Category Archive for Huffington Post + AOL Travel
NEW TRAVEL TIPS VIDEO! AIRBNB ROOM & APARTMENT RENTAL REVIEW, VANCOUVER’S GEORGIAN COURT BOUTIQUE HOTEL.
Ciao! My latest Huffington Post Travel video is out, and I’m wearing an Angelic Pretty dress in it. Would you like to see?
In this episode, I explore two cool alternatives to boring chain hotels: boutiques and private rentals.
Whenever I went on family trips as a child, we stayed in chain hotels. Unfortunately, the “safe choice” tends to be the boring one. I remember these rooms as a single beige blur.
Nowadays, I rest my head in more colorful environments. Watch my new “Travel SOS” video (below and on Huff Post) for a personal tour.
♥ Huge kiss if you support my work, by clicking the Like button below:
I’m a huge fan of boutique, or lifestyle hotels. They’ve got indie rocker spirit.
For example, Vancouver’s Georgian Court has a modern lobby, a fleet of elliptical machines, and free chocolates. The women-only “Orchid Floor” pampers female guests, at no extra cost.
Wearing an Angelic Pretty dress, Angelica Brigade hair flower clips, and a faux furry jacket from Hong Kong.
What’s another option? Airbnb. Travelers can search for a private room or apartment, and rent it securely. When Seba and I went to Rome, we got a chance to test-drive the service.
I was attracted to the bright decor and excellent ratings of this Trastevere apartment. After speaking by phone, the owner met me to hand over the keys.
It was a pleasure to meet musician Francesco IV, and get a taste of his world.
For the price of a regular hotel, we stayed in an apartment full of personality, and experienced Rome like locals. Win, win.
Since I’m an architecture and culture buff, I loved walking around Rome.
Oh, the doorknobs…
The pizza…
And how about those Italian boys? Seba and I were in Rome for a secret project; you’ll find out more about it soon.
The Aveda hair salon resembled an art museum.
Would you like to see more La Carmina videos? Please visit this Huffington Post page and Like / Share / Tweet it. Every little gesture of support makes a huge difference — thank you so much!
What’s the most memorable hotel or rental you’ve ever stayed in?
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5 PACKING TIPS FROM KENT & VYXSIN, AMAZING RACE ALL-STAR GOTH TEAM! MY NEW HUFF POST VIDEO SERIES: TRAVEL SOS.
Ahh, ahh, ahh! Here it is — my new video series for Huffington Post, Travel SOS!
In each episode, I tackle a travel question or dilemma, with the help of my expert friends. In the debut episode, I team up with Kent Kaliber and Vyxsin Fiala — the Amazing Race Goth team!
♥ Please, please, PLEASE support us by clicking the Like button below:
Kent and Vyxsin know all about packing light. On two seasons of the hit show, they raced around the world with their belongings in a single backpack — black eyeliner and glitter polish included.
In our video, they share five tips for minimizing luggage.
1) Be a space cadet.
Fill empty spaces, such as inside hats and shoes. Vyxsin protects a camera by stuffing it in a sneaker.
2) Multi-task.
The Goths demonstrate how a scarf and handkerchief can be used in many ways: a sarong, a headband, a washcloth.
3) Travel size it.
Vyxsin recommends buying toiletries in mini-size and refilling them. Instead of a bulky flat iron, she brings a tiny version.
4) Avoid panic packing.
Start early. Make lists so you won’t forget your passport and mobile charger.
5) Leave non-essentials at home.
Before you put something in your suitcase, consider whether you really need it. Keep out items you can easily get on the road.
Coming up: more episodes, filmed in different cities with celebrity guests. Keep your eyes peeled to the Huffington Post Travel Video page, and your favorite blog ever (this one, right??) for updates.
Thanks to Kent and Vxysin, the Orlando Hotel in West Hollywood, Alice and the Cat for the intro graphic, and Lov/Recs for the music (“Human” by Trans-X).
If you want this series to continue, PLEASE visit this Huffington Post page and Like / Share / Tweet the video. Every little gesture of support makes a difference — thank you so much!
Did you enjoy Kent and Vyxsin’s “Travel SOS” advice? What are your favorite ways to save space when packing?
LA CARMINA
