Chicago is the Perfect Weekend Getaway
If you live in Michigan, like I do, then I want to share with you why I believe Chicago is really the perfect weekend getaway. For me, what really makes for a great weekend getaway is an adventure that’s close enough to drive to and that offers plenty of things to do for pretty much any taste. I was in Chicago last weekend, and it filled those requirements, so it made for a perfect weekend getaway.
The Perfect Weekend Getaway
One of my friends is in Chicago right now doing training for a new job. She usually lives in Nashville, so Chicago is obviously a much closer drive for me from Michigan. I decided this would be the perfect opportunity to catch up, because I probably won’t have the time to drive to Nashville anytime soon.
Driving to Chicago from Detroit is about a four and a half hour drive. I was heading there from the middle of the state, which my maps app said would be a three hour drive, but it was really four. One major piece of advice I have for anyone driving to Chicago is to add at least 30 minutes, if not an hour, of travel time to whatever your map app predicts, because Chicago traffic is nuts.
So, what are some things to do in Chicago? You can do pretty much anything. They have a great theater district with a wide range of shows playing any time of the year. They also have plenty of sports options, so depending on when you travel, you could catch the Cubs, Bears or Bulls.
My friend and I actually went to a Chicago Bears preseason game. It was their game against the Bengals, which the Bears won easily. What’s cool is that often, during preseason games, they rest their starters. But, the Bears had their starters out for the first half of the game, including new quarterback Caleb Williams. I also noticed that a lot of Bears fans were already wearing Williams jerseys, which is wild, because Williams hasn’t even played a regular season game for them. It was nice to see that passion and dedication already, even though I’m a Detroit Lions fan.
As for restaurants, Chicago has some of the best restaurants in the U.S., in my opinion. No matter what cuisine you love, you’ll find it in the Windy City. Eater Chicago has a handy roster of some choice restaurants to visit during your stay. Send me your favorite weekend trip ideas.
Tips to Maximize Your Vacation
1. Save Money
One great way to maximize your vacation is simply to save money. You’ll feel so much better on vacation knowing that you’re saving cash by doing things the right way. One major way to save money is to travel during an off season. Every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, look at the cheapest time to visit your destination, and go then. Find more tips on saving money on vacation, too.
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2. Don't Plan Every Minute of Your Vacation
Sure, you want to do some planning so that you don’t miss the big tourist stops in your destination. But, don’t book every blasted minute. Maximize your vacay by saving some time to be spontaneous. Take a day to just figure out what to do when you’re there. Maybe some locals will recommend a secret spot for you to visit during your “day off.”
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3. Do Plan Ahead, Though
While you don’t want to overbook your trip so that you’re always running from spot to spot, you do want to plan a bit. It’s not a good idea to do zero planning and just feel things out when you get there. Plan some big activities ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling last-minute.
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4. Plan Regular Mini-Vacations
If you only have one big vacation every year, you might feel under a lot of pressure to make it the most amazing experience ever. So, take away that stress. Plan mini-vacations throughout the year, so you aren’t under as much pressure to make your big trip the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your family. For example, in the fall, if you live in an area with beautiful colors, make an annual fall color tour trip and just drive around the state.
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5. Stay an Extra Day
If time and money allows, adding just one day to your vacation can open up a world of possibilities. Many people plan too short a trip, not realizing just how much they’ll want to do in their destination. So, add an extra day. You’ll be glad you did at the end of your stay.
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6. Take Time to Sleep
Sure, you’re on vacation. You want to soak up every minute of your trip. But, if you’re up late every night partying in the clubs and then up early to enjoy the sunrise, pretty soon, you’ll be too tired to enjoy your vacation. So, take time to get some sleep and feel rested.
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7. Let the Small Stuff Go
They say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s certainly true on vacation. Nothing is going to go totally as planned. So, expect the unexpected, and roll with it.
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8. Plan Some Recoup Time
When you get back from your vacation, don’t plan to start work the very next day. Take an extra day or two off after your vacation to recuperate, so that you hit the ground running when you’re back at work. The extra time at home will also give you a chance to savor your vacation.
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9. Pick an Experience
People often find experiencing more rewarding that physical things. So, make sure to plan an experience with your trip. Maybe there’s a huge concert you want to see on vacation. Perhaps it’s a sporting event. Whatever it is, plan an awesome experience.
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10. Learn for Next Time
Finally, when you’re home from your trip, decompress and look back on your vacation. What went wrong? What went right? Take notes and learn from your vacation, so you’ll know what to do better next time.
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