Although it sounds truly blasphemous to me, as I am insanely jealous of anyone lucky enough to attend Mardi Gras, some folks in the New Orleans area want nothing better than to get out of town once the parades, and the endless hordes of tourists start rolling in.

Many make plans well in advance of what they'll do and where they'll go to avoid the Mardi Gras madness, just as many make their Mardi Gras plans for the following year promptly on Ash Wednesday, before the chain gangs have had a chance to clean up the debris. Others think they can take the heat until it hits them full-force in the face. Some think they can handle the crowds until the folks making up those crowds are passed out on their lawns and asking them for directions to some bar nowhere in the area....again. And again.

Looking to get out of town this Mardi Gras season? Well, here are a few useful things to remember, whether you've planned well in advance or are improving your way through the parade route straight outta town.

1. Secure your home. As we all know crime has been on the uptake recently and shows little sign of slowing down. We also know that traditionally crime levels increase during Mardi Gras. If you're not going to stick around to protect what's yours lock everything up as carefully and cautiously as possible. If you have spare keys locate and remove them from their hiding places. Take anything of value with you. Better yet, find someone you trust to stay in your home and watch the place in between hurricanes (the beverage kind, not the weather condition).

Many home owners choose to employ automatic lighting systems that kick in after hours while they're gone to make their homes look inhabited. Might be worth investigating if getting out of town is something you do a lot (Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Voodoo Fest, Satchmo Fest).

2. Got pets? Well, take them with you. If you can't make sure you find someone to feed, water, walk and love them while you're gone. Leave detailed instructions about their schedules. Nothing is worse than returning home to sad, upset and sick pets who've gotten off schedule and as a result made any number of messes in your home. Perhaps the noble soul protecting your home from thugs in your absence can also walk Fido and feed the kitty.

3. Carefully consider your transportation options. Due to it being carnival season and all, expect delays and large crowds at the airport. Aside from the recent horrid tornado, while the weather has been ok it could turn on a dime. it always does. Check the local forecast and call the airport in advance to find out if there are delays. Keep in mind that just because a flight is delayed does not mean you can be delayed in getting to the airport. Generally, if you aren't accounted for at least thirty minutes before your scheduled flight time (not when it actually leaves) your ticket may be given to someone on standby.

If you plan to drive, pick a destination. Going just anywhere can be unsafe and frustrating. Consider the additional traffic created by out of towners renting cars that don't know the area. And for heaven's sake stay the heck out of the French Quarter. I still don't understand why any cars other than service vehicles are allowed on those tiny streets only to be trapped by pedestrians and sideshows. Don't be one of them.

4. Don't forget to tell at least one person that you're leaving town. Sounds silly but it's true. You'd be surprised how many people romantically hop off on an adventure only to return and find their friends and relatives worried and/or VERY angry. It's the basic responsibility of any adult to advise at least one person of their intentions and to provide contact information to that person in case of emergency.

5. Last but not least, make sure you have a good time. If you're going to go through the hassle of packing it up and out, make the trip worth the effort. Traveling is time consuming and expensive. Make sure you're leaving town for the right reasons and have a good destination in mind to keep things fun and hassle-free.

Hope these tips help!