Life is slow and easy in Tlacotalpan, Mexico. Most of the year, the only excitement of the day is when fishermen return from Gulf with boatloads of fresh shrimp or an underdog win s a domino match in the central plaza. Siesta is still a time-honored tradition, with shops and churches closing during the hottest part of the day and reopening from 7 p.m. till midnight. During the sweltering midday hours, the only signs of life are foolhardy tourists who walk around town to see the multicolored columns that grace every casita.

Hotel Posada D'Diego in Tlacotalpan

Tlacotalpan is the kind of bucolic, rural town where one might expect to find a hostel with $10 per night dorms, but bargains are surprisingly hard to come by. Each year from January 31st through February 9th, hordes of tourists flock to Tlacotalpan to enjoy flamenco dancing, boat parades, a running of the bulls, carnival, and much more during its annual Read More »

The Shangri-La Hotel in Sydney Australia lights up the city

There’s lots to do and see in the lively city of Sydney, Australia.  Check out the harbor, go on a wine tasting tour in Hunter Valley, hang out on the beaches, or take in the exciting nightlife.

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Harrison Hot Springs Resort offers both indoor and outdoor hot springs to enjoy.

When I first stayed at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort, I was shocked at how low the price was.  A lot hasn’t changed in that department in ten years and I was even more shocked to see the price had only gone marginally in that time.  When we went, my husband and I were newlyweds, and back in the day, we didn’t have a lot of money.  I booked the hotel as a surprise to him and whisked him away to this gorgeous resort where we could be relatively alone.

The room itself was impeccable.  Clean, crisp sheets a top the best bed I’ve ever ever stayed on, hands down.  The experience was that much more luxurious because of the attention to detail and I’ve never felt so comfortable in a hotel before.  It looks like that attention to details and customer needs hasn’t wavered, judging by the pictures I’ve seen.  Having said that, I have also read negative reviews that the rooms are outdated.  The Harrison Beach Hotel and Harrison Heritage House & Cottages have much higher ratings than the main resort.  So if we were to go back, I think we would try one of those before re-booking at the resort.

The area itself is astounding.  To bask in the amazing hot springs, watch eagles in their natural habitat, or simply enjoy each other in such a peaceful setting, this is the place to fall in love all over again.

Photo credit: http://www.harrisonresort.com/

by Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

As a travel writer who spends more than half of my life on the road I am constantly in search of hotels or motels that are sparkling clean, well-equipped and furnished, and affordably priced. Properties that meet this criteria are surprisingly rare, but during a recent investigation of Florida’s Nature Coast, I discovered one that more than fit the bill: the Two River’s Inn in Dunnellon, Florida.

Blues Brothers sculpture stands at the entrance to the Two Rivers Inn

Dunnellon wasn’t on my planned itinerary, but as I drove through town a sign proclaiming “Boomtown Historic District” caught my eye. I detoured to see the lovely old restored homes and commercial buildings on Pennsylvania Avenue. At the end of the street I found the Two Rivers Inn. Mounted in front of this otherwise unassuming row of concrete block cottages was a full-size statue of the Blues Brothers. I took it as a sign; I’d been feeling a bit blue – maybe this town would cure what ailed me.

In short order the innkeepers had hooked me up with a $59 room. Given the exceedingly inexpensive rate, I was prepared for the worst, and I held my breath as I opened the front door. My  jaw dropped in astonishment. This was no dump! Read More »