I spent two nights at the Hilton Vacation Club Varsity Club South Bend, a cozy property steeped in Notre Dame spirit and conveniently located near shopping, dining, and the University of Notre Dame. Upgrading to HGV Max opened opportunities to explore new drive-to properties, including those in Indiana and Wisconsin.
Where to stay in Chicago for the weekend in November? We spent Saturday night at Pendry Chicago for the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. As an American Express Platinum cardholder, I utilized the following benefits: a $200 hotel credit, a $100 credit toward qualifying activities, and a $60 daily breakfast credit.
I accepted a timeshare offer. Because I purchased Hilton Grand Vacations in 2014, I know the value of consistency and premium experiences. Below, I explore the pros and cons of ownership. As an HGV owner who has also taken advantage of Marriott Bonvoy offers, I’ll share insights into both programs.
Recently, I attended Fall Weekend at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, to support Angela. She earned the prestigious POSSE Scholarship. Although I received the dates for the event in August, details about transportation, parking, and accommodations were not sent until October. I used my travel rewards to make the trip.
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.
Do you want to visit the Bay Area? LSKTravelz flew to Oakland for a fun-filled weekend of dance and fellowship. The Bay Area encompasses cities and metropolitan areas of San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland. We arrived in Oakland Thursday to meet up with friends from Atlanta and North Carolina.
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.
When I travel to Bourbon City, I stop by the Visitor’s Center at the airport first, and then I call for a shuttle or rideshare. Grab a Louisville pen or sticker. Sample Bourbon Balls and Modjeska. Pick up a card for 25% off to use at the Downtown Louisville location.
Visit the coastal town of Ballito. I want to wind down my 30-year career as an educator in South Africa. I saw an advertisement for Build the Future in my FB feed. Although my expertise is not in elementary education, I wanted to be of service to this nonprofit organization.