Austin advice?

We're going to Austin!!! Our friends just moved there, so we're heading down for a weekend trip at the end of the month. (We figured we sneak in the trip before Toby turns two and we have to buy him plane seat.)

Everyone I know raves about Austin, and we can't wait to see it. Most of all, I'm excited to swim in Barton Springs, the 1,000-foot-long spring-fed natural pool. It looks incredible! (This monthly full-moon party would be a trip:)

Have you been to Austin? Do you live there? We'd be psyched for any recommendations! xoxo

P.S. Ten tips for traveling with a baby, and our guide to NYC.

(Photos by Budget Travel, MagazineUSA, Emily and Jack Archer)

How to make travel WAY easier

Can you imagine boarding a flight with just a wallet and your favorite book? Before you leave for vacation, LugLess will pick up your suitcases from your house and deliver them right to your destination.

A small suitcase costs $39 and a large suitcase costs $59, which are amazing prices considering that most airlines charge twenty-five bones to check a bag. Traveling without luggage would make a trip so much easier, especially when you have a wriggly baby in tow.

Having bags sent ahead is something I always assumed was reserved for the Rich & Famous, but this seems totally doable! Thumbs up, LugLess.

RedBall Project

For the past six years, artist Kurt Perschke has squeezed a huge red ball into cracks, gaps and alleys all around the world. The red ball has visited cities like Barcelona, Chicago, Toronto and Sydney, and it's now heading to England for the summer! (Reminds me of this children's story, do you remember it?)

(Via Apartment Therapy)

Travel fantasy: Rainbow hotel

When we go to Palm Springs for Christmas, we usually rent a house, but this new rainbow Saguaro hotel looks like a trip! What a cool place to stay (or even get married).

(Via My Modern Met)

Travel fantasy: Yurts

My twin sister and her husband took a weekend getaway to Big Sur and stayed in a yurt! They said it was one of their coolest vacations. How invigorating to spend the day hiking and swimming, and in the evening, you can drink wine on your deck, breathe the salty air, and watch the sunset. Yurts also seem like a great baby step for those of us who aren't big campers: You get to be in nature and sleep in a bed. Good for wusses!

Have you ever stayed in a yurt? Would you want to? Big Sur looks incredible.

P.S. More travel fantasies, and are you the camping type?

(Photos by Marya, The Roaming Boomers and RoxTues)