Going Wild at America’s National Parks

We’re in a traffic jam. This is not your typical Friday afternoon slowdown on the Kennedy, though—this is traffic Wyoming-style. A herd of bison has taken over our two-lane road through Yellowstone. Wildlife has the right-of-way here, so we’re going nowhere. Looking to escape suburbia and head into the wilderness on your next vacation? Follow […]

5 Active Adventures That Combine Fitness and Pleasure

A recent survey by BetterDoctor had Chicago low on its list of most physically active cities in America. Not surprisingly, cities in California and Colorado have us beat—sub-zero winter temps aren’t exactly conducive to getting out and exercising. Instead of whining about our temperamental weather, kick it up a notch with a vacation that emphasizes […]

Mom’s Weekend in Vegas

Your last girls’ getaway to Vegas may have been a hazy alcohol-fueled college spring break or bachelorette party escapade, but that was years ago. Return to Sin City now and discover a grown-up side of town for a much classier ladies’ weekend—just perfect for a mother-daughter or best gal-pal escape. STAY Relax at the artsy […]

Need a Last-Minute Spring Break? Explore Puerto Rico

They say it never rains in Southern California, sunny Arizona or Florida— places that typically top most families’ lists for spring break fun. If you’re looking for a different destination this year, consider Puerto Rico. Sure, it rains in some parts on most days, but there’s a lot to love about this tropical paradise. Temperatures […]

Learn, Explore and Cruise with Art Historians, Geologists, and Diplomats

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® and the Smithsonian Institution have created an extraordinary onboard experience to complement unforgettable moments ashore. The Smithsonian Collection by Smithsonian Journeys is an engaging enrichment program led by a wide range of specialists, from noted art historians to leading authors to former diplomats, who are eager to share their first-hand knowledge and expertise. More […]

Portland: Weird in the Best Way

Portland is one of the world’s great towns for beer, weirdness, craft food, funky neighborhoods, forest hikes and much more. It’s endlessly entertaining and intriguing, easy to walk or explore by bike and most locals will tell you the frequent rain is merely a bonus. Did I mention that Oregon wine country is less than […]

Daytripper: Highwood

Tucked behind Highland Park, Highwood is a small, but vibrant town, replete with ethnic eateries, groceries, antique shopping and festivals. Featuring a convenient train stop, bicycle paths in neighboring Fort Sheridan, and colorful storefronts that might make you think you’ve arrived in Italy or Mexico, Highwood is well worth a day trip. La Casa de Isaac Feel […]

Secret Caribbean: Where In-the-Know Island Hoppers Vacation

Congratulations! You survived another February in Chicago—with record-breaking snowfall. If you’re like us, a winter warm-up is exactly what you need right about now. Looking for a Caribbean escape that is slightly off the beaten path? Check out one of these lesser travelled, but oh-so-blissful, Caribbean islands. Scrub Island They call it Scrub Island. You’ll […]

Inside Chicago’s New Virgin Hotel

Chicago’s newest and buzziest hotel is a renovated 250-room operation in the neoclassical Old Dearborn Bank Building, which was constructed in the 1920s. Stylishly functional rooms include thoughtful touches, like a makeup vanity and shower bench for shaving your legs that will be much appreciated by Virgin’s target market—female business travelers. A couple of rooms […]

The Hottest New Vacation Destinations

Daydreaming about an escape from the frigid cold and in need of some vacation inspiration? We caught up with travel experts, including Pauline Frommer, at the Travel and Adventure Show in January—and they gave us the scoop on hot spots to visit in 2015. Here are their favorite up-and-coming destinations and why you need to […]