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Beach Vacations that Won’t Break the Bank

Who says you have to obtain a passport to vacation at the world’s best beaches? The United States is home to thousands of miles of spectacular sandy coastline and now’s the time to experience fun in the sun, especially if you are working with a budget. The summer months spark dozens of travel packages aimed to help families save on airfare and hotel accommodations. Take a look at these hot summer deals waiting for beach lovers to snap up: CALIFORNIA One of San Diego’s most luxurious resorts wants you to spend time sunning yourself on their property this summer. And … Continue reading →

End of the Year Travel to Chicago

I realize some parts of the country are just barely showing signs of spring, but there are some people who are already making their travel plans for the fall and winter. (I know because I am related to some of them.) With the price of gas nearing record highs and the cost of air travel soaring it might not be a bad idea to secure tickets while the prices are still reasonable. I have always maintained that Chicago is a destination for all seasons. No matter what time of the year you plan to visit there is something to keep … Continue reading →

Winter Family Fun in Chicago

In my previous blog I listed some of the spectacular outdoor activities that await you in Chicago this winter. I failed to mention that the city also offers a host of family friendly events for those of you who can only tolerate the cold for a short period of time (that would be me). I can’t stand the cold (being born and raised in Hawaii does that to a person), but my love for Chicago outweighs my distaste for Mother Nature’s brutal winter assault so my family makes the trip no matter what the weather. We just stick to the … Continue reading →

Winter Vacations in Chicago

If you like your winters cold then Chicago is your kind of town. I happen to love the Windy City (no matter what season), but I realize there are many travelers who would prefer a week in Hawaii to seven days in a chilly midwestern metropolis. Those people don’t know what they are missing. Of course, the beauty of so many people having that mindset is that traffic is lighter, lines at attractions are shorter, you don’t have to wait for a seat at area restaurants, shops are not packed and area hotels offer incredible winter deals those willing to … Continue reading →

Ball Park Franks has “Grilling Days of Summer” Sweepstakes

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Few things bring back memories of summer vacations that have long gone by than hot dogs. This is the typical food to eat at the ball park, or at a family cookout. Perhaps this is what inspired the company that makes Ball Park Franks to create the “Grilling Days of Summer” Sweepstakes. You could win the “Ultimate 4th of July Bash!” Each season comes with its own set of smells. Winter brings the “clean” smell of fresh snow, and the scent of pine and evergreen trees. Summer, on the other hand, evokes the salty smell of the ocean, or the … Continue reading →

Marathon Party

When I ran my first marathon I skipped the traditional pre-race pasta party. Rather, my cousin and I held our own quiet carbo-loading shindig in the corner of a quaint Italian restaurant just off of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. I was too nervous to surround myself with elite racers and other marathon veterans. Plus, I really didn’t have much of an appetite. I ended up forcing myself to eat my Penne a la Vodka while listening to my cousin wax poetic about the impending 26.2-mile run. Fast forward to my second marathon a few years later and I was more than … Continue reading →

Stay Fit and Have Fun

Who says exercise has to be boring? Now that the weather is finally beginning to cooperate you can say goodbye to marathon sessions on your gym’s treadmill and hello to the real deal. Road races hosted by popular U.S. cities give runners the chance to get in a bit of sightseeing while they pound the pavement to the finish line. If you’re looking to combine great views with an even better workout, then consider the following outstanding races: CHICAGO MARATHON I can’t say enough about this fantastic race. It truly is the best way to tour the Windy City. The … Continue reading →

Jammin’ Jamaica

The expedited delivery of the government’s economic stimulus package checks to working Americans has prompted several tour groups to unveil new deals to sunny locales. Tour operators are no doubt trying to lure sun worshippers to spend some of Uncle Sam’s dollars on fabulous trips to resorts bordered by cobalt blue waters and powder soft sand beaches. If you are looking for a way to spend your newly acquired cash and catch a tan for an unbeatable price you might consider this budget saver to Jamaica: For $839 per person (plus $100 in taxes) you will receive round-trip airfare from … Continue reading →

Wheelchairs in the Windy City

In a previous blog I mentioned that Chicago was recently named one of America’s most disability-friendly cities by the National Organization on Disability. Not only are all of the city’s public buses wheelchair-accessible, but also each summer Chicago hosts the largest Disability Pride Parade in the nation. To learn more about what the Windy City offers disabled travelers I would suggest ordering a free copy of a new guide called “Easy Access Chicago.” It includes basic visitor information for popular city attractions such as Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Wrigley Field and the Sears Tower, along with details on accommodations like … Continue reading →

Windy City Tips for Wheelchair-Bound Travelers

My friend is taking her wheelchair-bound mother to Chicago this Easter and recently asked me for advice on where to go and how challenging it would be to get around. While I have never toured the city or its many attractions in a wheelchair I do know that last year Chicago was named one of America’s most disability-friendly cities by the National Organization on Disability. The honor was given partially because all the city’s public buses are wheelchair-accessible. In addition, each July, the Windy City hosts the largest Disability Pride Parade in the nation as well as AccessChicago, a products … Continue reading →