22
Feb 2013

Laurel’s Travel Tip: Unique Visits for St. Patrick’s Day

February 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

emeraldisleEveryone knows that our city loves St. Patrick’s Day so it is no surprise that U.S. News chose Chicago as the 2nd best place to celebrate the holiday in the USA. #1 was of course, Boston, Massachusetts. But I bet there are several other places that might surprise you!

Emerald Isle, North Carolina and Erin, Tennessee know a little bit about “Irish Eyes Are Smilin’ and it’s not just their names.  On March 16th Emerald Isle will hosta day long St. Patrick’s Festival featuring more than 75 arts and crafts sellers, food vendors, clowns, amusement rides and other family friendly activities. They will have three stages of entertainment including Irish music, a beer garden and a Mr. and Mrs. Leprechaun Contest!Laurel Pic

The small historic rural valley community of Erin, located west of Nashville at the foot of the Tennessee Ridge, celebrates

…Continue to the rest of Laurel’s Article

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18
Feb 2013

Laurel’s Travel Tip: International Car Rentals

February 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Edward Jones-001Planning on driving on your next trip abroad? There is a lot to think about when driving in a foreign country. So here are some quick tips to help you get started.
Book Before You Go!

Rental rates are almost always higher at the counter than they will be over the phone or online, even just 24 hours before pickup. Ask your travel agent to comparison shop. Or you can visit the Web sites of several different car rental companies and search for the same kind of car on your exact travel dates.

Why Transmission Matters

In many countries, manual transmissions are the norm and you’ll have to pay a price for an automatic. If you can drive a stick shift, it could save you money and hassles.

Pay Ahead in $$$

Whenever possible, pay for your car rental ahead of time in…

…Continue to Entire article to read more about understanding the fine print, What is an International Driving Permit & Do I need one and What to Do Before You go.Laurel Pic

Contact Laurel at Seidelman.laurel@gmail.com for assistance in planning your next trip!

Check out Laurel’s Travel Deals here at SeniorSpotChicago.com

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11
Feb 2013

Enter for Chance to WIN ~ AARP 7-Night Alaskan Cruise!

February 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment

If you love to travel, then Enter for a chance to win this 7-Night Alaskan Cruise for 2!  Head over to AARP and play their thrilling Travel Trivia Game for a chance to Win this Alaskan Cruise for 2 worth $6500!  Good Luck!!

Must be 45+ to enter. Sweepstakes ends 2/28/13. No purchase necessary. To play and for official rules, including odds, and prize descriptions, click here. Void where prohibited.

Note: You will need to login to your AARP account. If you do not have an account, you may create one. Creating an AARP account is free. You automatically will receive one (1) entry into the Sweepstakes. Each entrant may receive one (1) Sweepstakes entry per day

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09
Feb 2013

Laurel’s Travel Tip: Kiss ‘N Fly at Chicago Airports + Weekly Deal in Kohler

February 9, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Edward Jones-001T’is the season to speak of kisses but in this case I am writing about free and convenient ways to pick up arriving passengers at our city’s two major airports.

The Kiss ‘N Fly at O’Hare International Airport passengers is an easy way to completely avoid terminal area roadways which can get congested during peak arrival and departure times. No making endless runs around the terminal or coping with no parking regulations inside the terminal.

The Kiss ‘N Fly drop off point provides passengers direct access to…

…Continue to Entire Article

 

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02
Feb 2013

Southwest Vacations: Everything’s on Sale – Save up to $220!

February 2, 2013 By Leave a Comment


Affiliate Exclusive Nationwide Sale!
Just last week, Southwest Vacations had a Nationwide sale upto $200, but they’ve increased it! Take advantage of the Southwest Vacations Nationwide Sale & save up to $220 Nationwide – that mean’s Everything’s on SALE! This Nationwide sale is good through 2/14, so get out of the cold and snow and  book before it’s gone! Go to Southwest Vacations and let us know where you’ll be going!

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31
Jan 2013

Laurel’s Travel Tip: Foodies Welcome on Princess Cruise Line

January 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment

banner_diningPrincess Cruises has a wonderful dining opportunity for all you “foodies” out there. Although not widely publicized The Chef’s Table is designed as a special treat for dining enthusiasts. According to the cruise line it “offers the rare opportunity to be welcomed into the inner sanctum of the ship’s galley to enjoy a full evening of memorable sights, tastes and conversation hosted by the executive chef.

While many passengers are able to enjoy galley tours during the quiet off-hours, the Chef’s Table experience takes interested diners behind the scenes…

…Continue to entire article

 

Please leave Laurel a comment here at SeniorSpotChicago.com about some of your favorite places to visit and where you’d like to go.  If you have a travel question, go head and ask that too!

Check out  Laurel’s Travel Deals here at SeniorSpotChicago.com

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24
Jan 2013

Laurel’s Travel Tip: Valentine’s Getaway to Budapest & Prague

January 24, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Edward Jones-001What better way to say “I Love You” to your special someone than giving them a whirlwind winter getaway to two precious jewels of cities, Budapest and Prague?

Budapest is “the pearl of the Danube” It reveals its treasures along the banks of the majestic Danube, on the hills of Buda and in the narrow streets of the castle district. Built over many centuries its buildings and cultures integrated into earlier ones to create a city that is a true melting pot and full of contrasts. World class museums, island parks, shopping and cafes abound. Explore Castle Hill for a taste of medieval Budapest or spend the afternoon sipping coffee in a local café.

Prague is one of Central Europe’s crowning jewels. The “Golden City” has a historic center that spans both sides of the Vltava River and is connected by the 14th century Charles Bridge. On one side of the river is Old Town with its famous Astronomical Clock. It is also home to Wenceslas Square, the Jewish Quarter which dates back to the 13th century. On the other side of the river you’ll find picturesque Lesser Town with ancient burger houses and St. Nicholas Church. The Hradcany Castle District with Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world is also located on this side of the river.

Europe Too is offering a Valentine’s Special for 6 Days/5 Nights at $740 per person, International Airfare not included. Valid February 1 – March 23, 2013.

Package Includes:

2 Nights Budapest Deluxe Hotel Marriott in Danube View Room

3 Nights Prague First Class Grand Majestic Plaza Hotel

Flight from Budapest to Prague

Daily Breakfast and Hotel Taxes

Half Day City tour by bus in each city

Evening Danube Cruise in Budapest

Horse and Carriage Ride in Prague

Contact Laurel at Seidelman.laurel@gmail.com for assistance in planning this trip or your next vacation!

Please leave Laurel a comment here at SeniorSpotChicago.com about some of your favorite places to visit and where you’d like to go.  If you have a travel question, go head and ask that too!

Check out  Laurel’s Travel Deals here at SeniorSpotChicago.com

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21
Jan 2013

Save with Southwest Vacation Promo Codes!

January 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment


Exclusive Promotion Code Page!
Do you love Southwest Vacations, but want to save even more? Click here to see if Southwest Vacations has an exclusive promotion code for your upcoming vacation. Southwest Vacations posts various promo codes that you can use when booking your next trip. It’s just another savvy way to save at Southwest!

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17
Jan 2013

Laurel’s Travel Tip: Un-Cruise Adventures a New Way to Cruise

January 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Un-Cruise Adventures ~ A New Way to Cruise

There’s a new name out their in the cruise industry Un-Cruise Adventures. This new cruise line was formed by combing Inner Sea Discoveries and American Safari Cruises.

Their fleet is composed of small yachts and expedition boats, each one uniquely suited for their distinct style of Un Cruise Adventure. A shallow draft makes them capable of nimble exploration and allows access to the places bigger ships cannot go. Public and private spaces are loaded with amenities and depending on the itinerary and date of cruise you could be accompanied by a well known Marine Biologist or photography expert.

Their itineraries focus on the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii but it is the Sea of Cortes that I am going to focus on for this article. Their 7 night cruise begins in LaPaz, Baja California on the Safari Endeavor. The highlights are an exclusive exploration of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, unhurried time watching whales and dolphins as well as a visit to the centuries old mission town of Loreto. You will enjoy snorkeling with playful sea lion pups, hiking along cactus clad rims and giant Cardon cactus followed by an evening BBQ ashore with music and storytelling. All of this with spectacular stargazing and the chance to see dolphins chasing the ship at night in the phosphorescent waters of the Sea of Cortes.

Per person rates begin at $3695. What a wonderful way to get rid of those mid winter blues and see an unspoiled part of the world!

Contact Laurel at Seidelman.laurel@gmail.com for assistance in planning your next vacation!

Please leave Laurel a comment here at SeniorSpotChicago.com about some of your favorite places to visit and where you’d like to go.  If you have a travel question, go head and ask that too!

Check out  Laurel’s Travel Deals here at SeniorSpotChicago.com

 

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10
Jan 2013

Laurel’s Domestic Destination: A New Fantasyland!

January 10, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Domestic Destination: A New Fantasyland

“When you wish upon a star…”

It does make no difference WHO you are. Everybody loves Disney! And if you are a Walt Disney World fan the best news lately is that the New Fantasyland is now open for business.  With two wonderful new themed areas, Storybook Circus and the Enchanted Forest this represents the largest expansion in Walt Disney World history.

Imagine taking your grandkids to the Storybook Circus which is inspired by Dumbo the sweet and adorable flying elephant so beloved in our childhoods. The area is set up like a vintage circus with a new and larger Dumbo ride. There is the Barnstormer rollercoaster which features the adventures of Goofy as the Great Goofini and for a short respite a circus themed play area.

The Enchanted Forest plays out the stories of some favorite Disney characters. At the “Enchanted Tales with Belle” attraction, visitors step through Belle’s mirror into the Beast’s castle. There is a chance to hug Belle, talk with that dashing candelabra Lumiere and join in the reenactment of the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. Ariel the beautiful Mermaid Princess from “The Little Mermaid” hosts the “Under the Sea” attraction which whisks guests away on a clamshell boat through Ariel’s magical Grotto.

So much new to see and do and with a package from Walt Disney Vacations there are so many ways to experience the parks. Let me show you how you can “Wish upon a star”.

Contact Laurel at Seidelman.laurel@gmail.com for assistance in planning your next vacation!

Please leave Laurel a comment here at SeniorSpotChicago.com about some of your favorite places to visit and where you’d like to go.  If you have a travel question, go head and ask that too!

Check out  Laurel’s Travel Deals here at SeniorSpotChicago.com

 

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