Chicago is one of the most exciting cities in the United States and if you have a visit coming up, you should take some time to plan things out right. When you plan your trip correctly you can have a memorable time in Chicago and come home excited for your next trip out to the windy city. Planning can take a lot of time and should focus on several elements so that you can have an amazing trip and make sure that you fit in all of your must-sees.
How to Get There
The first step in any trip is figuring out how you are going to travel. If Chicago is your destination, your travel plans will probably have a lot to do with where you are coming from. IF you are on the west coast, it may be a little far to plan on taking a road trip to Chicago, but if you are on the east side of the country, driving is a little bit easier. Either way, a road trip can be a fun way to get to Chicago. Flying is another option that tends to be an easier choice and a quick flight can get you to Chicago from anywhere in the United States. Just make sure that you think about the length of your trip when you are choosing how to get there so you aren’t spending the bulk of your time in a car.
How to Get Around
You also need to plan for how you will travel within the city. The train in Chicago is a pretty great method of public transportation that can help you to move around the city without having to face the roads in your car. But if you would rather drive, you can always rent a car to get around town. You can also use ridesharing as a way to get around or even ride a bike. It’s important that you do what you can to stay as safe as possible however you travel around, so you should choose a method that you feel comfortable and confident with.
Activities to Do
There’s no point in going to Chicago if you aren’t going to go out and see all the things you have at your fingertips. Depending on your preferences, there are many things you can do to have a good time in Chicago. Checking out the tourist attractions can be a great place to start. If you are interested in museums there are many options that can get you excited about the city. You can also go see shows or a basketball game if your timing is right. Whatever things you like to do in the city should be able to keep you busy and make your trip a real success.
Where to Stay
Finding the right place to stay can help you to get even more out of your trip. Your first choice is whether to stay in a hotel or get a short-term rental. You also want to think about the location of your stay and what you want to do around town so you can keep things as simple and comfortable as possible. If you choose a short-term rental, you can have access to the amenities of home that can make your stay a lot more fun. Things like a deck and a kitchen can greatly improve any trip. For example, there are many ways to enjoy a vacation with all the features that come with a deck.
What to Pack
Figuring out what to pack for your stay can help you to make sure you are prepared for any circumstance. Many people prefer to travel with as little luggage as possible and that method can be a great way to simplify your trip. One thing to take into account is whether you will have laundry available to you. If you won’t have easy access to laundry, it might be better to pack more clothing, so you won’t have to make a bunch of laundry runs.
How Long to Stay
The way your trip will go depends on how long you are able to stay in Chicago. You can have a great time whether you stay for just a few days or a couple of weeks. However, the tone and pace of your trip can change significantly depending on the length of your stay. Figuring out how long you have can help you to prioritize the activities you want to do and give you the best chance of enjoying the trip you plan.
Plans for Eating
You can’t go on a trip to a city without taking the time to try at least a couple of the local staples. In Chicago, that means at least trying a deep-dish pizza and a Chicago dog, don’t forget to say no to ketchup if you want to eat like a local. You may also want to plan a few meals in your rental or hotel if you want to save a little money. This is easier if you have a full kitchen, so it is worth keeping that in mind when you are choosing the lodgings for your trip.
Take the Weather into Account
If you want to get the most out of your trip you need to make sure that you keep the weather in mind. They don’t call Chicago the windy city for nothing and the hot summers and cold winters can be a problem if you aren’t prepared. Check the forecasts leading up to your trip so you can make sure you pack the right things for your needs. You also want to make sure that you bring a couple options in case things change.
Your Chicago trip should be a time where you get to explore and have a lot of fun. The more you are able to get things planned well, the better it will be for your final experience. Make sure you give yourself the space to rest and enjoy every aspect of your exciting trip.
Read this next: Safety Tips for Boating in Chicago Bay