Episode 23 – Hometown Getaways

Colleen & Catie’s Picks Chicago/Rosemont and Houston

Colleen – Houston, TX

Accommodations:

Le Méridien Houston Downtown – A combination of contemporary luxury, European flair and genuine Southern hospitality, located in downtown Houston’s very first skyscraper.

Alessandra – A 21-story luxury hotel in Houston with sophisticated guest rooms and suites

Restaurants:

Zutro Restaurant & Bar at Le Méridien – Creative, locally sourced Southern fare

Z on23 Rooftop at Le Méridien – Sweeping downtown views and a carefully curated drink list

Activity: Spa at Hotel Alessandra – Pamper yourself with a signature treatment or package.

Catie – Chicago/Rosemont, IL

Accommodations:

Loews Chicago O’Hare – Located steps from Fashion Outlets of Chicago and about two blocks from Parkway Bank Park making Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel a great home base for experiencing all the fun Rosemont offers.

Restaurant:

Sugar Factory – Rosemont – Upscale candy shop known by celebrities for their Couture Pops, which have turned sweets into the latest designer accessory.

Activities:

Rosemont – Kings – Colorful, contemporary bowling venue offers 20 lanes, 2 bars, billiard tables & an eatery.

Chicago – Shedd Aquarium – Beluga Encounter

“What’s” with the “Trip Sisters”

What’s in Your Suitcase?

Medialink Wireless Travel Router

Price: Starting at $39.99 for a 2-Pack on Amazon – This travel router can help you convert a wired hotel Ethernet connection into your own personal wireless router.

What’s on your phone?

Citymapper App

Free on Android and iOS – Citymapper is a transit app that helps clue you into the different transit routes in the city you are visiting.

What’s the tip?

• Beware “carrier-imposed fees” on international flights when searching for frequent-flier award tickets.  
  • Many airlines charge the fee on frequent-flier award tickets along with required government taxes and fees.
  • The “free” ticket you buy with miles may require an additional $400, $500 or more—most of that pocketed by the airline.
  • The British Airways website says its highest taxes, fees and carrier charges amount across all routes round trip has been $910 in economy class.
  • Sometimes you can pay the surcharges in miles. Lufthansa allows you to spend an extra 15,000 miles to cover all taxes, fees and surcharges.
  • Airlines don’t publish any sort of chart or schedule of their international fees. And they’re reluctant to talk about the fare structure as well.