This past week I had to fly home for my grandma's funeral unexpectedly. I lucked out on some decent airfare on US Airways and had a 3-hour layover in Charlotte - an airport I have normally ran through, trying to make a tight connection. I was able to relax and enjoy some of the things that make this airport a new favorite on my list.

Moving sidewalks - this airport is full of them! They literally saved me from missing a free trip to the Caribbean once because I had 20 minutes to get from one end of the airport to the other to make it onto my next flight. When you're lugging a heavy carry-on and loaded-down backpack, it's nice to gain ground without too much extra effort - whether you're running or lazy. Just be sure to respect the "rules of the road" and stand or walk on the appropriate side.

Great spots to shop or eat - I don't know if there's another airport with as many stores, kiosks, or restaurants per capita? It is so nice to have a multitude of choices - literally every-which-way you turn - when you've got time to sit down for a meal (especially in my case with being gluten-free and having limited "eating out" options). I can vouch for the juicy burgers at Bad Daddy's Burger Bar and tasty tacos at the Jose Cuervo Tequileria being great on-the-go lunch options.

Bathroom attendants - this is just about as Southern as you can get. A smiling woman who whistles or hums Gospel tunes in the bathroom, with an assortment of toiletries like mouthwash, mints, and tissues and the magic touch when the automatic soap or water won't turn on for you. I've lived up north my whole life but have always been a Southern girl at heart and love the small touches of hospitality. Don't forget to tip!

Rock On! These are a little hidden gem that CLT travelers love - the white rocking chairs scattered throughout the airport. I have yet to find someone that has been through Charlotte and hasn't gotten excited to tell of the rockers. It can be tough to find an unoccupied one, especially with a nice view out the window. Perfect for some people-watching or just to sit and relax for a while, pretending you're sitting on a large wrap-around porch on a beautiful summer day. All that's missing from this picture of Southern hospitality is a little Spanish moss hanging from the trees.

One day I shall return, Charlotte. Save a seat for me!

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!