Baton RougeThe Capital City of Louisiana stands proudly on the banks of the Mississippi River. It was founded back in the 1700's and is still steeped in history. Over the centuries, it became a major inland port and shipping activity today continues to bring wealth to the city through trade in oil and gas.

The city is home to the Southern University and the Louisiana State University, which add character to a southwestern district that is characterized by upbeat shops, as well as lively restaurants and nightclubs.

Being built in a low-lying area along the Mississippi River requires more flood protection than the Istrouma Bluff naturally provides – the city fathers have added an extensive levee system to better protect the riverfront and low lying farming areas.

West Virginia State Capitol BuildingCharleston is the Capital City of West Virginia. Its name is derived from Charles Town, which was founded in 1670, and later relocated to Oyster Point on the banks of the Ashley River in 1680, where it was officially renamed Charleston in 1783.

One of the ten largest cities in the United States prior to the 1840 census, Charleston is also known as The Holy City because of the large number of church steeples that lift above the low-rise cityscape. It was also one of the earliest centers in the original thirteen colonies to allow a degree of religious freedom – although this was originally restricted to non-Catholics.

West VirginiaThe State of West Virginia is known as the Mountain State because of its central location within the Appalachian Mountain Range, with approximately 75% of it lying within the Cumberland and Allegheny Plateaus. Charleston, the largest city of the state, is also its capital city.

Geography

Although not displaying many high altitude areas – the average elevation is 460 meters - the two plateaus are nevertheless rugged in the extreme and provide a number of magnificent natural environments, most of which are under some form of conservation.

Check-in Counter

With the travel season in full swing, well-informed travelers have a hard time finding the best deals amidst the new charges Airlines have invented.

Instead of comparing ticket prices, travelers should calculate the total cost of the flight, including baggage charges, food, drinks, entertainment, and many more fees that Airlines have come up with in an attempt to disguise the true ticket price.

In this article, we reveal additional fees to help you calculate the true cost of your trip.

The following lists are not exhaustive and fees are not guaranteed. All information provided applies only to coach and only to domestic flights (continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii).

This article was last updated July 1, 2010.

 

French Qarter, New OrleansMost of us think New Orleans when talking about Louisiana - and in turn, we equal New Orleans with good food, friendly people, Mardi Gras, and the French Quarter.

French Quarter

The most striking feature of the French Quarter is the architecture that can be found here. But it is the atmosphere that keeps people coming back for more. There are the beautiful antique shops and museums on Royal Street, fun bars and clubs on Bourbon Street, and great entertainment on Jackson Square. One great way to take it all in is by horse-drawn carriage.

Old State Capitol, Baton RougeThe State of Louisiana is bordered by Texas to the west, Arkansas to the north, and Mississippi to the east, while the Gulf of Mexico defines its southern border. In 1682, Rene Robert Cavelier, Sieur de la Salle, named Louisiana in honor of Louis XIV, King of France, when he claimed the territory. Many Louisiana cities have an eclectic multicultural mix because of the influx of French, Spanish, and African nationals who settled there in the 1800's.

Mexican FlagMexico lies immediately south of the United States and to the north of the smaller nations of Belize and Guatemala. Regions include Baja California in the west, and the Gulf of Mexico and the Bay of Campeche to the east. The central part of Mexico is a great high plateau that is open to the north, but bounded elsewhere by mountain chains and ocean fronted lowlands.

At least three historic civilizations predated the arrival of the Spanish invaders, including the Mayas, Olmecs, and Toltecs. The country was conquered by the invading Spanish under Hernando Cortes in 1521. This heralded the suppression of the indigenous population and the destruction of their wealth, culture, and most of their heritage. The country won independence from Spain in 1821.

Atlanta at NightAtlanta is the capital city of the State of Georgia and a major city in its own right. It wisely distanced itself from the racial segregation movement and as a consequence today boasts a largely harmonious population of different race groups intent on building their future together.

Atlanta stands three hundred and twenty meters above sea level on a ridge south of the Chattahoochee River and benefits from a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and pleasant winters. Much of the river's natural habitat has been preserved in the Chattahoochee National River Area, which offers many hiking experiences to environmentally conscious tourists.