Long-haul travel is tough enough on your body without subjecting it a rock-hard, critter-infested guesthouse mattress. At least, not on your first night in town.

To ensure that my boyfriend Jeff and I would rest and repair in record time, we went the 300-thread count, mint-on-the-pillow route by booking at a weekend's stay at the Marriott Quito. While the room cost us less than $150 online, I later learned that spontaneous types can wander into the hotel and ask for a discounted rate on weekends. (We're talking up to 50 percent off during low season.)

We also liked that the place was a two-minute walk from The Mariscal, a touristy district the locals affectionately refer to as "Gringolandia."]]> The Lost Girl 2008-03-11T12:45:02-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/2/18/22654/9356 Click Here To Go Straight To Chasing Racers Map

Chasing Racers is back, with a brand new Amazing Race All Stars mashup. This map will update the morning after every new episode. Send along tips, rumors, gossip, locations and spoilers to our map editors, become a member and comment on the stories below, and add to the Jaunted-Flickr photo pool to get in on the fray.

Remember to zoom in, out, and around on the map - with so much happening in each episode, it's easy to miss a map point.

Ah, Miami Beach. Phil's hair is super blown out and he's looking great at the Charles Deering Estate. The teams come powering in on go-fast boats that are, Ian says, "like Miami Vice." Kevin and Drew claim they're older and rounder. Rob and Kim claim to have a "whole new bag of tricks." DuKa says "This time the teams are out for blood." Dave and Mary are psyched about proving to viewers they can win without the help of the six-pack alliance, but their real challenge will be getting passed their constant reality starf***ing. Oh and Eric has nipple rings! All the juicy details, after the jump.]]> pbb 2007-02-19T08:36:19-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/