Laurie's light travel travel tips

This article initially appeared on Examiner.com Almost summer and you and your sweetie are headed to Bora Bora - good for you! Problem is, he's given you an hour's notice because he got a special deal on Priceline and the flight leaves from Burbank tonight. Yikes. Don't sweat it. Spontaneity is the heart of being alive. Okay, maybe that doesn't apply to packing, but even so, relax. You can do this. Here's how: (1) Make a list You especially need your list when there are only minutes to spare before you leave the house. See items following for what to add to the list. Other items to consider: sweater(s) even if you are flying to the Bahamas; sunglasses!; travel pillow; slippers for the plane (especially for long flights); three t-shirts, one of them oversized; rainproof boots and jacket; tennis shoes. And DO NOT forget your passport if traveling abroad, or driver's license if flying domestically. (2) Pack your Baggie before you get to the airport! Pack yo...

The following article was first published on Examiner.com Feb. 6, 2016. New Englanders looking for a sustainable travel destination should consider San Francisco. While yes, the carbon footprint of the flight is great, you can offset that; and if you're lucky, you'll fly the eco-friendly and fun Virgin America, the first domestic airline to offer such offsets. San Francisco: where does one begin? It's this examiner's hometown so there is bias, of course, but arguably, in a state known for its environmental awareness and activism, San Francisco sets the bar. But where do you stay? There are several options, but for anyone looking for the quintessential  San Francisco experience, only one hotel will do: Stanford Court. Nestled atop Nob Hill just steps from Union Square, the 393-room hotel is close to many modes of public transportation (BART, Super Shuttle, buses), and accessed by cab, Uber, or by, yes, cable car. Staying here you'll enjoy a charmed visit as y...