Hot Sights: 4 Quintessential Summer Experiences in Chicago

By Patricia Harrison

Chicago may be a hub of activity year-round, but the metropolis is even more bustling in the summer months, when the temperatures rise and there are an abundance of activities to enjoy. Whether your idea of a good time involves touring the city’s sights or lounging on the beach, the warm-weather months are an excellent time to visit America’s third-largest city. Here, we’ve rounded up four must-have experiences to add to you or your clients’ itinerary.

Admire the Skyscrapers on the Chicago River.

Since the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition (aka Chicago’s World Fair), the Midwest gem has been known as the city of industry—a legacy that is still visible in Chicago’s skyline. In fact, some of the tallest buildings in the U.S. are in the Windy City, the result of a skyscraper boom following an 1871 fire that destroyed much of the metropolis’ north side. The best way to delve into Chicago’s rich architectural history is on a guided boat tour along the Chicago River. Many companies offer cruises, which include overviews of the area’s history and incredible photo-ops. Consider booking with Wendella, a favorite for 45- and 90-minute excursions, and Chicago’s First Lady, which offers popular evening outings on the river.


The Art Institute of Chicago (Photo credit: PhotoSpirit - stock.adobe.com)

Sunbathe on the beach.

Because temperatures in Chicago can reach highs of over 80° Fahrenheit in June and July (with intense humidity), it’s natural to gravitate toward cooling activities. For some splash-worthy fun, spend the day on one of the nearly two dozen urban beaches along Lake Michigan, which has 28 miles of natural shoreline. Engage in a game of volleyball on Oak Street Beach, where you can catch some rays amid sights of the towering cityscape. Or go paddleboarding at the north end of 57th Street Beach in Jackson Park, one of the city’s oldest green spaces. To wade into the water, venture to Ohio Street Beach, which is favored for its calm waters, views of downtown and close proximity to lively Navy Pier.

Go museum hopping.

Chicago has a robust roster of cultural institutions to explore (bonus: many of them are air-conditioned), whether you have an interest in art, history, or the natural world. The Art Institute of Chicago—which has more than 300,000 masterpieces from across the world in its permanent collection—is one of the city’s most popular museums. And those who want to visit the museum in the evening or after a day of meetings are in luck; from June 23–September 1, 2022, the Art Institute will stay open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. To learn about the city’s innovation-rich past, head to the Museum of Science and Industry, which has a real U-550 German Submarine and a sprawling model train set to explore. Or go to the Field Museum, home to the largest T. rex ever discovered and a three-story reconstruction of an Egyptian tomb, for a fascinating lesson in natural history.

Dine Al Fresco.

Summer is prime time for patio dining in Chicago­—and there are tons of options to choose from. Snag a table at Boleo on the rooftop at the Kimpton Gray Hotel, where you can pair a pisco sour with ceviche in a Peruvian-inspired ambience. Or pop into Offshore, lauded as the largest rooftop bar in the world, for oysters and pizza. If you prefer to stay on the ground, top-notch (non-rooftop) options include locations of Parson’s Chicken and Fish, a casual spot for fried chicken and excellent happy hour under red-and-white-striped umbrellas; and Beatnik on the River, a cheerful, Chicago River-side haunt with Bohemian vibes and tropical cocktails.

Where to Stay

Thompson Chicago

Tucked next to Lake Michigan amid the mansions of the historic Gold Coast, the Thompson Chicago has sun-drenched rooms furnished with floor-to-ceiling windows and stylish, jewel-toned furniture.

Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile

This newly renovated urban sanctuary offers experiences inspired by the French art de vivre (way of life), resulting in luxe accommodations and polished dining experiences, including a French food and wine dinner series.

Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton

Breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan are the draw at the Sable at Navy Pier Chicago, which is situated just 10 minutes from Chicagoland icons like the Magnificent Mile and Wrigley building.

Your TV Guide to Summer Travel in the United Kingdom

By Jessica Montevago

With historic cities and remote countryside's, the countries of the United Kingdom have been the backdrop for many favorite movies and TV shows. Here, we’ll take a look at the best spots to hit for cinephiles and TV junkies alike.

Scotland

The popular TV show Outlander follows a time-traveling nurse as she’s transported back to 18^th century Scotland. Start the itinerary in the city of Inverness, just like Claire, immersed in its lush greenery. Visit Falkland Palace and Garden, before exploring the surrounding countryside, historic battlefields, and lochs in the Highlands. Fans of Harry Potter, meanwhile, can ride the Jacobite steam train, known to some as the Hogwarts Express. Taking you over the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Travelers who want a taste of the historic cities can easily travel to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Jacobite Steam Train

Where to stay: Craigmonie Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality dates back to 1880 with the ambience of a country house, with 40 en-suite bedrooms ranging from single rooms, doubles and family rooms. On-site amenities include an indoor heated swimming pool and sauna, as well as restaurant with a focus on Scottish flavors and local produce.

Northern Ireland

Game of Thrones fans can experience the city and rural-side of Northern Ireland spotting major filming locations. Start in Belfast, which was used as a regular filming location, before heading about 45 minutes via car or about 2 hours via train to Castle Ward—fans of the epic show might recognize it as Winterfell. The 18th-century gothic mansion with sweeping grounds overlooking the sea at Strangford Lough. Another must-see from the show, The Kingsroad is Northern Ireland’s Dark Hedges, a series of beech trees planted in the 18th century. It’s one of the most photographed natural features in Northern Ireland.

Where to stay: Located on the banks of the Lagan River, the Hilton Belfast is in the heart of Belfast City. After a day of exploring, come back to dine at Sonoma Bar and Grill, designed with locally inspired details, such as its Titanic-style ceiling, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests can visit the No.4 bar, specializing in local draft beers and award-winning local gins. Costa coffee and light bites are available throughout the day at the lobby bar.

Great Britain

Downton Abbey follows the twists and turns of the Crawley family, from post-war into the roaring 20s. The family’s expansive estate was shot in Hampshire’s Highclere Castle. Spanning 1,000 acres, the Victorian-built manor house remains home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, whose family have lived on the site since 1679. Tickets are available for the Castle, Egyptian Exhibition & Gardens during the summer 2022.


Highclere Castle

Where to stay: Overlooking a tranquil lake, Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton is next to the Ageas Bowl with sweeping views of the cricket ground. The restaurant, Beefy’s, is inspired by the legendary cricketer Sir Ian Botham, and serves a range of modern British dishes. The hotel also houses a full-service spa and 18-hole golf course. It’s about 40 minutes away from the Highclere Castle.

Fans of Netflix’s The Crown can immerse themselves in Royal Britain. Get tickets to Windsor Castle, the Queen’s home, and St. George’s Chapel. For the quintessential English experience, go for afternoon tea at the Michelin-starred Coworth Park, which has a drinks menu with more than 20 varieties of tea. After, head to the River Thames and stroll the riverside pathway and stop by coffee shops, bars and brasseries that line the waterfront.

Where to stay: Live like royalty in The Savoy Hotel, London, which has long been a favorite with royals—Princess Diana is seen arriving at the glamourous five-star hotel in series four of The Crown. Stay in one of the 267 lavish guestrooms, including The Royal Suite, which offers panoramic views of the River Thames, a Jacuzzi, private mini bar and a 24-hour butler service. The luxurious landmark hotel is home to the award-winning American Bar, the oldest surviving cocktail bar in Britain.

Now, instead of just watching these wonderful locations on screen, we encourage you to get out there and experience these beautiful places firsthand. Plan a trip for yourself, or use this guide to create a fun travel package for those clients who are ready to get out there and experience the real thing!

Discover Manaakitanga: Aotearoa Hospitality

Māori are the tangata whenua, the indigenous people, of Aotearoa New Zealand, and Māori culture is the cornerstone of the country’s cultural make-up. In New Zealand, you will have ample opportunities to gain a respectful understanding of te Ao Māori (the Māori world), both past and present. From everyday encounters with locals to guided tours of significant cultural sites and waka paddles – there are so many exciting and enriching ways to get to know Māori culture here.

Visit the “birthplace” of today’s New Zealand, Northland

The Treaty of Waitangi marks an important moment in New Zealand history. Take a guided tour through the treaty grounds, explore the heritage buildings, and get up close to the ceremonial war canoe. You could spend all day strolling the beautiful grounds alone so take advantage of the Waitangi Experience Pass which gives you entry to all areas for two consecutive days.

See master carvers at work, Rotorua

In Rotorua, you will find Te Puia and the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Te Puia is not only a place to see the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere and bubbling mud pools, but also where Māori arts are kept alive and taught at the New Zealand Māori Art and Crafts Institute, the home of the national schools of carving (including pounamu and bone) and weaving.

Canoe along the Whanganui River with an Awa (river) navigator, Ruapehu

Pilgrim down the first river in the world to gain legal personhood status. This deeply spiritual experience is expertly guided by descendants of a local iwi (tribe) who tells legends and explains features of the river. Book a multi-day tour for an opportunity to stay overnight in a marae or Māori meeting house.

Take a waka to water, Nelson Tasman 

Paddling the stunning coastline of the Abel Tasman National Park onboard a waka (Māori canoe) is a unique cultural experience. The trip begins and ends with a blessing (karakia) for protection, and Waka Abel Tasman’s experienced guides will share stories of the ancestors who sailed the Pacific Ocean for thousands of years. All while gliding through the clear water of the Abel Tasman National Park onboard a double or single-hulled outrigger canoe.

Gaze into the southern skies, Dunedin

Discover the beauties of the dark skies of the Otago Peninsula and enjoy Māori manaakitanga (hospitality) on Horizon Tours’ Southern Skies Stargazing Tour. Local guides tell tales of the celestial bodies on these small group tours while guests are tucked up warmly, under cozy blankets on reclining chairs enjoying an expansive perspective of the heavens above.  

Share the Spirit of Manaakitanga with Your Clients

The New Zealand Marketing Hub provides free professionally designed marketing materials to help inspire your clients to choose New Zealand for their next vacation. Inside the Hub is a library of assets, including e-mails, videos, social posts, sales flyers and more. Many of the assets can be customized with your own sales message, contact information and logo. Build your own New Zealand promotion!

4 Reasons to Plan a Vacation to Puerto Rico

If “unforgettable” is how you want to describe your vacation, Puerto Rico should be your place.

Puerto Rico's combination of rich history, colorful culture, astonishing scenery, immaculate attractions, warm people, and fascinating cities make this Caribbean gem a world-class destination.

Indulge in the Culture

Puerto Rico's vibrant culture derives from a mix of the indigenous Taínos, the Spaniards, and the Africans. This integration reflects throughout the Island's colonial architecture, spirited art, robust literature, and dynamic music.

Dance and music are essential when describing the liveliness of boricuas. From the most traditional sounds like bomba, plena, and the décima (or trova) to the urban sounds of reggaetón, the fusion of races comes through in every beat. One of the most breathtaking and folkloric demonstrations of our heritage comes alive in bomba, an Afro-Caribbean rhythm played by two or more drums led by the footsteps of the dancer. The respect with which it is carried out captivates the mind of every spectator.

Other traditional sounds of Puerto Rico are the plena and the trova. Usually heard during Christmas time, these genres elevate popular instruments such as el cuatro and pleneros. Just like the corrido in Mexico, the narrative of the songs details the struggles and burdens of the countryside and coastal communities. Puerto Rico is also known for its flavorful salsa singers and reggaetón artists. These two genres will surely make you swing your hips and lose yourself to the rhythm of the music.

And there is no culture without history! A great manifestation of the captivating stories that make Puerto Rico unique can be found walking down the streets of Old San Juan. There, you will see monumental fortresses, pastel-colored buildings, blue cobblestone roads, and elaborate wall carvings.

You can find museums and galleries all over the Island that reflect the Puerto Rican cultural heritage and evolution. Ancient artifacts, pre-Columbian paintings, contemporary pieces, and even street art can be found by those with a trained eye and even the self-taught amateurs.

Be Captivated by Nature

In terms of beauty, Puerto Rico is astonishingly diverse. With over 36 nature reserves, 19 state forests, and five wildlife refuges, traveling across the Island quickly brings the opportunity to enjoy the contrast of scenery and get back in touch with nature.

You can appreciate the marine life diversity across the nearly 300 beaches along the 272 miles of coastline. Each area has a distinctive quality and varied marine life with different characteristics – like colors, sand textures, and wave flow.

If you're seeking eco-friendly experiences like no other, Puerto Rico is the place to go. The Island has three of the world's bioluminescent bays. The fluorescent waters result from a delicate ecosystem made up of single-cell organisms that release energy when agitated, giving the effect of "glow in the dark" water. Mosquito Bay in Vieques is currently the brightest bioluminescent ecosystem in the world, so -to make the most of your visit- be sure to avoid full moon nights.

Puerto Rico also has El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. Forest System where it rains at least four times a day. Within its 28,000 acres, you can find over 240 species of plants, rare, endangered fauna, several rivers, streams, and waterfalls. In addition, El Yunque is the most ancient area designated as a natural reserve in the Western Hemisphere.

The karstic zone or the northern karst region is one of the most precious non-renewable resources because of the unique ecosystems developed there. For example, you can find the largest riverine estuaries, fossil deposits, and an extensive cave system with over 2,000 caverns that house the world's second-largest river.

The beauty of Puerto Rico? You can enjoy all its diversity in a single day.

Go on an Adventure

If "unforgettable" is how you want to describe your vacation, Puerto Rico should be your destination. The tropical weather and distinct typography make the island a perfect setting for unique and extraordinary ventures. The Island has something for everyone, from bird-watching to canyoneering, kayaking, and ziplining.

Hitting the turquoise waters of Puerto Rican beaches is one of the many reasons millions of tourists visit each year. There is a wide range of activities to choose from, like sailing, snorkeling, deep-diving, surfing, kayaking, whale spotting, or simply relaxing.

If you're in for an adrenaline rush, go zip lining over lush trees, valleys, and rivers in El Yunque or Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park in Orocovis. You can also get off-the-beaten-path and have a canyoneering adventure, climb, rappel, and scale to the top of vigorous mountains or hike the fascinating trails these forests have to offer.

Savor the Flavors.

With an explosion of flavors and a wide variety of dishes that aim to please and comfort even the most picky-eaters, Puerto Rican cuisine can be best described in three words: diverse, complex, and familiar. Whether it is a snack, a drink, some street food, or a high-end meal, every chef on the Island has the same goal: take care of people and showcase the culture through the food.

The constant evolution of the Puerto Rican kitchen brings a combination of traditional and trendy savors that promise to make you feel at home with every culinary experience. One ingredient you will find in almost every plate is sofrito, a blend of peppers, onions, garlic, and herbs that gives any dish that extra boricua flavor to love. And, even though locals encourage visitors to try the staple dishes – such as mofongo, tostones, roasted pork, and maybe some arroz mamposteao – Puerto Rico is so much more than rice and beans.

In recent years, there has been a movement by local chefs to elevate Puerto Rican flavors through eclectic infusions of other cultures to accommodate the palate of all visitors, while highlighting local products to maintain that Caribbean essence.

Puerto Rico has a share of James Beard Award nominee chefs that are ready to entice your taste buds and take you on a gastronomical journey.