In the expansive state of Texas, getting between points A and B is typically measured by time, not distance. This seems quite fitting for the great airport concept that I recently discovered, aptly named Minute Suites®: The Traveler's Retreat.

Last winter, I would have wholeheartedly taken advantage of this service on an overnight layover in Dallas. I flew into the airport around 10pm, but my morning flight wasn't until 6am. I wasn't sure I wanted to sleep in the airport, knowing I wouldn't rest well with the anxiety of keeping my bags safe and secure. So I booked a hotel night stay nearby. Standing outside in the cold, I waited almost an hour for my shuttle bus to the hotel and once I arrived, I realized that my shuttle back to the airport would be at 3am... I only had 4 hours to rest and freshen up! I was afraid of oversleeping so I slept lightly for about 2 hours before giving up and got ready for the day ahead. It was a total waste of time and money.

Have you dealt with a similar travel scenario? Minute Suites® offers the perfect solution!

Launched in Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) in 2009 with 5 suites, the concept spread to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in 2011 with 13 suites, and then to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in 2013 with 10 suites, 2 shower facilities, and on-site laundry. All Minute Suites® locations are within the airports, past TSA security. Because these were the airports I flew in and out of for my recent southern road trip, I had the pleasure of touring both their facilities in both Dallas and Atlanta.

Based on the importance of naps, specifically in an airport setting, Minute Suites was founded to provide a place for weary travelers to recharge during hectic travel schedules. Grab a copy of "Take a Nap! Change a Life" from the front reception area or take advantage of their Nap26 program - a soundbeat technology developed by NASA to help you get the equivalent of 3 hours' worth of restful sleep in just 26 minutes. (This use of this CD is complimentary with your Minute Suites stay.)

In the bustling international Terminal D of the Dallas-Forth Worth International Airport (DFW), near Gate D23, you can find a private space to relax, rest, and rejuvenate. Whether you stay for an hour or overnight, you will find these cozy soundproof Suites offer a peaceful oasis dedicated to making you comfortable.

With themed names to fit each location - such as Alamo, Lonestar, Rodeo, and Cowboy - each Suite comes with a comfortable sofa daybed, as well as a pull-out trundle bed to allow for a second guest. Pillows and luxuriously soft blankets are provided (these are sanitized between each guest's stay). You can shut and lock your Suite door, instantly surrounded by beautiful silence. Even in the Suite closest to the main terminal corridor, you can't hear anything going on outside your door. There are controls for lights, temperature, and white noise that your friendly guest attendant can help you set to fit your personal comfort level.

On one wall of the Suite is a large-screen monitor and small desk and chair. Check your flight status, send a few emails, relax with a Netflix movie, or print off notes for your upcoming meeting. 

(Netflix and WiFi are complimentary at all Minute Suites locations. There is a small fee for printing, though you can get up to 3 free pages with a Suite rental - ask your guest attendant for details.)

Some business travelers rent a Suite for an hour or two so they can have a quiet place to conduct business calls. No one likes to deal with the loud hum of chatter in an airport's gate waiting area, especially when discussing confidential or private matters.

Looking to freshen up? Two spacious spa-like bathrooms with accessible shower facilities are available to rent in 30-minute increments at the Dallas location. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, fresh towels, and hairdryer are provided for guests. One of the bathrooms is adjacent to the large Alamo Suite and the two rooms can be rented together for families to utilize the full facilities.

When you take a break at Minute Suites®, you can schedule a personal "wake up knock" from the guest attendant or set the alarm clock, so you do not have to worry about oversleeping and missing your next flight.

The majority of staff employed by Minutes Suites® are local college students pursuing hospitality and management degrees. Nick Lutringer, the general manager at the Dallas location, has a hospitality management degree and Heaven Marshall, the supervisor at the Atlanta location, is a recent graduate from Georgia State University. Both are eager to welcome new and returning guests for their stay at Minute Suites®. Thank you for providing such wonderful southern hospitality, Nick and Heaven!

The five Suites at the Atlanta location can be found near Gate B15. 

This original Minute Suites® location offers a large selection of travel amenities, sleep aids and other over-the-counter medications to help make your airport stay more comfortable.

The largest Minute Suites® location can be found in Philadelphia's Terminal A-B Link and offers 13 suites and 2 workstation cubicles for rent.

The company plans to expand to 5 more airports in the next year - watch for a Minute Suites® the next time you have a layover at the airport!

Austin greeted us with a warm, sunny, 70-degree January weekend - quite different from the cold and snow that we left at home in Milwaukee. It's amazing what some sunshine can do to transform a person's mood and soul!

FULL DISCLOSURE: Admittedly, I have always had a "thing" for Capitol buildings. I grew up in Madison WI, which boasts a beautiful replica of the nation's Capitol in DC. (Fun fact: It is ALMOST as large, with each wing just 1" shorter than the original!) As an impressionable 3rd grader, touring that grandiose building hits you straight in the heart, as you gaze up at the dome in awe. My love only grew when I came back to Madison for college a decade later, where the campus is nestled in the shadow of the Capitol Square. I even took a shortcut through the gorgeous building every day when my senior internship and apartment were on direct opposite corners of the Square.

Texas is one of the more impressive Capitol buildings I have visited - I would rank it in my Top 5 (I've seen a lot!) Wandering the grounds, you will find gorgeous sculptures, including a miniature Statue of Liberty, a below-ground plaza, as well as dedications to the Pioneer Woman and Pearl Harbor survivors.

Inside, Texas dresses to impress. From doorknobs to hinges, from the mosaic tile floors to the star in the top of the dome, there are so many great details to admire as you wander the halls. 

Austin offers a laid-back buzz of energy for locals and tourists alike. On the glorious Sunday afternoon we spent in town, everyone and their dogs hit the park - Zilker Park, to be exact. Trails meander between the large open green space and the Colorado River, welcoming walkers, runners, dogs, bikes, and more. Kayaks float alongside ducks and turtles, while heron and double-crested cormorants watch from the shores. The Zilker Zephyr, a miniature green train transports excited families around the park's perimeter, slowing down as it goes under the Barton Springs bridge. Kids of all ages played games, while some couples relaxed on blankets with their books. Dogs ran around and happily played fetch. All with a fantastic view of the downtown Austin skyline. 

Another spot for a little workout and great views is Covert Park at Mount Bonnell. Take advantage of the natural stairs from the lower entrance and climb up to the summit. From the edge of the path, there are many open spots to look out over the Colorado River and the expensive homes with manicured lawns along its banks below. Just stay behind the barriers - it's a long way down!

 There's a platform at the top where you can see the skyline of downtown Austin to the left and the river to the right. Take the stairs down from this end of the trail to the parking area below, a quicker route than the way up.