A lot can change in one year. Just ask Mexico.

In March 2009, the slumping world economy and negative press surrounding the unrest along its border dealt a double blow to tourist destinations such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and San Jose Cabo. People just weren't heading to the beaches. The result: unbeatable deals to Mexico. This year, we're seeing visitors take advantage of those low prices to return to the popular spring break spot. Cancun, for instance, jumped from the number 10 spring break spot last year to the number five spot this year.

Travelocity charted the rebound of Mexico, including what places are staging a comeback and how much travelers are paying to vacation there. We found that it's one of only a few destinations where both airfare and hotel rates are down over last year, making package deals to Mexico a real bargain for travelers. Check out our infographic...

When I first heard that there was an earthquake in Chile, I wasn't too worried. I'd lived through months of temblores during my year abroad, so I assumed it was one of the smaller varieties that used to set my apartment swaying. It wasn't until I learned it was a massive 8.8 terremoto that I started to panic.

What I love about travel is the way it expands your worldview. I admit that I have occasionally felt like I had it hard here in the U.S. But all it takes is a trip beyond our borders and I remember how very lucky I am.

And inevitably when the citizens of my host country open their arms and welcome me, treat me like a guest in their beautiful country, I am humbled anew. Travelers are acutely aware that the world is not a collection of different people and countries, but rather a global community where people rely upon one another. And they understand that the gift of travel comes with responsibilities.

Good news for any woman who, like me, appreciates a good bathroom in the sky: Japan’s All Nippon Airways is rolling out ladies-only restrooms this month. Next time you have to powder your nose on ANA, ladies, the seat will be down and your spirits (the airline hopes) will be up.

Kevin Smith's ejection from a Southwest Airlines flight earlier this month has led to some heavy public debate over "Customer of Size" policies. The film director, who was asked to leave the aircraft because of his weight, stirred up a PR nightmare when he railed against the airline on his Twitter page--rejecting multiple apologies and an offer of a $100 flight voucher. Southwest claims that their actions are consistent with a 29-year policy dealing with heavy passengers.

As of yesterday, the traveling public is now allowed to bring loaded handguns into most of our national parks as long as they follow the local state laws (for permits and whatnot). Hunting, however, still is illegal within national parkland, as is discharging your weapon, as is bringing a loaded gun into a visitor’s center, so I’m a little unsure of what this new law is supposed to achieve.

Last week I was asked to appear on ABC News Now to discuss spring break deals and how to get the best deal on a hotel stay. We also talked about 100 hotels for under $100 and a great deal going on in the Bahamas. The gist of the interview is that you're going to find great hotel deals out there for spring break -- in fact, in addition to giving tips I also name four hotels with rates under $100 per night this spring. You can watch the video here:

Look, I like slipping into a nice warm bed as much as the next person---especially a hotel bed, and especially when I'm vacationing in a cold destination---but one chain has taken it to an entirely new level. At select Holiday Inns in England, guests can request a "human bed warmer" before they turn in for the night.

Say what?

As part of a pioneering new program, Holiday Inn is offering the service--for free, it should be noted---to guests at one of their properties in London and one in Manchester. When you sign up for a human bed warmer (can you imagine having that on your resume, by the way?), you'll receive a visit from a Holiday Inn employee dressed in a head-to-toe "sleep suit" (which, presumably, is super hygienic) who'll slip between your covers for five minutes and warm up the sheets.

Travelocity's most recent poll shows a dramatic increase in travel intentions, indicating traveler confidence is on the rise. Travelocity's second Traveler Confidence Report finds that nearly half of respondents plan to increase their travel in 2010 as compared to 2009.  The Traveler Confidence Report gauges travelers' plans and attitudes now as compared to six months prior and one year prior. The following findings are based on the intentions of more than 2,000 North Americans surveyed by Travelocity.

Traveler Confidence Report Highlights:

I'll admit it: I’m a sucker for forbidden-fruit destinations and travel taboos. I love finding beauty in places that were no-goes for travelers not long ago; my two favorite trips of 2009 were to the charming countries of Colombia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. But one mysterious land that I’m not sure holds much mystery for me is North Korea—and its government is sending out the invitations.