Here are several things you should know if you spend New Year’s Eve in New York. While I visit at least once a year, I have never celebrated New Year’s Eve in New York. Planning for the ball drop requires navigating a complex set of security protocols and high-priced tickets.
Here is a tale of two desert states: Arizona and Nevada. That’s why I’m here to tell you why linking a trip to both states is the ultimate travel hack for a perfectly-paced escape. My journey started in Chicago, and would you believe I scored my round-trip flight for $298?
I attended the College Board Dream Deferred & HBCU Conferences in Los Angeles with two coworkers. Because I wanted to stop by the lounge, I invited them to meet at The Club MDW for breakfast. They usually sit at the gate. I can access the lounge via Priority Pass Select.
October is the best time to visit Chicago. Why? Open House Chicago is a FREE, 2-day event that allows visitors to go behind the scenes of architecturally, historically, and culturally significant sites in neighborhoods across the city. This year, OHC will take place on October 18-19, 2025. Join the festivities.
Anytime I mention I am going to Nebraska, people always ask what is in Omaha. On my third trip to Omaha, I attended Afrofest over Labor Day weekend in 2024. Even though I usually book at Omaha Hilton, I redeemed World of Hyatt Points for two nights at Hyatt Place.
It is time to check off Delaware. Most of my flights for the 50 States Challenge have been on Southwest. However, Delaware is not on their route. I flew to Philadelphia on Southwest and took Amtrak to Wilmington, Delaware. I now have two states to go: Vermont and West Virginia.
Welcome to the Birthplace of a Nation. I travel to Virginia Beach occasionally but attended an event in Norfolk for the Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday Weekend. However, I found a deal on an HGV Max property and drove to Williamsburg to stay at the Historic Powhatan Hilton Vacation Club.
Extend your stay in Arizona to visit Sedona. Kim and I were looking forward to getting away from daily triple-digit numbers in Scottsdale. Of course, we drove to Sedona on Wednesday morning to avoid the congestion on the weekend. Because of the discounted rate, I only used 880 Club Points.
My timeshare offered a deal on a property away from the Strip in Vegas. I could not pass up the opportunity to use 75% fewer Club Points. Although reviews for this property were less than favorable, a one-bedroom was available for 594 Club Points. What did I have to lose?
I had an opportunity to be part of the Five College Tour Fly-In. Even though my students typically apply to institutions in Illinois, I want to provide opportunities outside the state. I hope several students take advantage of the information I share about my Five College Consortium experience in Massachusetts.