Are you going on a trip as a working mom and taking your family with you? If so, you want to keep a few family travel tips in mind to maximize your experience.
The key is to have plans set beforehand. This way, your family can continue with the vacation even when you head out for work. But how do you begin?
Keep reading to learn ways to maintain work-life balance when you travel with your family!
Plan a Schedule of Activities
Before you leave for the trip, it’s good to plan a schedule of activities for your kids ahead of time. So, they can use it as a guide when you’re working. At the same time, it lets you ensure you get to spend the fun stuff with them.
Keep in mind that having a schedule also keeps your trip organized. While you can have a few spontaneous activities here and there, it helps to consider a plan to maximize your free time!
Pack All the Necessities
Make sure you pack all the necessities for your job and your family vacation. By having everything organized in place, your family won’t have to keep asking you for what they need.
You also want to create a physical packing list of what you bring to the trip. So, you can refer to it again before you go back home.
Consider packing them in different bags to ensure you don’t forget anything later. It can also set the mindset that work and your personal life stay separate.
Set Clear Boundaries
It’s important to set clear boundaries when you’re on a family trip but have to work in between. This is also a crucial part of maintaining work-life balance.
You want to communicate with your colleagues when you’re available. So, you can make sure that you’re fully engaged when it comes to family and vacation time.
Pick the Right Accommodations
The right accommodations can help you make sure you have everything you need to focus and relax when it’s needed. At the same time, it lets you and your family make the most out of your stay.
Try to look for a hotel that offers different fun facilities. A few examples include a gaming space, swimming pool, open garden, and more.
Book in Advance
If you’re going around the city with your family, you want to consider booking places in advance. Through this, you can stick to a clear schedule and ensure you don’t miss out on too many family activities.
As much as possible, only book places that you can fit your schedule best. You also want to consider those that allow refunds if you fail to show up.
Consider These Family Travel Tips as a Working Mom
Autumn is one of the best times to travel, especially because there are fewer crowds and better deals. In Chicago, it usually runs from September to November.
But to really bring your trip together, you want to bring the right items for the season. The question is, what exactly should you take with you?
Here’s a quick packing checklist of the essentials of fall travel when you visit the Windy City.
Bring Different Layers
The weather is often chillier during the fall, but not so much that it could freeze your feet off. Still, the key to staying comfortable is having enough layers.
You won’t have to wear everything at the same time, but it helps to have a fair number of layers of different kinds. It benefits you for practical and fashion purposes!
Consider using different layers to add more personality to your outfits while keeping you warm throughout the day. For example, wear a jean jacket over a sweater or a layering shirt with a scarf.
Choose the Right Footwear
The right footwear can determine how comfortable you will be during the entire trip. So, make sure you bring the perfect shoes for your trip.
If you’re staying longer than usual or beyond a week, you may want to bring different footwear options. This way, you can participate in different activities while staying comfortable.
A few fall footwear staples include boots and loafers, but you can always bring sneakers with you. Be wary of taking sandals and other similar shoes since it might be too chilly to wear them for long.
Consider the Current Weather
You want to look into the weather conditions at the place you’re visiting. The daytime usually lasts shorter in Chicago but the weather can vary, going from chilly days to sometimes rain.
Either way, you want to have the right materials for the weather changes. Keep in mind that there’s less likely to be any sun, so you won’t have to worry too much about summer weather essentials.
Go for Versatile Items
As much as possible, you want to pack stuff that you can use at any moment, regardless of the weather or season. Doing so allows you to make the most out of your trip and ensure you don’t find yourself fumbling around because you forgot to bring something.
Since you’re bringing lots of layers, you might want to be smart with how you pack the rest of your stuff. This way, you can take everything you need without worrying about a lack of luggage room.
Look Into What Your Hotel Offers
One way to reduce the stuff you bring is by looking into what your hotel offers. It includes the amenities and facilities available.
By looking into this, you can determine what items you can leave at home and which ones are necessary to bring. For example, if you’re working remotely during your fall travel, you only need to bring your laptop if the hotel offers free Wi-Fi access.
Prepare the Ideal Fall Travel Packing List
When you visit Windy City, one of the things you shouldn’t miss out on is trying the famous Chicago deep dish pizza. According to most people, it’s a food experience like no other!
But one thing you might notice is that lots of places offer it. So, how do you find the best places to enjoy it?
Generally, it all depends on your preferences. Even so, here’s a list of the top places to eat the popular deep dish pizza.
Pequod’s Pizza
If you’re a natural foodie, Pequod’s Pizza is a must-try on your list. The reason is it’s popular for serving these pizzas with caramelized crusts!
The history of the famous Chicago deep dish pizza dates way back. So, you’re likely to find a few places that opened up in years you might not expect.
Ever since they opened in the 1970s, they have been consistently offering their pizza with a crispy edge and soft filling. Some say it’s the type of dish that tastes better freshly cooked to really enjoy the contrast between the crust and its filling and toppings.
Giordano’s
If you’re looking for West Loop restaurants, you want to try out Giordano’s for its innovative style. According to some people, it’s a whole new experience with the way they stuff it.
You can try their staple Chicago Classic, but if you want a bigger twist, consider their inventive options. It includes adding Greek-influenced ingredients, from spit-roasted gyro meat to feta cheese and herb blends.
Bartoli’s Pizzeria
Bartoli’s Pizzeria has received the “Best Pizza in Chicago” award and title a couple of years in a row. But aside from its mouth-watering presentation, the secret to their success is practically a family secret.
The family-run business has been in the competition for years and slowly worked its way to become one of the city’s icons. A specialty worth trying is the deep dish spinach & cheese, which combines those exact two ingredients in the best way possible.
Burt’s Place
If you watch Anthony Bourdain, you may be familiar with the restaurant Burt’s Place. Although it offers the classic like other places, the restaurant prepares it in a way that boosts the dining experience.
Once you have a bite, you will definitely find yourself wanting even more!
Pizzeria Uno
The Pizzeria Uno has been in business since 1943, making it one of the original deep dish pizza spots in the city. Even so, their classics remain one of the best options for the dish and are worth trying out yourself.
One thing you might notice is how they combine authentic Italian recipes and ingredients with the pizza, making it the perfect fusion of flavors.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
Another popular family-owned pizzeria is Lou Malnati’s. That’s because they’re often credited for being the inventors of the typical Chicago-style pizza and have been sticking with their original recipes even to this day!
One of their trademarks includes their butter crust, allowing you to enjoy a thin pie that’s crips on the edges but strong enough to hold the overflowing filling and toppings.
Enjoy the Famous Chicago Deep Dish Pizza in Different Ways
When you travel to a new city or country, one thing you might notice about tourists is that they usually go solo. If this is the case, a Chicago walking tour is a great way to get around the city.
But the real question is, what is a walking tour like? What can you expect from it, and how do you ensure it fits your preferences?
Let’s look into these to help you set the right expectations!
More Interaction with Locals
Traveling might be about seeing a new place, but it becomes even more authentic when you get to interact with the locals. You can easily achieve this when you go on a walking tour.
Most walking tours allow you to gather local recommendations about what to see, do, and try. You also get a glimpse at what the culture is like for the people there, giving you a whole new perspective on your experience.
Teaches You the City’s History
If you’re interested in the city’s history and what it has to offer, a walking tour is a great way to learn about it. Here, you get an introduction to the main attractions with insider tips or unique stories.
Keep in mind that the whole point of a walking tour is to stay engaged as you go around the city’s main sites. So, you will have to make a separate visit later if you want to check out the attraction for a longer time.
Either way, it helps you figure out what places you want to take your time with when you roam around the city on your own.
Engage with Other Backpackers
One thing about walking tours is that you may come across other solo travelers. So, you can meet new people while you go around the city.
According to statistics, nine out of ten solo travelers are likely to take tours at a new place rather than go around on their own.
When you engage with other backpackers, you get to build your connections while being able to relate with similar people. So, it helps you get more comfortable in the city, no matter how far away from home you are.
Witness the Iconic Sites Up Close
Some people have trouble figuring out their plans for the day when a city has so much to offer, like Chicago. A walking tour can help you narrow down those options.
It lets you go around the primary landmarks, helping you decide and build your itinerary later. Moreover, you get to see as much of the city as possible, even if it’s only passing by.
Set the Right Expectations with a Chicago Walking Tour
A Chicago walking tour is bound to give you a powerful impression of everything that happens in the city. While it can be overwhelming for some, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in the city and plan out the rest of your days.
At the same time, it really helps you embody your inner explorer, from the theme of places you visit yourself to the friends you make along the way!
One of the best things about Chicago is that there’s so much to see, day and night. So, you want to find out how to make the most of your time.
Some people tend to think everyone at night is out in clubs and parties. But with everything Chicago has to offer, you can experience even more!
So, here’s a quick look at what you can do to make the most of your time in Chicago at night.
See the Rest of the City
You can think of Chicago as a melting pot of people from different backgrounds. But besides cultural diversity, they also have a whole city that lights up at night – literally!
Even from your hotel room window, you will likely see several places light up the windy city. Moreover, you can witness it up close by walking around yourself and checking out late-night shops or exhibits.
Watch Live Music
Chicago is one of the best places to enjoy different performance arts live. Even as you walk around at night, you could come across a bar or two offering live music or even actual halls and theaters.
If you’re in the mood for it, you can also look for a bar that provides live music as you wine and dine the rest of the night.
Go on a Night Cruise
With everything you can find in the city, you can keep yourself entertained by going around the city during the evening. Not only do you get to find unique shops, but you also witness some of their popular landmarks in a different light.
You can also check out different walking tours, which come in an array of themes like ghost hunting or fireworks shows. It also helps to see what bus and boat tours are available if you want to really go around the city.
Explore Different Cuisines
Lots of people travel to try different types of cuisine. According to a survey, three out of four American adults feel this way.
What’s great about Chicago is that the food you see served in the daytime gets replaced by something else without causing a major difference to the area. This way, you can enjoy different cuisines as you stroll around.
Visit the Arts
When it comes to art in the windy city, it considers everything from performances to visuals. With each of these, you get to enjoy a whole new experience.
Besides music, a few live performances you can consider looking out for include a comedy show, usually in bars. On the other hand, some art exhibits stay open until the wee hours of the night, so you can check these out too!
Find Out How to Enjoy Chicago at Night
Chicago is a popular choice among tourists for several reasons, including food! The cultural diversity in the city makes way for cuisine of all kinds.
They have something for everyone from the east to the west. But with this variety, you might wonder, where should you begin?
Here’s a list of Chicago delicacies you have to try in the city!
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza
You can’t visit Chicago without trying out the iconic deep-dish pizza. In fact, there are lots of restaurants in the city that serve this as the main course or a side.
Unlike your regular pizza, this deep-dish pizza is popular for its thick crust and thick layers covered with sauce, cheese, and a load of toppings! Think of it like a pie but make it pizza.
Chicago Style Hot Dogs
Chicago follows a unique formula with their hot dogs, creating a bright cartoon-like meal. They usually use a Vienna beef hot dog with mustard instead of ketchup.
You can decide on which toppings you decide, but they usually go for bright ones in anything from green to red. It varies for every store, but it sure does give off the same Chicago-style vibe either way!
Jibarito
The jibarito is one of Chicago’s most iconic foods for a reason. Beyond simply being a Puerto Rican-inspired dish, it’s also a culinary masterpiece that represents cultural diversity well.
It’s a sandwich with shredded beef or thin-cut steak. You can also find them in different meat forms, from poultry to seafood. One thing that makes it unique is the fried and flattened plantains that go in between for an extra kick.
Italian Beef
In Chicago, you can have Italian beef in several ways, enough for people to start a debate about the best way to have it. But despite it being a topic for discussion, it’s a great meal nonetheless, no matter what you serve it with.
Lots of restaurants in Chicago will have their personal rendition of serving Italian beef. In most cases, they serve it in a sandwich, topped with tons of other ingredients that add a pop of color and bring out the true flavor it has to offer.
Shrimp DeJonghe
The shrimp DeJonghe is a recipe that originated in the Windy City as early as the 20th century. It’s perfect for people looking for a seafood mix with a hint of something else. In this case, it’s Italian!
The dish is comparable to a simple casserole. The key to finding the perfect one is putting the right ingredients together. So, take your time to explore the city to find different versions of this dish.
Saganaki
Cheese offers lots of health benefits as it is, but have you ever wondered what it’s like to have it alone as a meal? That’s the saganaki.
Chicago is home to the flaming saganaki. The unique Greek appetizer is literally just a platter of fried cheese, but it brings out flavors you might be surprised to find out.
Fuel Up with Iconic Chicago Delicacies
If you’re on the hunt for a cheap hotel room, timing is the key. It’s all about knowing when the rates go up or down. This way, you can determine the best deal available.
It’s a given that peak season will likely mean higher prices. But beyond this, you should also consider the time you book your room. But what exactly does this mean?
Here’s how to get cheaper hotel rates with the perfect timing!
Best Time to Book a Hotel Room
The best time to book a hotel room can vary depending on where you’re staying. But generally, you can find some of the best deals at the last minute.
When you book a room on the same day, right after a cancellation, you can save yourself up to 50% to 70% of the original room cost. Note that this differs from place to place, especially if you’re looking for a room in a pricier hotel.
Moreover, most people recommend checking when rates are the highest or lowest in your destination. Some reduce their costs during the weekends, while others on weekdays.
It’s important to take your time to research your destination and how the costs vary to ensure you snag the best deal you can find!
When Do Hotel Rates Decline?
Usually, hotels start to reduce the prices of their available hotel rooms by 4 p.m. It includes any rooms that were not booked for the day or were canceled at the last minute.
This time of the day is the best place to start looking around for an available hotel room. Moreover, the same trick applies even when you book a room on the same day!
How to Book a Last Minute Hotel Room
Hotels don’t exactly announce the reduction of their room costs every time someone cancels. So, booking a room requires you to ask the hotel for availability and confirmation.
In this case, you want to take your time to look around and check your options. It should include checking online applications or websites for any discounts and deals at lower rates. Doing so also gives you an idea of what the hotel has to offer and determines if it fits your needs.
Keep in mind that finding a room at the last minute won’t always guarantee you a stay. So, it’s best to keep your doors open for a place that caters to your preferences as closely as possible.
Find Out How to Get Cheaper Hotel Rates with Timing
If you want to know how to get cheaper hotel rates, your timing plays a key role. Most hotels tend to reduce their rates at certain periods of time. So, you can get the most out of your stay when you book at the right moment!
Moreover, these offers come with several other benefits, from no commitment to budget-friendly options. This way, you can guarantee that you get the most out of your trip, all for a great price!
Are you looking for a hotel at the last minute? You might think it’s challenging, but you can snag better deals than you think.
Booking last minute hotel rooms can offer you benefits you usually can’t get with regular rooms. The key is knowing how to find them and what to do about it.
So, how do you do it, and are last minute hotel rooms really worth it? Let’s find out!
Why Try Last Minute Hotel Rooms?
According to recent data, 1 out of 2 travelers book for last minute or next-day rooms. Generally, it’s because these rooms are convenient for people who make a sudden change of plans.
But aside from this, it’s great for those looking for a better deal on hotel rooms. The following are a few of the benefits you can enjoy.
Penalty-Free Cancellation
You won’t have to worry about commitment with a last minute hotel room. It’s because they usually have a penalty-free cancellation policy. In this case, you won’t lose money even if you change your mind.
At the same time, some hotels can free you from the worry that comes with early or late check-ins and check-outs. Still, you want to confirm this with the hotel before proceeding.
Budget-Friendly
Same-day hotel rates usually offer the most competitive rates. A quick tip is to check rooms after 4 p.m. since prices often decline past this hour.
Because of this, it’s a cost-effective way to get a place to stay when you have a tight budget. However, remember that it doesn’t guarantee a room in the place you want.
Where you get a booking still varies based on their availability. Many recommend having different options to ensure you find an available room.
Flexibility and Customization
How to Get Good Last Minute Room Deals
Don’t Hesitate to Ask
If you’re wandering around the city, it helps to ask around hotels to see if they have deals for last minute bookings. The chances that you find a place by asking are higher than they seem, as long as you look in the right places.
Rather than going for the biggest hotels available, you can also consider options off the beaten path for a better chance of finding a room.
Use Online Platforms
You can find available last minute hotel rooms through online platforms. It could be from the hotel website or a separate booking app.
Either way, you should take your time to look around and ask the hotel any necessary questions, from available amenities to cost. This way, you can determine if it’s the ideal place for you.
Keep Your Doors Open
When looking for last minute hotel rooms, it’s best to keep your doors open. Not all hotels will have a room up for grabs, so you should have several options.
You also want to be open to any deals that come up. Who knows? It might be your ticket to the perfect travel experience!
In Closing
Your hotel bedroom is like the cherry on top of your trip. After all, this is going to be your temporary home for a few days.
The key to finding the ideal hotel bedroom is knowing the types available. Note that it can either find them based on bed size, occupancy, or layout. But what are the common options?
Here’s a look at the types of hotel rooms you will come across!
Petite Hotel Bedroom
Some hotels offer a petite bedroom for people who want an affordable space. It offers just as much comfort as other rooms but with less amenities and less legroom.
This type of hotel room works great if you’re planning to spend most of your time out and about the city, and simply need a place to come back to.
Standard Hotel Room
Most hotels have their own rendition of a standard hotel room. While some keep them fixed, they often come with different sleeping arrangements. A few common options include a double room, queen room, or king room.
A standard hotel room will most likely cater to the basics. Some rooms may not have additional furnishings, but this can depend on the room’s layout.
Be sure the hotel amenities included fits your references and needs. This way, you can assure you get the best stay!
Deluxe Hotel Room
Some might think that a standard and deluxe room is similar, but it usually offers a bigger room size. This way, hotels can offer more amenities and inclusions to the room.
If you come across advertisements that highlight the view, whether it’s of a bay or city, these are often for deluxe rooms. Moreover, they often come with private terraces or balconies and extra high-end extras.
Studio Bedroom
A great thing about a studio hotel room is that it gives you enough room to feel like a temporary home. These spaces tend to have a living, sleeping, and eating or kitchen area.
Aside from a bed, you might notice a sofa or pull-out that doubles as one. This way, you have room for an extra person.
The room also has enough space to accommodate different activities. So, it’s an ideal spot if you’re looking for a place to enjoy a staycation.
Connecting Room
From the name itself, a connecting room refers to two rooms that are next to each other on the hotel floor, bridged by a door from the inside. So, you can access and unlock either of the outside entrances.
Keeping the connecting door unlocked turns the room into a large double room. Because of this, it’s a popular choice among families and friend groups who want privacy but also prefer to hang out together.
A 2017 survey finds that 51% of U.S. business travelers value large rooms during a trip. A connecting room is a great place to start if you’re going in groups.
Suite
Suites are one of the most expensive rooms you can find at a hotel. One thing they boast about is how every area of the room feels like a completely separate space.
For rooms like this, you can get a range of amenities. Some include a bigger bathroom, excellent view, separate kitchen and dining space, and a living room.
Keep in mind that these vary based on the hotel you choose. Regardless, you can expect the best from a suite for a higher cost.
The Bottomline
Some people may feel like they have less to see when they travel on a budget. But the truth is, you just need to know where to go.
While some statistics show how the majority prioritizes traveling, not everyone can spend how much they want when they achieve this. If you’re on a trip to Chicago, you’re in luck!
Here are some of the top and free attractions you have to get the most out of your experience when you visit Chicago on a budget.
Visit Public Art Exhibits
Chicago is one of the cities around the country known for its art. That’s because you can find them almost anywhere as you stroll around.
You’re sure to find a public art exhibit or two as you check what the city has to offer. There are also a few structures and sculptures you have to witness in person, like the Bean at Millenium Park.
Explore Public Parks
Next to art exhibits, you’ll find lots of public parks in the city, which are a great place to get active when you visit Chicago on a budget. Moreover, each of them has something different to offer.
The Maggie Daley Park is one of the most popular ones, especially for its skating ribbon, climbing wall, and themed sites. On the other hand, places like Garfield and Lincoln Park cater to different types of sports, from golf and baseball to boxing and swimming.
Catch Free Festivals
If you visit Chicago on a budget during the summer, you might be able to catch music festivals that are free admission. The performances you witness not only display the city’s cultural diversity but also the depth of music among its people.
It’s important to practice safety when visiting big events like these, especially as a solo traveler. You want to be sure you get in a crowd of people who seem reliable, stay where people can see you, and let your family and friends know your whereabouts.
Look Up Museums
You can find a few free admission museums in Chicago if you’re in the mood for something interactive and educational. For example, you can head straight to the Chicago Cultural Center right after your trip to Millenium Park.
If you’re up for it, you can even visit some of their popular museums for a low cost. Otherwise, the free options are a great alternative for a similar experience.
See the Zoo
Lots of people believe the Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the best free attractions in the city, particularly because of how engaging it is. You get to witness some unique animals while learning more about them through shows and feeding.
It’s also perfect if you visit Chicago on a budget with the family since the zoo has something fun to offer for everyone!
Take Strolls
With all there is to see in Chicago, you can go on with your days visiting the city just strolling. It’s a great way to come across unique sites, from art to events that are likely free of charge.
There are also lots of great places to walk around that give you a good view of the city, such as the Navy Pier or Lakefront Trail. If you’re up for some activity, you can also cycle your way around.
