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    inspired exploration

    Travel smarter this year: Four ways to discover new destinations withoutbreaking the bank

    Jackie Rangel
    Jan 2, 2012 | 9:00 pm
    • Zurich, Switzerland
    • La Purificadora Puebla Mexico
    • Hotel De Russie, Rome

    As January progresses and people struggle with their resolutions to lose this (goodbye, holiday weight) or gain that (hello, patience and perspective), we can’t forget to acknowledge another aspiration hovering atop many a 2012 wishlist: to get off the couch and get out the door and travel more.

    We get it. Life gets busy and schedules get crammed. And with the 420,889 websites, mobile apps and intuitive-social-graph-mind-reading technologies that are vying for your attention these days, it’s no wonder that the mere thought of planning a trip out of town might be overwhelming.

    But as tempting as it may be to let the routine rut get the best of you, remember how fun and invigorating it is to explore and discover a new locale.

    Austin-based Andrew Harper company is like your in-the-know best friend

    But don’t fret. We’ve done a bit of the sleuthing for you, rounding up some of the more promising sites and services out there that aim to take the headache out of travel and let you get back to enjoying the journey. Bon voyage!

    Wanderfly — Founded in 2010, this relatively new, smart service was created with the intent to make travel fun and easy again. Functioning somewhat like a personalized recommendation service, Wanderfly matches your travel personality with destinations that won't break the bank.

    In other words, as declared on the website, it "helps you discover new experiences based on your interests and budget." An added bonus is that you can actually book through the site (not to mention share and organize your itinerary, too).

    Andrew Harper — This Austin-based company is like your in-the-know best friend — always hip to the latest thing, relentlessly curious about discovering new secrets and quick to offer an opinion.

    Apart from their sleek Hideaway Report publication, AH offers members the perks of a private travel community (i.e. access to likeminded global explorers) and full use of an in-house travel agency. If you're looking for vacation inspiration, check out Andrew Harper Mobile or take a peek at their blog.

    AFAR — With its multi-platform media approach, AFAR not only publishes a beautiful magazine of lust-worthy locales, it offers a robust online offering as well. Their model is based on the idea that when it comes to visiting a new place, people would rather hear first-hand accounts and recommendations from someone who has been there before and from someone who has similar travel sensibilities.

    To register with the service, members answer a series of questions in order to identify their travel personality. In that way, AFAR engages its community of informed travelers who willingly ask and answer detailed questions.

    Tablet Hotels — Tablet takes the beauty of the online flash sale and adds a significant cool factor, scouting out prime properties around the world. Focused on featuring a range of experiences across the hospitality industry (from boutique to luxury), this sleek site lets you access acclaimed hotels at discounted rates.

    An added Tablet perk is that it lets users create and share individually curated city-guides — the ultimate tool kit for the urban explorer. Check out their blog, Tablet Talk, for design, culture and travel inspiration.

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    Riverside Reno

    Fresh makeover turns Hill Country hotel into modern riverside refuge

    Brianna Caleri
    Jun 12, 2025 | 2:36 pm
    Hacienda Del Rio Hotel and Bar
    Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio\u200b
    No matter how cosmopolitan the hotel gets, nothing can beat the trees around this pool.

    After a two-year renovation and rebranding, Hacienda Del Rio Hotel and Bar has opened in Gruene, a historic district within New Braunfels. Formerly the Gruene Outpost River Lodge, the property along the Guadalupe River now has 48 renovated rooms, new outdoor sports like pickleball, and updated amenities at the pool.

    The River Lodge's previous aesthetic was DIY and rustic, but the new Hacienda Del Rio has a much more cosmopolitan, contemporary design. The new look is full of midcentury styles, but with other eclectic elements mixed in. A press release declares the space was "designed in the spirit of Spanish colonial architecture," but don't expect anything old-fashioned.

    Hacienda Del Rio\u200b Hotel and Bar interiorThese earthy tones mellow out an otherwise energetic space.Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio

    Texas-based hotel group French Cowboys was behind this major makeover, which started in April 2023. That puts Hacienda Del Rio in a family with Camp Comfort and The Meyer Hotel in the Hill Country town of Comfort; the Claire Hotel near Canyon Lake; the Gruene River Inn and Heidelberg Lodges in New Braunfels, and Webber East in Austin.

    The Hacienda can accommodate up to 178 guests in a variety of room layouts including kings, double queens, and suites. Bathrooms and showers are new, and rooms are outfitted with smart TVs, plus custom steel doors and windows. Photos of guestrooms, although they are colorful, show off a streamlined sensibility.

    A new clubhouse and cocktail bar draws guests who may not be staying overnight. Coffee and breakfast will be available in the morning, followed by daytime snacks, and finally a full bar in the evening. Anyone who stops by can enjoy beer, wine, and signature cocktails, plus shuffleboard, a pool table, and even some workspace. There will also be a new conference room for presentations, retreats, and more.

    Hacienda Del Rio\u200b Hotel and Bar interiorThis lounge is open to hotel guests and the public.Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio

    Departing from the artsy interior to New Braunfels' beautiful surroundings, guests can play pickleball, beach volleyball, and basketball on a half-court, plus fire pits near the river and kayaks, paddleboards, and floats. River adventures will be facilitated by Paddle Texas, which will offer rentals and experiences. Finally, a renovated pool and deck provide more leisure space.

    “‘Del Rio’ reflects the area’s deep connection to the Guadalupe River, where guests can jump in, float, or just hang out by the water, whether it’s at the river or our pool," said French Cowboys co-founder Dylan Petrich in a press release. "And Hacienda captures our vision of creating a vibrant, social place where people can kick back, enjoy the outdoors, and grab a drink, all in one of the Hill Country’s most iconic destinations, without breaking the bank."

    Rates start at $125 per night, and the food and beverage space is open every day. Introductory rates are available for those who book through December 31, 2025.

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    news/travel

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