While Chicagos winter weather may deter some visitors, low airfare and hotel rates make it an ideal time to visit. Bundle up with your warmest jacket, hat, scarf, and gloves, and discover how to enjoy the city indoors. Travelzoo, in partnership with Google Local Guides, shares expert recommendations for staying warm. Read to the end for a chance to win $300 toward your next Chicago trip! Warm Up with Exceptional Dining The Fulton Market District offers numerous 4.5-star Google-rated restaurants.

Weve all experienced it: a child having a meltdown in the seat next to you, with parents doing their best to calm them. At Travelzoo, we surveyed fellow travelers and found that 65% would offer help and a smile to parents of a crying baby. However, for slightly older disruptive children, 65% of respondents reported getting upset.When asked to choose between a delayed flight or a crying baby in an adjacent seat, 79% said a delay was worse. Notably, one-quarter of Americans would pay an extra $25

Having explored England and Ireland multiple times, Scotland was a natural next destination. When my family planned a summer trip to Ireland, it was the ideal chance for my sister Lauren and me to extend our adventure with three days in Edinburgh. Getting There We snagged $50 roundtrip Ryanair flights from Dublin to Edinburgh—rates dipped to $30 if booked early. Ryanairs fees for checked bags and even in-flight water can add up, but traveling light with a carry-on and personal item worked perfe

In the words of Ned Stark, winter is coming ... and so is ski season. Great news for budget-conscious skiers: Canadas favorable exchange rate—currently about 37% in favor of the U.S. dollar as of Dec. 16—makes it an unbeatable destination, offering nearly 40% more value for your vacation dollar.Compare that to Stowe, VT, where condo rentals start over $300 per night and adult lift tickets cost $115. At Mont Tremblant, just a 3.5-hour drive away, adult one-day lift tickets are as low as $47. Pair

For food lovers whose taste buds guide their travels, skip the city search—your hotel may offer world-class dining. These standout hotel restaurants elevate the standard with unforgettable flavors and acclaim. 1. The Burger Joint, Le Parker Meridien, New York Tucked behind maroon curtains in the upscale Le Parker Meridien, this hidden gem defies expectations. A no-frills spot with one star item—a legendary burger—it consistently ranks among NYCs best, drawing long lines of devoted fans. 2. Pri

Experience breathtaking sunsets over shimmering waters, the soothing rhythm of waves, and a true escape from daily life. Islands offer unparalleled serenity, and the best part? Many stunning U.S. destinations require no passport for American travelers. Discover 15 favorites across the country, from rugged coastlines to tropical paradises. NORTHEAST 1. Mount Desert Island, Maine Home to Acadia National Park and the upscale historic town of Bar Harbor, this 108-square-mile gem features rocky coa

Presiding over northern Colombias Caribbean Coast, Cartagena de Indias stands as one of South Americas most beautifully preserved colonial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its enchanting “Old Town,” also known as the Walled City, forms the vibrant heart of the city, featuring a maze of cobblestone streets lined with bougainvillea-draped balconies and architecture dating back to 1533. Boldly colored and vibrant, the Old Town nestles within massive stone walls built over 500 years ago to s

Hawaiis allure drew over 8 million visitors in 2014, yet only 17% ventured to Kauai, per annual data. Those who do discover a serene escape or thrilling landscapes perfect for hiking, surfing, and more—ideal for every traveler type. With multiple visits to Hawaii under my belt, my recent adult trip to Kauai drew on Travelzoo colleagues wisdom for the ultimate mix of relaxation and exploration. For first-timers, divide your stay between Kauais north and south shores, specifically Princeville and

After the holiday festivities—Santas visit, scattered wrapping paper, roasting hams, and fireside relaxation—its time to plan your next escape. Januarys post-holiday lull delivers unbeatable discounts, making 5-star luxury vacations affordable. Discover these premium properties with savings as impressive as their amenities. These curated deals, sourced from trusted travel experts like Travelzoo, highlight top-rated hotels perfect for your 2016 getaway plans. $999 - Cabo: Luxe 3-Nt. Escape in Pea

Not all travelers have time—or inclination—for extensive pre-trip research. Imagine stepping out of your hotel on a crisp morning, ready to explore a new city. Where do you start? With over 70 million local tips and ratings, Foursquare is your trusted guide to the best places for eating, drinking, shopping, and sightseeing. Its innovative local search personalizes recommendations to match your preferences. Follow Travelzoo on Foursquare here to stay ahead of exclusive deals while on the go. Ope

As a producer on Travelzoo’s Entertainment team, I’ve helped members secure tickets for venues nationwide. After researching and testing hundreds of deals, here are my top three proven strategies for getting the best seats at the lowest prices. Save Money on Tickets Travelzoo features deals on hundreds of events, but many others don’t offer discounts. You can still save $5–$20 per ticket by purchasing directly at the box office. Online and phone orders often include hefty convenience fees, which

As 2015 draws to a close, anticipate a year filled with global adventures. Travel + Leisure has released its authoritative list of the 50 Best Places to Travel in 2016, spotlighting the worlds most exciting destinations. Travelzoo has curated exclusive deals for standout locations, offering members savings of up to 60% on bucket-list vacations. Seattle Seattle has shed its 1990s grunge image and is now rivaling Portland as a premier foodie destination. Capitol Hills culinary scene is booming, w

If you ask most Manhattanites where tourists should spend their time, you’ll spark a lively debate over zip codes—New Yorkers take fierce pride in their home turf. The truth is, NYC caters to every taste, and each neighborhood offers something unique (yes, even Times Square). With countless winter deals available, our NYC-based experts have curated their top picks by neighborhood, plus tips to select the ideal area for your trip. Upper West Side Photo from Wikimedia Commons by D Ramey Logan One

Food enthusiasts nationwide are gearing up for Restaurant Week 2016, the premier event for savoring exceptional cuisine from acclaimed chefs at exclusive fixed prices. This is your chance to explore renowned eateries in key cities from San Francisco to Baltimore, combining culinary discovery with unbeatable savings on meals and stays. San Francisco (Jan. 20-31) Discover dozens of world-class restaurants with lunches starting at $15 and dinners at $40. Top picks include AQ, Bar Agricole, and Spr

At Travelzoo, our Deal Experts have journeyed across the globe countless times, gathering invaluable travel tips for our members. Yet even experts started as beginners on their first flights. Many lessons came the hard way—through booking errors, cultural faux pas, and language mishaps.To prove that even pros make rookie mistakes, weve gathered candid stories from seasoned travelers. These tales show how mishaps become memorable lessons and stories that enhance, rather than ruin, your adventures

To cruise or not to cruise… that was the question I pondered for seven years while working at Travelzoo. As a 30-something self-proclaimed “hotel snob,” cruising never appealed to me. But when the chance arose to sail on Norwegians newest ship, the Escape, for two nights, I couldnt pass it up. This became my eye-opening introduction to cruising—and I was wrong about all my preconceptions. First impressions of the ship were staggering: an innovative megaresort at sea with 16 passenger decks, 2,17

UPDATE, Jan. 14: The TSA has addressed common questions about these changes on a dedicated website. Until January 2018, residents from any state can use their drivers license or other accepted IDs for air travel. Earlier reports noted that travelers from four U.S. states might need a passport for domestic flights. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has now expanded the list of non-compliant jurisdictions under the Real ID Act. The full list of areas not issuing compliant drivers licenses

Chicago Restaurant Week returns in January with a record 354 participating restaurants—including 54 first-timers.Reserve your lunch or dinner spots now for Jan. 22-Feb. 4, including high-demand Friday, Saturday, and Sunday seatings, before they fill up.Enjoy prix-fixe menus at $22 for lunch or $44 for dinner, featuring standout dishes from top spots like:AramiThis East Village Japanese always delivers with some of the best sushi and sashimi around (Zagat). Try the trio maki with yellowtail, tuna

San Francisco Restaurant Week is back this month, featuring more than 100 restaurants across the Bay Area with exclusive prix-fixe menus.Book your lunch or dinner reservations now for Jan. 20-31—including sought-after weekend seats—before prime spots fill up.Participating venues offer multi-course lunches ($15 or $25) or dinners ($40 or $65). Standout favorites include:AatxeNamed one of Eater SF’s “Hottest Restaurants in San Francisco Right Now” this December, specializing in Spanish small plate

Traveling internationally is a chance to forge connections and immerse yourself in new cultures. Yet, everyday habits from home can unintentionally offend locals and label you as an Ugly American. Travelzoo Deal Experts, drawing from real-world experiences, share key travel faux pas to help you navigate global customs confidently and respectfully. Cover Up Catholic cathedrals and basilicas in Italy and Vatican City enforce strict dress codes. During a recent trip to Milan, I was denied entry t