The inevitable “oh, no” is on the horizon. No matter if you plan to travel this holiday season or someone is visiting you, there will likely be a travel snag or oops somewhere along the way.
Warning: The inevitable “oh, no” is on the horizon. No matter if you plan to travel this holiday season or someone is visiting you, there will likely be a travel snag or oops somewhere along the way. Busy as we are, planning really does make a difference.
Travel on the holiday or off-peak hours for better rates and fewer crowds. Photo is AA terminal at O'Hare Airport.
Here are 10 tips, five for travelers and five for hosts that you may think you know or that you think you don’t need but invariably happen and matter. They could help turn “oh, no” into “ho, ho.
If traveling
* Old-fashioned advice that is still true: You think you stopped the newspapers and mail but you should also set a light timer in a couple of rooms and ask a friend or relative to check your mailbox or stoop for other items. Thieves also enjoy holiday time.
* Tech advice that is easy to forget: Charge your phone, pad, Kindle, whatever ahead of time but be sure to pack all of the charger plugs and wires. Sometimes the plug separates in an outlet and you have a worthless wire with you. No kidding. This does happen.
* Old-fashioned advice easy to forget: Just because it is winter does not mean you don’t need sun protection in a cream screen and hat. Don’t wait until you arrive because you may be in the sun before you have time to shop. Skin cancer is on the rise.
* Tech advice that is even truer today: You just think your passwords make you secure. If you are using free wifi in airports and public cafes there maybe someone in the area who has sniffer technology that can pick up the internet traffic floating around the lounge and area. Be sure the site you are accessing begins with https which signifies it is a secure site. Don’t go to http sites in public places.
* General advice you hopefully won’t need: Give your contact information to a neighbor so that if something happens to your home or condo, you can be reached. Storms and outages happen. Of course you know that, right?
Airports have museum and other giftshops to pick up last minute presents.
If hosting
* Good intentions don’t always make good hosts: Holiday goodies can be yummy but check food and other allergies before guests come. Most people are aware of peanut allergies but some people are also allergic to all tree nuts and others need gluten-free or lactose-free foods. Luckily, grocery stores now have gluten-free and lactose free shelves and packages say whether product contains nuts or was made in a place that had nuts.
* Age does make a difference: Consider the age of your guests when planning activities and outfitting your home. You may need a pet or child gate. You won’t want to leave out small candies and popcorn that can cause choking or breakable items at child level. You may not mind if guests bring their dog but did you know dogs should not have chocolate so you have to put it out of reach?
Thousands of lights outside and miniature railroads and landmarks inside turn the Chicago Botanic Garden into a holiday destination.
* Find out ahead of time what movies or shows your guests might like and try to get tickets before they come. Popular shows and even movie-times do sell-out so you don’t want to be disappointed.
* Plan down-time: You don’t have to be doing something out of the house all the time. You can get movies on Netflix and at the library and download e-books from the library. Put out a couple of jigsaw puzzles and a Sudoku or crossword puzzle book.
* Look for fun out-of-the-house activities: Search ahead of time for the price, times and freebies at ice rinks, museums and walking or driving holiday light shows.
Before, during and after a mega storm, the next item after worrying about the basics of shelter, food and water for themselves, friends and relatives, is good weather and transportation information.
Before, during and after a mega storm, the next item people worry about after shelter, food and water for themselves, friends and relatives, is up-to-date weather and transportation information.
Sandy brought more than rain and flooding. The hurricane turned tropical storm also resulted in snow as it interacted with other weather systems. Knowing about road conditions becomes even more important when heading into winter.
Here are some sites that have reliable statistics and other data:
For weather: AccuWeather has up-todate information with additional weather warnings from Justin Roberti at State College, PA.
Among his latest information is that the 1977 Hurricane Gladys was the strongest hurricane north of Cape Hatteras at a low barometric pressure of 27.73 inches. Sandy’s low barometric pressure was offshore Monday at 27.76 inches.
Also on the site are rain and snow totals and surges. According to the AccuWeather site the highest surges were at The Battery, NY at 9 feet above normal, Kings Point, NY at 12.5 feet above normal and New Haven, CT at 9 feet above normal.
For air traffic and cancellations: Go to Flight Aware. For Sandy the site showed more than 8,000 cancellations Monday and more than 6,000 Tuesday by airline, airport and destination. The site also has flight tracker information.
Along with checking your flight departure, learn what is happening at destination or transfer airports.
Rail transportation: See Amtrak for general information and visit alerts for disruptions.
Road: Each state has a department of transportation that tells road conditions. I highly recommend checking these state sites before starting out on a road trip. In Illinois it is IDOT. However, the federal government also has a DOT Web site . Visit resources for services and alerts.
Photos by Jodie Jacobs
Please comment below to share your favorite travel resource.
Springfield, Ill. is the former, and supposedly current home, of Abraham Lincoln and wife Mary.
In Springfield, a ghostly tour stops at the home of Abraham and Mary Lincoln.
Haunted places and history go together like peanut butter and jelly so this October combine the two with a visit to a town rife with haunting figures from Illinois’ and the country’s past.
Think Springfield, Ill., former home and, if rumors are correct, still current home of the 16th President of the United States and his wife.
Unaccountable footsteps and voices have been reported at Lincoln’s Tomb, an Illinois historic site in Springfield’s Oak Ridge Cemetery. Sightings of Lincoln have also been reported there.
In addition, Lincoln has supposedly been seen at his home and at the Old State Capitol. The Lincoln home, part of a four-block National Historic Site maintained by the National Park Service, is said to also be haunted by Mary Todd Lincoln.
Another wife reluctant to leave home is said to be Catherine Yates, wife of Richard Yates, governor of Illinois during the Civil War. She is supposedly behind otherwise unexplainable hi- jinks at the Executive Mansion.
These places can be checked out by individuals during a Springfield visit.
However author and Springfield expert Garret Moffett does two haunted tours. “Lincoln’s Ghost Walk: Legends & Lore,” a 1.5 hour tour, and “Haunted Dead Walk,” a 2.5 hour tour, are every October Friday and Saturday night.
For more October haunts visit ghostly ideas. Have a Happy Halloween, or a happy haunting happening.
Photo by Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Imagine running out into the stadium to the roar of the crowd via the players’ tunnel or being allowed up on the exclusive club level.
Fall destinations Series: Part 1 is Green Bay, Wisconsin
Vince Lombardi and Curly Lambeau stand tall outside the Lambeau Field Stadium in Green Bay.
You don’t have to be a fan of the Green Bay Packers to appreciate the team’s famed Lambeau Field but you arguably should be an admirer of cheese curds and hometown brewers to appreciate this northern Wisconsin town.
Imagine running out into the stadium to the roar of the crowd via the players’ tunnel or being allowed up on the exclusive club level. You get to do both when you take the stadium’s tour. The cost ranges from $8-$11 depending on age and military status.
As a Packers’ tour guide reminded us, Lambeau is up there with Chicago’s Wrigley Field and Boston’s Fenway Park as one of the historic stadiums on sports fans’ want-to-see list. Dedicated Sept. 29, 1957, with the Green Bay-Chicago Bears game, the field was called City Stadium until renamed Sept. 11, 1965 after Curly Lambeau died. It is owned by the City of Green Bay and Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District with shareholders who live all over the world.
Visit Algoma, about half an hour from Green Bay, for its fishing and historic winery.
But the Greater Green Bay Area has enough to see and do to fill out a football weekend or a fall getaway.
Outdoors
Color explodes around this northern Wisconsin area so bring hiking or good walking shoes to enjoy the scenery.
Explore the L. H. Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve’s 920 acres of forest and meadows on the Bay’s western shore. The preserve has nine miles of hiking trails beginning at the Interpretive Center.
Bring the fishing gear and head to nearby Algoma, about a 35 minute drive. The fish always seem to be biting here.
Peter Rabbit likes to visit here at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens.
Visit the Green Bay Botanical Gardens, a delightful 47 acres of rose, shade and seasonal gardens for adults and a terrific place where children will find butterfly and Peter Rabbit gardens and a frog bridge.
Cruise the Fox River to its mouth on the Foxy Lady and see the town from the water.
Indoors
Visit Hinterland, an artisanal brewery. It has $5 tours on Saturdays by appointment that includes two beers but stay to do dinner because, as with the beer, the quality and variety is way better than a typical pub.
Relax at Titletown Brewery because the place is fun, has terrific atmosphere and good, handcrafted beers and burgers. The brewery is in the old C. & N.W.R.R. depot, a historic building designed by Chicago architect Charles S. Frost at the turn of the last century. Titletown also has decent cheese curds.
Do a wine-tasting atCaptain’s Walk Winery in a historic Green Bay house or at its parent location, The von Stiehl Winery in a historic Algoma building. No worries if you don’t know a lot about wines. Both places are delighted to answer questions and both have award winning wines.
Parallel 44 winery grows its grapes on site and has excellent tastings.
To see a vineyard and taste award winning wines drive over to the Parallel 44 Winery in Kewaunee. Owners Steve Johnson and wife Maria Milano have figured out how to grow a mix of varietals that produce excellent wines and survive Green Bay winters.
Learn a little more about the area and the science behind football at the Neville Public Museum. It is fun for youngsters and adults. The museum’s mission not only covers history and science, it also has an art component. Currently on exhibit are some terrific WPA paintings.
Take a train ride around the National Railroad Musuem but also tour the barns and the exhibits.
Just as you don’t have to love football to appreciate Lambeau Field, you don’t have to be a railroad buff to enjoy peeking into old railroad cars. The National Railroad Museum has a Green Bay address but it is on the edge of town that is also considered Ashwaubenon. Save enough time to visit the engines and old cars tucked into barns on the property, tour the museum which currently has an extensive dining car china exhibit and take a ride around the property.
Dining
Green Bay is not just brew-pub food although some of the pubs turn out exceptional meals. Please leave a comment in that section with a recommendation or an experience. With only two days to sample the culinary scene I have only two recommendations.
The best dinner I’ve been lucky enough to eat anywhere in United States was at Three Three Five, a private dining club downtown Green Bay that opens to the public only on Wednesday nights.
Chef Christopher Mangless works on dessert for patrons of Three Three Five
The rest of the time chef Christopher Mangless and his staff are turning out dishes for the club’s patrons, Hollywood celebs and political notables such as former president George W. Bush. When asked how people find out about him, his restaurant and that he caters dinners everywhere, Mangless said “word of mouth.”
He is also known as The Traveling Chef. Wednesday is a farmers market which helps him decide what to serve that night. Even though his dishes, which are small plates, are very creative and beautifully plated, you can identify what you are eating.
I wish he were based in Chicago so I could eat there once a week, or at least, once a month. BTW, Mangless’ cheese curds side dish was among the best I’ve sampled.
The next best cheese curds I’ve eaten was at The Courthouse Pub in Manitowoc, Wisc., a nice detour when coming from Milwaukee or Chicago.
While in Green Bay, also check out Ogan a restaurant on the Fox River. You’ll like the food and the view.
Stay
The Tundra Lodge's waterpark, restaurants and atmosphere work for families visiting Green Bay and its proximity to Lambeau Field works for adults.
With little time to check out the many accommodations available, I opted for Cambria Suites, a business-style hotel that is about a good football field toss from Lambeau. The suite and bathroom were comfortable, modern and clean.
However, families might like The Tundra Lodge which has a North Woods atmosphere and is also near Lambeau. It has regular restaurants, a snack and shop store and an indoor-outdoor waterpark.
When to go
Green Bay’s ski and snow mobile trails are a winter treat. Fox River, the Bay’s waters, and Lake Michigan make the area a good fishing place, spring, summer and fall (unless you want to add ice fishing for winter). Add the leaf color changes in the fall and you may make it a year-round destination. In addition, even if you aren’t into football, Lambeau Field is worth a stop any time of year.
Do a two-for-one getaway
Cruise the Fox River to its mouth and see Green Bay from the water on the Foxy Lady.
Tie a visit to Green Bay with a vacation in Door County. Green Bay is at the foot of the peninsula so it is about 10 to 20 minutes from The Door depending on your destination.
I wonder: Is the road or train ride oft taken really less of a travel trip then a journey through less familiar surroundings?
Fold the newspaper. Buy a cup of coffee. Clamber aboard.
I’m about to head to downtown Chicago again surrounded by commuters if it is early morning and concert and theater goers if it is late afternoon.
Many commuter trains disgorge riders at the Ogilvie Transportation Center downtown Chicago where commuters hurry to work and visitors take time to see the sights
We all opt for a window seat if available. But how many of us really look out the window?
Heads bury in sports or business sections. Other travelers pull out their Blackberries, Smart Phones, iPads, lap tops. What good is the window seat except for shoulder support?
Once they reach downtown, commuters head to their offices with rapid strides or jostle for space on a bus. In the afternoon, show goers walk or hail a cab.
Did any of them know they passed a stunning art deco entryway or architecturally important building?
After returning from a publishing seminar on a recent windy (of course, it is Chicago) but sunny late afternoon, I was lucky enough to be sitting near a gaggle of youngsters and parents returning to Wisconsin after a day in Chicago.
“Wow.” “I loved Chicago.” “It’s so clean.” “I saw…..” And so the conversation went.
The comments continued as the commuter train whipped past warehouses, condos, cemeteries, parks, busy streets and churches in the city and changed to spacious yards, larger homes, shopping strips and more open areas in the suburbs.
“Did you see…? “Look.”
I put away the Sudoku and crossword puzzles and looked.
Yes, I love Chicago and its buildings, but am I really looking?
Office workers often hurry past the 1929 Art Deco Carbon and Carbide Building at 230 N. Michigan but visitors stop because the historic building now houses the Hard Rock Hotel
Sometimes, I walk instead of taking a bus from the train to the museums, meetings, shows and restaurants I cover. But rarely do I slow my pace to admire or snap an art deco doorway or sculpture just inside an office building.
Visitors don’t have that familiarity breeds blindness disease. They snap away with phones and serious camera equipment.
I also love the suburbs and taking scenic drives or visiting the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. But when on a local train traveling through very familiar (I think) suburbs, my thoughts wander to grocery shopping, articles to do and event schedules.
Wait, was that a new sculpture in that suburb’s downtown? Hmm, I don’t think I knew that coffee shop was there, close to the train station. If I hadn’t heard that “look” earlier during the ride I would have missed seeing the sculpture and shop.
Driving around my area proves to be little better. The next day is for within-five miles errands. Armed with water bottle, I buckle up and start down the driveway.
A mild winter and early spring has encouraged early blooms and early construction. Both distract from quick errands.
The slower pace means more time to recall and look for what my granddaughter sees when she sits in the back seat peering out the window.
“Look. Archways,” she often says.
Yes, today I actually look for branches reaching over streets to form bowers.
“Weeee,” she says as we crest a street. Yes, I notice our neighborhood does have some rolling roads.
As I park the car at a frequented grocery, I sit and wonder: Is the road or train ride oft taken really less of a travel trip then a journey through less familiar surroundings?
Go back to Abraham Lincoln’s time for Spring vacation this year
Instead of heading to overcrowded beaches and boardwalks for Spring vacation, try something different this year – go back in time.
A young Abe sits outside his log cabin inside the Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield, Ill.
While the United States is still commemorating the people, their arguments and their actions during the American Civil War of 1861 to1865, visit Springfield, Illinois where an excellent museum on Abraham Lincoln features his life and difficult presidency.
Or go visit Western Tennessee and Corinth, Mississippi where you can picture the confrontations that took place on the strategic battlefields that make up the Shiloh National Military Park.
Shiloh marks its 150th Civil War anniversary March 29 through April 8 with special events but is an interesting destination throughout the year.
A modern family of dad and daughter pose with the Lincolns at the Abraham Lincoln Museum
Plan to spend half a day or at least two hours to do everything.
The museum is across the street from the library and typically a destination for researchers. However, an “Illinois Answers the Call: The Boys in Blue” exhibit that includes the U.S. Colored Troop regiments and features the people, letters and music of the Illinois Civil War regiments are on exhibit.
What to expect downtown Springfield
Lincoln gave his "house divided" speech at Springfield's Old Capitol
The town is a mix of the Old State Capitol and historic buildings and the newer, in-use State Capitol Building with its governing and lobbying spinoffs and restaurants. If time allows, visit both beginning with the Old Capitol.
Lincoln gave his “House Divided” speech here and tried cases before the Illinois Supreme Court. An original flag carried by the 95th Illinois Infantry during the Civil War is on display next to the Adjutant General’s office.
If up to walking, there is a reasonably priced 90-minute, 10 block evening tour beginning from Lincoln’s law office at 6th and Adams, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For information call 217-502-8687.
Be sure to stop at the Lincoln home (1844-1861) and its Visitor’s Center operated by National Park Service Rangers.
Go over to the Capitol Building where the legislature meets. A mix of baroque and classic, the Capitol has an impressive rotunda and is worth a tour.
New Salem visitors learn about life in Lincoln's time from a costumed volunteer
What is nearby
Drive about 20 minutes north to historic New Salem, a recreated village with costumed interpreters that looks like it did when Lincoln worked there.
Where to stay:
The Inn at 835 is an early 1900’s former apartment house on the National Register of Historic Places.Newer by half a century and retro is The State House Inn.
Both places have complimentary breakfasts and that scarce commodity: parking. They are within walking distance of most attractions.
On the edge of town is the Crowne Plaza Hotel, a conference-style facility that features a pool, sauna and WiFi coffee shop.
Travelers who like the old Route 66 will find that Springfield is on the “Mother Road” and has some landmarks. See Shea’s Gas Station, 2075 Peoria Road and Cozy Dog Drive In, 2935 S. Sixth Street.
A monument to Army of the Mississippi General Albert Sidney Johnston who was the highest ranked officer on either side killed during the Civil War is at Shiloh
A year after the Fort Sumter attack, Union forces beat the Confederacy at Shiloh, April 6-7, 1862.
The Union victory was a decisive battle on the Civil War’s Western Theater because of its river placement and location near Corinth, Miss. Which had an important rail junction.
Grant needed Corinth before he could move on Vicksburg and control the Mississippi Valley. Confederate General P.T.G. Beauregard was on record saying: “If defeated here we lose the Mississippi Valley and probably our cause.”
What to expect
Shiloh National Military Park is about 3,996 acres with marked and preserved strategic land forms and monuments to both sides. Its battle sites are in Hardin County, Tenn. and in Corinth, Miss. The main section is in the unincorporated town of Shiloh south of Savannah, Tenn. Iron plaques mark both sides’ advance and retreat positions. The rest is about 23 miles southwest of Shiloh in Corinth, Miss.
Take the 12.7 mile auto tour or a guided tour. You will learn that the Battle of Shiloh is also known as the Battle of Pittsburg Landing named for “Pitts” Tucker, a saloon owner and that Shiloh is named for the Shiloh Church on the battlefield.
A US park ranger shows and tells visitors the importance of Pittsburg Landing and the strategies attempted during the Shiloh battles
If you go during the 2012 Sesquicentennial celebration, time the visit to see two reenactments by more than 6,000 re-enacters using more than 100 cannons, March 29-31.
Organized by The Armies of Tennessee and the Blue-Gray Alliance, the event features The Armies of Tennessee march to Shiloh from Mississippi and The Blue-Gray Alliance transport of soldiers to the battle by rail and river.
If in the area April 4-5, go to nearby Pickwick Landing State Park at Pickwick Dam, Tenn. for “Invasions by Rail and River: The Battle of Shiloh” The Story of Shiloh: Fiery Trial will premier at 7 p.m. April 4. A forum with historians will be held there at 9 a.m. April 5. In addition there will be an exhibit of Civil War artifacts from the Battle of Shiloh.
Or go to Shiloh for ranger led hikes at specific strategic sites 150 years after their particular confrontations, April 6-8. Also be on hand for the “Grand Illumination,” April 7 from dusk to 10 p.m. when luminaries are placed around the battlefield representing the 23,746 killed, wounded or missing at Shiloh. For more special event information visit Shiloh 150.
Pickwick Inn near Shiloh is a well placed state park resort for visiting the battlefield and relaxing on vacation
What to expect at Corinth
See the interpretive center movie and ask about auto and walking tours to see homes used by the generals and the Civil War fortifications and Corinth Battlefield. (http://corinth.net/)
Take in a show, a museum, an interesting tour, some shopping and admire the sculptures in Millennium Park. They are all downtown Chicago.
Chicago is a perfect spring break destination whether living out of town or in the city.
Chicago's skyline is picture perfect from the Museum Campus
Take in a show, a museum, an interesting tour, some shopping and admire the sculptures in Millennium Park. They are all downtown Chicago.
Shows
Jersey Boys returns to the Bank of America theatre April 5 Fela will be at the Oriental Theatre March 27-April 8
Museums
The Museum Campus, sticking out into Lake Michigan from Lake Shore Drive between 12th and 14th Streets, is among the best places to snap photos of the city’s skyline. But be sure to save time for at least one of its museums: The Field, Shedd Aquarium or Adler Planetarium.
They reward visitors with fascinating exhibits year round. However, they are gearing up for Spring vacationers with either new exhibits or extended hours to see all their special exhibits.
At the Adler, Undiscovered Worlds, a show about finding real planets and stars beyond the Earth’s solar system, opens early March in time for Spring vacation.
Because the Shedd, situated between the Adler and the Field, draws crowds during school holidays, the museum has extended hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 26-March 30 and April 1-April 6. Longer hours mean fitting in Jellies, Wild Reef and an Oceanarium show.
Families visiting Chicago often head to the Field to see dinosaurs. But Spring break time means also fitting in two temporary exhibits that just opened: Opening the Vaults: Mummies and Genghis Khan.
Tours
Trolley tours are fine for getting around because you get background info from tour guides. However, if looking for something special consider an architectural Chicago River boat cruise and a movie site tour.
The Chicago Architecture Foundation boat tours typically do not start until the end of April. But you should be able to book a cruise on Wendella and Chicago Tours.
The Wendella cruises start at the base of the Wrigley Building below the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Chicago Tour cruises start at Navy Pier.
The Chicago Film Tour is a fun way to see parts of Chicago you might not get to such as Wrigley Field in the Wrigleyville neighborhood. The tours start and end on Clark Street between Ontario and Ohio, a perfect spot for people who love Portillo’s Chicago Dogs and their Italian beef.
Shopping
Out-of-towners enjoy browsing the shops along North Michigan Avenue between the Chicago River and Lincoln Park. Visit Magnificent Mile the Greater North Michigan Avenue Association’s website to pick out some specific shopping and dining destinations.
Whatever other places you choose, you should stop in Garrett’s Popcorn Store in the 600 block of Michigan Ave. If shopping at Macy’s at State and Randolph (Marshall Field’s former flagship store) follow the nose across the street to Garrett’s next to the Oriental Theatre.
Speaking of food (similar to chocolate, in Chicago popcorn is considered a food), families coming to town typically want to try a pizza parlor. Everyone has a favorite so arguments abound. but two places that make many lists for the good deep dish stuff that Chicago is known for are Gino’s East and Lou Malnati’s.
Millennium Park
Bordering Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street, Millennium Park draws thousand of tourists who want to see “Cloud Gate,” better known as “The Bean.” They also check out the Frank Gehry sculpture top to the Jay Pritzker Pavilion and the Crown Fountains which spit water late spring and summer.
Visitors flock to Cloud Gate, also known as The Bean, in Millennium Park
Insider Tips
If staying in town for a few days, it may pay to obtain a CityPASS. You will be paying about half what you would to individually visit the Shedd, Field, Skydeck at Willis Tower (formerly Sears), the Adler or Art Institute of Chicago and either the Museum of Science and Industry or the John Hancock Observatory. In addition, the pass means not having to stand in line to purchase tickets.
If tired when walking the “Mag Mile” take a bus back south on Michigan Avenue. Most buses you see go downtown. You can also catch a bus on State Street south to the Museum Campus. Bus drivers do not have change so have some singles and quarters handy.
You don’t have to leave town without trying Garrett’s because the company has stands at the Metra trains’ Ogilvie Center and O’Hare Airport.
It is about enjoying the seascape of Lake Michigan and creatures of the sea at the Shedd Aquarium.
Penguins, dolphins and jelly fish make the Shedd Aquarium a top Chicago attraction
However, Chicago is best enjoyed when you know how to get around the town.
Here are five tips to doing Chicago like a travel pro:
If flying in to O’Hare International Airport, you can take the subway system downtown. The Chicago Transit Authority, popularly called the CTA, has a station downstairs of O’Hare’s baggage claim area. Its Blue Line will take you from O’Hare to Randolph Street near theaters and hotels. Visit CTA and go to Trip Planner. The Trip Planner extimates travel time at about 45 minutes but driving the Kennedy Highway from the airport can take an hour when backed up and then driving into the downtown area from the highway can take a good 15 minutes more.
Chicago is also known for its architecture. The Marina Towers on the left and Trump Tower, far right, are on the north side of the Chicago River just west of Michigan Avenue
If taking an Amtrak train to Chicago’s Union Station, you have a choice of buses to take from Union Station’s cross streets to the city’s main shopping areas and attractions. Go to CTA Trip Planner for options.
Chicago is as much a destination for suburbanites and residents of nearby towns as it is for visitors. But public transportation is still a good choice to avoid traffic congestion and highly taxed parking garages. Visit Metra for stations and times and visit the CTA Trip Planner for bus options from the Ogilvie Transportation Center or Union Station.
The Picasso sculpture at Daley Plaza is a Chicago landmark but the city also has sculptures by well-known artists throughout the downtown including Joan Miro's Chicago across from the plaza and Claes Oldenburg's Batcolumn just west of the Metra station
Chicago is a CityPASS town. The pass saves big bucks and time when trying to fit in more than one attraction. It allows entry to the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium or Art Institute, the SkyDeck at Willis Tower (formerly Sears) and the Museum of Science and Industry or the John Hancock Observatory. The pass typically means not having to stand in line to for tickets.
World class museums are certainly a draw but there also are events, neighborhoods, public sculpture, parks and many more sights and activities so check out the city’s official visitor site: Explore Chicago to see what is happening when you plan to come to town. The site also lists hotel packages. Now wishing you world class fun.
Having a place to relax, watch TV while sipping a glass of wine or have free Wi-Fi access can go a long way to easing flight delays
Remember the snow storms that shut down airports on the East Coast last year? Were you or a family member recently delayed because Chicago was experiencing high winds? Even if you are traveling to or from a balmy climate, winter’s weather woes may put your plane or the flight of someone in the family on hold at a different airport.
You might find items of interest such as this statue of Lincoln near O'Hare's Terminal 2 or you can wait in comfort in an airline's club lounge
You can get to know the airport better where you are stuck. But having a place to relax, watch TV while sipping a glass of wine or have free Wi-Fi access can go a long way to easing flight delays.
The holidays are a great time to make travel easier for someone you love (including yourself) by giving an airline club membership. However, the recipient will appreciate the gift throughout the year.
What you should know
American Airlines
AA has more than 40 Admirals Clubs and connections to 30 more lounges through its international partners. If the recipient is already an AA Advantage member, club membership may be discounted. Also Advantage miles may be used to purchase membership. If not a member, the person can be enrolled for additional benefits at no cost.
Club benefits include complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, snacks, computers with hi-speed internet access and Wi-Fi. In addition, a service desk assists with plane and seat changes. Seating and TV is more comfortable. Some clubs have showers and children’s areas. Many clubs have complimentary beer and wine.
Costs range from $500 for a new, single annual membership (or 80,000 Advantage miles) to $400 (or 55,000 Advantage miles) for a new, single AAdvantage platinum member. Add $325 for spouse. A 30 day Admirals Club pass (from date of purchase) is $99.
United Airlines (includes Continental Airlines)
United Club, (formerly United Red Carpet Club and Continental Presidents Club) offers the same benefits as Admirals Clubs do for AA travelers. With international partners, the joint clubs have more than 50 lounge locations. As with AA the recipient should join the Milage Plus program.
Club cost for a United MilagePlus member is $475 (62,500 miles)) Premier MilagePlus member cost is $450. Add $225 (30,000 miles) to add a spouse or domestic partner. A one day Club Pass is $39.
Instead of trying to lose weight and feel better after the holidays arm yourself with expert advice and a wellness plan at a destination spa
Thanksgiving is just the beginning of our annual holiday binge days
Of course the holidays practically shove yummy temptations in your face so what is a fun, food and party-loving person to do to not gain what feels like 100 pounds between Thanksgiving and January 2?
Well, aside from either feeling deprived when out or staying home, there are ways to curb the appetite such as eat a favorite raw fruit or protein snack before heading out the door.
However, another choice is to move your annual January SOS trips to fitness centers up a month or two to November or December.
But instead of merely thinking local work-out place, take it to the next level. Seek out a spa that does more than massages and facials. You need one that also has a nutritionist on staff and trainers or work-out gurus whom you can consult.
No Junk Food? Will I survive? A couple of days later the answer was a resounding yes!
You may have a good place near you. But you have a better chance of listening and following nutrition and workout advice when away from home and away from familiar temptations and distractions
Here are three spas with very different atmospheres. Each of them is worth traveling to any time of year but they all take nutrition and individually tailored workouts, seriously.
The most casual of the three spas, even likened to an away camp, is The Heartland, about 90 minutes south of Chicago in Gilman, Ill.
Leave the designer clothes at home when coming here. You don’t even have to worry about bringing fresh workout clothes. Shorts, Ts, baggy sweats (top and bottom) are handed out upon arrival and replaced when left outside the room’s door after wearing.
A highly lauded destination spa since the mid1980’s, Heartland covers a range of healthy body and mind issues from lifestyle discussions and fitness classes to body assessments and diet consultations.
Inspiring messages accompanied healthy snacks.
Situated on a former dairy farm, the spa is small so guests tend to get to know each other, particularly because they gather in the small dining room at the same time. Healthy snacks were always available in an inspiration-filled hallway.
Everyone gets the same meal unless there is a dietary restriction. However during a recent visit, lunch was a delicious Italian roasted chicken breast on top of roasted vegetables topped with golden melted mozzarella. Dinner was tomato lentil soup, a yummy grilled chili salmon with sweet pepper salsa, garlic mashed potatoes, delicate asparagus and a three berry crepe for desert.
Calories and fat content are listed on the side. Meals and snacks each day are vegetarian with an add-on of chicken or fish totaling 1400 calories for women and 1500 for men. Activities here are mostly in the spa’s facilities with a few hikes along the farm roads.
About 35 minutes from downtown Austin, Texas, Lake Austin Spa Resort was named the Number One Destination Spa in the United States in Conde Nast Traveler’s poll in 2010 and 2011.
Dress is whatever guests want to wear. Activities are on the resort’s 19 acre property but with additional choices along the lake and on the lake.
Meals are nutritious and offer several options that often include burgers, salmon, pork loin and sea scallops. Diners can eat alone or at a communal table. Calories and fat grams are listed but choices are up to the guests.
Nutritionist Terry Shaw will work with guests to design meal plans and holiday eating approaches to take home.
Desert, mountains, accommodations and philosophy make MiravaL a retreat
Spread across a desert landscape outside Tuscon, Ariz., Miraval is the SpaFinder Magazine Crystal Award winner for 2011. The spa ranked fourth in Travel + Leisure Magazine’s 2011 World’s Best List.
However, it is Miraval’s understanding of healthy eating, the right workout program and mind-body connections that makes the spa a popular destination.
The spa reflects the philosophy of Integrative Health and Healing Director Dr. Andrew Weil.
Dinner is sit-down but lunch is an attractive buffet with calorie and carbs listed. Guests can also have lunch with a registered dietician.
The spa’s desert location and meditation areas give Miraval a retreat atmosphere. Guests are comfortable wandering the grounds in robes or workout clothes.
