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Chicago Union Station Hotels: Five Tips for Saving Money and Having Fun Staying Near Union Station

As Amtrak’s Chicago train station, Chicago Union Station is an exciting place to begin or end a train trip.  But if you plan to tour Chicago while you are in town, you have numerous hotel options.  These lodging alternatives have their advantages and disadvantages depended on what it important to you.

 

Here are five ways to save money and have fun while staying near Chicago Union Station:

 

One:  The number one tip for saving money while staying in Chicago is to choose a hotel away from Michigan Avenue.  Since “The Magnificent Mile” has copious amounts of shopping and tourist attractions, Michigan Avenue and the streets next to it host the most expensive hotels in the city.  You will save money staying closer to Union Station itself and taking other means of transportation to shopping and attractions.

 

Two:  Since downtown Chicago has flat topography, it is an easy area within to walk.  If the weather is nice,   walking at least one way to a tourist site will save money.  Also, you will be able to afford (financially and calorically) to eat the great Chicago food.

 

Three:  Taxis are everywhere in downtown Chicago when you want fast, personal service.  But if you wish to save money, try the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and trains.  There is an informative Downtown Transit Sightseeing Guide at www.transitchicago.com.  It has detailed descriptions on how to ride the buses and trains, fare information and a guide to getting to numerous sightseeing attractions.  The best deal is the one, three and seven day CTA passes that can be purchased online in advanced or at many locations around downtown (ask at your hotel’s front desk for the nearest location.)

 

Four:  In the summertime, one of the coolest ways to get to Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, and Chinatown if you are staying close to Union Station is by taking the water taxi. Chicago Water Taxi loads at Madison Street at 2 North Riverside Center next to Union Station.  Shoreline Sightseeing also offers water taxi service across the Chicago River on Adams street next to 200 South Wacker.  From Navy Pier, Shoreline also has boats that go to Buckingham Fountain/Grant Park and the Museum Campus where the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium are located.

 

Five:  Three recommended hotels close to Chicago Union Station are the La Quinta Inn and Suites Chicago Downtown, the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Downtown Chicago, and the Crowne Plaza Metro.  All of these hotels are moderately-priced and have amenities such as fitness centers, indoor swimming pools, and business centers.  The La Quinta even serves free breakfast!

Charles Self is the editor of the Amtrak Train Stations Across America website.  At http://www.passengertraininfo.com/chicagohotels.aspx  you will find additional information on hotels near Chicago Union Station and information about other Amtrak train stations.

Technorati Tags: Chicago, Five, Having, Hotels, Money, Near, Saving, Station, Staying, Tips, Union

Tips For Finding An Amazing New York Travel Deal

Almost everybody has a dream of someday traveling to New York State. Whether it is the sights of the Big Apple or the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains and outdoor activities around the Finger Lakes.


Unfortunately, dreams of an outstanding New York travel deal are frequently turned into nightmares when potential visitors are handed opening prices on trips to NY.


However, the smart consumer should not despair OR pay the excessive prices initially offered. With the internet and numerous travel agencies in the market for your business, finding a quality New York travel deal with specifics such as airline tickets and hotel stays can be pretty simple.


Keep in mind that traveling to NY can still be very expensive with all of the “extras” involved. But if you do a bit of fact finding and take the advice of this article, finding an excellent travel deal to NY may be easier than you think.


Being that we are in the Age of Information, with answers to our needs at our fingertips, one of the most powerful resources that you have to learn about a noteworthy New York travel deal is the internet. There are abundant websites offering savings for frugal, self-motivated travelers.


Here are a few tricks to finding online deals for your subsequent jaunt to NY:


1. Make sure that you check around previous to making any payment toward your trip. Do not purchase the first airline ticket you see offered online and do not book the first accommodation you identify just because you think it seems like a good New York travel deal. Always check no less than three (3) sources for every aspect of your vacation.


Start with the large travel websites; they usually produce the most valid comparison starting points for prices. Then go to some of the smaller websites (believe me they are hard to miss). After you get a feel for what is out there, then you could even go straight to the website of the airline or lodging you may have seen as a good option for from the previous fact-finding. Often times going directly to the supplier can provide you with the greatest New York travel deal.


2. It is often wise to start the research for your vacation several months in advance. It is a good idea to check the prices for your airfare if booked now for your desired departure date and also check the last minute flights to your destination at the same time. If you ascertain that waiting until the last minute to book your plane could be a worthwhile New York travel deal, then you may want to reflect upon that as a part of your trip plans. You will need to be sure to be flexible in case you cannot get on the flight that you had originally wanted.


3. When considering your lodging options, you should look into hostels in addition to the usual hotels, etc. These are low-budget accommodations that are a delightful combination of a Bed & Breakfast and a dorm and provide uncomplicated travelers with an amazing New York travel deal. There are no less than 40 separate hostels scattered around the metropolitan area of the Big Apple and quoted prices start as low as $15 USD per night!


4. When you get to your destination in NY, speak with some of the locals. Most of the time there will be a friendly face available at your hotel, hostel, etc. Find out from them the greatest places to go for a nice dinner or if there are any locally sponsored events or games that you can attend. The locals normally know all of the best quaint restaurants with considerable atmosphere that will not empty your pocketbook on a single meal and some of the most interesting activities to be present at.


Visiting New York State can be very satisfying. One of the greatest ways to derive pleasure from your vacation is to know that you have found at least one New York travel deal that has helped to stretch your budgeted trip money. This way you will have more of that allocated cash to do what you really want to do, which is: experience New York.

Steve Gray is the owner of www.NYTripGuide.com which offers info on how to get a great New York travel deal. He has the experience and knowledge to offer strategies and solutions for making trips to New York cost-effective and memorable.

Technorati Tags: Amazing, Deal, Finding, Tips, Travel, York

Gambling on a Great Vacation – 5 Tips for Doing Las Vegas Cheap!

Times are tough and money’s tight—but that’s even more reason to schedule a vacation getaway from the stress and struggles of daily living.  While many of us will be relegated to just a “day-cation” or maybe a “stay-cation,” there is a still travel destination where you can still get a really big bang for your buck.

Las Vegas.

Once upon a time Las Vegas was known as “Sin City”–famous for its casinos and show girls.  But today’s Vegas has much more to offer:  shows, shopping and plenty of family-friendly activities as well.  And you don’t need to be a high-roller to enjoy what Las Vegas has to offer; a Las Vegas vacation can be done on the cheap!

So put away the inflatable pool and pack your bags–here’s a list of tips for saving money in Las Vegas:

1. Look for Las Vegas Travel Deals

Las Vegas is a popular place for tourists so travel sites such as Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia often feature Las Vegas package deals.  I’ve seen Las Vegas hotel deals for as little as $70 per night for luxury accommodations.  You can find information about these packages–and make them even more affordable with Las Vegas coupons–at sites that specialize in deals like Savings.com.

2.  Plan in advance

Check out the Las Vegas Official Tourism Web Site for ideas on where to stay and what to see in Las Vegas.  Booking in advance can get you the best rates and making reservations for off-season or mid-week dates rather than for weekends or during holidays can save you a bundle of cash.  Also, make sure to research what shows will be in town when scheduling your vacation to help you avoid being stuck with tickets to Wayne Newton when you’re jonesing to see Bon Jovi.

3.  Don’t Gamble

…or at least set a limit and stick to it.  I know gambling has a powerful appeal to many people, although I’ve never understood the thrill of it.  Personally if I’m dropping a wad of cash, I want there to be something leather in my closet to show for it.  There are plenty of things to do in Las Vegas other than gamble–no need to spend all your time in a Las Vegas casino!

4.  Free Admission

While it will cost you a chunk of change to see Cirque de Soleil or the Blue Man Group perform, there’s a veritable wealth of amazing things to see in Las Vegas for free.  The spectacular Bellagio Fountains, the talking statues at Caesars Palace and the Shark Tank at the Mirage cost nothing and make for some great entertainment.  Maybe not quite as enchanting as Cirque de Soleil, but definitely more amusing than a Carrot Top stand-up show.  

For other cost-free forms of Las Vegas entertainment, you can have fun people-watching and window shopping–or check out this more comprehensive list of free Las Vegas attractions on About.com

5.  Deals on Meals

If you fill up at one of Las Vegas’ many all-you-can-eat buffets, you can cut down on your food costs.  One meal big meal vs. three moderate ones can save you some real money.  You can also buy deeply discounted gift certificates in advance for Las Vegas restaurants at restaurant.com.  

And, while there is no such thing as a free lunch, there are free drinks at the Las Vegas casinos–if you’re gambling.  So you can sit yourself down at a nickel slot machine and if you tip the waitress well, she’ll keep the drinks coming.  The logic behind this largess, however, is that an inebriated customer will gamble longer and lose more money.  So know your limits–for your body as well as your budget!

A Las Vegas vacation has something for everyone–from wedding chapels to art museums, shows and shopping, golfing and gambling.  By doing some research for Las Vegas packages, Las Vegas travel deals or Las Vegas coupons, you can make that Las Vegas vacation extremely affordable.  So the secret to a “winning” Las Vegas getaway is:  plan in advance, stick to your budget and never double down when the dealer has a ten or an ace!

Savings.com was founded in 2004 and consists of a team of experienced programmers, product specialists and marketers working to building the site into the Internet’s premiere savings and discount destination. Working in partnership with many of the Web’s premiere publishers and retailers, Savings.com is dedicated to bringing people the best deals available online from the most recognizable companies and trusted brands.

Technorati Tags: Cheap, Doing, Gambling, Great, Tips, Vacation, Vegas

22 Hour Drive… Need Advice, Tips, Etc?

We’ve made the drive several times w/ one baby/ child but never with two. [Ahhh!] I sent my father-in-law a text video of the boys this past weekend and within 5 minutes he called begging us to come up to visit and told us a check for fuel was in the mail. We have a 3 1/2 year old and a 6 month old. Last time we left around 8pm and our 3 year old slept all night and we made some good time. Would you do the same thing or just leave in the morning and get a hotel room? Which would be better and why? (If we left at night we could alternate sleeping so that’s not a big deal.) Time and money isn’t a huge issue, I just want to do what is best for the boys sake so that they aren’t too uncomfortable. Thanks!

Technorati Tags: Advice, Drive..., Hour, Need, Tips

Any Tips On How To Locate The Most Discounted 5 Star Hotel Deals For Oct 14-19 2007 In Singapore,singapore?

last minute discount deals on 5 star hotels for October 14-19 2007

Technorati Tags: 1419, 2007, Deals, Discounted, Hotel, Locate, Most, Singaporesingapore, Star, Tips