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7 Excellent Ways to See Chicago

Chicago has unique and classic architecture, long stretches of lakefront, enormous parks, astonishing public arts, some of the most iconic buildings in the world, and all the hustle and bustle you’d expect from the third largest city in the country…. CONTINUE READING >> 

Everyone wants to see the sights of New York City, the sounds of Nashville, the architecture of New Orleans, and the natural beauty of San Diego. There’s a city in the middle of the U.S., though, that combines all these things in one: Chicago, Illinois.

Chicago has unique and classic architecture, long stretches of lakefront, enormous parks, astonishing public arts, some of the most iconic buildings in the world, and all the hustle and bustle you’d expect from the third largest city in the country. As a visitor, you want to see as much of Chicago as you can while you are there. Below, we’re going to break down some of the best ways to see it. Here are seven excellent ways to see Chicago.

1. Rooftop bar

Of course, you want to see all that Chicago has to offer while you are there, but you also want to relax, have a drink, and maybe eat a nice meal. Why not do both at one of Chicago’s many rooftop bars? These bars give you an incredible view of the city down below with the added bonus of providing a cocktail, glass of wine, or a cold beer while taking in the city below.

You can sip on one of Cindy’s famous Old Fashioned cocktails at the top of the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel while overlooking Millennium Park and the stunning Lake Michigan. North of Navy Pier you’ll find another hotel rooftop bar, J Parker, that provides great views of Lincoln Park. These are just two of the many rooftop bars you can find in the White City. To see more, Party Slate has a solid guide to Chicago’s best rooftops.

2. Boat tour

The city of Chicago sits on the banks of Lake Michigan and has the mighty Chicago River that runs right through the middle of the city. All this water makes seeing the city by boat a very cool and unique option. Because of the way the water is intertwined with the city landscape, you can take a boat tour that will show you both the natural and man-made beauty of this place.

An architectural boat tour runs up the Chicago River and shows you some of the buildings the town is famous for. At the end of the river, you’ll float into a lock and be taken into Lake Michigan to see the shoreline in all its glory.

3. Bike the lakefront trail

The Chicago Lakefront Trail (LFT) is 18.5 miles long and stretches from Osterman Beach in the north down to South Shore Park. The trail passes by Chicago’s four major lakefront parks and multiple beaches. In the summer, the trail can be walked, biked, skateboarded, and more by upwards of 70,000 people.

On a bicycle, which you can rent on the trail, you can easily see the entire trail on a single day. In addition to the beaches and parks, the LFT also takes you by some of Chicago’s top attractions. This includes Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the home of the Chicago Bears, Soldier Field.

4. Take the El

Taking public transit isn’t always a great way to see a big city. Often it just results in seeing drab, underground subway stations. In Chicago, though, the El or just the L – short for elevated train – is both a cheap and efficient way to get around as well as a perfect way to see the sites of the city.

The transit system, third-largest and second oldest in the U.S., runs 24-hours a day and will take you all around the city including out to both of Chicago’s airports. Taking a ride around the 1.79-mile area known as The Loop enables you to see some of the best of downtown Chicago.

5. Walk the 606

A few miles in from the LFT, another trail runs perpendicular to the lake. The 606 or the Bloomingdale Trail is an elevated trail that repurposed the old Bloomingdale train line into a 2.7-mile elevated walking trail.

The trail cuts through some of Chicago’s hippest neighborhoods such as Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park. There are several parks at street-level below the walkway and you can also check out public art, architecture, scenic lookouts, and Exelon Observatory, one of the best spots in the city to watch the sun rise or set.

6. Take a helicopter tour

If the rooftop bars in Chicago don’t give you enough of a bird’s eye view, you can get an even better vantage point on a Chicago helicopter tour. These tours run multiple times a day from several helipads throughout the city. You can do one of their stock tours around the Northside, Southside, or downtown Chicago, or book a customized one.

You can fly around Chicago during the day and see the whole city and the lake or fly at night and see the incredible lights of the city as the contrast with the lake’s inky blackness. Some of the best sites to see while flying include Soldier and Wrigley Fields, Millennium and Lincoln Parks, Sears Tower, John Hancock Building, Navy Pier, and Montrose Beach.

7. Head to the top of the Willis (aka Sears) Tower or the Hancock

The Second City has several incredibly tall buildings but two stand out and have great observation decks from which the public can see vast stretches of the city. The John Hancock Building at 875 North Michigan Avenue is currently the 13th tallest building in the U.S. but when it was constructed in the 1960s, it was the tallest in the world and the first building outside of New York City to rise to over 1,000-feet.

The Hancock was surpassed as the tallest building in Chicago, and the world, in 1974 by Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower). At 1,451 feet, this was the tallest building in the world from 1974 to 1988 and is still the tallest in Chicago to this day. The tower has a Skydeck at 1,353-feet which includes a 4.3-foot, glass-bottomed box known as “the Ledge,” for the adventurous to step out and seemingly float over the city below.

Conclusion

Chicago has so many sights to see, it can be hard fitting them all in. The best ways to see a ton of the city at once are with one of the methods above. Whether you’re walking, biking, riding, flying, or taking an elevator up, you can’t go wrong looking at Chicago in one of these special and unique ways.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Five Fun Stay at Home Date Night Ideas

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here is a handful of ideas on how to make a romantic date night without ever leaving the comfort of your own home…
CONTINUE READING >> 

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here is a handful of ideas on how to make a romantic date night without ever leaving the comfort of your own home.

Of course, these days it is also a good idea because you can keep your social distance from everyone… well everyone except that special someone.

1. Go “out” to a fancy restaurant right at home.

There are two ways that could accomplish this, the hard way and the easy way. If you know how to pull it off, then by all means whip up a gourmet meal in your own kitchen. Sometimes the culinary creativity is a big part of the fun. Otherwise, we would suggest ordering out and have a service like Doordash or Uber deliver your five star extravaganza right to your door.

While it is on it’s on the way, set a candlelit table for two complete with linen and fine china. Get dressed up for the occasion to make it feel really special and don’t forget the wine and some chocolates to top it all off.

2. Make it a casino night

We have always enjoyed an evening out at a casino, so why not bring that excitement right in to your own living room? It is easy to choose the perfect play from the large variety of online casinos at Casinofy.

Decorations such as cards, chips, or dice can help set the mood. Then put out some snacks and drinks, and add a little background music like Frank Sinatra, and you might just feel like you are in a movie.

3. Speaking of movies…

Sure, everyone has movie nights all of the time, but what if we made it special? Depending on where you live, it could be an outdoor movie night under the stars or maybe try a “drive- in” in your driveway.

In the colder climates try a portable movie on your laptop or iPad by the fireplace. A little hot toddy or cocoa will help to make the night very warm and snuggly.  Don’t forget the marshmallows.

4. Try a cooking class

Food is very sensual and cooking together can really bring that out.

There are tons of online cooking classes that you can try together.

We have found in our nearly forty years together, that learning something new with your sweetheart is one of the best ways to keep the relationship fresh and vibrant.

Plus, at the end of the class you have a great meal ready and waiting.

5. Have a bed picnic

Staying under the covers just might be the best thing for a cold winter night. Get some games or just watch TV and once again we would suggest ordering out because there’s no way to cook without leaving the bed. Even if it’s just a pizza and a bottle of wine it will feel like something fun and out of the ordinary.

So there are our five ideas. We would certainly love to hear any other stay at home date night plans any of you might have. Just leave them in the comments below and have a happy Valentine’s Day, or any other night you want to make seem special without ever leaving the house.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

We’d love to hear your ideas for a fun night “out” without ever leaving home. Just drop us a note in the comments below.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

9 Ways to Motivate Employees With Travel Benefits

Businesses are interested in making a profit. Employees bring companies this profit. So it’s safe to say corporations are dependent on employees. Therefore, businesses are looking for ways to boost their employees’ morale. They do this through some incentives. One incentive that is gaining momentum is traveling.

What Is Incentive Travel?

Companies are interested in keeping their employees engaged and motivated to report to work. Incentive travel is one such program. The purpose behind this incentive is to benefit the company and mutually benefit the employee. To determine eligibility for travel, companies keep sales goals. The employee who’s able to receive that goal fast will reap immediate benefits. Programs like these are becoming extremely popular as they’re creative, engaging, and more than just about earning money.

9 Ways To Motivate Employees With Travel Benefits

Traveling is an exciting endeavor. A change of scenery and a vacation sounds amazing. Traveling is an easy and flexible perk to implement. Here’s how companies can use traveling as an incentive to encourage employees to do more.

1. Employees Will Deliver and Improve Consistently: Traveling can fill a prospective employee with anticipation. They’re excited to win a chance to travel and enjoy an overall good time. To qualify for the incentive, employees will work harder and improve their working environment. Each department would want a chance to win the trip first, and so there will be a shift in the working conditions towards more productivity. So that when the manager can crunch employee numbers, they’ll know whom to pick.

2. Traveling Can Be Personalized: The best part about traveling is sending an employee anywhere depending on their taste. Companies have enough funds to arrange for a personalized trip. Employees have a variety of options to go anywhere. They can be as luxurious as possible. As it is such a customizable experience, no employee would want to feel left out and work their hardest to enjoy this trip.

3. Employees Can Travel Guilt-free: Many employees put off traveling because of how expensive it is. An all-expense-paid trip fills them with excitement and a sense of adventure instead of dread for paying for a costly journey that may cost them in the long run. The best part is companies can provide for their family, so this becomes like a mini-retreat for the family.

4. Traveling Is Extremely Memorable: Exotic locations, delicious food, and enticing sights make a place in our memory more than money does once an employee wins the chance to travel. They create unforgettable memories on their trip. When they post on social media, they’re also inadvertently popularizing their company, giving it a much more prominent place on the market.

5. Companies Can Boost Their Reputation: Companies can advertise their traveling perk as an employee benefit. They can hire reliable tourist agents who come with a travel and tourism degree online and find the most popular tourist spots. They can even learn on new packages which cover a range of activities and provide perfect accommodation. Companies can use this information in designing the ideal marketable advertisement and attract potential employees.

6. It Adds To The Wellness Program: Employees require rest and looking after when they’re working. It’s not possible to expect productivity and not give employees incentives other than well-deserved paychecks. The primary function of employee wellness programs is to make employees feel cared for and looked after beyond a money-making machine. They give employees a chance to slip away from work without fearing that the company wants them to return before their vacation is over. It adds significant benefits to their health.

7. More Team Building Opportunities: When companies arrange team vacations, it gives employees a chance to bond and lets them know each other outside of the work environment. Social bonds are essential for a healthy working environment. The more familiar employees are with each other to a level where they may even banter only boost their morale. They also develop a sense of loyalty towards each other and enjoy coming to work more. It all will work in favor of a company.

8. Exposure To Different Culture Leads To Ideas: While on vacation, employees get exposed to different cultures. Employees can observe and note the way businesses advertise to other customers. This influx of new ideas may inspire them with a broader sense of marketing and catering to a different clientele. Companies can make use of this learning experience to expand their horizons and stay ahead of their competition.

9. Develops A Sense Of Loyalty: When applying for jobs, employees look for different incentives. Companies that keep up with emerging trends spread the idea that they’re genuinely interested in keeping their employees happy instead of doing it out of the procedure. Employees have a newly found respect for their company and develop a stronger feeling of loyalty towards them. It keeps component employees in your company long enough, and they don’t leave.

Wrap Up

Keeping employees happy is one essential factor in running a successful business. The incentives must change with evolving times, or they become dull and not worth the effort. The best part about company provided incentives are, and companies have the budget and the connections to turn anything into a perk.

Recently, traveling has been picking up the pace when it comes to employee incentives. It is fun, refreshing, and filled with a rejuvenating feeling. It is also an incentive for which the details the company handles, making it a joyous and well-received incentive. However, this works only as long as companies continue to invest in their employees and keep them happy.

An employee would most definitely keep returning the favor and keep their company happy. Dedicated employees are hard to keep by. With the market running out of the component and experienced workers, it’s best to hold on to the ones you have while scouring for new talent.

Benefits of Diamond Painting

Diamond painting has gained popularity among kids and elders. It gives a respite from hectic everyday life. But it also polishes artistic skills when you practice it on a regular basis. It is engaging and fun to do. It also makes for a perfect home decor. Whether you are waiting for the first time or are experienced, you will get many benefits. To know the details, you have to read this post. If you want to reap all its benefits, grab an art kit now and get started with creating your masterpiece.

The advantages are mentioned below:

It reduces stress

Diamond painting is the best way to reduce stress and related disorders. If your job is getting on your nerves and making you feel anxiety, you don’t have to panic about it. All you need is a diamond painting kit and plenty of time to make a painting. It relaxes the mind and refreshes it completely. It is a form of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT). It helps you meditate and ward off anxiety in an exciting way. When you practice Painting Diamonds it occupies your mind for many hours. It makes you forget about the things that are stressing you for no reason. When you paint in a peaceful place, you are likely to say goodbye to worry, anger and sadness. If you are making a meditation art diamond painting, it will work even better to make you relaxed and stress-free.

It stimulates creativity

When you do diamond painting, it boosts creativity. You make different designs by sticking various diamond pieces. It helps you discover your creative skills and also lets you use it in a better way. You engage the right hemisphere of your brain. It is connected to your intuition, imagination and arts. It helps in creative stimulation. When you work on a variety of canvases and different art kits, you follow the instructions. Even if you are not highly creative, you become an artist and begin enjoying it.

Most diamond painting designs require creativity. It stimulates the artistic talent in your mind and allows you to make something unique and beautiful. It lets you use your brain and improve skills in a fascinating way. It is the best option to activate a dull mind.

It increases confidence

Everyone is not creative and diamond painting has easy to follow steps that can make you an artist quickly. When you look at your created painting, you get more confident. Knowing that you can create great art pieces makes you feel good and also gives a sense of accomplishment. Your artistic skills are polished and you become more refined. Painting makes your self-esteem better and you realize you are capable of making attractive art work. If you make a painting and give it as a gift to your loved ones, you become even more confident. So, you should do diamond painting if you lack self-confidence. It is a perfect way to improve your perspective about your abilities.

If you are buying a kit for a kid, choose a simple design that is especially made for young ones.

It improves motor skills

When you are doing diamond painting, you are fine-tuning your motor skills. It improves hand to eye coordination. There is 2.5 mm diamond tile that you pick and stick on the canvas. It flexes finger and hand muscles. It makes the artist adept, skillful and agile. It also improves mental concentration and focus ability.

When you paint, you are stuck for several hours. You continually focus on it. As a result, it helps you concentrate better. It improves mental capability as well. With time your focus becomes perfect. It can help you perform better in everyday tasks because your mind is in a good position to concentrate. You are able to perform hectic tasks and those that require more mental energy. So, you must include diamond painting in your routine.

It helps in socialization

When you feel you are a member of a community, it is so fulfilling. Diamond painting is popular art worldwide. Many people practice it. You can find other artists to share your thoughts. It gives you an opportunity to interact with others and see what they are up to. There are many artists around the globe who enjoy painting as much as you do. You can join groups, channels and forums to find people who have similar interests. You can make friends too. When you exchange thoughts, you get more ideas about this art.

Diamond painting is the best way to socialize. It is a great option to mingle with artists worldwide. You get more exposure when you join groups and forums. You can learn a lot along the way as you talk to others. Finding groups is easy. They are formed at popular social media websites and apps.

It keeps away from tech

When you are indulged in diamond painting, it keeps you busy for many hours or even days and weeks. You don’t have time to play games on tab or mobile phone. You have no craving for using gadgets and devices. You don’t feel any need to watch TV because you are doing something really enjoyable and entertaining. It really does unplug from technology.

The art is quiet and peaceful and it keeps you away from noisy phones and tabs. Why not grab an art kit today and get started with your most favorite design. Your next masterpiece is waiting for you. It allows you to get closer to your creative side and stop glaring the bright screens. This is a great benefit of diamond painting that you must avail.

In short, diamond painting is a rewarding hobby that brings many benefits with it. It keeps you away from excessive use of technology. It helps you interact with artists worldwide and make friends. It boosts confidence and lets you have a sense of accomplishment. It improves your concentration and mental capability. It relaxes your mind and helps fight stress, anxiety and depression.

 

A Traveler’s Guide to Taking a Plane with CBD Gummies

So, now that you’re on a jet and puff…off you go! Whether you’re embarking on a journey for a much-awaited long beach vacation or catching up with friends in the city, travel can be hard on your body. If you’re stressed about not the vacation and not the journey, then know that it doesn’t have to be that way.

We’ve penned down a traveller’s guide for aeroplane rides. The resources come to use, particularly when you’re stressed about your travel experience. Many people assume that travelling days can have anxiety, but that may not be the case after reading it. One of the biggest tips to reduce anxiety while travelling is to keep these edibles close. All you’ve to do is have some gummies that are great, portable and pretty safe to consume. Cannabinoids have come a long way towards being recognized as a powerful worldwide medicine. If you realize the benefits it brings along; you surely would not want to leave it home. Just keep some tips in mind for ensuring a smooth flying experience. Let’s fly the friendly skies with CBD gummies, folks:

Can I carry it on the plane?

The first question that must be on your mind is checking if you can take these during your flight. Know well in advance the rules of travelling, if you can take them through TSA or not. Another benefit of gummies is that one cannabinoid edible that is pretty easy to consume is low on THC quantity and doesn’t draw too much attention.

Why Travel with Cannabinoids?

CBD gummies don’t aid sleep but surely have some calming effects. If you experience red-eyes or are just looking out to minimize jet lags, these can work wonders. Yes, some highest-rated edibles can ease your flight stress. You should certainly buy cbd gummies if you’re one of the people who cannot sleep during flights. The reasons may be any- anxiety, stress, and fear. These are ideal for you since they calm your worries and help you get the rest you need.

Some Tips to Dwell in Tranquility when Travelling CBD edibles

Now that you know the benefits of travelling with cannabinoid edibles, it is vital to prepare well in advance. Talk to your medical professional before travelling with the edibles. Know its suitabilities for travel adventures. These edibles can take around 30 to 60 minutes to take effect. Thus, whether you’re taking a flight abroad or expediting within the boundaries of your nation- pop these 30 minutes before the flight. It will help you in calming your senses and relaxing. Also, ensure that cannabis dispensaries are at proximity to your hotel at the destination. Keeping this point in mind will help you dwell in tranquillity with high-quality products.

Head High in the Clouds with Gummies

Gummies and creams are two of the best CBD products for relieving anxiety and pain. These are a discreet way of consuming cannabinoids without catching people’s eyes. It is pretty understandable to encounter anxiety during long flight hours. You may also come across situations when you don’t have flight anxiety. No matter what the situation, you can use them to make the most of your travel adventures.

 

The 3 Key Comforts for Travelling Well

Travel is one of those things that is great for the mind, body, and soul, but it doesn’t always feel like that when you are in the midst of it. Sometimes you feel that you need to find something to do… CONTINUE READING >> 

Travel is one of those things that is great for the mind, body, and soul, but it doesn’t always feel like that when you are in the midst of it. Sometimes you feel that you need to find something to do while you’re on the plane, such as drawing or playing some of the classic games at CasinoChan Australia.

This can prove difficult to achieve because you don’t have those home comforts. This is especially true when you are on a long-haul flight, where you can feel pretty exhausted for the vast majority of the time. With this in mind, what can we all do to bring some sort of comfort to our lives when we are travelling, whether it is by air, train, or on the road?

The Importance of Hygiene

Hygiene is essential as we are travelling, but it can feel more difficult to be clean when we are going from airport bathroom to airport bathroom. And when the last thing you’re able to get is a shower, that feeling of grubbiness can truly get you down. But keeping yourself hygienic and fresh is pretty straightforward. You can get items classed as a travel essential, such as expandable wipes and a proper toothbrush, and these things should be able to keep you going. Sometimes when we are stuck in one place for a long time, we just feel like we need a proper wash. But do your best to wear clothes that aren’t too tight, so you don’t feel yourself sweating.

The Importance of a Travel Pillow…

While you might be so exhausted that you can sleep anywhere, having a travel pillow, as well as those little comforts so you can make a little “cocoon,” is crucial. Whether you are on a plane or a train, or you just need to have a nap in the car, a travel pillow, and a little blanket or jackets to keep you warm will make a big difference. When you are trying to sleep in a public space, it is not the most restful of rests. Therefore the little home comforts will make a massive difference.

… and Hydration

Another thing that we greatly underestimate when we are travelling. But those people who have been back and forth on planes know just how dehydrated they can get. Taking the opportunities to focus on keeping yourself hydrated also making sure that you have healthy snacks will keep you feeling above board. Because whether you are on the road or on a train, or up in the air, the temptation for those unhealthy foods are everywhere. And, not to mention the fact that they can be pretty expensive, that it’s cheaper for you to take a handful of healthy snacks such as nuts and seeds, as well as a large bottle of water, will keep you feeling healthier than you realise.

In order to navigate a long-haul journey, you’ve got to feel comfortable, but also make sure that you’re giving your body and mind a fighting chance. It’s about making sure that you are as healthy as possible, but make sure you also give yourself the opportunity to tune out. Ensuring that you have a good quality pair of headphones will make all the difference!

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Traveling to Canada? Don’t Forget to Buy These Things From There!

“The people of Canada have worked hard to build a country that opens its doors to include all, regardless of their differences; a country that respects all, regardless of their differences; a country that demands equality for all, regardless of their differences.”                                     – Paul Martin

In Feb 2020, many news reports revealed that Canada witnessed a record-breaking 22.1 million foreign travelers in 2019. This surpassed all records of the last year, which touched 21.1 million. Further, as per Statistics Canada, it was the sixth consecutive year that Canada welcomed and managed a massive increase in tourists’ number.

What makes Canada a preferred travel destination?

From the iconic Niagara Falls to the delectable maple syrup, there are numerous reasons for people to look towards Canada as their next travel destination. Each year millions of travelers visit here to collect some remarkable memories forever.

Visiting Canada is an overwhelming experience, especially for first-time travelers. If you have been making up your mind to travel to Canada but don’t know what to expect or buy there, then don’t forget to go through our buying guide for Canada.

Get some good shopping ideas and make your tour memorable forever.

1. Smoked British Columbia Salmon – The world is in love with West Coast salmon. This can be one of the best gifts to bring home from Canada. It is often known as lox and can last up to 24 hours at room temperature.

2. Ice Wine – It is a sweet dessert wine made up of frozen grapes. As Canada bears the most frightening freezing conditions in the world, you can get some quality ice wine here with the appropriate concentration to balance the acidic contents in the body. One of the best ice wines to try is Cave Springs Riesling Icewine.

3. Vape Pens – Do you love to consume or vape CBD or any other herb type? Well, Canada can be the best place to enhance your experience. Getting a vape pen Canada is not a hassle at all. There are plenty of online and offline stores offering you ample vape pens and organically grown CBD extracts at its best. All you need to do is keep your preference in mind and look for the desired product.

4. Butter Tarts – Are you one of those who have a sweet tooth? Then you would definitely love to have Canada special butter tarts. It comes with a blend of butter, eggs, and sugar topped with choco chips and nuts to give you the perfect crunchy taste. If you are traveling for the first time, this can be a perfect way to treat yourself.

The concluding words –

Canada has a lot to offer you only when you know how to make the most out of it. From offering you some iconic locations to get picture-perfect clicks to the best universities in the world, Canada is a wonderful place to explore and live in. What makes your tour to Canada even more memorable is the list of items to shop from this place. Explore and give them all a try for sure!