The Balanced Boarding Pass

07/01/2026

👑 Ever dreamed of afternoon tea at The Ritz, browsing Notting Hill, or wandering the halls of Buckingham Palace?

For one evening, we’re bringing a little bit of London to Shreveport.

Join us for a fun event. Are you Royal or Rubbish? At The Re*****on Suite Hotel & Spa, where you’ll choose your royal alter ego, sip cocktails, create custom keepsakes, enjoy live music, and embrace all the playful pageantry of a British-inspired girls’ night out.

I’ll be at The Balanced Boarding Pass cabana creating personalized luggage tags and chatting about my favorite London hotels, hidden gems, and why there’s never been a better time to start planning that dream trip across the pond.

Whether London is already on your bucket list or you’re simply looking for a fabulous night out with friends, come join us.

✨ July 16 | 7–11 PM
📍 The Re*****on Suite Hotel & Spa
🎟️ Ticket link in bio

Tiaras optional. A sense of adventure highly encouraged. 🇬🇧✈️
Lola Magazine ART by Lauren The Re*****on Suite Hotel & Spa

06/30/2026

I've been fortunate to visit Italy before, but this was my first time experiencing it with teenagers and grandparents.

What I wasn't prepared for was how differently each generation experiences travel.

The teenagers were fascinated by Pompeii and climbing medieval towers, but they also needed pool time, card games, and the occasional afternoon with absolutely nothing on the agenda.

The grandparents loved sharing places they'd visited before, watching the kids experience Italy for the first time, and lingering over long dinners together.

Of course we loved the iconic moments. Standing beneath Michelangelo's David. Wandering the streets of Rome. Exploring centuries of history together.

But when I think back on the trip, my mind goes somewhere much quieter.

A long table in a Tuscan villa.

Family-style dinner being passed around. Wine being poured. Teenagers laughing. Conversations overlapping. Nobody looking at a phone.

I glanced over at my father-in-law that evening and he looked genuinely happy. Not because of a tour or a reservation or a perfectly planned day, but because everyone was together.

That moment reminded me why multi-generational travel is so special.

Italy gave us beautiful cities, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences. It also gave us time around the table, time in the pool, and time to simply enjoy being together.

Those are the moments I find myself thinking about most now that we're home.

As a travel curator, I spend a lot of time helping families plan these kinds of trips. The hotels, guides, and logistics matter, but so does the pace. Creating space for each generation to enjoy the journey together is often what turns a great vacation into a memory that lasts for years.

06/26/2026

As a Louisiana family, we don't always hop on a plane for an adventure.

Sometimes we just point the car south and spend the weekend in New Orleans.

We've been making this trip for years. Summer weekends by the pool, wandering through the French Quarter, and every fall you'll find us cheering on the Saints before squeezing in a few unforgettable meals.

As a former chef, one of my favorite parts of every visit is planning where we'll eat. New Orleans is one of America's greatest food cities, and introducing William to classics like Arnaud's Jazz Brunch, Galatoire's, Herbsaint, Clancy's, Mr. B's, and La Petite Grocery has become part of our family tradition.

Between meals, we keep it fun. The National WWII Museum is one of the best museums in the country, the Audubon Zoo is always a hit, and the carriage rides through the French Quarter bring the city's stories to life. We never skip Vue New Orleans either—the interactive exhibits and 360° observation deck give you a whole new appreciation for the city, from the Mississippi River to the rooftops of the French Quarter.

And if you're traveling with kids, don't underestimate the power of a great hotel pool. We always build in a little downtime before heading back out for dinner.

Road trips don't have to be complicated. Some of the best family memories are just a few hours from home.

📍Save this one for your next New Orleans weekend, and if you're looking for more road-trip-worthy destinations across the South (or anywhere in the U.S.), follow along. And when you're ready to plan something a little farther from home, I'd love to help with that too.

06/25/2026

Oslo is on the rise, with a new wave of architecture, design, and dining giving fresh energy to Norway’s capital 🇳🇴🧭

Read more, then connect to plan your trip to Oslo ⬇️

📷: Chris Schalkx

High design, deliciousness, and something to Scream about in Norway’s capital.

06/23/2026

Check in, unpack, and head straight to the shore. These hotel beach clubs pair sun-soaked relaxation with elevated dining, curated experiences, and a front-row seat to the sea. 🏖️✨

Read more to find your next stay, then let’s plan your next getaway ⬇️

📷: Stefan Giftthaler

The cabanas are calling at these nine hotel beach clubs.

06/20/2026

What do tango lessons, glaciers, private hiking guides, and a Chilean wine estate have in common?

One incredible mother-daughter adventure. ✨

This journey began in vibrant Buenos Aires, where my clients were greeted by a VIP airport concierge and escorted into a private arrivals lounge before settling into the beautiful Park Hyatt Buenos Aires.

Over the next few days they immersed themselves in Argentine culture with a Michelin chef-led cooking experience, a private tango lesson, an unforgettable evening at Rojo Tango, and time to wander one of South America's most fascinating cities.

From there, they flew south to El Calafate and EOLO Patagonia, where endless skies, dramatic landscapes, and the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier provided their first taste of Patagonia's wild beauty.

The adventure continued across the Argentine-Chilean border to Awasi Patagonia in Torres del Paine. With a private guide and vehicle dedicated exclusively to them, each day was customized around their interests, creating a deeply personal experience among some of the most spectacular scenery on earth.

Their final stop was VIK Chile, a striking wine retreat tucked among rolling vineyards. It was the perfect ending: exceptional food and wine, a cooking experience, and time to slow down and reflect before heading home.

From Buenos Aires to Patagonia to Chilean wine country, this itinerary was months in the making and one of my favorite journeys I've planned to date.

And yes... I'm a little jealous. 🤍

06/18/2026

In Greenland, summer unfolds at the edge of the map, where heli-hiking onto vast ice sheets, tundra camping, and Inuit traditions offer a rare connection to land and culture ❄️🚁

Read more below, then connect to plan your next adventure ⬇️

📷: Erica Connolly

Inuit culture offers a warm welcome to travelers cruising the country’s wild southern coast.

06/18/2026

One of my favorite dinners in Rome was our evening at Le Jardin at Hotel de Russie.

As the sun began to set, the garden came alive. Cocktails in hand, tucked among the terraces and greenery, it felt like a secret oasis in the middle of Rome.

The menu strikes that perfect balance. Refined without being fussy. William happily devoured spaghetti pomodoro and squash blossoms, proving you don't need scallop foam and molecular gastronomy to create a memorable meal.

What I loved most was how relaxed it felt for families. While we lingered over dinner, William was able to explore the beautiful terraced gardens built along the ancient Roman walls.

The service was impeccable, the atmosphere magical, and the location couldn't be better. Just steps from Piazza del Popolo, Hotel de Russie remains one of my favorite hotel recommendations in Rome.

This is also the kind of reservation I track carefully for my clients. The right day, the right time, and the right table can completely transform an experience.

Rome is full of wonderful restaurants (more on that later). This one is worth planning ahead for.

06/17/2026

Puerto Rico, the Caribbean’s island of enchantment, offers a world of opportunity for nature lovers. Just beyond San Juan, travelers can trek through dense jungle, swim in bioluminescent bays, and boat to remote beaches on uninhabited islets. 🌊🌿

Find your escape, then let’s connect to plan your island getaway:

📷: Getty Images

Seek out rainforests, swimming holes, and cays.

06/16/2026

In Cappadocia, chefs rely on local vineyards, White Valley farms, and ancient recipes to reconnect with their heritage. 🍇🍽️

Read on to see how these traditions are shaping the region’s evolving culinary scene ⬇️

📷: Richard James Taylor

Tasting menus drawing on ancient flavors are transforming the region’s culinary scene.