Special Guest
Aaron Schlein – Travel Expert, Blogger – www.aaronschlein.com and www.dramatictravels.com – Check out Aaron’s blog for his incredible travel stories and tips!
Social: @AaronSchlein
Tag Archives: travel
Trip Sisters – Show Notes – 12/15/18 – Winter Travel
Episode 27 – Winter Travel
Special Guest: Trip Beat
Join Trip Beat, a discount vacation club, for exclusive deals.
Go to www.TripBeat.com/familytravel and click “Join For Free” to become a member and receive your $30 promo code!
Colleen & Catie’s Picks for Big Cities
Colleen – The Abbey – Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
www.theabbeyresort.com
Accommodations: The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin – Stunning resort complete with 334 recently updated suites and guest rooms, plus 14 luxury villas.
Restaurants:
240 West at The Abbey – Higher end, delicious food!
Waterfront Restaurant at The Abbey – Burgers, more casual
Activity:
Ice skating at the Abbey’s outdoor rink, treating yourself to the Avani Spa at the Abbey, indoor and outdoor pools, and even enjoy a Santa Cruise on the lake.
Packages/Events at The Abbey Resort:
1) Quarterly Long Table Dinner Series – The Abbey’s quarterly Long Table Dinners featuring a special four-course, farm-to-fork menu prepared by Executive Chef Joshua North. Dates are set quarterly – check the website for dates and additional menu specifics.
2) Stay and Ski Package – Stay at the Abbey Resort and ski at one of the Midwest’s premier winter destinations, Wilmot Mountain which is now owned and operated by world-class Vail Resorts!
3) Immersion Family Package – Enjoy overnight accommodations, $50 credit to be used in any resort dining outlet including Immersion Café, and four 15-minute sessions in the area’s first virtual reality gaming center, Immersion.
4) Parent’s Escape Package – This escape includes overnight accommodations, $130 spa credit per stay as well as all day spa access, and at the end of the night, unwind in your room with champagne and locally-handcrafted chocolate. Package is worth a savings of more than $80.
5) Sweet Retreat Package – This escape includes overnight accommodations, in-room amenity of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, $100 dining allowance to the resort’s keynote restaurant 240 West, post-dinner pairing of spirits and locally-made handcrafted truffles from Ethereal Confections, and a complimentary turndown service with an Ethereal Confections chocolate bar.
Catie – Scottsdale, Arizona
Accommodations: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess – Located in Sonoran Desert, home to five top-ranked Arizona restaurants and bars, an innovative spa and fitness programs at Well & Being Spa, six sparkling pools, and even a championship golf course.
Restaurant: Old Scottsdale
Activity: Hiking, horseback riding, shopping in downtown Scottsdale
“What’s” with the “Trip Sisters”
What’s in Your Suitcase?
The Heat Holders – Hat, socks, footies – We used these when filming an episode of “Family Travel” in Quebec. They’re known as the world’s warmest socks and are over 7x warmer than regular cotton socks and 3x warmer than ordinary thermal socks! The socks start around $9.99 and hats and gloves around $19.99 and you can buy them at www.heatholders.com
What’s on your phone?
WeatherBug: Forecast, Radar & Alerts – The WeatherBug app is one of the most accurate, real-time current and future weather apps that helps you track any oncoming winter storms. Free for your Android or iOS and there’s also an Elite, ad-free version available for $9.99.
What’s the tip?
Add fresh squeezed citrus juices to help provide immune cells with an energy boost and promote faster recovery from illnesses like colds and the flu
Add Flax seed powder to your oatmeal or yogurt. Then add cashews and almonds to add healthy zinc & omega fatty acids for clean energy. Plus, the probiotics in yogurt can reduce your risk of catching a bug by 27%
Get at least 6 – 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep
Your vitamin D levels may run on E in winter. Vitamin D can spur your body to fight off colds. In fact, taking 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 a week may cut your risk of upper respiratory infection in half.
Don’t touch your face. People who occasionally touch their eyes and nose are 41 percent more likely to develop frequent upper respiratory infections than hands-off folks, a 2013 study in the Journal of Occupational Health found.
Get a Flu Shot – And workout right before hand. When you exercise prior to receiving a flu shot, the post-exercise inflammation boosts your body’s immune response to the virus in the vaccine
To Stay Healthy While Flying:
Drink plenty of water before and during your flight
Opt for hot beverages, like tea, to drink on your flight
Eat beforehand (if possible) to avoid food contamination on flights
If you must eat on your flight, opt for warm foods vs. cold salads
Bring disinfectant wipes to wipe down your seat and area first
EPISODE 23 – Thanksgiving/Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Sisters and travel experts Colleen Kelly and Catie Keogh talk you through all the things you need for smooth thanksgiving holiday travel. Also in today’s show the Trip Sisters talk about their favorite places to get away during the holidays.
Trip Sisters – Episode 21 – 10/27/18 – Halloween Show
Trip Sisters – Episode 21 – 10/27/18 – Halloween Show
Europe in US & Canada, Trip Sisters Episode 19 – 10/20/18 (Encore Presentation)
Europe in US & Canada, Trip Sisters Episode 19 – Encore Presentation (10/20/2018)
Colleen picks Holland, Michigan and Catie takes us to Montreal Canada. Plus, Bonnie Klaus, the Avid Traveler.
Trip Sisters Episode 20 (10-13-18) New York
Sisters Colleen Kelly and Catie Keogh talk tips and trends on all things travel. Travelers say new budget airline left them stranded after selling flights that didn’t exist. Dogs now have their own Instagram pop-up because humans can’t have all the fun. Hear some of Colleen and Catie favorite things to do in New York.
Europe in US & Canada, Trip Sisters Episode 19
Europe in US & Canada, Trip Sisters Episode 19 (10/06/2018)
Trip Sisters Episode 18 (09/29/2018) – Clearwater, FL
Sisters Colleen Kelly & Catie Keogh talk about all things fun and fantastic on the naturally rustic beaches of Clearwater, FL. Also, in today’s show the ten best beaches in the US and her highness Queen of the Sugar Sand Lisa Chandler joins the show to talk about the Sugar Sand Festival on Clearwater Beach.
Trip Sisters Episode 17 (09/22/2018) – Autumn Getaways and Fall Foliage in 2018
This week, travel experts and sisters, Colleen Kelly & Catie Keogh, share their favorite places for fall getaway vacations. They also talk to “Fall Foliage Expert” Jim Salge and uncover the best places in New England to visit for fall foliage in 2018. The sisters also share some tips about getting around to autumn festivals and sights by renting a car and taking a hike off the beaten path. Because color changes don’t follow a calendar, be prepared to travel during the week and have a flexible window so you can be at the right place at the right time to capture the beauty.
Trip Sisters Episode 16 (9-15-18) – Music Festivals
Sisters Colleen Kelly and Catie Keogh talk tips and trends on all things travel. This week they talked about how women are using cannabis now more than ever and best musical festivals in the USA. Then they discussed their favorite music festivals, concert venues, and favorite travel songs.
Trip Sisters Episode 15 (09-08-18) – Irvine and Dana Point, California
Sisters Colleen Kelly and Catie Keogh talk tips and trends on all things travel. This week they covered news from Delta who announced the installation of new seat-back video screens while other airlines are getting rid of the technology. Part 2 of their California-cation… the sisters highlighted several fun things to do south of Los Angles in the cities of Irvine and Dana Point.
Trip Sisters Episode 14 (9-01-18) – Buena Park, California
Sisters Colleen Kelly and Catie Keogh talk tips and trends on all things travel. This week they talked about new airline routes that are coming soon. A Six Flags amusement park contest prize giving one lucky baby lifetime free entry to all of their amusement parks. There are a lot of things to do in southern California, the sisters highlight some fun things to do in Buena Park.
Trip Sisters – Episode 14 notes – 9/1/18 – Buena Park
Episode 14 – Buena Park
Colleen & Catie’s Picks
www.piratesdinneradventureca.com
Colleen
Accommodations – Fairfield Inn & Suites
Conveniently located to central Buena Park (Knott’s, restaurants, shopping, etc). Great for families!
Restaurant – Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour
Colleen and Catie went there when they were kids! A nostalgic ice cream shop, one of the only two in California. They offer free ice cream to kids on their birthday and are famous for their giant sundae, the “Zoo”!
Activity – Pirate’s Dinner Adventure/Big Air Trampoline Park
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure – Fun, interactive dinner show in a galley-style theater where you feel like you’re truly being captured by pirates!
Big Air Trampoline Park – Great for kids to get out their energy! They offer trampolines, foam pits, dodgeball, rock climbing, jousting, much more.
Catie
Accommodations – Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel
The 320 room hotel features a SNOOPY-themed wing, fitness center, pool with children’s activity area, lighted sports courts and many other amenities.
Dining options including Amber Waves, specializing in All-American fare and hotel room service.
A variety of affordable family vacation packages, including admission to Knott’s Berry Farm, are available year-round with special early admission into Knott’s Berry Farm during the summer.
Restaurant – Porto’s Bakery
Porto’s Bakery was born out of Rosa Porto’s love for sharing her wonderful cakes and pastries with friends and family. You have to try their amazing pastries & savory potato balls!
Activity – Knott’s Berry Farm/Soak City
Knott’s Berry Farm is an amusement park that offers an array of rides and roller coasters for all levels and ages! Young kids will love Camp Snoopy, while thrill-seekers can enjoy rides like HangTime, the first and only dive coaster in California. Be sure to stop by their water park Soak City to cool off!
“What’s” with the “Trip Sisters”
What’s in Your Suitcase?
Fly Tot – $79 on www.fly-tot.com
Makes traveling with little ones much more comfortable! Fly Tot is light and compact, made with highly durable material, and proven to provide more rest time on long flights. Children can be safely buckled in while sleeping, and it turns an economy seat into a business class for children. Plus it’s accepted on over 50 airlines worldwide!
What’s on your phone?
Knott’s Berry Farm App
Exclusive App for Knott’s Berry Farm that can provide Ride Wait Times, Season Passes, Special Offers and even a Car Finder!
What’s the tip?
Tips And Tricks To Outsmart Everyone At The Theme Park
- Take zip lock bags for your phone and valuables on water rides
- Take a picture of your parking spot
- Walk through the park backwards to try to avoid the biggest lines
- If you have kids, write your name and number on their wrist or on a tag on them, so they can be found if lost
- Go on rides during a parade or fireworks show
- If you’re traveling alone, look for the single riders line to get on sooner.
- Go left! A lot of people go right in lines, sometimes it’s better to go left
Trip Sisters Episode 13 (8-25-18) Chicago Trip
Sisters Colleen Kelly and Catie Keogh talk tips and trends on all things travel. This week they talked about a vacation to Chicago and also they interview Roy Sekoff.
Trip Sisters – Episode 12 (08-18-18) – Foodcation
Sisters Colleen Kelly & Catie Keogh talk about their top food related resort getaways and how to expand the palate of your picky eaters. Also in today’s show celebrity restaurateur and chef Jeremy Fall, seen on Food Network, Bravo, CBS and many more joins the show and the Trip Sisters talk tips on researching a destination’s local cuisine and food culture.
Trip Sisters- Episode 11 (8-11-18) -Dallas, TX
Sisters Colleen Kelly and Catie Keogh talk tips and trends on all things travel. This week they talked about their trip to Dallas, Texas. Also they speak with Philip Jones who lets us know the many reasons the Dallas-Fort Worth area is now the Number 1 visitor destination in the state.
Trip Sisters – Episode 10 – (8-4-18) – Chickasaw Country, OK
Sisters Colleen Kelly and Catie Keogh talk tips and trends on all things travel. This week they talked about their trip to Chickasaw Country, Oklahoma. They talked with former Miss Oklahoma, Triana Browne, who is from there.
Trip Sisters – Episode 8 – (7-21-18) – Tucson, AZ
Sisters Colleen Kelly and Catie Keogh talk tips and trends on all things travel. This week they talked about their trip to Tuscon, AZ and what their favorite things to do there.
Trip Sisters – Episode 7 – (7-14-18) – Wine Getaways
Sisters Colleen Kelly and Catie Keogh talk tips and trends on all things travel. This week they took a look at the best vacations to take for wine lovers and where to go for a “wine-cation.” They interviewed Don Shindle, General Manager at the Westin Verasa, Napa in Napa, California.
The Steve Dahl Show – June 28, 2018 – Sample
Steve discusses his love for Fourth of July and the annual Dahl plans that come with the holiday! A traveling Brendan has a question for Steve about taking more days off… good luck! A follow up “Ask Janet” question leaves Janet and the guys discussing the logistics of getting married!
The Steve Dahl Show – May 11, 2018 – Sample
Brendan and Dag hold down the fort while Stever is away for the day! Lou Lombardo joins the boys in studio! Brendan is seeking relationship advice, Lou shares an update on his no carb diet, and Dag shares his love for sweet potatoes!
The Steve Dahl Show – February 5, 2018 – Sample
Happy Monday subscribers! Everybody’s back home and in the studio! Today’s podcast is filled with CPAP machine talk, Super Bowl, and travel! Steve shares his experience flying from Los Angeles back to Chicago… oy vey does it feel good to be back!
The Steve Dahl Show – December 21, 2017 – Sample
Brendan FINALLY becomes an adult and purchases a vacuum recommended by Janet! The Dahl Christmas cards get sent back, Merry Christmas to the Dahls from the Dahls! Janet Dahl gives advice, tune in!
Weekend A-Jenda: The Easter Brunch Edition
Click Here for Weekend Traffic Projects
Click Here for Weekend CTA Travel Alerts
Ray Stagich’s Weather Forecast:
Friday | Scattered thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 69F. (cooler near lake) Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Friday Night | Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then the chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Low 62F. Winds S at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Saturday | Windy with a few clouds from time to time. High around 80F. Winds SW at 20 to 30 mph.
Saturday night | Some clouds and possibly an isolated thunderstorm after midnight. Low 62F. Winds SW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Easter Sunday | Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 70s and lows in the upper 40s.
Sixteen at the Trump Tower
Date: Easter Sunday
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: 401 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
Dine like an American president on the anniversary of the rising of Christ!
Sixteen (on the 16th floor of Trump Tower) is hosting Easter Brunch with the Easter Bunny!
Just as one would expect at a Trump event, be prepared to meet MasterChef Junior Season 5 Contestant Avani.
Prices are as follows:
Adults – $165
Children 5-12 – $50
Price includes one glass of sparkling wine or mimosa; excludes tax and gratuity.
Bunny Brunch at Lamb’s Farm
Date: Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15
Time: Seatings at 9:00 a.m., 10:30 p.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Location: Libertyville
From the website: Join us for a delicious buffet at the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery then take a walk over to the Bunny Patch! At the Bunny Patch kids can enjoy Spring crafts, activities and get a photo with the Easter bunny! Some of our Farmyard friends will also be available for petting and learning.
The price for all is $16.95, however, children 23-months and younger are only $7.95 with Bunny activities.
Call the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery for reservations at 847-362-5050.
Cog Hill Presents Easter Sunday Brunch
Date: Easter Sunday
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Cog Hill Golf Course, Lemont
It’s always a beautiful day when dining at Cog Hill. With a display of more than 25 breakfast, lunch and other items, you will surely leave satisfied after a long Lenten season.
The prices are as follows:
Adults – $32.95
Children under 10 – $12.95
Children under six years of age are complimentary.
Easter Sunday Brunch at Drury Lane
Date: Easter Sunday
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Oakbrook Terrace
Celebrate Easter Sunday with food and fun for the entire family! Our delicious brunch is perfect for all ages, featuring an elaborate buffet featuring over seven stations, plus mimosas and bellinis for the adults.
Prices are as follows:
Adults – $50
Children 6 to 12 – $15
Children 3 to 5 – $10
Children 2 and Under – FREE!
Easter Brunch at The Onion Pub
Date: Easter Sunday
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Lake Barrington
Pork Loin, Cod, and Chicken Stir Fry are just some of the non-traditional items you can splurge on at this Easter brunch.
Reservations are recommended, and a full menu can be found here.
Prices are as follows:
Adults – $37.95
Children 5 to 12 – $14.95
Children 4 & under – FREE!
Thunderbird Bar & Grill
Date: Easter Sunday
Time: Opens at 11:00 a.m.
Location: St. Germain, Wisconsin
Ray Stevens recommends this locale to spend your Easter brunch. Break the 40-day-abstinence by drinking your brunch!
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club Easter Brunch
Date: Easter Sunday
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Lakeview, Chicago
This looks like maybe the most fun Easter brunch out there! Half price Stoli martinis, pink champagne, a four-course meal, and live performances!
The price? Only $39.95 for brunch and a show. However, it is adult only!
Traffic Restrictions & Road Projects
Various roadwork projects began on Monday, April 10 in the metro, and will continue long term in some areas.
Lane closures along U.S. 30 will happen both during the day and night in both directions from Lincoln Station Drive to 143rd Street in Plainfield, Aurora and Oswego for resurfacing. This project has an expected end date of late summer 2017.
Nightly lane closures on the Bishop Ford Freeway (Interstate 94) between I-57 and Martin Luther King Drive will happen during the overnight hours in Chicago for resurfacing. Both the inbound and outbound sides will be affected through the end of the spring season.
Temporary lane closures in Des Plaines along Wolf Road from Rand Road (U.S. 12) to Golf Road (Illinois 58will take place during off-peak travel hours between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with has an anticipation completion date during this spring.
Finally, intersection improvement on Butterfield Road in Aurora at Raddant Road including widening, drainage improvements and new traffic signal installation. The overall project is expected to be completed in Fall 2017.
CTA Alerts and Route Changes
BLUE LINE
Apr 14 – 15
11:30pm Fri to 4am Sat
Boarding Change, Delays Between Division and California
How does this affect my trip?
Board/exit all trains on the Forest Park-bound platform at the Damen and Western (O’Hare branch) stations.
Trains in both directions will operate on the same track between Division and California, resulting in minor delays.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
We are performing track maintenance to ensure that trains continue to operate safely along the Blue Line.
Bus Routes
The bus reroutes listed below are short-term reroutes during this weekend or long-term reroutes beginning this weekend. For a full list of bus reroutes currently in place, please visit the Bus Alerts page.
#22 Clark Temporary Reroute
9am, Thu, Apr 13 to 4pm, Sat, May 13 or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will operate via Clark, Polk, and Dearborn, ending their trips at Dearborn/Polk.
Northbound buses will begin their trips at Dearborn/Polk.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are being rerouted due to street construction on Clark between Polk and Harrison.
#36 Broadway Temporary Reroute
Sat, Apr 15
7pm to 11:30pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will operate via State, Chicago, Clark, and Erie, then resume their normal route on State.
Northbound buses will operate via State, Huron, Dearborn, and Chicago, then resume their normal route on State.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to the Holy Name Cathedral Easter Vigil Mass.
Roadwork in Barrington, South Barrington and Barrington Hills
(CHICAGO) The Illinois Department of Transportation has released information for more road construction projects beginning the week of April 10.
There will be daily, off-peak closures on Illinois 59 between Barrington Road & Higgins Road, in Barrington, Barrington Hills and South Barrington for patching and resurfacing.
IL-59 will be reduced to one lane with flaggers during construction activities that will continue through the end of summer 2017.
In another project, the Foster Avenue bridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Keeler Avenue and Pulaski Road daily.
These closures are for a bridge painting project that will extend the life span of the bridge. The project is expected to be completed in Summer 2017.
