It is not a head-turner of a city compared to the many other places you are going. All of your travel ill hopefully whet your appetite and make you want to return! Good luck!

Hi Steve,

Yeah haven't really delved into that part, we are really hoping to see the beauty of Colorado and head out to the Grand Canyon from Vegas, would love to be able to squeeze more on but this time I just don't think we will be able to! Will have to come back ��

I just realized that you are coming in 2017! A whole year from now. I plan travel so last minute that I didn't even pick up on it. In 2017 Mardi Gras is really late. February 28th. That gives you lots of time to travel in February.

Don't feel that you have to be in New Orleans for actual Mardi Gras weekend. There are parades in the weeks leading up to the final weekend. The final weekend of Mardi Gras can be overwhelming and that's putting it mildly. If you want to enjoy New Orleans a little more and get the Mardi Gras experience without so much craziness, you might want to consider another weekend. I suggest you do your research using this years mardu gras schedule and plan accordingly.

Otherwise, I think you have a great itinerary! While in New Orleans definitely try and get out of the city to experience the bayous.

Thanks Williamscb13, I thought it was the start of Feb so great to hear it is towards the end. We would actually prefer to be in New Orleans for the lead up not the last weekend so your feedback was really helpful!

I hope at some point to be able to add some specific ideas to your planned agenda, but for now I will give you some of my experiences. I have been in a blizzard between Memphis and Nashville at Christmas time. I have also been at the grand canyon over spring break when there was 5 inches of snow. the rim of the grand canyon which is over 6000 feet in elevation. All i'm saying is you need to be flexible going across the SW and south and head north as conditions permit. One plan would be to fly to L.A. and tour the excellent wine country in southern Ca. Also san Diego is close by. Fly from L.A. to
CO. where you will not need a car and your friends know the native way. If I wanted the blues to here blues in the winter I would be thinking Austin,TX a really unique city and great food and in the south. In N.O. try to get out of the French quarter for music and food.
fly from N.O. to NYC and home from there.

Thanks Paul, we've been looking to Austin so your recommendation has sealed it!

I'm looking at hotels in the garden quarter for NO but still early stages for that as we are trying to tie it in with Mardi gras

Weather is going to be such a contributing factor but I guess we will just have to deal (and be ready for it) when it comes