Laurie's light travel travel tips

Climbing aboard the opulent Classic Harbor Line's new Manhattan II battery-powered lightweight wooden schooner out of Chelsea Piers felt cinematic. I had been having a rough month, and the buoyant jazz cruise was just what I needed. Classic Harbor Line is a national company boasting turn-of-the-century style schooners and motor yachts that sputter out of New York City, as well as Boston, Newport, Rhode Island, and Key West. Its PR person tells us that the line offers the ideal alternative to "typical sightseeing boat tours" in part because of its eco, wind-powered sailing feature. He also claims this is the only eco schooner in the world! Beyond the green features including beautifully polished hardwood flooring, the divine jazz by Sound Waves, and the yummy cheese perfectly paired with Sauvignon Blanc, was the fine time out on the bow of the boat. Sure, the scardy cats - okay, a little mean of me - might not have welcomed the ups and downs on the bobbing blue Hudson a...

Had enough of His Orangeness? Overwrought with angst that the Republican nominee is spewing vitriol we would scold our middle schoolers for? That's why you need a Trump-free vacation. First, turn off the TV in your home and crank up Bach. Nothing serves as an anecdote to ugliness as classical violin music. Second, go to Expedia and book your vacation. Here are some tips: • Think remote islands, countries, and villages • Think campgrounds, beaches, other natural settings • Grab your passport, SPF 30, iPod, and best friend Then turn your cell phone OFF, put a vacation message on your Gmail and work e-mail accounts, hire a cat sitter, water the plants and GO! After a day away from the "news" about Trump, you'll be surprised by how much better you feel! No one is insulting anyone at the cabana. That eagle you spotted on your hike didn't call anyone a loser. Your boyfriend complimented you for your brilliance, and didn't insult you when you said you'd gained f...