By Kate Schwartz
In tough economic times such as these, there is nothing like finding a cheap travel deal to help you beat the recession blues. This February, find cheap travel fun for the whole family in Chicago. With these travel tips from CheapTickets, you can eat, sleep and play for much less than you would expect.
February 20 marks the beginning of Chicago Restaurant Week, one of the most exciting culinary events in the Windy City. For seven days only, more than 130 restaurants will offer multi-course meals for a price that is easy to swallow. Twenty-two dollars will get you a 3-course prix-fixe lunch and $32 will get you a 3-course prix-fixe dinner. Pair a nice dinner with a cheap Chicago hotel, and you are looking at a weekend you will not soon forget. Throw in some exciting free activities, and you are looking at a cheap Chicago vacation the whole family can enjoy.
Cheap family fun in Millennium Park: Millennium Park is arguably the most popular attraction in Chicago. This architectural wonderland is home to some of the most amazing and high-tech works of modern art, architecture and design. From Frank Gehry’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion to the infamous “bean,” Millennium Park is a great place around which to plan your next cheap family vacation. Stay at the Palmer House Hilton and a wealth of fun will be at your fingertips. This reasonably priced 4-star hotel is located two blocks from Millennium Park and within walking distance from the Art Institute of Chicago, which is free every day during the month of February. For more cheap fun, enjoy free ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park, and dine for less at the Park Grill, one of the participating Chicago Restaurant Week establishments conveniently located next to the ice rink.
Get away for Valentine’s Day: Sweep your significant other off their feet with a romantic weekend getaway in the Windy City. Make reservations at The Melting Pot during Chicago Restaurant Week and spend the night feeding each other fondue while enjoying fine wine and a romantic ambiance. After dinner, take a romantic stroll along the Magnificent Mile and take in the sights and sounds of the Windy City after dark. Finish the evening with a short walk to the James Hotel, a chic yet affordable downtown hotspot that boasts a trendy bar. Not ready to hit the sack? Check out free post-show improvisation at Second City, the comedic breeding ground for many SNL favorites.
Recession or not, there are always ways to have fun on a budget. Book a cheap Chicago hotel in February and enjoy the city's food and culture for less. (In addition to the free days at the Art Institute, The Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium have several free days in February, as do about a dozen other Chicago museums. Get details here.) Whatever your travel plan, CheapTickets can help you find it for less.
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Kate Schwartz is a marketing coordinator for CheapTickets. When
she’s not searching for the best travel deals, she’s out taking
advantage of them! From hiking the Rockies to lounging on the beaches
of Barcelona, Kate is always looking for adventure.
