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Achieving Chicago Tourism Luxury on a Budget

As the economy fluctuates and people start reassessing their budgets many Americans have decided to make cutbacks in their budget. For many, travel was one of the first words on the list to hit the cutting room floor.

The travel industry quickly took up the cry of “staycations,” encouraging people to act like tourists in their own towns and cities. While a staycation might work for a weekend, it’s not quite the same as a full-fledged getaway.

The better solution? Choose a destination carefully, explore all your cost options and go somewhere! Perhaps the trip will be a day or two shorter than normal, or not quite as international as originally planned, but it will still be a trip.

Travelling and exploring new cities is an important experience that should never be completely deleted from anyone’s budget. With so many intriguing cities just a few hours away by plane, it’s always possible to find a way to make it happen. Chicago with its two airports can be a great destination for those looking for a bargain on luxury. Here are some tips for making the most of available downtown Chicago hotel packages.

Chicago Luxury on a Budget:
Chicago is an incredibly diverse city with more to see and do than you’d have time for in a month and it is an easy choice for a fun, memorable vacation. Choosing a luxury hotel in Chicago is easy, and depends on the location and ‘feel’ you’re after. For those looking for a cosmopolitan experience, staying at a hotel in downtown Chicago will give you easy access to everything the Loop has to offer. From a night at the opera to days at the many art museums, you’ll be able to steep yourself in culture, and a downtown Chicago luxury hotel is definitely the way to go.

Chicago’s Trendy Side:
If a trendy Chicago hotel is more your scene, you’ll find some of those, too. Sip green tea martinis and passion fruit cocktails at the sleek hotel lobby bars before heading out on the town to track down some local music. Be sure to schedule a visit to one of the serene day spas, where you’re sure to find a trendy new treatment just waiting to be tried. A pilates stretching shanghai massage, maybe? Round the trendy Chicago tour out by touring what really matters: the restaurants! Ask your hotel concierge about joining a walking tour of the city’s best restaurants and local neighborhood jewels, with lots of interesting local lore thrown in.

Travel to Amusement Parks

All travelers, but especially families taking annual family vacations, love to travel to amusement parks: Disney World, Disneyland, Dollywood, the various Six Flags parks, etc. There are themed amusement parks and/or water parks both large and small in every state in the Union, and they all make great vacation destinations.

The entertainment at amusement/theme parks and water parks is all family-oriented. There are no shows that don’t welcome small children. The emphasis is on innocent fun.

If you and your family are planning a vacation to an amusement or water park, you need to plan ahead. If you intend to travel during the “tourist season,” you had BETTER make plans or you’ll find yourself sleeping in your car. The summer months are the busiest times at most amusement and water parks.

Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is an exception. This tropical state is afflicted with hurricane season during the summer months, so the prime times to see Disney World is during the late fall, winter, or spring.

If money IS an object, hotel accommodations further away from the parks are usually less expensive than those near or in the parks. Food and drink inside an amusement park is sold at premium prices. The vendors have the market cornered, and they can pretty much charge what they want.

Eating a meal before you go to an amusement/theme park, taking a bottle of water for each person with you, and avoiding buying soft drinks and food inside the amusement park can save a lot of dollars.

Also, buying tickets in advance is usually far less expensive than buying tickets at the gate. Often amusement parks have sales promotions, and tickets and ticket packages are offered at deeply discounted prices.