Finding Health and Happiness on the Road

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Comfort Suites® by Choice Hotels. The opinions and text are all mine. For our sponsored post policy, click here.

I don’t think you’ll be surprised to learn that I’m a big fan of change. Here at FBG, we encourage it strongly and often. But it’s not just about changing for the sake of change — it’s all about improving … while still holding onto the essence of what makes you you. After all, while you might want to impress your friends, you still want to be recognizable, right?

Last month, Jared (my husband) and I headed out to the Dallas/Fort Worth area for a friend’s wedding, and happily, this also gave me the opportunity to check out some of the changes taking place at Choice Hotels Comfort Suites — Comfort® hotels have been making some major changes ($250 million worth!) that fall squarely in the realm of improvements. They’ve got premium bedding, free wifi, additional space in guest rooms, free hot breakfast (with healthy options!) and more, still at the great price you’ve come to expect.

Let’s be honest — when you’re traveling for something that’s already a little pricey, like, say a wedding (or a race, or your friend’s baby shower), you’ll probably be spending plenty of money on exciting experiences, which makes it important to find a nice, spacious hotel room at a good rate, right?

(Oh, and if you’re interested in seeing what all you can get for, say, $500, make sure to read through to the end for a chance at a gift card!)

Today’s Sunday Funday is all about getting ready for a friend’s wedding on the road! #RightChoice #RestedSetGo #ad pic.twitter.com/uzydND3s8D

— FitBottomedGirl (@FitBottomedGirl) October 11, 2015

On this trip, not only was I getting a chance to catch up with the friend who was getting married, but I also carved out time for a downtown Dallas boot camp with my friend Allison, who I’ve known and worked with, on and off, for years, but never actually met in person (isn’t the Internet wonderful? I love it!). Plus I knew I’d be meeting friends of the groom who would likely become my newest pals. And that meant there were a few things I needed out of my hotel stay:

A good night’s rest. Although Jared and I flew to Texas, once we got there, we had a significant amount of driving ahead of us, and I don’t know about you, but that wears me out. (PS, Texas, we need to talk about the ridiculous number of highways you have going on. It’s a little out of control.) I can’t even tell you how happy I was to find the lovely bed pictured above awaiting me when I checked in at 9:30 at night. It didn’t take me long to brush my teeth, grab my book, and snuggle into those sheets. I even had the option for soft or firm pillows right there on the bed! (I went with firm. I’m so hard core.)

An easy, healthful breakfast. Now, I’ve been known to enjoy a doughnut or two in my time, but I knew I wouldn’t have much say over where I’d be eating for the majority of my trip, so it was particularly important that I start my day with protein, fresh fruit … and, of course, coffee. That was super simple to do (not to mention free!).

A way to get my sweat on. The great thing about seeing old friends is how easy it is to sit and talk for ages while you catch up, but that means it can be hard to make time for a trip to a local gym. Not such a big deal when you’ve got a clean, airy gym with a variety of machines (even a rower!) plus a sparkling pool right there!

A convenient location. We found ourselves in downtown Dallas, Lewisville, Weatherford and Fort Worth, all in the span of a couple of days, so we were really happy to find a Comfort Suites location right outside of Fort Worth, which was pretty much middle ground. Plus, that meant we were close enough to check out some of the sights in our downtime, like the Fort Worth Water Gardens. So amazing and gorgeous and peaceful, you guys. If you’re in the area, I’d consider it a must-see.

I’d be hard pressed to find a cooler place to hold a few asanas and do some meditation.

Plenty of space to prep. At one point the morning of the wedding, I had my dress spread out on the ironing board in one corner of the room, our suitcases open and spread out across the couch and coffee table, jewelry strewn across the kitchen counter, electronics spread out and charging on the kitchen table, and curling irons, combs and hairspray taking over one side of the bathroom counter, with all my makeup on the other side. (I’m sure Jared had a few things out as well.) Despite all that, at no point did we feel crowded, which is definitely not always the case in a hotel room, right?

It takes a little effort (and space!) to get fully wedding-ready, right?

If you’d like to check out some of the updates the brand is making for yourself, we’ve got a huge treat: You have a chance to win a $500 gift card to a Choice Hotels Comfort Suites or Comfort Inn®! For a chance at that $500 Comfort Inn or Comfort Suites gift card, please comment answering the following question:

What’s most important to you when you’re traveling? Price? Amenities? Space? Something else entirely? We’ll select a winner at random the week of December 9 and send notification via email! —Kristen

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Choice Hotels. The opinions and text are all mine.