Whether in or out of town, the next family Thanksgiving or winter holiday get together is also a chance to record old traditions and start some new ones.
Best, is to ink in some of the suggestions on the calendar so the holiday does not jump up before you are ready. Early November is not too early to start your planning.
Wreathing the Lions at the Art Institute of Chicago is a day after Thanksgiving tradition that includes several family activities
1. Cell phone cameras are OK but if you want a high quality photo to save don’t forget to pack or have on hand a decent point and shoot camera. Some of them, such as Casio and Canon have movie capability. Digging into the turkey or ham, curling up on sofa or floor to play a board game or gazing at a tree or menorah lighting are memorable moments when someone says oops, who has a camera?
2. Add a new place to check out or a new activity to try. Sure it is tough to squeeze in research time before everyone comes or before you leave for the visit, but just adding a new adventure each year adds an element of excited anticipation. Chances are there are new exhibits at a museum you haven’t visited for ages, a nearby town that celebrates the holidays Dickens style, a forest preserve to hike or a family show, musical or ballet to see.
Trains, lights and miniature landmarks are an annual holiday tradition at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe
3. Seek an agency that is collecting gifts or food and where to bring the items. Family members can add the items to their shopping lists and increase the season’s joy by sharing.
4. Start a new tradition of trading reading material or recommendations during the visit. It will give people something new to read on the way home or even during down time while visiting. Donate finished reading material to libraries and senior centers.
5. No question holiday time is also eating time which makes it a good excuse to try a new restaurant. The place may even become a new family tradition. Consider ethnic eateries, breakfast places and some that are outside the neighborhood or town. Definitely make a reservation.
Even though the 2010 World Series is entering its final phase now that the playoffs are over, baseball fans don’t have to wait until spring training to get their “fix.”
“Roadside Baseball” (2003, Sporting News division of Vulcan Sports Media, Inc, St. Louis, MO, $16.95) by Chris Epting, maps out places where fans can find historic traces of a stadium, a home plate, a players’ home and a museum that recounts memorable moments.
An ardent researcher and appreciator of baseball and interesting culture landmarks, Epting divides up the places he has uncovered by geographic locations across the United States and into Canada.
All a baseball fan has to do when traveling to Florida or Arizona to escape winter weather or to any US destination to see friends or family is leaf through a state’s chapter to see what historic baseball location is nearby.
Even an armchair traveler who reads through the chapters will be saying, “I didn’t know that.”
In a foreword by Emmy award winning announcer Joe Buck, the sportscaster says: “Even if you consider yourself the foremost authority on the history of the game, this book can’t help but put a smile on your face. It put one on mine because its pages are filled with information that I thought I knew but really didn’t; stories of which I was totally unaware and now am glad I know.”
Imagine going into a hotel room and liking it a lot – not just for the décor and view but also for the air. That’s room air, not the breeze blowing outside.
By the end of 2010, all the Hyatt Hotels in the US will have some rooms that have under gone a treatment to make them hypo-allergenic. As of mid-October, 65 of the chain’s hotels have some guest rooms that have undergone a hypo-allergenic treatment.
The Hyatt Regency downtown Chicago has some hypoallergenic rooms where the air is pure and bacteria are not allowed
It’s great news for people with asthma or who are allergic to dust and fragrances. It’s also good news for travelers who simply appreciate breathing in pure air.
The treatment includes a special attachment on the room’s heating-air conditioning system and a separate purifying filter in the room.
It also has undergone a special cleaning of all surfaces which are then sprayed with an anti-bacterial “screen” so that bacteria cannot adhere to them.
The room is zapped to kill any other organisms still lurking. A special protective casing is put on the pillows and mattresses.
A card left on the room’s desk says it is Pure Room certified and explains what that means.
The decor of the Chicago Hyatt Regency's hypoallergenic room is the same as its other rooms. But it is what is below the surface and unseen on the surface that is different
Hypo-allergenic treatment is performed by PureRoom, a Buffalo, NY based company that has partnered with Hyatt. Rooms are checked and re-certified every six months.
News such as this is really welcome to someone who is allergic but has to travel for work.
I start sneezing when any dust is around though I don’t have asthma. My nose clogs and my eyes water when sitting in a theater next to someone wearing perfume or in a hotel room where someone used a hairspray or cream that was not odor free.
All a guest will notice in a Hyatt hypoallergenic room is a room purifier in a corner and that the air seems particularly fresh
I was told that even if someone did use something with a fragrance the purifier in a PureRoom would have gotten rid of its scent.
The air quality was excellent.
As someone who is often checking into a place eager to relax but finds the room has stale air, I love that a hotel chain understands about people with allergy problems to help them breathe easier.
The Hyatt charges an extra $20 to $30 for these rooms but this traveler thinks the benefits are worth the price.
Hollywood Stories by Stephen Schochet makes is a fun traveling companion
Book Review
Consider this a warning. Don’t read Hollywood Stories, a practically bottomless well of rich anecdotes collected by Stephen Schochet, if alone.
Even if you think you know about Hollywood personalities and clashes you are sure to find out something new in Hollywood Stories by Stephen Schochet
You will come upon a funny bit about two comedians such as the anecdote where George Burns is playing golf with Harpo Marx that is so good you will want to share it. No, I won’t tell you what happens .
Then, you will find yourself saying “I didn’t know that” when you read how a now famous actor got his start. And you will want to tell someone.
Luckily, I started reading the book evenings after other writing assignments were done.
The fortuitous timing meant that my husband who enjoys old movies and an occasional current flick, was nearby so I was able to say, “Listen to this” or “Did you know…?”
When I read during lunch and breaks. I had to find out what tidbits Schochet had found on Star Trek, Walt Disney and Disney characters and John Wayne plus stories about where stars lived and played.
However, no one was around to hear my latest find -make that Schochet’s find.
The author, a Hollywood tour guide, has been collecting stories for about 20 years. He tells many of them to his tour customers and on his syndicated Hollywood Stories radio feature.
Arguably, the next best thing to hearing him tell the stories is to read them. They are a welcome time off from work and hard news.
After finishing the book’s nearly 300 pages, each containing about three verbal snapshots of movie icons, I started making a holiday gift list of people who might appreciate the book. They should find it a fun read unless they would rather not explain to strangers why they are laughing aloud or saying, “oh!”
The caveat on Hollywood Stories is to not look for chapters on stars either alphabetically or by decade. An Index does list people, shows and places alphabetically but the chapters are divided into such segments as “Great Hollywood Comedians” and “Television Tales.”
Yes, the book has Hollywood in the title but the TV stories here seemed to fit well because the stars often lived in California or interacted with movie people.
Readers who want more info on a particular star need only look in the Bibliography. Schochet lists his sources.
To see how the author looks and sounds go to a TV interview available on UTube.
Asking questions before booking accommodations does not make you a prima donna. It makes you a smart traveler.
You are tech savvy so you already know to check if a place is WiFi or if there is a fee to hook up your lap top. But there are a lot more things that can make the difference between an OK and really good trip whether for work or play.
Odd as this may sound, think about what you like or wish you could change at home.
Bathroom – Think about the times you checked in to find a bathroom that was just redone and a dream compared to what you had at home. Or maybe, the opposite happened.
Do you have a shower but wish you had a soaking tub or a Jacuzzi?
Do you have a tub but wish you had a really good rain shower with space to sit?
Are you used to enough space to spread out shaving or makeup stuff at home so hate when you can’t do that when traveling?
Imagine checking in and finding your room has a shower but you want a tub or it has a pedestal sink with no place to put anything except on top of the toilet seat which you usually leave up.
By not taking settling for just anything, you are not a prima donna, you are a smart traveler.
Our room at the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa had an amazing bathroom, fine view and comfortable seating
Do: Send an email or call to find out exactly what the bathrooms have before booking a room.
Bedroom – What kind of bedding do you have, does the view matter and do you want a comfortable chair and a king size bed? For example: B&B’s are charming but some have a comfortable reading chair and others have just a place to sit to put on shoes. Many B&B’s only have space for queen or regular size beds.
It’s OK to ask for two beds if traveling with a partner who cocoons so you end up with no blanket or who kicks and turns throughout the night.
If you need a hard mattress then ask if any of the rooms have that.
If you hate the little pillows so many hotels think are a cute décor statement, ask if the hotel has regular or large size pillows. Some hotels even have a pillow concierge.
Unless you have a suite the bedroom is your base of operations so ask about the view. A room listed as partial view probably means you can see the water between the trees in winter when the leaves are gone or you have to step out onto a balcony and almost fall off to see it.
Rooms usually say if they have a chair but check if it is for the desk or a comfortable, upholstered chair.
Do: Look at the rooms on line. Most places show rooms in different price categories.
Be sure you know what comes with the accommodations
If a deal sounds too good to be true –
Check for add-ons such as a resort fee which you would have to pay just to use the pool or workout room
Check if the deal is per person or per room
Ask how old the place is and when it was last renovated or updated. Historic is charming but mildew and mold aren’t.
Checking before booking may sound like a lot of work but it is worth avoiding the hassles later.
Sometimes the smart travel idea is not a city destination but a special museum experience
You can get up close and relatively personal with penguins at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium. By registering before visiting the aquarium, guests can sit with and even pet some of these cute aquatic creatures.
Shedd Vice President of animal collections and training Ken Ramirez answers guest questions while trainer Lana Vanagasem quietly talks to a Magellanic Penguin
The program began midsummer 2010 as a training aid, according to Ken Ramirez, executive vice president of animal collections and training.
“We want them to be accustomed to strangers,” Ramirez said. He explained that the penguins saw their trainers daily but not their veterinarians.
The surprise to strangers is that the encounter room is warm, not wear-the-coat cold. Visitors are told that the Shedd’s penguins come from moderate climes.
On a recent Penguin Encounter, marine mammal trainers Lana Vanagasem and Maris Muzzy brought up two 14 month-old Magellanic Penguins. Named for Ferdinand Magellan, the penguins typically are found around Argentina and Chile.
Shedd trainer Maris Muzzy and her Magellanic Penguin are both curious about the guests at the other end of the room
Born and being raised at the Shedd, these two penguins started out a bit shy. “They are wary of potential predators,” Ramirez said. But he added that they are also naturally curious.
To protect from sharp beaks curiously exploring our feet we donned high black rubber boots. We were also told the penguins were used to watches but were attracted to shiny, dangling objects so other jewelry was best kept away from a penguin’s reach.
When the penguins seemed comfortable with strangers in the room, the trainers moved the birds from their laps to an Astroturf type of floor covering that was scattered with colorful toys.
The penguins seemed more interested in their guests than their toys
Just as good as watching the birds check out the playthings and our benches, was the chance to pet them. Visitors don’t touch the penguins until the trainers hold them and give the OK.
The “penguin encounter” lasted about 30 minutes, not counting hand-washing and boot preparation or instruction time which added another half hour. Our group would gladly have spent more up close time but it was an experience we won’t forget.
To add to the experience, some of us went downstairs where the penguins swim and hang out behind a glass enclosure.
Extend the penguin experience by enjoying them in their Shedd habitat
Opposite the real thing is a wall with pictures and identification of what kind of penguins are at the Shedd.
We did not have any children in our group but if we did they probably would have enjoyed the penguin costumes they could have put on opposite the enclosure.
Penguin costumes hang opposite the habitat, ready to be tried out by humans
Penguin Encounter switches from daily to weekends and holidays after Labor Day. Cost is $25 a person. Children must be at least age 4 to attend and ages 4-10 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information or to register call 312-692-3355 and visit Shedd Aquarium Extraordinary. The Shedd Aquarium is on the Museum Campus opposite Soldier Field at 1200 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
We often take the toll-roads and by-passes around a big city so we can quickly reach and enjoy our family or vacation destination. Even when we go into a city we typically head to the usual tourist draws. But hidden gems are missed by merely staying on the main road, as Robert Lee Frost wistfully surmised in The Road Not Taken. “I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference” (Frost, 1916).
So, every few weeks a gem of a road detour will appear here, from an ethnic neighborhood enjoyed mostly by locals or an interesting house that a movie or author made worth a visit to an atypical museum or garden or market.
The Harley-Davidson Museum, opened in July 2008, is worth a stop
First in the detour series is a museum of vehicles that over the past 100 years were used by the postal service, the military, delivery companies, celebrities such as Elvis Presley, and riders who enjoyed road trips sans cars. It is the Harley-Davidson Museum near downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Less than 10 minutes east of Interstates 94/43 and south of Interstate 794, the museum opened July 2008 at Canal and 6th Streets. Its location on land surrounded by the Menomonee River make it a fine place to walk and relax during a road trip. Signs at the interstate’s National Exit make the museum easy to find.
The US military used Harley-Davidsons in war and peace time
After buying a ticket on the main floor, go upstairs (handicapped accessible) to go back in time to see how bikes and their riders evolved in perception and usage.
From exhibits of photos, bikes and stories to rooms with engines and design machines, a visitor is easily “riveted” (excuse the pun) for hours.
Tip: If going by Labor Day, stop in the “Garage” annex to see “True Evel,” the story and exhibit of Evel Knievel’s exploits and machines that ends Sept. 6, 2010.
The H-D gift shop, café and restaurant-bar are a fun stop across the walkway from the main building.
After recording "Heartbreak," Elvis Presley bought a red and white 1956 Harley-Davidson KH
If you go
Parking is free. Admission: adults 18-64: $16, children 5-17: $10, under 5 are free, students with valid ID, senior citizens 65 and older, military and H.O.G. members with ID: $12.
Hours: May through September Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. October through April 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Harley-Davidson Museum 400 West Canal Street Milwaukee, WI 532011 877-HD-MUSEUM or 1-877-436-8738
Watching the Olympics this year with the gorgeous scenery surrounding Vancouver and Whistler put British Columbia on lots of summer and winter trip lists.
A fine wine trail and the Shaw Festival just north and west of Niagara Falls makes Southern Ontario a good summer and early fall vacation destination.
Fall color around Montreal and Quebec City adds incentive to move those places up on the someday list.
These areas are an easy drive from the northern parts of western, central and eastern United States, respectively. They are all also accessible by AmTrak and international airports. But you are crossing an international border so you do have to know the entry and re-entry to the US rules and regs.
Taste the ice wine and tour Peller Estates in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario
If you go – what you need to know
What used to be a simple showing of a US driver’s license has changed in recent years. To avoid disappointment, know ahead of time what you need for identification and what can be carried either way across the border.
The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA) resulted in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) whichrequires a passport or other approved documents regarding citizenship and identity to enter or re-enter the US. The WHTI air travel requirements were in place 2007 and the land and sea documents were necessary as of June 1, 2009.
Entry into Canada
Regulations to cross the border is determined by Canadian law and the Canada Border Services Agency. They require identity and citizenship proof.A valid U.S. passport, passport card or NEXUS card are OK for US citizens
If you are going to do a camping trip to Canada you need to know about permits and what you can and cannot bring across the border.
Returning to the US
Re-entry is according to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP is the law enforcement agency under the Dept. of Homeland Security)and US law.
By air: US citizens must present a valid U.S. passport to enter or re-enter the United States.
By land or sea: US citizens must present either a U.S. passport, passport card, NEXUS card, Enhanced Drivers License or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document. US citizens under age 16 (or under 19, if with a school, religious, or other youth group) need to present a birth certificate (original, photocopy or certified copy), Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or naturalization certificate.
Vehicle safeguards: No matter what is reported in your local papers, criminal activity is not a US specialty. Indeed, smash and grab thefts in such Canadian cities as Vancouver and Montreal have led to fines on motorists for leaving valuables in view or unlocked vehicles. Vehicle problems, including auto theft, do happen even in parking lots.
Purchases: Be cautious about where you buy items. As in other countries, counterfeit and pirated goods are available but are illegal. Bringing them into the United States may result in a fine or forfeiture. Agricultural items are not allowed back in the US.
Insurance coverage: Accidents happen. Don’t assume your auto and medical insurance companies cover you abroad. Check before you go to see if you need additional coverage.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lists the following items as approved identification documents to board a plane in the US
U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians)
Permanent Resident Card
Border Crossing Card
DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) that meets REAL ID benchmarks (All states are currently in compliance)
A Native American Tribal Photo ID
An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
A foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
Even veteran travelers forget something or are so busy getting everything done before leaving town that it’s a relief to just get into the car or a taxi to the airport. Then come the oops…forgot to stop the papers and oh no, not more road construction.
What to take is about more than clothes
Here are ten travel tips to avoid hassles that may sound obvious until one of the should-haves pops up:
1. Packing list Making a list is not enough. Check things off when packing the suitcase or car then take the list with you to check off when leaving a resort or town. Anyone who thinks the second check-off isn’t necessary hasn’t left chargers plugged into hotel outlets, slippers under a bed or a wet bathing suit out on a balcony chair -yet.
2. What-not bag Throw in a First Aid Kit, blister-style Band-aids, sewing kit and nightlight. Add a small sound machine-alarm clock to drown out hotel noise and ease worries of late wake-up calls.
3. Sun protection Don’t wait to pick up what you want when you arrive. That arm stuck out the car window can burn. The shop may not have the greaseless sun-block you like and you may stop to sightsee on the way. Bring an extra pair of sunglasses. Throw in a hat to protect the scalp.
4. Charge Take care of those tech tools ahead of time then remember to bring chargers and extra batteries. Frustration is a missed call or photo op.
5. Map it GPS is helpful but it isn’t always right. A recent experience was only funny when the GPS wandered off the highway to cut across farm fields because we already knew the roads we were supposed to take. In addition, you might ask it for the shortest route but learn while driving it that it is not the quickest way or the most scenic. So think about your route ahead of time and bring a map.
Plan ahead for fewer hassles. All photos by Jodie Jacobs
6. Check travel info websites See below for some state department of transportation websites to learn about road construction so that another route can be taken or more time allowed. If flying, check the flight time because your weather might be clear but the plane’s origination point might have problems.
7. Communicate Give someone the destination name, address and phone and your mobile phone number. Life happens. Need we say more?
8. Divide cards Split up the credit/ATM cards and money. If one wallet or card is stolen a companion will have the means to continue the vacation while the stolen cards are cancelled. Speaking of which, keep a list of credit card numbers and where to call in a separate place from the cards.
9. Car packing Put an insulated food bag into the fridge or freezer overnight to keep beverages or food that will go into the car colder, longer. Also put cold water bottles in the fridge ahead of time. Don’t forget the fridge stuff – really, it happens. Take packaged wet towel wipes, hand sanitizer, tissues and trash bag.
10. Car issues Have the tires, oil and brakes checked ahead of time to avoid problems on the trip.
Print out this tip sheet to have handy for future vacations. Have a safe trip.
Check road conditions ahead of time by going online to the Department of Transportation of the state where you will be driving. Here are the sites for some Midwest states:
For open road travel check state sites for construction
Maybe it was the time of year we went to Alaska – late may to early June, but we were lucky enough to see Denali, “the high one” as it is known in the native Athabascan language, four days straight.
The deck of our lodge was perfect for a double view of Mt. Mckinley, real and on an info board
Denali, which most people know as Mt. McKinley, is 20,320 feet above sea level. At that height, tallest in North America, it could be excused if it did have its head in the clouds.
To put it in some perspective, the world’s highest mountain above sea level, Mt. Everest in the Himalayas, is 29,029. Kilimanjaro, the summit of Africa, is 19,334 ft.
But even if we had not seen the mountain in its sun reflecting glory, just taking a bus tour of Denali National Park would have made the trip to the park worthwhile.
First designated as Mt. McKinely National Park in 1917, the park is a haven for Dall sheep, moose, grizzlies, caribou, birds and plants. Aside from the park life, Mt. Mckinley is part of the 600 mile long Alaska Range which provides plenty of backdrop scenery.
We stayed in two lodges, the first one just outside Denali National Park and the second one inside the park. Both were owned by Princess.
We left the area at Talkeetna to board a train to Anchorage and our return flight home. But Talkeetna is more than a railroad stop. The town, about 100 miles from Denali National Park’s entrance, is home to the Talkeetna Ranger Station. Everyone who plans to climb Mt. McKinley must check in at the ranger station for a permit and orientation.
Our party toasted our Alaskan vacation with Denali as a backdropWe were lucky to see Mt. Mckinley four days without its head in the clouds
Tips
If in Talkeetna, go to the ranger station on B Street even if not mountain climbing. Pinpoints on a map on the wall show where current climbers are. When we stopped in there were several expeditions on their way up or down the mountain judging by all the pinpoints. Rangers at the station are happy to talk about climbing or visiting the park. The town is also a fun place to browse shops and stop for refreshment.
