inspired exploration

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

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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all routes lead to rome

New nonstop flight connects Houston with Rome for the first time

Photo courtest of Houston Airports

Houston Mayor John Whitmire listens as Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, discusses the addition of ITA Airways at IAH.

Thinking of a Roman holiday? The good news for Houstonians is that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will begin offering direct, nonstop flights to Rome starting next spring. It will be the first time IAH and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Fiumicino, Italy have connected nonstop.

“We welcome ITA Airways to Houston, as it reflects our city's prominence on the global stage," said Houston Mayor John Whitmire in a press conference held on Tuesday, December 2. "The first ever route between Houston and Rome will strengthen our business, diplomatic, and cultural ties with Italy. It will also bring more visitors to experience Houston's vibrant culture, world-class healthcare, and diverse industries."

Starting May 1, 2026, ITA Airways will offer three flights a week between Houston and Rome, expanding to five flights a week beginning June 1. Houston is ITA's ninth North American destination.

“Nonstop service to Rome is a defining moment for Houston and a direct result of the strength and credibility of our airport system. This route will bring new visitors, new investment, and new business opportunities into our region,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “It expands Houston’s presence in Europe and proves that disciplined, strategic growth at Houston Airports delivers measurable economic impact. Strong airports don’t just move people. They shape markets, expand opportunity and help define a city’s place in the world.”

Flights will be made via a Airbus A330-900. The model is renowned for its comfort on long flights, including ergonomic seats, ample personal space, and a quiet cabin. Appropriately, many of the interior cabin components are made in Italy and reflect an elegant European design.

Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta, currently serving as America's ambassador to Italy, also welcomed the new route that connects his hometown with his current job.

“As a Texan and as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, I’m thrilled by ITA’s new direct route between Houston and Rome," Fertitta said. "It strengthens the economic links that drive mutual understanding and shared prosperity. It was great working with ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart, Mayor John Whitmire, and all the partners that helped make this possible.”

The new route to Rome continues the international expansion that has been happening at IAH over the last several years. Last year, the airport announced new non-stop flights to recent vacation hotspot, Puerto Escondido, Mexico. It was part of Houston Airports' goal of making Houston the gateway to America ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Now, it looks like IAH will be welcoming Italian soccer fans, as the routes open up just in time for the sports event next summer.

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