Don’t let driving drive you crazy

Vacations are for creating special memories with friends and family. However, there are some necessary evils that all must deal with. For me, it’s driving around these areas. It is hard for me to not get down a little because, even though we’ve seen so much and made wonderful memories, one of the memories I’m left with is what a pain it was to drive. Personally, I have to consciously separate the driving from the rest of the trip, which isn’t easy. I think the biggest issue is that I’m driving roads that I’ve never driven before and I’m in a constant state of lost, which causes much anxiety. Long story short, don’t let your wonderful family vacation be ruined because all you remember is the excruciating drive. Compartmentalize and focus on the fun.

In today’s newsletter:

• Travel News this Week

• City Spotlight: Chicago, Illinois

  • Who should go?

  • When should we go?

  • What should we see?

  • Where should we eat?

  • Why here?

• Travel Hacks

Travel News this Week

Some helpful travel news for families that have occurred this week.

• More ways to earn: If you are a Delta Sky Miles member, you can now earn more points on the ground.

• No longer the “Friendly Skies”?: The report card is in for U.S. airlines, and it’s not great.

• Cabin dream designs: How airplane cabins might become more bearable.

City Spotlight: Chicago, Illinois

It’s been called the Windy City, the City of Broad Shoulders, or The Second City, but Chicago is number one in the minds of millions who live and work there. With so much to do in this major metropolitan area, it’s easy to leave already planning your next trip there because you didn’t cross off everything on your list. Let’s look to see why Chicago is a place your family should consider for your next vacation destination.

Who should go to Chicago?

Number one, families who don’t like crowds and noise, should look elsewhere. Chicago can be very busy and it’s a big city, so a lot of noises come with that. However, if your family loves to eat, shop, visit museums, see shows, and just experience the locale, Chicago is for you. Who should go to Chicago? You should, because Chicago offers families so much.

When should we go?

Summer in Chicago can be awesome or awful, depending on how you feel about heat. Spring and fall are milder while winter can be hard. Chicago shines from May to October and there are so many festivals, concerts, and activities that make this area hopping during this time of year.

What should we do?

How long do you have? There is so much that people can do in Chicago, but here are a few musts for any family visiting Chicago for the first time.

• Field Museum of Natural History: Some might ask, “A Natural History museum?” This is not your average natural history museum. The Field has a number of great attractions, most famously is Sue, the T-Rex. Kids will love visiting this amazing museum.

• The Chicago Park District: Chicago has a lot of great parks such as the famous Grant Park that encompasses Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, but also the popular Millennium Park with the famous art piece The Bean. It’s easy to spend an afternoon just hanging out at these parks and during the summer they host many festivals.

• Catch a Show: Chicago is a great theater city and many great Broadway shows can be found in one of their iconic theaters. There is also great Chicago based theaters as well that can offer wonderful entertainment options for families.

• The Shedd Aquarium: The Shedd is one of the nation’s great aquariums and for good reason. Visitors can see numerous sea creatures such as sharks, sea turtles, and Beluga whales to name a few. A trip to The Shedd leads to a lot of excited conversations after about what was seen and experienced.

Where should we eat?

Chicago is a great food city that offers a variety of options for food lovers. Honestly, you can’t go hungry in this city.

• Chicago Style Pizza: When visiting certain cities, there is a dish that you just have to try. Chicago Style Pizza is one of these. If you want to know where to go, ask a local, they’ll point you to their favorite. There are so many options to choose from.

• Beatrix: With a couple locations in Chicago, Beatrix is a health conscious eatery that offers a variety of tasty dishes that are not only good but good for you. And don’t worry, they also have chicken tenders for the kids.

• Bang Bang Pies: After a great meal, you need a place to get great dessert. However, why not do both in the same place? Bang Bang Pies offers amazing baked goods like pies and biscuits as well as hearty sandwiches and other dishes.

Why Chicago?

The Windy City has so much to offer and so many options of activities for families. A visit to Chicago will be one that will stand out for the memories made and what is experienced. Chicago is truly a special city and one that should be on your family’s list to visit.

Travel Hacks

If you are on a cruise and you start feeling seasick, try some ginger. It’s a perfect natural remedy that won’t cause any side effects. Some cruise ships might even keep a secret stash for guests.

If Uber or Lyft is part of your transportation plans, before getting in the cars, make sure that the child safety lock isn’t on.

If a friend is picking you up from the airport, dealing with the traffic can be a pain. Try a free shuttle to one of the hotels and have your friend miss you there. Makes life easier.