The Chicago Traveler

After flying several times back and forth between home and college, and after a dozen or so vacations, I have got the whole airport routine down to a science. When I get to the airport security lines, in three swift movements I can have my hat, jacket, and shoes off; my laptop out of my carry-on bag; and all my loose change and keys out of my pockets. I am an experienced traveler.
But on occasion, I get stuck in line behind someone who doesn’t know what he or she is doing. Perhaps she’s never been through airport security before, or …read more

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The Trump International Hotel and Tower is well on its way to becoming Chicago’s newest landmark, soon to be the city’s second-tallest building. And even though it is still under construction, this five-star luxury hotel is already open for business. According to hotels.com, its average lowest nightly rate is $385.
If you need a hotel that is a bit more budget-friendly, but you still want to be close to all the downtown lights and sights, take a look at this list. Here are 10 of the best hotels (in alphabetical order) within 5 miles (8 km) of Millennium Park whose lowest …read more

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Gas prices are getting ridiculous, and they’re affecting everything from airplane tickets to the cost of food. Fortunately, Chicago has plenty of attractions you can enjoy for little to no money. Just a walk down Michigan Avenue can be a tourist’s delight.
This week, the b5media Travel & Culture Channel is celebrating a Theme Day, featuring the photogenic side of our blogs. With that in mind, I present a few fantastic photos of eight great places you can visit for free here in the Windy City.
8. Lincoln Park Zoo
7. Millennium Park
6. Tribune Tower
5. Oak Street Beach
4. Grant Park
3. Buckingham Fountain
2. Chicago …read more

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If you’re scheduling a trip to Chicago and haven’t planned a trip to Millennium Park, you’re definitely missing out. The fact that it opened in July 2004 (not 2000) and was three times more expensive than anyone had planned just goes to show how much work went into this state-of-the-art attraction.
Oh sure, it may seem simple, comprised mostly of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Cloud Gate, and Crown Fountain. But each one of those features is nothing like anything you’ve seen before. This northern section of Grant Park is a showcase for postmodern architecture, featuring a bandshell with curving planes of …read more

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