On the right scent

Lavender oil calms unruly dogs during road trips

The Smart Traveler

IF YOUR DOG IS A TERRIBLE TRAVELER on car trips, aromatherapy may help calm your pet -- and you.

THE TOP 100 MOST BEAUTIFUL RUSTIC VACATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA

Rusty Duck Press / $22.95

If you're looking for a restful spot off the beaten path, this paperback book is for you. Author Dusty Dave -- real name unknown -- has profiled rugged mountain cabins, dude ranches and lush lakefront lodges across the United States, Mexico and Canada. He lists prices, activities and contact information to ease vacation planning. Numerous color photos complete the vacation picture. Even if you can't book your dream getaway this minute, Dave's book will let you dream.

CANDUS THOMSON

CRUISES

Come aboard in New Orleans

In another sign of the recovery of New Orleans' tourist industry, NCL's Norwegian Sun arrived last week as the first cruise ship to home-port in the Crescent City since Hurricane Katrina struck last year. The 1,936-passenger ship will sail seven-day western Caribbean cruises out of New Orleans through April. Late next year, the Norwegian Spirit will take over. Port calls include Costa Maya, Mexico; Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala; Belize City; and Cozumel, Mexico. Fares this month begin at $349 per person. Post-cruise city tours of New Orleans are available at extra cost.

LOS ANGELES TIMES

GEAR & GADGETS

Travelon, maker of myriad travel aids and accessories, has addressed that urgent question: How do I carry my wine bottles? The four-bottle Wine Carrier has four bottle-size pouches made of neoprene (the same material used for diving wet suits), joined together and equipped with a central carry handle. The lightweight neoprene keeps the bottles cushioned and somewhat insulated, and, when empty, folds flat for packing. This wine carrier is useful to have in hand when your travels include shopping for a few bottles of wine or champagne -- say during a winery tour or provisioning for a picnic. The carrier also can be used to cushion camera lenses or other fragile items in checked bags. Available in red or black. Four-bottle Travelon Wine Carrier is $18 from EBags; 800-820-6126; ebags.com.

JUDI DASH

HOTELS

Mapping popular stays