By Charyn Pfeuffer

There's no better time to celebrate the spirit and support the ongoing rebuilding efforts New Orleans than now - and not just for Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras. Historic Spanish-style architecture, famous drinking establishments with storied pasts, colorful casts of street musicians and characters, and narrow brick-lined streets makes for one of the country's most dynamic cities. For budget-minded travelers, it's an easy destination for soaking up true Southern hospitality and having fun without spending a fortune.

Best taste of Creole Country
For a slice of pork paradise with a down home vibe head to Cochon in the Warehouse District. Southwestern Louisiana native Chef/owner Donald Link's marries minimalist, but warm environs, with feel-good food including fried boudin with pickled peppers, crawfish pie and roast suckling pig. Carnivore-phobes, don't fear: half of the menu features locally-fished seafood.

By Charyn Pfeuffer

Although my name isn't Paris, Nicole or Lindsay, it's still possible to shop, play and stay in La-La Land like a star.

In this image-centric city, looking like a million bucks -- and like you belong -- is your fast track ticket to gaining access to the exclusive world of the famous and fortunate.

It's simple: Accessorize yourself with as much bling as your body weight can handle. Even Tarina Tarantino pink plastic is okay. Next, outfit yourself with an energy drink or bottle of designer water, a grossly overpriced handbag, oversized sunglasses, a small dog and a vice.

Men, you too can be cool, even if you don't have talent, a big bank account or are in a band. Here's how: act confident, but not conceited. It's not about having a killer pick up line. Dress the part. Designer duds aren't a necessity, but style and good grooming habits are. Adopt a nickname. Ho-hum names like Johnny don't get noticed (unless it's followed by Depp), but nicknames like Tank or Rocket do.

Last tip: never ever hire a limo - it screams prom or Aunt Pearl's funeral. Car service is always the way to arrive in style.

Now you're ready to see and be seen. Here are the hottest spots in L.A. to get ready for your close-up:

By Charyn Pfeuffer

I'm always looking for ideas for healthy travel snacks.  On a recent visit to the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) Winter Fancy, I spent three days scouring more than 1,300 food vendors to figure out different snacks for trips ideas.

After scouring close to 200,000-square-feet, here is my top ten healthy travel snacks on my "must pack" travel list. Whether you're hitting the road or flying the friendly skies, these ten healthy travel snacks are easy to transport and far tastier than your usual mini-market or airport sundry store snack suspects. Keep an eye out for these snacks and give 'em a try.

Cat Cora's Kitchen by Gaea Olive Snack Packs. These straight-from-Greece Kalamata olives come in convenient, resealable TSA-friendly sized packages and fun flavors like oregano and lemon. Hello, in-flight happy hour accompaniment!

By Charyn Pfeuffer

As I get older, I've grown a bit persnickety about air travel. Once a fierce proponent of the red-eye flight as a way to sleep and get somewhere (I'm a natural born multi-tasker), the thought of having to sleep in a slightly tilted upright position makes me squirm. Throw in the possibility of being stuck in a too-small middle seat with limited legroom, and well, the joys of air travel start to look a lot less glamorous. 

As a preemptive measure, I've learned to stockpile frequent flyer miles and do whatever I can to maintain almighty elite status with my preferred air carriers. When I'm faced with a long-haul flight or dreaded red-eye and cannot finagle an upgrade though, I've been known to bite the bullet and buy a first or business class ticket. For me, it's not all about warmed nuts and endless glasses of Chardonnay, but the comfort, convenience and arriving at my final destination feeling like a human being.

On a recent red-eye flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Lima, Peru (LIM), I was beyond grateful to be flying LAN Business Class. The first leg of my flight from Seattle touched down in at LAX with 10 hours to spare before I headed to South America. The desk clerk at LAN was kind enough to let me check my bag hours and hours in advance and allow access to the Oneworld Lounge. Located on the 5th level of Tom Bradley International Terminal, this lounge serves all business and first class passenger from several airlines, as well as Oneworld alliance carriers.

There, I spent a very productive day working via complimentary Wi-Fi. I also took advantage of the lounge's extensive food service, which rotated throughout the day. Coffee? Yes, please. A bowl of soup? Sure. A little something sweet? Absolutely. As my flight grew nearer, I freshened up with a quick shower in the spa-like facilities, which featured Molton Brown products and big fluffy bath towels. And then, I sipped a few glasses of Champagne from the self-serve bar (there was also a well-stocked and staffed bar with beer, wine and spirits).

By Charyn Pfeuffer

Skip traipsing around town for travel beauty products from your favorite brands - 3floz.com makes finding travel-sized products  easy with its collection of 3.4 oz. or less travel beauty products and kits.  This fabulous online boutique focuses on luxe travel beauty products and takes the sting out of having to say good-bye to items that are not travel-sized products at the TSA checkpoint.

The site, founded by beauty junkies/girls-on-the-go Kate Duff and Alexi Mintz, makes it easy to take your can't-live-without travel beauty products and essentials with you - without having to check a bag.

By Charyn Pfeuffer

I can't imagine it's easy to date a wanderluster. Women like me are always planning their next move, and that move usually requires a flight, a layover, a stamp on a passport, and sometimes, a series of CDC-recommended shots. I love my long-term partner of eight years, really I do, but I was never meant to be a stay-at-home anything - wife, mother, you name it.

Thankfully, my other half has always been very supportive of my need to travel - sometimes half-way around the world on 72-hours notice. We have certain understandings - like when I've been away for too long and it's time to come home, or when he doesn't want me going to specific regions of the world for safety reasons. But he's never stood in my way of adventure and it agrivates me when I cross people in my travels who ask me increduously, "Your partner lets you travel like this?" Lets me? What am I? A modern day Laura Ingalls Wilder? I don't think so. It works for us because we've found some semblance of balance.

Not all relationships are suited for this kind of come-and-go scenario.We communicate well, which helps immensely. Also, we're both fiercely independent individuals, so while we adore each other, distance truly does make our hearts grow fonder. All the small stuff that would typically bug someone in a 24/7 relationship seems to slip away when you have a plane ticket booked or have been separated for weeks.