So, if you're in good health, and are looking for a recession-busting vacation getaway, it's a great time for a trip to Mexico, where you'll find friendly, welcoming people, beautiful sites, rich history, wonderful shopping, affordable prices, and delightful B&Bs.

Today's New York Times Travel Section has an article entitled, Heads Up: Bathrooms That Are Part of the View, which explains: "From the chic boutiques of London and Los Angeles to hot new hotels in more exotic locales like India and China, exposed bathrooms are a growing trend — whether in the form of transparent glass walls and shower stalls or bathtubs set in the middle of the bedroom like free-standing sculptures."

If you'd rather see than be the view, take a look at this article we wrote several years ago, entitled: A VIEW FROM THE LOO: In the zone on the throne and other "over the top" bathrooms from BedandBreakfast.com.

In addition to our $100 savings offer on London B&Bs, this recent article in Frommer's explains some of the other savings you can enjoy due to a much stronger dollar:

"Currently, you can travel mid-week during March and April on either British Airways or Virgin Atlantic and pay as little as $439 for a non-stop round-trip flight from New York (or Newark) to London Heathrow -- including taxes. From May, the flight prices go up somewhat and of course summer fares see another increase, but in general fares seem to be at least 20% less than they were during the same period last year. You'll also notice in the airfare breakdown that the flight price is often less than the applicable taxes so when comparing website prices, make sure you factor in the total price of flight plus taxes. If you are willing to sometimes stop en route, www.vayama.com can hook you up with some cheap airfares out of various cities."

European travel tips

• Some places may not have elevators. Travel light – you may have to carry your bags up a few flights of stairs to your room.
• Most innkeepers speak several languages, but not necessarily with great fluency. Speak slowly and clearly. Usually, if you make an effort to speak their language, they will be more willing to speak yours.
• Be sensitive to cultural differences. Remember that you are a visitor in someone else’s country.
• You’re on the continent, so expect a continental breakfast of coffee and fresh-baked breads/pastries in Italy, France, and Spain, with heartier meals in Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, and Scandinavia.
• Europeans don’t eat out as often as Americans, so restaurants are often either upscale or targeted toward tourists (or both). In most European countries, the main meal of the day is still at lunchtime, so you can typically get the best value at mid-day. Look for the “prix fixe” menu for the best prices; a la carte ordering can be very pricy.
• Public transportation is the main way to get around in Europe and walking is common in most cities. Trains, buses, and trams are usually preferable to renting a car.
• Take pictures, but enjoy yourself, too! Don’t forget to embrace the history and culture of the countries you visit. Memories are better than pictures.
• If the place where you’re staying doesn’t have internet access, you can usually find an internet café nearby.
• Notify your credit card company that you’re traveling to Europe before you go, so that your charges aren’t flagged as being fraudulent.
• Airports all have currency exchange offices when you can easily exchange money on arrival, although if you have time, it doesn’t hurt to change a small amount before departure. Once in Europe, the best exchange rates are generally found at ATMs.

If you'd like to save $100 on a four-night online reservation through BedandBreakfast.com, click here.

The February 2009 issue of Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel has a feature article entitled 25 Reasons We Love Austin; The quirky Texas capital sways to the strum of its own guitar. Click here to read it online. Austinites will disagree on some of the specific choices, but you'll have to come check it out for yourself to decide, including the upcoming South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival, a week-long celebration of film, music, and interactive art running from March 13-22.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, start with BedandBreakfast.com member inns in Austin and surrounding area. The variety of styles and locations is amazing, from the recently opened Kimber Modern in hip SoCo (South Congress); to a selection of inns in the University of Texas area (Carrington's Bluff, Mansion at Judges Hill, Star of Texas, and more); to the recently opened Austin Hyde Park Inn, one of several B&Bs in the charming, historic Hyde Park neighborhood just north of downtown; to such wonderful country inns as the Inn above Onion Creek in Kyle, and many more in Wimberley.

P.S.  Bet you don't know the 26th reason why we love Austin?  Because that's where BedandBreakfast.com is based, right in the heart of town!