Family Travel, Outdoor Adventure & Wellness
Family Travel, Outdoor Adventure & Wellness
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, has been called the “Hamptons of Chicago.” With its charming resorts, three area lakes, historic mansions and walkable downtown dotted with restaurants, shops and attractions, it’s an all-seasons getaway. Embrace the cold in the first few months of the year by visiting for Winterfest, Ice Castles, skiing, snow tubing and an Abominable Snow Race. Then warm up with a magic show, igloo dining or other memorable activities.
Spending time with your partner’s kin can be taxing, whether you’re meeting them for the first or tenth time, and especially if you’re traveling during the busy holiday season amidst labor shortages and a looming virus. While getting out of town and bonding with your boo can lead to cherished memories, the idea of a long road trip or busy airport can make some anxious.
We consulted psychologists and travel experts for advice on how to reduce travel anxiety triggers and calm nerves when outside of your comfort zone. Read on for solutions around planning travel during the holiday season and keeping your cool if drama arises.
Yellowstone National Park is a bucket list destination. From the bubbling hot springs to sizzling geysers and consistently impressive Old Faithful, the USA’s first national park delivers wows from wildlife viewing to waterfalls and wildflowers. Yellowstone is open year-round. Winter, autumn, summer and spring all deliver different experiences. This guide provides advice on the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park whether your goal is wildlife sightings, fewer crowds, cross-country skiing or avoiding road closures.
If you’re looking to shake things up on a family getaway that isn’t too far away, the Queen City makes an enjoyable road trip. Located on the Ohio River in Southwest Ohio, Cincinnati was named the Queen of the West for its arts and culture over 200 years ago. Today, you can partake in family fun at the world-class zoo, museums, ballpark and nearby amusement park.
My grandma was a huge fan of country music legend Dolly Parton and even fashioned her big, blonde hair and sparkly outfits after her. I have always wanted to go to her theme park, Dollywood, the #1 theme park in the U.S., according to TripAdvisor’s 2022 Travelers’ Choice Awards.
What better time to visit Dollywood than for Smoky Mountain Christmas, the holiday festivities that include 6 million twinkling lights and won Best Theme Park Christmas Event 14 consecutive times.
Chicago has all the offerings you’d expect from a major city: world-class museums, vibrant shopping districts and ample nightlife venues, just to name a few. If you’re here to learn, plan to spend a fair amount of time in Grant Park: This area is home to some of the city’s most-visited cultural institutions, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum. For a more Windy City-centric education, start your vacation with a Chicago River or Lake Michigan architectural boat cruise. A boat tour can provide background on Chicago’s famous skyscrapers like the Willis Tower and Tribune Tower.
