You prefer originality over grandeur, high-concept design over ho-hum layouts and hip personality over the blasé. In short, you won't settle for just a place to hang your hat. It's all about the little things, and in today's assortment of boutique-style hotels, no details are spared--which means you get everything from high thread-count bed linens and plush towels to hi-tech gadgets and rainfall showerheads.

For the last decade, chic new hotels have been sprouting up in cities across North America--hotels that make you feel like a VIP while still keeping you on budget. Think casual luxury blended with intimate, individualized service. You won't find a closet-sized gym with an ancient treadmill; instead it's spas and yoga kits. Onsite restaurants and lounges are more than fast food; they're destinations in themselves. In many cases, pets are welcome and special programs are offered for kids, too.

Not sure where to go? Travelocity editors recommend these chic and affordable hotels for fall getaways and beyond:

I often use this column to talk about how to stay safe when traveling. My aim is not to be an alarmist, but rather to inform travelers of ways to protect themselves. With numerous stories stating that credit fraud and identity theft is rapidly on the rise, I began to think about how this relates to travelers. Then I returned from my vacation abroad and was alerted by my credit card company that my account had likely been breached while I was away. I was fortunate that my credit card company had advised me to cancel the account proactively, before any damage was done. But what if they hadn't? Imagine checking into a hotel, only to find that your account had been frozen. Safeguarding your identity on the road definitely adds another concern to the list of things to monitor when taking a trip--but it's imperative. If you don't, it can cost you dearly.

Today’s theme park goers have more than 600 amusement parks and traditional attractions to choose from in the U.S. alone, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, leaving adrenaline-seekers a myriad of options for their next vacation. With spring break approaching and vacationers making their getaway plans, Travelocity editors dug deep to compile coasters, thrillers and soakers from across the country that top the list of amusement park favorites.