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.

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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!