If you lament never having enough room in your suitcase to fit essentials, you’ll love one of the items we feature in this week’s travel gadget roundup, along with other cool accessories that you’ll want to bring along on your next trip.

In the height of summertime, when cities coast-to-coast are being battered by oppressive heat, the idea of visiting a notoriously sweltering place like Phoenix may not seem especially appealing. Yet, withstanding temperatures that easily …

Austin, Texas has adopted the self-given moniker of “Live Music Capital of the World.” With more than 1,900 bands and performing artists living in and around the city, on any given night there are approximately 75 live music acts available to catch, from one guy with his guitar playing a coffeehouse, to a world-renowned band on tour at one of the major arenas.

Austin draws visitors and residents with many popular attractions, from the SXSW and ACL festivals to hill country spots such as Barton Springs and The Oasis. But did you know that Austin offers many fun things to do that are completely free–especially good to know during an economic funk. Here are our picks for the top free things to do in Austin.

Summer is here and there is still time to plot a course for an unforgettable California beach vacation. Our sunshine state boasts over 840 miles of coastline and a wide choice of resorts near the shore. Below is a roundup of prime spots to catch a few waves, watch spectacular sunsets and soak up the scenery.

It comes as no surprise that Austin is continually rated one of the best places to visit and live. It is a cosmopolitan city with many urban offerings, yet hasn’t lost its small-town feel or off-beat vibe. Known for its thriving live music scene and “Keep Austin Weird” motto, the city embraces a lively arts community and is surrounded by the gorgeous hills, rivers and lakes of central Texas.

Located in the hip district off South Congress, Austin’s Hotel Saint Cecilia is named after the patron saint of music and poetry. Situated in a secluded 1880 estate, the Saint Cecilia exudes a minimalist, artsy vibe that is miles away from the bed and breakfasts that usually occupy such mansions. Drawing its inspiration from the history and experimentation of writers, musicians and artists from the 1950s to 1970s–from William S. Burroughs to the Rolling Stones–a retro yet glamorous rock ‘n’ roll vibe infuses the secluded, wooded property, inspiring the poet or artist in each guest.

If you’re planning a trip to Orlando’s popular theme parks and are looking for some real thrills, check out this list of rides you won’t want to miss. Keep in mind, many of these coasters have age or height restrictions and aren’t suitable for young kids.

Staying organized whilst traveling is no easy task, which is why we were thrilled to come across accessories that simplify said task. This week’s finds, from a roomy tote to portable dog bowl to purse organizer, will make packing a lot more enjoyable—or, at the very least, tolerable.

We usually highlight a single property for our Hotel of the Week feature, but we’re heading to Sydney, Australia this week, where down is up, summer is winter, and, well, they just talk funny. So instead of one hotel, we’re giving you two from opposite ends of the spectrum so that boutique devotees and chain aficionados alike will have somewhere to stay down under.