Laura Motta

New York

Journalist at The Escapologist

Travel writer and editor. City life. Theater. Nonsense. Former staff at Lonely Planet, The Points Guy, ShermansTravel.

Featured in: Favicon

lonelyplanet.com Favicon

medium.com Favicon

msn.com

acs.org

matadornetwork.com Favicon

playbill.com Favicon

thepointsguy.com Favicon

backstage.com Favicon

newsbreak.com Favicon

shermanstravel.com + 9 more

Articles

What will change at Holland America Line now that Beth Bodensteiner is the new president

1 month ago | thepointsguy.com | Laura Motta

Holland America’s new president lets guests have their say — and hints at a loyalty program overhaulThe cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page.
Visiting Rome during the Papal Conclave - Lonely Planet

2 months ago | lonelyplanet.com | Laura Motta

If you're visiting Rome in the coming weeks, you'll likely encounter some aspect of the Papal Conclave. Here's what to expect.
Holland America’s 2027 Grand Voyages are here, and circumnavigating the globe is back

2 months ago | thepointsguy.com | Laura Motta

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
There Is No Decaf in Puerto Rico

2 months ago | escapologist.travel | Laura Motta

This site requires JavaScript to run correctly. Please turn on JavaScript or unblock scripts
There Is No Decaf in Puerto Rico

2 months ago | escapologist.travel | Laura Motta

We got on the boat in La Parguera, on Puerto Rico's south coast, but I could see the balloon for miles before we got there, hovering high above the tree line. I snapped photos, all of them blurry from the movement of the rental car. "It's a blimp," I said to A_____. "An airship, I think that's the right name."Thanks for reading The Escapologist! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. Except it wasn't moving. But did all airships move? Weren't they just stationery ads sometimes?
The ultimate Los Angeles weekend

Mar 6, 2025 | lonelyplanet.com | Laura Motta

California makes my travel list every single year. With more land than some countries (Italy, Japan, New Zealand) and more possible itineraries than would fit into a lifetime of visits, I can always find reasons to go back, and back and back again. The nexus for me is Los Angeles, a rambling, sun-soaked big city that never feels intimidating or stale.
First time guide to Cognac, France

Jan 24, 2025 | lonelyplanet.com | Laura Motta

When you think of Cognac, you might think of teardrop-shaped bottles filled with amber-colored brandy, or hip-hop stars or extravagant displays of wealth. But Cognac is also a place – the region in France where this glamorous old school beverage is produced. While this area along France’s Atlantic coast does feel effortlessly elegant – alas, it’s France – it’s also agricultural, windswept and filled with medieval towns and half-timber structures.
The 1 Thing Travel Experts Always Take On A Trip

Nov 14, 2024 | huffpost.com | Laura Motta

Every type of travel calls for a different packing strategy. What you put in your suitcase for a beach vacation is likely not the same as what you pack for a ski trip or business conference. Still, there are certain things that can come in handy no matter where you go and might even be a lifesaver in a variety of situations. HuffPost asked people who work in the travel industry to share the one item they’re always sure to take when they go on a trip.
This Unconventional Travel Trend Is Many Travelers' Go-To For A Fall Trip

Oct 31, 2024 | huffpost.com | Laura Motta

People plan vacations around all types of goals, from sports to sleep to sustainability. For an increasing number of people, however, the focus of their travel is much more solemn, or even macabre ― a practice known commonly as “dark tourism.”Dark tourism is not a new travel trend but is as relevant as ever, particularly around spooky season. It likely spikes around this time of year for a reason. So what exactly is dark tourism and what does it involve?
What to pack for your trip to Paris this summer

Jul 25, 2024 | newsbreak.com | Laura Motta

Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments.

Journalists covering the same region

Matthew Marani

Special Sections Editor at Architectural Record

Matthew Marani primarily covers news in New York City, New York, United States and surrounding areas.

Frank Hammel

Managing Editor at Projection, Lights & Staging News

Managing Editor at Front Of The House

Frank Hammel primarily covers news in various cities across the United States including Boston, Massachusetts; Berkeley, California; Atlanta, Georgia; and New York City, New York.

Bob Curley

Journalist, Editor and Writer at Freelance

Bob Curley primarily covers news in Rhode Island, United States, including areas like Providence and surrounding towns.

Tom Mashberg

Writer, Editor and Journalist at The New York Times

Tom Mashberg primarily covers news in Boston, Massachusetts, United States and surrounding areas including Chicago, Illinois and New York City, New York.