Laura Michonski
Laura's Posts
May 7, 2012, 6:51 PM
There are two types of social networks out there—groups of people that you know from real life (Facebook, LinkedIn) and groups of like-minded folks that you've never met before in your life (TripAdvisor, IgoUgo). Do you trust one group more than the other?
There are two types of social networks out there—groups of people that you know from real life (Facebook, LinkedIn) and groups of like-minded folks that you've never met before in your life (TripAdvisor, IgoUgo). Do you trust one group more than the other?
April 17, 2012, 4:03 PM
How do you take your reading material—in print or on a digital device?
How do you take your reading material—in print or on a digital device?
April 6, 2012, 1:50 PM
You had questions on how to shoot great home video; documentary filmmaker Roger Sherman had answers.
You had questions on how to shoot great home video; documentary filmmaker Roger Sherman had answers.
March 30, 2012, 12:57 PM
What does "all-inclusive" mean to you? One price that covers your hotel, meals, taxes, tips and maybe activities and alcohol if you're lucky—right? Not so fast.
What does "all-inclusive" mean to you? One price that covers your hotel, meals, taxes, tips and maybe activities and alcohol if you're lucky—right? Not so fast.
March 16, 2012, 3:16 PM
Award-winning filmmaker Roger Sherman gives us his top tips for shooting high-quality video.
Award-winning filmmaker Roger Sherman gives us his top tips for shooting high-quality video.
March 7, 2012, 4:31 PM
Part travel guide, part preservation project, Nature Valley's Trail View provides the ultimate virtual tour of three iconic American parks.
Part travel guide, part preservation project, Nature Valley's Trail View provides the ultimate virtual tour of three iconic American parks.
February 29, 2012, 12:11 PM
Indoor water parks serve up 80-degree weather year-round—but is a visit to one enough to help you make it through the winter?
Indoor water parks serve up 80-degree weather year-round—but is a visit to one enough to help you make it through the winter?
December 12, 2011, 4:10 PM
You know what I'm talking about—a place with a special kind of charm. It may be a little (or a lot) run down, yet the drinks are cheap, the vibe is unpretentious, and the locals love it. But does it deserve a spot on your vacation itinerary?
You know what I'm talking about—a place with a special kind of charm. It may be a little (or a lot) run down, yet the drinks are cheap, the vibe is unpretentious, and the locals love it. But does it deserve a spot on your vacation itinerary?
December 2, 2011, 1:23 PM
Need to travel this holiday season, but hate crowds? Fortunately, there are ways to get where you need to go without battling the suitcase-wielding masses (or grappling with road rage). Here are a few travel-editor-approved tricks for you.
Need to travel this holiday season, but hate crowds? Fortunately, there are ways to get where you need to go without battling the suitcase-wielding masses (or grappling with road rage). Here are a few travel-editor-approved tricks for you.
November 18, 2011, 10:55 AM
Cuba has long been forbidden territory for Americans, but all of that is changing. It's now possible to visit the formerly off-limits country, but you'll pay a pretty penny to do so. Is it worth it?
Cuba has long been forbidden territory for Americans, but all of that is changing. It's now possible to visit the formerly off-limits country, but you'll pay a pretty penny to do so. Is it worth it?
November 11, 2011, 3:49 PM
New services are helping travelers make smarter choices about hotel rooms, but will these offerings ultimately end up costing consumers more?
New services are helping travelers make smarter choices about hotel rooms, but will these offerings ultimately end up costing consumers more?
November 1, 2011, 2:59 PM
You might be surprised to find out which one it is, and why their controversial method works. Still, there's a good chance this system won't be spreading to other airlines anytime soon.
You might be surprised to find out which one it is, and why their controversial method works. Still, there's a good chance this system won't be spreading to other airlines anytime soon.
October 13, 2011, 2:57 PM
Sites like Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity promise "no fee" booking…but have you read the fine print?
Sites like Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity promise "no fee" booking…but have you read the fine print?
September 29, 2011, 3:27 PM
I just learned that Hilton has been quietly investing in its Honors rewards program, making it easier for guests to redeem points at their properties. Now I'm wondering—how much does earning points factor into your decision on where to stay on vacation?
I just learned that Hilton has been quietly investing in its Honors rewards program, making it easier for guests to redeem points at their properties. Now I'm wondering—how much does earning points factor into your decision on where to stay on vacation?
August 30, 2011, 4:38 PM
Would you know where to find your floatation device if need be? Would you know where the nearest exits were if you had to evacuate suddenly?
Would you know where to find your floatation device if need be? Would you know where the nearest exits were if you had to evacuate suddenly?
August 15, 2011, 3:56 PM
Watch out fake-review writers! A new software program from Cornell University can identify fraudulent reviews with 90% accuracy.
Watch out fake-review writers! A new software program from Cornell University can identify fraudulent reviews with 90% accuracy.
August 2, 2011, 2:45 AM
The online service that lets you rent other people's apartments reveals its cracks when one apartment is ransacked by a traveler. The company is ramping up security, but the question is—are they doing enough to protect consumers?
The online service that lets you rent other people's apartments reveals its cracks when one apartment is ransacked by a traveler. The company is ramping up security, but the question is—are they doing enough to protect consumers?
June 6, 2011, 5:04 PM
We spend a lot of time criticizing the TSA in our own country, but what about airport security outside of the U.S.?
We spend a lot of time criticizing the TSA in our own country, but what about airport security outside of the U.S.?
May 25, 2011, 6:04 PM
Airfare and gas prices are both on the rise. So which method of transportation is more affordable? Here’s what you need to know to answer that question.
Airfare and gas prices are both on the rise. So which method of transportation is more affordable? Here’s what you need to know to answer that question.
May 16, 2011, 1:29 PM
When I heard that Apple launched a travel workshop on May 1, I was curious. I signed up to find out what kind of secrets they would reveal.
When I heard that Apple launched a travel workshop on May 1, I was curious. I signed up to find out what kind of secrets they would reveal.
May 13, 2011, 2:22 PM
Delta sent its employees to charm school, should Greyhound and other bus companies follow suit? A recent experience of mine suggests that they should.
Delta sent its employees to charm school, should Greyhound and other bus companies follow suit? A recent experience of mine suggests that they should.
May 4, 2011, 11:42 AM
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, we celebrate one of our favorite culinary Mexican "exports"—the taco.
In honor of Cinco de Mayo, we celebrate one of our favorite culinary Mexican "exports"—the taco.
April 22, 2011, 12:42 PM
On Wednesday, the Department of Transportation announced new rules designed to protect airline passengers. My question is—do the airlines require even more government supervision?
On Wednesday, the Department of Transportation announced new rules designed to protect airline passengers. My question is—do the airlines require even more government supervision?
April 20, 2011, 11:32 AM
For the past year, ten artists have been following the athletes who will compete in the London 2012 Olympics and Paralymics—and portraying them in myriad ways.
For the past year, ten artists have been following the athletes who will compete in the London 2012 Olympics and Paralymics—and portraying them in myriad ways.
March 16, 2011, 12:13 PM
Cherry trees aren't the only woody perennials that paint the landscape with colorful, fragrant blossoms in the spring. Here are three other trees that we love when they're in bloom.
Cherry trees aren't the only woody perennials that paint the landscape with colorful, fragrant blossoms in the spring. Here are three other trees that we love when they're in bloom.
March 2, 2011, 12:48 PM
It's the middle of the week and all we can think about is being somewhere, anywhere, besides the office. Here, a picture tour of where BT readers are in mind and spirit, if not in body.
It's the middle of the week and all we can think about is being somewhere, anywhere, besides the office. Here, a picture tour of where BT readers are in mind and spirit, if not in body.
February 17, 2011, 4:34 PM
The New York City subway has inspired cartoons, jewelry, even socks. But this latest ode to public transportation takes the cake for originality and technical skill.
The New York City subway has inspired cartoons, jewelry, even socks. But this latest ode to public transportation takes the cake for originality and technical skill.
February 9, 2011, 11:49 AM
If Senator Manchin has anything to do with it, it will be Lewisburg in his state of West Virginia.
If Senator Manchin has anything to do with it, it will be Lewisburg in his state of West Virginia.
February 3, 2011, 9:52 AM
What happens when a man who hates to travel is sent on a journey around the world? Better yet, what happens when a man who hates to travel and has no social filter is sent around the world with a bevy of cameramen?
What happens when a man who hates to travel is sent on a journey around the world? Better yet, what happens when a man who hates to travel and has no social filter is sent around the world with a bevy of cameramen?
January 26, 2011, 11:06 AM
You know the moment…the plane is prepared for take-off, the seatbelt lights come on, the flight attendants announce that it’s time to turn off all electronic devices…and you…keep texting…or do you?
You know the moment…the plane is prepared for take-off, the seatbelt lights come on, the flight attendants announce that it’s time to turn off all electronic devices…and you…keep texting…or do you?
January 12, 2011, 10:23 PM
Competition is fierce this year as our nominees vie for the title of "America's Coolest Small Town 2011."
Competition is fierce this year as our nominees vie for the title of "America's Coolest Small Town 2011."








In this photo, I was…Chilling at a vintage shop in California, enjoying an historic rendition of Piglet and Pooh Nearly Catch a Woozle