This Louisiana City Named One of America’s Top Spots for Last-Minute Getaways

When it comes to spontaneous trips, you might think New Orleans—home of Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street, and endless debauchery—would dominate the list. But surprise! It’s Baton Rouge that takes the crown for Louisiana, landing at #7 on Vio.com’s ranking of the most spontaneous travel destinations in the U.S.

With hotels in Baton Rouge booked just 1.6 days in advance, the city is one of the top 10 places for last-minute trips in America.

Why Baton Rouge?

So what’s drawing the spur-of-the-moment crowd? Is it LSU football fans scrambling for game-day accommodations? Business travelers making quick trips to the state’s political hub? Or just the allure of Southern charm paired with a little spontaneity? Who knows—but Baton Rouge is clearly the place to be.

Last-minute plans are on the rise

More and more people are choosing to travel spontaneously, which means they are going on trips without planning them too far in advance. In fact, almost 1 out of 5 people say they like taking last-minute trips better than planning their trips ahead of time.

And it’s easy to see why! The excitement of going on an unexpected adventure can be really fun. Plus, you can save a good amount of money too. Vio found out that if you book hotels only 0 to 3 days before you arrive, you can save about 30%. They also reported that the average cost of a hotel room booked last minute is $80, compared to $115 if you book it a month ahead or more.

But how did BR beat NOLA?

Baton Rouge makes the list for being a place to visit on a whim, meaning you can just go without much planning. On the other hand, New Orleans is actually one of the least spontaneous cities in the country! Maybe people who go to New Orleans like to plan their fun way ahead of time.

So whether you’re craving a weekend with your 225 friends and family, LSU excitement, or a quick escape with no real plans required, Baton Rouge is proof that sometimes the best trips are the ones you don’t overthink. Pack a bag, hop in the car, and see where the 225 takes you.