Laurie's light travel travel tips

This article was originally published under "Lovely, cozy Pacific Heights boutique hotel" by the author on Examiner.com, Dec. 22, 2015. This cozy Pacific Heights hotel is reminiscent of the kind of find you'll stumble across in Europe and just feel fortunate to have found. Later, you'll be debating whether or not to tell your friends - who wants to share such coveted secrets? A British gentleman this writer met in the lift agreed that it's divine. He and his family seemed very happy, with children milling about cheerfully but respectfully. Very clean and well-appointed, the historic building boasts enough rooms to accommodate your symphonic contingent, but not so many you'll complain of the chaos. I particularly loved the wine and cheese spread last night, a ritual that would never disappoint. Kudos to the hotel for all of the olive oil samples to douse mini French bread slices in. Staff, especially Julio -- who told me this was his first job! -- are espe...

The following article was originally published on Examiner.com, Dec. 1, 2010 New Orleans New Orleans is known for its music, food and friendly people, but not everyone comes here thinking about the breathtaking views. Think again. Not only do many of the city's hotels offer phenomenal Mississippi River views, but also sweeping, panoramic chances to take in the city lights twinkling above the Quarter or Central Business District. Where to start? That's the challenge. Start with a great river view: • The Westin New Orleans Canal Place At 100 Rue Iberville, this NOLA staple is tucked conveniently between the Quarter and Warehouse Districts. Your heart-stopping view of the Mississippi will be punctuated only by the unusual way you're about to see the lights of Bourbon and vicinity. Enjoy high-speed Internet access from your ergnomically-adjusted desk chair after dining at its River 127 Restaurant -- yes, 127 feet above the river. Then, an urban cityscape: • The Roosevel...

This article originally ran on Examiner.com, March 11, 2016. It has been lightly edited. Don't wait for St. Patty's Day to hop your flight to The Emerald Isle. Do it now! Whether you are young, old, single or married; if you love nature and castles and pubs, do it. For Ireland is the greenest, purest, rarest of finds -- a verdant gem across the Atlantic replete with friendly codgers, centuries-old castles, darn fine bagpipes, some wicked stout, and a vibe as intoxicating as your first kiss. So here are just a few of the reasons you should skip that party downtown and head to the airport pronto. MARRIAGE EQUALITY As of May, 2015 it is legal to marry someone of the same sex in Ireland. In December of that year, numerous same-sex couples married en masse in Dublin. This is remarkable considering the country's strong Catholic demographic. Moreover, Ireland was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. Three cheers for equality! SINGERS ABOUND Ade...

Some of us have never been married, much less been a housewife, but it doesn't take much of an imagination to see domesticity can become dull or frustrating. So much is written about "girlfriend getaways" but who ever talks about the solo housewife break? Women, perhaps especially wives and mothers, are so busy giving to others that very often they neglect themselves. Being a martyr, especially a tired and grumpy one, won't earn you any points in the long run. So take my advice: get the heck away from the walls that bind you, the cooking, cleaning, crying kids and demanding hubby. Take your iPhone, drawing pad, comfy sneakers and anything else that brings you happiness but just go alone. Paris Whether you come for the French Open, or simply long to stroll along the Seine, Paris will bring out the explorer, single gal and giddy kid in you. Stay in the 10th Arrondissement where you can escape a lot of the tourists and just take in the people, cafes, and sites. Don...

One of my favorite hotels, Windsor Court in New Orleans , will be celebrating February 14 at its Grill Room with a special menu that includes champagne cocktails. The Grill Room Chef de Cuisine, Gabriel Charpentier, will whip up three menus with three price points and optional wine pairings, according to a press release I received this week. The meals "were inspired by foods traditionally considered aphrodisiacs. The multi-course theme includes five, seven and nine course options, which are paired with wines from Napa Valley, New Zealand and France, among others. Complimentary roses will also be offered to the ladies." Sign me up. Windsor Court is already romantic. Even if you're visiting alone, with family, or friends, the hotel's old world classic charm will make you feel like you're in a silent movie. Or perhaps starring in a mysterious novel set in the 1940's. Highlights of the Valentine’s Day menu with liquor and wine selections include: Gulf Oys...

Top 10 Coziest American cities: 1. Boston, Massachusetts 2. San Francisco, California 3. Seattle, Washington 4. Albany, New York 5. Portland, Oregon 6. Rochester, New York 7. Minneapolis, Minnesota 8. Sacramento, California 9. Denver, Colorado 10. Salt Lake City, Utah Honeywell has compiled its fourth annual list of the country's coziest cities. I like this list because I'm from #2 and have spent a lot of time in numbers 1 and 5. But beyond that, I like the notion of visiting a "cozy" city about now. Whatever your politics, everyone can agree that the populus is stressed. If ever there was a time to cozy up in a blanket before a roaring fire, this would be it. For the fourth consecutive year, the marketers of Honeywell Heaters and environmental researchers have set out to define coziness and have shared the list of cities that embody this quality. Last year's list placed Asheville, NC at the top spot, Boston at numero do...