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Tips for Visiting the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry

Dec 30, 2019 | Blog, Midwest, Museums & Attractions

The Museum of Science and Industry is one of the top attractions in Chicago, bringing science and technology to life for millions since 1933. The museum is enormous (it’s the largest museum in the Western Hemisphere!), and you can spend a whole day there, so you’ll...

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo

Dec 18, 2019 | Blog, Midwest, Nature & Wildlife

Every holiday season, the Detroit Zoo lights up with Wild Nights, a fantastic light display of 5 million LED lights. Trees, buildings, and 280 sculptures (including 230 animal sculptures) are illuminated throughout the front half of the zoo. Walk the grounds and take...

Celebrating Wright Brothers Day

Dec 17, 2019 | Blog, Midwest, General Travel

Happy Wright Brothers Day! On December 17, 1903 the Wright Brothers made their historic maiden flight. That first flight went 120 feet and lasted 12 seconds and ushered in the pioneer era of aviation. There are a few places across the country that preserve and honor...

Explore the Milwaukee Museum of Art

Dec 16, 2019 | Blog, Midwest, Museums & Attractions

Overlooking Lake Michigan with its Burke Brise Soleil “wings”, the Milwaukee Art Museum is an architectural landmark of the city. The museum is made up of several buildings, including the War Memorial Building, the Kahler Building, and the distinctive Quadracci...

Exploring Mark Twain Cave

Nov 30, 2019 | Blog, Midwest, Weekend Adventure

Calling all Mark Twain fans! Missouri’s oldest show cave, Mark Twain Cave is one of the locations that inspired Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The cave is part of the Mark Twain Cave Complex that also includes nearby Cameron Cave. It is a registered National...

Small Town Spotlight: Winterset, Iowa

Nov 19, 2019 | Blog, Midwest, Small Town Spotlight

Winterset, Iowa, is home to the famous Bridges of Madison County. Located just a short drive from Des Moines, the small town’s other claim to fame is being the birthplace of John Wayne. This picturesque place also has a quaint town square, delicious food, outdoor...

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State Historic
Sites & Museums

Visit the state capital building– take a guided tour and make your way to the dome and the outside viewing areas when available.

Landmarks

Stopping at a landmark is the perfect reason to take a break from driving and stretch your legs. Spend a little time outside the car snapping a few photos before resuming your travels.
The landmarks we feature are typically open during daylight hours from sunrise to sunset, unless they are in a park or managed area.
There are many landmarks in major cities, especially historically significant ones. You can easily spend an entire day just visiting famous landmarks.

Religious Sites

Visit a historic cemetery and learn more about the gravestones. Take a guided tour to discover prominent figures interred on-site. Visit a historic cemetery and learn more about the gravestones.
States that border Mexico have architecturally significant and truly amazing missions. Depending upon your interests and schedule, you can take a self-guided tour or book a guided tour of one or more mission complexes.
Most places of worship have guided tours available on the weekends, typically in the afternoons. Spend an hour learning about an iconic place of worship to immerse yourself in the history of the building and its members.

Tours & Experiences

Book a history tour of the city or town you’re visiting for the first day you arrive. You will learn about the area, get the lay of the land, and learn valuable local knowledge from your tour guide.
With so many tour options to choose from, sometimes the adage “You get what you pay for” is accurate. Check online reviews before booking the tour.
Confirm the tour company’s name, meeting time and location, and the travel time to arrive at the meeting point. All too often tours are missed due to a misjudgment of travel time or unexpected traffic en route. Aim to be early.

Shopping

Expect an abundance of independent retail stores in our curated list of small town shopping destinations. For instance, if you are visiting a village settled by Swiss immigrants, there are sure to be Swiss gift shops selling remarkable products imported from Europe.
We encourage you to purchase something local on each of your trips. You will have built an impressive collection of items and memories after a few years of traveling.
Store hours vary by the day of the week and time of year. Don’t expect stores to be open every day in the off-season. Your best bet is to use part of the weekend to shop in between sightseeing.

Restaurants

Consider a quick stop at a coffee shop or bakery in the morning if you have a long day of exploring ahead. Getting a quick start will help you avoid long lines. Eat an early lunch to stay ahead of the crowds.
Breakfast buffets and full-service fine dining can break your travel budget. Don’t shy away from quality food but look at all your options if you’re trying to avoid overspending.
If you are a foodie, research the “must try” eateries along with new spots earning rave reviews. We will let you know if there is a James Beard award winning restaurant in the area.

Lodging

Lodging is one of the most significant expenses of any trip. Consider the total cost as you budget your trip don’t forget about parking and other daily fees. There are many perks to staying in a hotel located close to major attractions and public transportation.
Before booking your lodging, determine the amount of time you will be in the hotel. This should be a major factor when choosing a property.
Destination hotels and resorts can offer enough activities to fill an entire weekend. Think about planning a day to explore the hotel and take advantage of the amenities and activities included in your daily rate.

Casinos

Don’t shy away from staying at a casino resort if you don’t gamble. The top casino operators attract gaming guests with their excellent services, great restaurants, live entertainment, and amenities that aren’t available at the average resort hotel.
Due to their size and amenities, casino resorts attract conventions. It can be underwhelming to stay at a resort when 99 percent of the guests are there for business and you’re there for pleasure. Check with the hotel about ongoing events before you book.
You may be able to get discount tickets to shows, attractions, and other entertainment options through your hotel. Check with the concierge if there are any perks for overnight guests.

Theaters & Music Venues

Purchase your tickets before your trip. Save money on fees when you buy tickets directly from venues.
Plan a road trip around a summer music festival. It’s a great way to see many fantastic bands perform, all at the same venue.
Most major cities have a theater district or fine arts center featuring theatrical productions, ballets, symphonies, and opera. Check the local entertainment websites to see if anything interests you.

Wineries

There are more than enough options when it comes to tasting rooms and tours. However, many of the popular breweries, wineries, and distilleries have limited capacity. A reservation might be required, especially on the weekends.
Research the location. If there is an onsite restaurant, enjoy a meal with your beverage. Don’t shy away from brewpubs. Many of them have excellent reviews and menus filled with options.
If you decide to spend a day tasting, make sure you have a designated driver or a professional tour guide. Where there are vineyards and tasting rooms, there are many tour options with built-in drivers.

Meaderies

There are more than enough options when it comes to tasting rooms and tours. However, many of the popular breweries, wineries, and distilleries have limited capacity. A reservation might be required, especially on the weekends.
Research the location. If there is an onsite restaurant, enjoy a meal with your beverage. Don’t shy away from brewpubs. Many of them have excellent reviews and menus filled with options.
If you decide to spend a day tasting, make sure you have a designated driver or a professional tour guide. Where there are vineyards and tasting rooms, there are many tour options with built-in drivers.

Distilleries

There are more than enough options when it comes to tasting rooms and tours. However, many of the popular breweries, wineries, and distilleries have limited capacity. A reservation might be required, especially on the weekends.
Research the location. If there is an onsite restaurant, enjoy a meal with your beverage. Don’t shy away from brewpubs. Many of them have excellent reviews and menus filled with options.
If you decide to spend a day tasting, make sure you have a designated driver or a professional tour guide. Where there are vineyards and tasting rooms, there are many tour options with built-in drivers.

Cideries

There are more than enough options when it comes to tasting rooms and tours. However, many of the popular breweries, wineries, and distilleries have limited capacity. A reservation might be required, especially on the weekends.
Research the location. If there is an onsite restaurant, enjoy a meal with your beverage. Don’t shy away from brewpubs. Many of them have excellent reviews and menus filled with options.
If you decide to spend a day tasting, make sure you have a designated driver or a professional tour guide. Where there are vineyards and tasting rooms, there are many tour options with built-in drivers.

Breweries

There are more than enough options when it comes to tasting rooms and tours. However, many of the popular breweries, wineries, and distilleries have limited capacity. A reservation might be required, especially on the weekends.
Research the location. If there is an onsite restaurant, enjoy a meal with your beverage. Don’t shy away from brewpubs. Many of them have excellent reviews and menus filled with options.
If you decide to spend a day tasting, make sure you have a designated driver or a professional tour guide. Where there are vineyards and tasting rooms, there are many tour options with built-in drivers.

Points of Interest

Spend the day in a small town. Combine a scenic drive with a small town experience, add in a stop at a distillery or winery, and find Main Street for unique shopping and dining options.
There are many amazing landmarks across the U.S. Look into tour options. Plan your trip so that you are not visiting during a peak time to allow for more enjoyment and less crowds.
Landmarks will often hold special events throughout the year. For instance, there might be an open house or special tour on the first Saturday of every month. Do a little research and check local event calendars.

Nature & Wildlife

Nature centers and nature preserves are very affordable and provide excellent learning opportunities for all ages. Most centers have a wide range of activities and animal exhibits and are located near a nature preserve.
Wildlife sanctuaries exist to protect animals and habitats. Here, animals canroam freely in a natural environment. Many wildlife sanctuaries are home to rescued and rehabilitated animals.
Wildlife viewing areas offer views of migrating birds or animals feeding in the wild. Most of the viewing areas are seasonal. Check with the property before visiting.

Outdoor Activities

Planning a hike or bike ride as part of your vacation is a great way to get some fresh air. Understanding the physicality of the trail and being prepared is critical, especially if you are not familiar with the area.
Going apple picking or successfully navigating a challenging corn maze can make for a memorable autumn weekend. Ranches can also have fun activities, including horseback riding and winter sleigh rides.
A scenic drive to your destination can be enjoyable if time allows. Take back roads to discover antique stores, farm stands, and small towns that are off the beaten path.

Parks & Recreations

The national parks are considered “America’s Best Idea”—yet most visitors spend less than one day exploring them. With some advance planning and research, you will find there are more activities and adventures available during your national park trip for a multi-day visit.
Visiting state parks and recreation areas can make for a very affordable vacation. Many of the parks have multiple lodging options, including campsites.
There are 49 National Heritage Sites/Areas in the U.S. Each of the areas have a range of museums, historic sites, and outdoor activities available. Plan on spending at least a day or two exploring these sites.

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Slide One

Custom Travel Planning

Receive a custom itinerary featuring lodging, attractions, restaurants, unique shopping, tours and experiences that suit your travel style and budget.

Each itinerary will include additional options to consider while traveling. You will not have a shortage of things to do, places to eat and lodging choices.

The final itinerary will be available in both downloadable format, as well as loaded into your daily calendar for quick reference while traveling.

If we make reservations for you, all confirmations and important details will be attached to the itinerary.

$35

per day

Premium Travel
Planning

(includes all Custom Travel Features and these added Concierge)

Concierge service available from 7am EST to 7pm PST.

Daily travel assistance for Check-it-Off Travel clients.

Quickly change your existing custom itinerary.

Assist with new reservations during your trip.

Work with you to alleviate any stress caused by travel delays.

$50

per day

Slide One

Custom Travel Planning

Receive a custom itinerary featuring lodging, attractions, restaurants, unique shopping, tours and experiences that suit your travel style and budget.

Each itinerary will include additional options to consider while traveling. You will not have a shortage of things to do, places to eat and lodging choices.

The final itinerary will be available in both downloadable format, as well as loaded into your daily calendar for quick reference while traveling.

If we make reservations for you, all confirmations and important details will be attached to the itinerary.

$35

per day

Premium Travel
Planning

(includes all Custom Travel Features and these added Concierge)

Concierge service available from 7am EST to 7pm PST.

Daily travel assistance for Check-it-Off Travel clients.

Quickly change your existing custom itinerary.

Assist with new reservations during your trip.

Work with you to alleviate any stress caused by travel delays.

$50

per day

Caves, Caverns & Mines

Cave tours range from mild to wild. The standard tour will typically take place on a paved walkway with well-lit pathways. If you want a more adventurous tour, you will probably need to make an advance reservation. Be prepared to crawl in the dirt through tight passageways!
Cave tours have limited availability. Some tours can be for small groups and may require booking months in advance.
Mine tours are safe, but hard hats are required. The tunnels tend to be narrower, which may be more challenging for guests who don’t like small spaces.

Flowers & Trees

Botanical gardens and arboretums host many special events, including Halloween and Christmas displays. These events sell out, especially on the weekends. Make sure you purchase your tickets in advance.
Check the garden and arboretum websites for dining options prior to your visit. An outdoor café is typical, but you might find full-service restaurants or a beer garden on the grounds.
Japanese gardens are unique and there are not many in the U.S. If you have a chance to visit one, enjoy the winding walkways and peacefulness of these special gardens.

Lions, Tigers & Fish

Zoological parks are often open before other museums and attractions, making it easy to grab a coffee or to-go breakfast and enjoy a morning walk at the zoo.
Check the website for tour options; VIP and behind-the-scenes tours will let you visit parts of the zoo not available to general admission guests.
Zoological parks and similar attractions are large and require walking for miles. It can be helpful to review other transportation options like shuttles and bicycle rentals, as well as stroller policies.

Thrill Rides, Water Slides & Amusement

Planning a trip to a major theme park requires a bit more pre-trip planning. Otherwise, expect long lines and challenging restaurant reservations.
Think about visiting a park in the afternoon. Parks tend to stay open late in the summer, lines are shorter in the evenings, and the half-day admission prices can be significantly less.
Understand which rides are new and most popular. Check off those rides early or purchase a pass that allows you to skip the line. These time savings will allow you to experience more.

Museums & Historic Sites

When visiting a major city, don’t shy away from a museum even if you’re not a museum buff. The collections at major museums have so much more than paintings that you will still enjoy your visit.
Balance is ideal when traveling. Make sure to consider some of the smaller museums in the area.
Check the museum website before you visit. Take the museum highlight tour or a behind-the-scenes tour. These usually only last an hour and often become a favorite part of our clients’ visits.

State Historic Sites & Museums

Visit the state capital building– take a guided tour and make your way to the dome and the outside viewing areas when available.
Learn about local history at the state historical society and state museum. Take advantage of limited engagement special exhibits and tours.
Historic sites are spread out across each state, and they might be located within a state park or state recreation area. These sites offer opportunities to learn about a U.S President before or after the White House years, American authors, industrialists, European migration, and more.

Tips for Visiting the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo

Celebrating Wright Brothers Day

Explore the Milwaukee Museum of Art

Exploring Mark Twain Cave

Small Town Spotlight: Winterset, Iowa

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Custom Travel Planning

Custom Travel Planning

Premium Travel Planning

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