New Orleans in December 2024
Paul Hardersen
Tucson, AZ
Ocean and Island Group Travel Expert
One could say that this all began back in 2016. On the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean on a sunny June afternoon, a sailing ship, a Navy veteran, and a yearning for change came together in one life-altering experience.
Yep...
One could say that this all began back in 2016. On the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean on a sunny June afternoon, a sailing ship, a Navy veteran, and a yearning for change came together in one life-altering experience.
Yep, that's how this journey of mine began. Combine a guy who loves the water, enjoys sailing, and lives to travel -- along with being a science guy -- and you may understand why I began Seadog Travels in 2020.
I've also traveled extensively across the USA and Caribbean, as well as having explored parts of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Most of the bodies of water of the world, too.
Beyond that, I've learned a little about how to sail, I plan to learn scuba diving, and I'm beginning of Master's of Oceanography program very soon. Oh, I'm a foodie, too!
So, what's this all about? I think the travel industry should do more to make and keep our planet healthy for future generations. I'm going to help do that with the ocean - helping people to travel to the ocean and islands of the world -- as well as contributing to ocean conservation and science. That's what really motivates me in the creation of Seadog Travels and everything that I do.
And, to sum it up, I do think one person can make a difference. A big difference. For travel, I want to help people connect with the ocean and islands of the world. To experience parts of the world most don't visit. To do things most people don't do. Is that you? If so, drop me a line. I think we'll get along really well.
Can Be Reached At
1-520-451-4597
Jackson Square, New Orleans
Wow! Seadog Travels and I hosted our first group trip ... and we did it right in New Orleans and the French Quarter. This was our first group trip, our first FAM trip, and the first trip that we designed, organized, planned, and hosted from beginning to end. And it went perfectly!
The highlights? How about a jazz cruise dinner aboard the Creole Queen to begin the trip? We also ended the trip at The Jazz Playhouse, which is an intimate jazz club that offers great live jazz and good food tucked inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon Street.
Then there were the two tours from Unique NOLA Tours that gave the group a deep dive into French Quarter and Garden District history. From the yellow fever outbreak of 1853 to learning that Nicholas Cage bought, and then lost, a Garden District home due to bankruptcy, we gained some really interesting insights into New Orleans history.
Food. Did you say food? Oh, did we enjoy the local food! From Cafe du Monde and Cafe Beignet to Brennan's Restaurant and Tujague's Restaurant, we thoroughly enjoyed the local cuisine. Gator, gumbo, beignets, crawfish, and more!
Finally, we were treated to tours of four local hotels: Hotel Monteleone, The Roosevelt New Orleans, the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter, and the Maison Dupuy. We also stayed at the Wydham Garden Baronne Plaza, which is set inside a 1931 art deco building that is really attractive and stylish.
Everyone had a wonderful time on this trip and we are looking forward to doing it again soon.