<p>Laura’s first encounter with the written word was inauspicious: Her birth announcement appeared in the classified section of the <em>Brampton Daily Times</em> under the heading “Livestock for Sale.” Despite that, she became a writer. Focusing on soft adventure, history, quirky attractions and intriguing people, she’s written for more than 80 publications and websites in Canada and elsewhere. She has spoken about travel and other topics on TVOntario, CBC Radio's "Cross-Country Checkup, "CTV Morning Live" and other programs. Laura has also written or co-authored 13 books, including <em>Wanderlust: A Social History of Travel</em>. She blogs about travel in Eastern Ontario, West Quebec and upstate New York at OttawaRoadTrips.com.</p>
