Las Vegas January 2017

This is a short and sweet trip report on my Las Vegas Quickie Getaway for January 2017.

I had not been to Las Vegas since October 2016, so this was an exciting trip, especially since storm system Decima resulted in my December 2016 trip being cancelled.  I was lucky because with this trip to Vegas, I was able to travel in between storm system Jupiter without any problems.  Thank goodness!!

I departed on Sunday via Southwest with  no delays. On arrival to McCarran, I used the Airline Shuttle to MGM Grand. I have used them since they arrived in Vegas and this shuttle service is excellent.

MGM registration desk had a long line at 9am , but it moved super fast!!!  MGM knows the business of hotels!!!! I got my room keys immediately!!  Nice queen room, no problems.  I spent the day super-slot hopping. MGM to NYNY to Mandalay Bay.

Monday- I had to first check-in for my next day flight back home (so soon!) then to Planet Hollywood, Cosmopolitan then back to MGM Grand.  I got a good nap at noon, then back up at midnight on the casino floor!!!

Tuesday- MGM has a super efficient TV checkout.  Airline Shuttle very dependable as usual.  Nice flight back home.

What about food??? Well, I no longer do the buffets.  As a solo traveler, the 2 for 1 buffet deals will not work for me and most places have super sized portions, which will get wasted.  So, I just do something cheap, simple and boring.

I really needed this quick 2 night Las Vegas getaway.  I got my full fill of casino fun. I am now re-energized!!!

Beating the Winter Blahs in Chicago

Yes, winter can be "Polar Vortexing" bitter in Chicago. We have to endure 3 freezing months of bitter cold, snow, ice, slush, winter storm systems, and hawkish cold winds!  Folks cannot hibernate indoors for 3 long months.  Folks cannot simply jet off to warm climates.  So, what are the options for surviving Chicago's winter months ON A SHOESTRING budget?  Is this possible????

Yes!!!!! This is the great city of Chicago and so many wonderful FREE and FUN winter options are available.   There is no need for succumb to the winter blahs!  That is NOT an option.

Start your winter plan EARLY in the season. Write out your plan on the first day of winter... December 21st, then plan for 12 activities.... 1 thingy each week.

Here are my suggestions and every activity is absolutely free....

Always get a free newspaper- Reader, RedEye, or Gazette,  then bundle up and head out!

#1: Go to a reading center:

• Harold Washington Library.

• Go to the Chicago Cultural Center.

• Go to your favorite Chicago Public Library branch.

#2- Spend a day at Macy's mothership on State Street:
Start at the top floor, then walk then browse and make your way down to the lower level. At lower level, purchase a beverage,  pull out free newspaper and read it and people watch.

#3- Spend a day at Block 37:
Start at top floor, then browse and walk each floor.

#4- Spend a day at The Shops at North Bridge:
Start at the top floor, then browse and walk each floor.

#5- Go hiking in Chicago's downtown Pedway:
Chicago’s downtown pedestrian way system, the Pedway, lies in the heart of the city. This system of underground tunnels and overhead bridges links more than 40 blocks in the Central Business District, covering roughly five miles. The Pedway is a safe, quick and convenient way for pedestrians to travel downtown—especially in the winter and during times of rain or snow. The Chicago Pedway is a network of tunnels, ground-level concourses and bridges connecting skyscrapers, retail stores, hotels and train stations throughout the central business district of Chicago, Illinois. With a length of more than 40 downtown blocks, it contains shops, restaurants and public art and helps pedestrians in inclement weather. Most connections to the pedway are commercial or government buildings, including hotels.

#6: On the free Tuesdays, exercise PATIENCE and go to:

• Planetarium

• Museum of Science and Industry

• Field Museum

• Museum of Contemporary Art

• Shedd Aquarium

Now its your decision.... either have some fun and face the winter blah!!!!