Brandi Comeaux

The Answer Is Travel, LLC

Indian Mounds of NE Louisiana & Natchez MS

Mar 22, 2022 to Mar 26, 2022
NE LA + Natchez, MS
Indian Mounds of NE Louisiana & Biscuits, History & Mounds of Natchez, MS 
 
 
Please read first: the process in the past for registering for trips was inefficient.  I have since started using a program that will provide tracking of payments, avoiding PayPal all together, as well as streamlining the gathering of travel information and tracking the agreements to  the Terms & Conditions.  The new program accomplishes this for me.   I ask for your patience as there may be a glitch or two (I literally have to build all of this out in the program and HOPE I didn't miss a step).  
 
Before you register for the trip: 
 
Consider the age and physical ability of your children. I am not setting an age limit on this trip, however, it was suggested by Poverty Point that the younger children (ages 4-7ish) be closely monitored while walking up the mound. I will be bringing my 4.5 year old with me  but plan to attach her to my hip (slight exaggeration) but IT IS YOUR RESPONSBILITY to determine if your child will be able to climb the mound.  It's about a 1/2 mile walk up the mound and is approximately 72 feet high. 
 
Remember, that if you opt not to participate in any of the activities paid for, there will be no refund. The vibe of this trip is organized, with flexibility. This means you should be at the set meeting spot at times planned, however, if you choose to do other activities or not to participate you are free to with the understanding that you will not be refunded for portions of the trip you do not participate in. 
 
Here is a preview of the Client Agreement the primary traveler will have to agree to in order to secure traveler spots. See instructions further down:
 
 
 
Here's an overview of what to expect. Details  and FAQs are provided further down. 
 
Traveler Members are eligible to register on NOVEMBER 1.
Tourist Members are eligible to register on NOVEMEBER 11.
Wanderer Members and ALL OTHER HOMESCHOOL GROUPS are eligible to register on NOVEMBER 16. 
 
Minimum # of travelers: 25
Maximum # of travelers: 40
 
Base Price: $195 + admin fees (see below). The base price you will see at registration will INCLUDE the admin fee and will NOT be broken out like with previous trips. 
Adult supplement: $20 for ages 18+
 
Admin Fee: 
Traveler $3, per person, capped at $15 per family, per trip. If you are a  family of more than 5, a discount code will be provided below to reduce the overall cost  of trip by the additional admin fees that should be capped after the 5th traveler.
Tourist $6, per person, capped at $40 per family, per trip.  If you are a family of more than 6, a discount code will be provided below to reduce the overall cost of trip by the additional admin fees that should be capped after the 6th traveler.
Wander $9 per person, capped at $50 per family, per trip. If you are a family of more than 5 a discount code will be provided below to reduce the overall cost of trip  by the additional admin fees that should be capped after the 5th traveler.
 
Membership: Not sure if you should purchase a membership? Here's a document that should help:
 
 
Required Hotel Cost:
March 22-24 Holiday Inn Express South Natchez, MS.  $126 per night, including tax for a double room (2 queen beds).  $18 for rollaway bed. Rollaway is first come first served basis based on  limited availability. Rollaway beds are to be paid directly to hotel at check-in, subject to availability. Breakfast is included in overnight stay. Total for  (2) two nights is $252.
March 24-26 Black Bear Lodge Delhi, La. $131 per night, including tax for a double room (2 queen beds).  Breakfast is included in overnight stay. Total for (2) two nights is $262
 

What's included:

  • Natchez Visitor's Center
  • Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express on March 23 & 24
  • Award-winning biscuit making class
  • Tea towel, biscuit recipe and biscuit cutter
  • Horse drawn carriage ride
  • Narrated tour of Natchez
  • A stroll through Historic  Civil War era Cemeteries
  • Grand Village Natchez Mounds
  • Spear and atlatl demonstration 
  • Lacrosse game basics
  • Breakfast at Black Bear Lodge on March 25 & 26 
  • Dinner at Champions Bistro
  • Poverty Point demonstration
  • Marsden Mound 
  • Self-guided duck commander tour
  • Tips & Taxes
 

Add-ons available:

  • English style afternoon tea time including scrumptious foods, salads and  homemade scones, plus more!  $29.50 per person, includes tip and tax.
  • Travel insurance-- a quote will be provided AFTER booking.  Travel insurance is completely optional, but highly recommended. 
 
What's not included:
  • Travel insurance- a quote will be provided after booking (optional but highly recommended). To give an idea of cost, a family of three (3) one adult, two children, insuring a trip for $1200.00, base rates start at $32. Adding cancel for any reason is approximately an additional $40, and adding interrupt for any reason increasing by approximately another $10.
  • Transportation-to/from and while at destinations.  If a rental vehicle is needed, I can assist with a rental outside of this package.
  • Meals other than food provided at Tea Time at Beaumont House (if opting  to participate), breakfast at Holiday Inn Express,  dinner at Champions Bistro and breakfast at Black Bear Lodge. 
 

Itinerary:

  • Day 1  March 22, 2022 Natchez, MS
Today we will meet up at  Beaumont House Natchez  for an English Style afternoon tea (optional add-on) and venture to the Natchez Visitor's Center.
 
 
 
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Optional Tea Time: 
 
Come enjoy an array of award winning recipes for afternoon tea, served "English Style." Abundant scrumptious foods, chicken salad, egg salad, pear with cucumber, meats, smoked salmon, muffins, homemade scones with clotted cream and lemon curds and jams, including an array of hot teas and confections. 
 
 
 
 
Check-In: Holiday Inn Express South : late afternoon/early evening.
 
Two (2) queen beds. Breakfast included daily.
 
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 18.00, including tax. First come, first served. Limited availability. 
 
 
  • Day 2: March 23 Natchez, MS. 
 
Today we will learn how to make an award-winning biscuit from the premiere Southern Chefs in America and  "Queen of Biscuits," Chef Regina. After spending time in the kitchen with her, we will venture off for lunch on our own and rally back together for an afternoon carriage ride through historical Natchez where we will learn all about the history of the beautiful southern city.  Finally, we will stroll through the Natchez City Cemetery and Historical National Cemetery, from the Civil War era on our own. 
 
 
 
 
 
Day 3 March 24:  last day in Natchez, MS. 
 
Today we will check-out of the Holiday Inn Express after breakfast but before heading out to the Poverty Point area, we will visit our first Indian Mound:  Grand Village of Natchez Indians.  We will watch an intro video before headed out on a guided tour of the mounds. We will then watch a spear and atlatl demonstration ending our time with learning the basics of lacrosse, known by the Native Americans as "Little Brother of War" or stick ball. 
 
After lunch, we will head out to Black Bear Lodge in Delhi, La; the drive is approximately  2 hours. 
 
Check-In:  Black Bear Lodge: late afternoon 
 
 
Two (2) queen beds. Breakfast included daily.
 
Our group dinner this evening will be at Champion's Bistro, the restaurant located next to Black Bear Lodge and also where we will have breakfast on March 25 & 26. 
 
  • Day 4: March 25 Delhi, La 
 
Today we will spend the day exploring the "trading hub, an engineering marvel, a monument to ingenuity—there are many ways to describe Poverty Point" and surrounding area. This day is meant to enjoy the nature around us. 
 
 
"The amount of forethought and organization needed to build Poverty Point without the aid of modern instruments, domesticated animals or even wheeled carts must have been staggering. And for what reason? We still do not know, but clues are constantly being revealed. Archaeologists have much to work with, as millions of artifacts were found at the site. Domestic tools, human figurines and tons of stones from up to 800 miles away have led to speculation that Poverty Point was an ancient residential, trade and ceremonial center. "
 
After the demo and exploring the mounds at Poverty Point, we will explore  the one other public access mound in the area with a possible detour along the way. 
 
  • Day 5: March 26: Duck Commander in West Monroe, LA
 
Check-out Black Bear Lodge
 
Today we will head over to West Monroe (about an hour drive from Poverty Point area) to take a self-guided tour of Duck Commander's before heading home.  Learn about the history of the Robertson family, how to make a duck call, see behind-the-scenes props for A & E's "Duck Dynasty," and so much more. 
 
 
Registration Closes: 2/1/2022
Final Payment Due: 2/15/2022
 
Deposit: $50 per person (nonrefundable) + $131 for cost of one night's stay at Black Bear Lodge (nonrefundable is cancelled 45 or less days from date of travel) + cost of membership (nonrefundable if purchasing).
 
Payment Schedule: 
$100 per FAMILY due on 12/15/2021
$150 per FAMILY due on  1/15/2022
Final payment due on 2/15/2022
 
The invoice that is calculated during booking has a final due date of 2/15. I will email an  updated invoice AFTER the booking is completed which will reflect the above payment schedule. 
 
 
Cancellation/Refund Policy: Deposit is NONREFUNDABLE and NONTRANSFERABLE regardless of when traveler cancels. 
 
60 DAYS FROM TRAVEL DATES- 100% IS REFUNDABLE, less registration/deposit fees
45 DAYS FROM TRAVEL DATE- 50% IS REFUNDABLE, less registration/deposit fees.
25 DAYS FROM TRAVEL DATE- 0% IS REFUNDABLE
 
If due to unforeseen circumstances, TAIT has to CANCEL a trip, all travelers will be refunded 100% of amounts paid towards the trip.
If due to unforeseen circumstances, TAIT has to RESCHEDULE a trip, all travelers who are not able to make the NEW DATE will be refunded 100% of amounts paid towards the trip, less a $25 per person fee.
 
Hotel(s): Nonrefundable if cancelled 45 days or less from travel dates.
 
 
FAQs:
 
Is this trip ADA accessible? Unfortunately, no.
 
Are we able to accommodate dietary restrictions? Unfortunately, no.
 
Is the hotel stay a requirement? Yes.
 
Why do we have to pay The Answer Is Travel, LLC for the hotel stay? In order to secure the group rates,  we are required to have a minimum number of rooms booked with one group payment. 
 
Why do we have to make periodic payments instead of one final due date ? The vendors we are working with all have their own terms that we must follow in order to secure our spots. In order to meet their terms, I must collect partial payments periodically.
 
Do you have an itinerary? The document serves as the ROUGH ITINERARY. FINAL ITINERARY will be emailed 10 days before travel.
 
How will we communicate during travel? We will use GroupMe during our trip.
 
How many travelers will be on this trip? 25-40
 
Can I pay in full at time of registration? Yes
 
What is included in the base cost for a child ?  
  • Natchez Visitor's Center
  • Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express on March 23 & 24
  • Award-winning biscuit making class
  • Tea towel, biscuit recipe and biscuit cutter
  • Horse drawn carriage ride
  • Narrated tour of Natchez
  • A stroll through Historic  Civil War era Cemeteries
  • Grand Village Natchez Mounds
  • Spear and atlatl demonstration 
  • Lacrosse game basics
  • Breakfast at Black Bear Lodge on March 25 & 26 
  • Dinner at Champions Bistro
  • Poverty Point demonstration
  • Marsden Mound 
  • Self-guided duck commander tour
  • Tips & Taxes
  • Admins fees for your membership level
 
 Is there an additional fee for an adult? Yes. an additional $20.
 
Is transportation provided? No. You are responsible for getting to/from and around destinations we are visiting. 
 
Do children travel without parents/chaperones? No. Every child must have a chaperone/parent present. A chaperone/parent can choose to chaperone multiple children, but no one child can travel with the group without a parent/chaperone present.
 
PLEASE read the instructions below  to ensure that your package cost is correct.  You will have a base package (which will include the cost of activities and admin fees for your membership level) to select from and then add-ons such as the adult supplement (required for adults). memberships (optional) as well as adding the tea-time activity (also optional). 
 
Instructions for Registering For Trip:
 
  1. Choose Base Package
    1. The base package is based on your membership level. If you are interested in purchasing a membership at the time of booking, you will be able to add-on the membership fee later in the booking process. 
    2. Test Planning Fee: Ignore this. I created to learn the booking system, including a fictitious  traveler who booked this add-on---and now I can't delete the option---- so just skip right on over this! 
    3. Select total number of travelers ages 4 and OLDER from drop down menu.
  2. Choose Add-ons
    1. Membership: if you are wanting to purchase a membership at the time of booking, you are able to add on the membership fee here. The fee is to be paid in full at time of booking and is nonrefundable. The fee is PER FAMILY so you should only be selecting (1) from the drop down menu.
    2. Adult Supplement: this is REQUIRED for ALL ADULTS on trip. Select the number of ADULTS in the drop down menu.
    3. Tea-Time: select the total number of ADULTS AND CHILDREN who will be participating in the tea-time activity. This is an OPTIONAL activity. 
    4. Holiday Inn Express: This is REQUIRED for every family traveling with us. The cost is for (2) nights.  Select the number of ROOMS you will need. Additional nights can be added further along in the booking process. 
    5. Holiday Inn Express ADDITIONAL nights: If you would like to explore Natchez a few nights before the group, you are welcome to add an additional (3) nights at the group rate. Indicate how many ADDITIONAL nights you would like to  book at the Holiday Inn Express here. 
    6. Black Bear Lodge: This is REQUIRED for every family traveling with us. The cost is for (2) nights. Select the number of ROOMS you will need. Additional nights can be added further along in the booking process. 
    7. Black Bear Lodge ADDITONAL nights: If you would like to explore the Poverty Point area after the group has finished all prescheduled activities, you are welcome to. Indicate how many ADDITIONAL nights you would like to book at the Black Bear Lodge here.
  3. Enter Primary Traveler
    1. This is the person who I will be communicating with before and during the trip and will also be the person  who will be agreeing to the Client Agreement that will be emailed AFTER the initial deposit is made on the trip.
    2. When entering the total number of travelers, INCLUDE ALL AGES--- those younger than age of 4 as well so we have a TOTAL PERSON COUNT for the establishments we will be visiting.  
  4. Enter Additional Travelers
    1. This is the information for those ages 4 and older. You will not need to provide details about those ages 3 and younger as their is no cost of them joining the group. 
  5. Enter CC info
    1. The payment schedule on the booking page shows the final payment and due date of 2/15/2021, however, the UPDATED invoice that I will send you AFTER the initial deposit is made will reflect the payment schedule indicated on this booking page. 
  6. Pay deposit or in full
    1. Choose to pay deposit due or in full at time of booking.
    2. Read the Terms & Conditions
    3. A receipt will automatically be sent to you after payment is processed.  
  7. Enter discount code If you are a paid member and have either MORE THAN 5 TRAVELERS for the TRAVELER membership level OR MORE THAN 6 TRAVELERS for the TOURIST membership level. 
    1. Discount Codes:
      1. TRAV1: use this code if you are a TRAVELER member and have 6 travelers 
      2. TRAV2: use this code if you are a TRAVELER member and have 7 travelers.
      3. TRAV3: use this code if you are a TRAVELER member and have 8 travelers.
      4. TRAV4: use this code if you are a TRAVELER member and have 9 travelers.
      5. TRAV5: use this code if you are a TRAVELER member and have 10 travelers
      6. TOUR1: use this code if you are a TOURIST member and have 7 travelers.
      7. TOUR2:  use this code if you are a TOURIST member and have 8 travelers.
      8. TOUR3: use this code if you are a TOURIST member and have 9 travelers.
      9. TOUR4: use this code if you are a TOURIST member and have 10 travelers.
      10. WANDER1: use this code if you are a WANDERER member and have 6 travelers.
      11. WANDER2: use this code if you are a WANDERER member and have 7 travelers.
      12. WANDER3: use this code if you are a WANDERER member and have 8 travelers.
      13. WANDER4: use this code if you are a WANDERER member and have 9 travelers.
      14. WANDER5: use this code if you are a WANDERER member and have 10 travelers.
 
After Registering For Trip:
 
  1. A travel insurance quote will be provided. This is optional, but highly recommended. 
    1. I will provide a comprehensive travel insurance quote that will include cancel for any reason and interrupt for any reason coverage. 
    2. If you would like to purchase the policy, I will send over a separate invoice for payment to be processed.  The travel insurance premium will be paid directly to Travel Insured and must be paid in full at time of purchase. You have 14 days to purchase the policy from time of initial booking in order for you to secure the cancel for any reason or interrupt for any reason coverage.
  2. Client Agreement will be emailed to primary traveler. 
    1. This is a requirement to secure your spot on this trip. If a deposit is paid, and the agreement is NOT received within 7 business days of deposit, your spot may be forfeited and no refund will be given. 
  3. An updated invoice reflecting the deposit and payment schedule will be emailed to primary traveler.  A link is provided on this  invoice to make payment on future date (s). 
    1. It is YOUR responsibility to make timely payments. If a payment is missed, you risk your spots being forfeited and no refund will be given. 
 
Welcome to the family!  Your spots are now secure for this trip! 
 
Until the above happens, your spot is not guaranteed. 
 
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me at either brandi@theansweristravel.com or call/text 337-349-2813.
 
Chao! 
 
Brandi

Available Packages

Base Price-Traveler
Unavailable as of February 2, 2022

$198.00
Deposit: $30.00 per person

Unavailable
  • Natchez Visitor's Center
  • Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express on March 23 & 24
  • Award-winning biscuit making class
  • Tea towel, biscuit recipe and biscuit cutter
  • Horse drawn carriage ride
  • Narrated tour of Natchez
  • A stroll through Historic  Civil War era Cemeteries
  • Grand Village Natchez Mounds
  • Spear and atlatl demonstration 
  • Lacrosse game basics
  • Breakfast at Black Bear Lodge on March 25 & 26 
  • Dinner at Champions Bistro
  • Poverty Point demonstration
  • Marsden Mound 
  • Self-guided duck commander tour
  • Tips & Taxes
  • Admin fees based on membership level

Base Price-Tourist
Unavailable as of February 2, 2022

$201.00
Deposit: $40.00 per person

Unavailable
  • Natchez Visitor's Center
  • Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express on March 23 & 24
  • Award-winning biscuit making class
  • Tea towel, biscuit recipe and biscuit cutter
  • Horse drawn carriage ride
  • Narrated tour of Natchez
  • A stroll through Historic  Civil War era Cemeteries
  • Grand Village Natchez Mounds
  • Spear and atlatl demonstration 
  • Lacrosse game basics
  • Breakfast at Black Bear Lodge on March 25 & 26 
  • Dinner at Champions Bistro
  • Poverty Point demonstration
  • Marsden Mound 
  • Self-guided duck commander tour
  • Tips & Taxes
  • Admin fees based on membership level

Base Price-Wanderer
Unavailable as of February 2, 2022

$204.00
Deposit: $50.00 per person

Unavailable
  • Natchez Visitor's Center
  • Breakfast at Holiday Inn Express on March 23 & 24
  • Award-winning biscuit making class
  • Tea towel, biscuit recipe and biscuit cutter
  • Horse drawn carriage ride
  • Narrated tour of Natchez
  • A stroll through Historic  Civil War era Cemeteries
  • Grand Village Natchez Mounds
  • Spear and atlatl demonstration 
  • Lacrosse game basics
  • Breakfast at Black Bear Lodge on March 25 & 26 
  • Dinner at Champions Bistro
  • Poverty Point demonstration
  • Marsden Mound 
  • Self-guided duck commander tour
  • Tips & Taxes
  • Admin fees based on membership level

Test Planning Fee
Unavailable as of November 2, 2021

$0.00
Deposit: $1.00 per person

Unavailable

Extra Options

01 Traveler Membership
Unavailable as of February 2, 2022

$50.00
Deposit: $50.00

$50 annual family fee
10  day priority registration window
Deposit REDUCED BY $20 per person
Admin fees capped $15 per family, per trip. 
other perks such as first grabs when a spot opens on a trip that becomes available after priority window
July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022
Nonrefundable
Nontransferable
 

02 Tourist Membership
Unavailable as of February 2, 2022

$25.00
Deposit: $25.00

$25 annual family fee
5  day priority registration window
Deposit REDUCED BY $10 per person
Admin fees capped $40 per family, per trip. 
July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022
Nonrefundable
Nontransferable
 

03 Adult Supplement- All membership levels
Unavailable as of February 2, 2022

$20.00

Additional cost for an adult over the base price.

04 Tea Time-BOTH child and adult
Unavailable as of February 2, 2022

$29.50

English style afternoon tea time including scrumptious foods, salads and  homemade scones, plus more!  $29.50 per person, includes tip and tax.

05 Holiday Inn Express South Natchez, MS
Unavailable as of February 2, 2022

$252.00

(1) one room for (2) nights. (2) queen beds. 
 
 

06 Holiday Inn Express South Natchez, MS-ADDITIONAL NIGHT(s)
Unavailable as of February 2, 2022

$126.00

(1) one room for (1) one night. (2) queen beds. 
 
 

07 Black Bear Lodge Delhi, LA
Unavailable as of February 2, 2022

$262.00
Deposit: $131.00

(1) one room for (2) two nights. (2) queen beds. 
 
 

08 Black Bear Lodge Delhi, LA-ADDITIONAL NIGHT (s)
Unavailable as of February 2, 2022

$131.00

(1) one room for (1) one night. (2) queen beds.