Hotel Travel

O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference 2005 Home Invitation Registration Speakers Program Overview Tutorials Sessions Events BOFs Wiki Community Meetings -- Exhibitors Sponsors Hotel/Travel See & Do Press Mail List Hotel and Travel Information Hotel | Airport Shuttles | Room Sharing | Travel Assistance | Conference Headquarters Hotel Adjacent to the Horton Plaza shopping center and located within walking distance of San Diego's bustling Gaslamp District, the Westin Horton Plaza offers countless opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Westin Horton Plaza San Diego 910 Broadway Circle San Diego, CA 92101 Tel: (619) 239-2200 Fax: (619) 239-0509 Due to the overwhelming popularity of The 4th Annual O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference, the room block at the Westin Horton Plaza Hotel is currently sold out. The following is a partial list of alternate hotels in downtown San Diego, all within walking distance from the Westin Horton Plaza Hotel. Marriott Courtyard Downtown 530 Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619-446-3000 Holiday Inn on the Bay 1355 N. Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619-232-3861 Gaslamp Plaza Suites 520 E Street San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619-232-9500 The Horton Grand Hotel 311 Island Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: 619-544-1886 More hotel information may be found at the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau . O'Reilly Media, Inc. has no affiliation with these hotels. Getting There Airport Shuttles Convenient shuttle transportation to the Westin Horton Plaza is available for those flying into the San Diego International Airport . Cloud 9 Shuttle Phone: 1 (800) 9-SHUTTLE XPress Shuttle Phone: 1 (800) 900-7433 Driving Directions From Northeast Take I-15 South to 163 South. 163 will end and put you on 10th Avenue. Proceed to Broadway and turn right. Turn left on Broadway Circle. The hotel is on the right. From South Take I-5 North and exit at J Street, which is a one-way street. Take J Street to Market Street and turn left. Proceed to First Avenue and turn right. Then turn right at E Street. The hotel is on the corner. From East Take I-8 East to 163 South. 163 will end and put you on 10th Avenue. Proceed to Broadway and turn right. Turn left on Broadway Circle. The hotel is on the right. From Northwest Take I-5 and exit at Front Street, which is a one-way street. Proceed to E Street and turn left. The hotel is on the right. Parking Valet Parking: $25.00 per night Self-Parking: $15.00 per night Rates are subject to change without prior notice. Room Sharing If you are looking to save money on your housing costs, you may wish to room-share. The ETech wiki contains a Room Sharing page where you can post information about yourself along with the type of room sharing situation with which you are most comfortable. If not comfortable with posting your info, simply peruse the listing of others looking for room sharing situations whom you can contact. Room Sharing page to submit your information and be added to the mailing list. The list will be updated and broadcast weekly. -- Travel Assistance The official O'Reilly conference travel planner offers one-stop shopping for your air travel and other travel needs in connection with your attendance at an O'Reilly conference. Vivian V. Russell Travel Services 182 Farmers Lane, Suite 102 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 Phone: (707) 525-0550 Fax: (707) 525-0560 Email: International Attendees Please visit www.unitedstatesvisas.gov for important information about international travel to the United States. Rental Cars Should you choose to make travel arrangements independently, you may contact Hertz directly to receive the special O'Reilly discount on rental cars at the O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference. To reserve a car with your special rate, call Hertz : 1 (800) 654-2240 in the U.S. 1 (800) 263-0600 in Canada (405) 749-4434 outside of these areas or call your nearest Hertz reservation center, your corporate travel department, or your travel agent. You must give the agent the Hertz CV #022J1438 . Air Travel United Airlines is the official airline of the O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference. If you or your travel agent call United's toll-free number (1-800-521-4041) to book your reservations, you will receive 5% discount off the lowest applicable discount fare, including First Class or a 10% discount off full fare unrestricted coach fares, purchased 7 days in advance. An additional 5% discount will apply when tickets are purchased at least 30 days in advance of your travel date. Discounts also apply on Shuttle by United and United Express. Call United's Specialized Meeting Reservations Center at 1-800-521-4041 to obtain the best fares and schedule information. You must refer to Meeting ID #537GM in order to receive the conference attendee discount. Be certain to give either your travel planner or the United reservation agent (1 (800) 521-4041) this number. O'Reilly Media, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for the facilities or services provided by the vendors and suppliers. Anyone attending this conference releases O'Reilly from any and all claims that may arise out of attending at this conference. Westin Horton Plaza Reservations Choose the "Book Now" button that appears on the left side of the page. Choose your arrival and departure dates, room preference, click "search" and continue through the reservation system. An email confirmation will be sent to you, confirming your hotel reservation at the Westin Horton Plaza for the O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference. To make your hotel reservations by phone, call: 1 (800) WESTIN-1 or call the hotel directly at (619) 239-2200. Getting There Room Sharing page to submit your information and be added to the mailing list. The list will be updated and broadcast weekly. -- International Attendees Please visit www.unitedstatesvisas.gov for important information about international travel to the United States. Rental Cars Should you choose to make travel arrangements independently, you may contact Hertz directly to receive the special O'Reilly discount on rental cars at the O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference. To reserve a car with your special rate, call Hertz : 1 (800) 654-2240 in the U.S. 1 (800) 263-0600 in Canada (405) 749-4434 outside of these areas or call your nearest Hertz reservation center, your corporate travel department, or your travel agent. You must give the agent the Hertz CV #022J1438 . Air Travel United Airlines is the official airline of the O'Reilly Emerging Technology Conference. If you or your travel agent call United's toll-free number (1-800-521-4041) to book your reservations, you will receive 5% discount off the lowest applicable discount fare, including First Class or a 10% discount off full fare unrestricted coach fares, purchased 7 days in advance. An additional 5% discount will apply when tickets are purchased at least 30 days in advance of your travel date. Discounts also apply on Shuttle by United and United Express. Call United's Specialized Meeting Reservations Center at 1-800-521-4041 to obtain the best fares and schedule information. You must refer to Meeting ID #537GM in order to receive the conference attendee discount. Be certain to give either your travel planner or the United reservation agent (1 (800) 521-4041) this number. O'Reilly Media, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for the facilities or services provided by the vendors and suppliers. Anyone attending this conference releases O'Reilly from any and all claims that may arise out of attending at this conference. ! -- O'Reilly Home | Privacy Policy © 2005, O'Reilly Media, Inc.

Cruise Vacation Travel Cruises

Better Your Chances for a Safe Cruise Vacation  You are here: About > Travel > Cruises > Cruise Planning > Better Your Chances for a Safe Cruise Vacation Travel Cruises Essentials Planning Your First Cruise Cruise Travel Packing List Choosing a Caribbean Cruise Destination How To Get a Passport How to Choose a Cabin on a Cruise Ship Articles & Resources Cruise Lines Cruise Destinations Cruise Photo Album Cruise Planning Cruise Reviews Cruise Cams Cruise Glossary Cruise News Getting There Lifestyle - Theme Cruises Cruise Activities Travel Gear and Gadgets Cruise Jobs More Cruise Resources Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks European Cruise Guidebooks Cruise Guidebooks - General Information Alaska Travel Guide Books Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Cruises newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Cruises Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Most Popular Cruise Packing List Carnival Cruise Line Reviews Choosing a Cruise Ship Cabin Planning Your First Cruise Cruise Jobs What's Hot Carnival Conquest Review HAL Norfolk Cruises Alaska Cruise Itineraries Radisson Seven Seas Mariner Crown Princess 2006 Debut Related Topics Caribbean for Visitors Europe for Visitors Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Senior Travel Travel with Kids Better Your Chances for a Safe Cruise Vacation From Linda Garrison , Your Guide to Cruises . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Things to Do to Avoid Being a Crime Victim A cruise ship is one of the safest places you can take a vacation. However, in today's world, that is not saying much! No one sets out to become a crime victim, but it can happen to anyone. There are steps you can take to lower your risk of being a crime statistic when you travel. Before You Leave Home Make copies of your passport, driver's license, credit cards, wallet contents, and travel documents (plane tickets, etc). You also should make a copy of the credit card "lost or stolen" notification phone numbers to include with this package. Leave one set of copies at home with a trusted friend or family member, and take the other set with you, packed separately from the originals. Many cruise ships will hold your passport to expedite clearing the ship in foreign ports. Therefore, I always make a couple of extra copies of my passport to use to take ashore. Buy an under-the-clothing money bag and use it. These can be quite comfortable, and will thwart "cut and run" thieves who have been known to cut purse straps or waist packs right off their victims. Packing Your Luggage Don't rush out and buy expensive luggage. Plain-looking luggage is less likely to be a target. Some thieves might equate expensive luggage with expensive contents. Make a list of everything you have put in your luggage, and take pictures of it while packing in case of loss. Don't pack medications, eyeglasses, and valuables in your checked luggage. (Better yet, don't take valuables like expensive jewelry with you on the cruise.) Although you need to put external (and internal) tags on your luggage, don't list your full home address on the outside. This is a signal to expert thieves that you won't be home for a week! You really don't want to advertise to everyone at the airport where you live. Although you don't want expensive luggage, you do want luggage that will not pop open at an inopportune time. I've seen all sorts of baggage contents (including some "unmentionables") come out on the luggage carousels at the airport, and always felt sorry for the owners whose bags had come open. Consider using an extra band, airport plastic wrap, or duct tape to help secure your bags. You can buy self-locking plastic tags from travel or home improvement stores for about a dollar. These work well on zippered bags. In Your Cabin When you first get to your cabin, check the bathroom and closet while the cabin door is still open. While a ship is in port, many more people have access to it than you might imagine. Being cautious never hurt anyone. In addition, sometimes the locks on cruise ship cabins are not changed as often as hotel locks. Don't leave valuables lying around in your cabin. Put your wallet and valuables in the cabin's safe or the purser's safe. Be sure to use ALL the locks on the door when you are asleep. Don't open the door to strangers. Protect your cabin key and cabin number. On the Ship Although cruise ships are relatively safe, common sense is needed even at sea. Stay in the public areas, and remember that a cruise ship and its crew and passengers are like a small city, not like your family. If you are cruising with your children, set rules just like at home. Establish curfews for your teenagers, and caution them to not accompany crew members to non-public areas. Don't give your children "the run of the ship" while you are in the club, show, or casino. While In Port If you are going to be a crime victim while on a cruise, it is most likely to occur when you are ashore. Most crimes committed against cruise passengers are those of opportunity. I wear an under-the-clothing bag for my money and credit cards. While in Europe on a cruise vacation, there were at least three men on our cruise whose pockets were picked. Two men had their wallets in their back pocket--the worst place to carry it! One of these men was in the elevator of our pre-cruise Barcelona hotel, and another was waiting to cross the street at a busy intersection. The third man was on a crowded subway in Rome, and had his wallet in his front pants pocket. All three of these crimes could have been avoided. I once had my purse stolen while on business in Washington, D. C. I left it on the back of my chair while dining. I now know to hold it in my lap. I was very glad that I had recorded all of my credit card numbers (and notification phone numbers) in a place other than my purse. I was able to quickly notify the credit card companies and my bank, even though the theft occurred at night. You can't put your camera inside your clothing and have it ready to snap that special picture. Don't put it in a backpack, unless you wear it in front! I have a small camera bag that I can attach to a belt. If you want to carry it in a waist pack, put the strap through your belt loops. These tips are all common sense. Use them to make your next cruise vacation a safe one! Page 2 > > More on Having a Safe Cruise Vacation > > 1 2 3 Next        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Carnival Conquest Review HAL Norfolk Cruises Alaska Cruise Itineraries Radisson Seven Seas Mariner Crown Princess 2006 Debut

South America Travel

Backpackers.com :: South America travel forums Home > South America > Forums 28 December, 2005 Browse By Destination All Regions South America » Argentina » Bolivia » Brazil » Chile » Colombia » Ecuador » Falkland Islands (Malvinas) » French Guiana » Guyana » Paraguay » Peru » S.Georgia & S.Sandwich Islands » Suriname » Uruguay » Venezuela Popular Destinations Current Temp: -- Amsterdam °C °F -- Barcelona °C °F -- Dublin °C °F -- London °C °F -- Paris °C °F -- Rome °C °F -- Sydney °C °F -- Venice °C °F -- Find: Whole Site Classifieds Directory Events Forum Hostels Newsletter Forums Select a Category all General Forum Travel Warnings Travel Buddies Select a Destination All Regions --------------------------- South America --------------------------- Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Ecuador Falkland Islands (Malvinas) French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru S.Georgia & S.Sandwich Islands Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Backpacker Travel Forums Recent Topics -- » Start a New Topic » Narrow down the list by using the "Browse By Destination" box -- [Bahia] any tips of brasil? Jose Luis Porturas [South America] Great Vegas Site with Real Great Deals Janice Edwards [Brazil] help! kelly [South America] Volunteering Steve McElhinney [South America] Panama - Voyager Hostel Nick from Belgium [Buenos Aires] Apartment share in BA Lynne [Venezuela] MISSING astrid dv (Replies: 1) [Buenos Aires] What season to travel in? Jordan Chanler-Berat (Replies: 1) [Venezuela] Information Randy Castilla [Buenos Aires] travel buddies guillermo [Sao Paulo] visa tilia [Panama City] Verry verry Bad Nicolas Lippens [South America] Bewar of ALAN ROOSTER Holger Fuss [Chile] Best Route from Lima to the tip of SA drew (Replies: 1) [Rio de Janeiro] Travel buddy Javier Alejandro Garca [San Carlos de Bariloche] anyone here or headed this way? Anna (Replies: 1) [Quito] Ecotourism Martijn [Peru] What to do? Where to go? Advice please! Josh (Replies: 2) [Brazil] iguazu fall informations fred [Brazil] iguazu fall informations fred [Argentina] Spanish Anonymous [Brazil] recommendations? Anonymous [Brazil] Travel buddy agus [Caracas] TURSIM JOSE CLANDIO COSTODIO [Venezuela] sailing in carib and south america bonja [Iquitos] need some help Yliana Vela [Bolivia] Advice on South America Luke Wright (Replies: 1) [Lima] Travel Companion Barron Reyes [Buenos Aires] Travel companions? Andrew (Replies: 1) [Chile] Travelbuddies for Chile, patagonia and Peru wanted..! Tanja [Rio de Janeiro] Music / Rio 14th Jan to 14th Feb 2006 Stefan (Replies: 3) [Lima] Stay with Peruvian Family OMAR [Sao Paulo] Travel buddy Hanna (Replies: 1) [Salvador] Travel Buddy HANNA [Rio de Janeiro] shared apartment damon farry (Replies: 1) [Mendoza] cervesa por favor alexander kennedy [Brazil] looking to travel inland for quiet, waterfalls, nature Trin [South America] See you in South America. Inti (Replies: 2) [Puerto Iguazu] looking for partners Larish hanna (Replies: 1) [South America] TRAVEL BUDDYYYY adrienne coombs (Replies: 2) [Venezuela] travel buddy and info nick [Peru] Dating Markus Strobel [South America] Mexico to South America - travel buddies and advice needed! Kate Lister (Replies: 3) [Brazil] travel buddies needed- late July 06 Jenny Chang [Ecuador] surfing and paragliding info, PLEASE HELP tommy [Peru] surfing and paragliding spots PLEASE HELP tommy (Replies: 1) [El Calafate] thanksgiving Ronit Schwartz [Rio de Janeiro] arriving on December 21st until Jan 4th looking for a travel buddy Ray (Replies: 1) [Peru] Nasca mummies Rebecca (Replies: 1) [Cusco] travel to Cusco-Peru Doris Gomales (Replies: 1) 1 2 3 4 Next » Start a New Topic Please be considerate to others when posting messages in the Forums. The Forums are a place for travellers to exchange travel advice and personal views, not for abuse and spamming! General Rules   Search Whole Site Classifieds Directory Events Forum Hostels -- home | directory | forums | classifieds | events | hostels tell a friend | f.a.q | contact us | your privacy | terms of use | link to us | advertise with us ©1996-2005 Backpackers.com. All rights reserved. Served fresh on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 14:36:57

Chicago Vacation

Chicago vacation tips? | Ask MetaFilter MetaFilter AskMeFi Projects MetaTalk December 28, 2005 2:55 PM PST Home Archives Tags Search Login New User Tags: chicago tourism November 8, 2005 Chicago: I'm visiting Chicago for the first time in a couple of weeks. I'll be there for the weekend with a friend, staying at the Hotel Allegro , and I'm looking for suggestions regarding fun things to do. Where should I go and what should I see? For example: Is the Museum of Contemporary Art worth the trip? Is the Navy Pier a waste? Is the train a convenient way to get around, or am I better off renting a car? What sort of attractions are within a reasonable distance of my hotel (located, I believe, in the Loop). That sort of thing. I've already got tickets to the Second City. Thanks in advance. posted by gd779 to travel & transportation at 5:39 AM PST the responses to my question earlier this year were pretty dang helpful. posted by sluggo at 5:54 AM PST on November 8 The Allegro is right in the Loop and you're right near the trains, so you have lots of options. You're within blocks of shopping (State Street), theaters, and lots of mid to high end resteraunts and bars. Millenium Park is about a 5 minute walk. The Art Institue is about a 15 minute walk away. For loads of shopping Michigan Avenue (the Magnifcent Mile) is 15-20 minutes away on foot. It's all pretty touristy where you are, so it depends what you're into. I've never found anything fun about Navy Pier, but if you're looking for carnival food or overpriced t-shirts that's the place to go. Check Gaper's Block (from MeFite Me3dia) for a look at some of the cooler things happening in the city while you're here. CitySearch and MetroMix have even more things to look at. posted by Slack-a-gogo at 5:56 AM PST on November 8 See also here posted by einarorn at 5:58 AM PST on November 8 Just about any of the museums are a full-day visit, including the Art Institute. If you are using public transportation, Argyle street and Devon make for pleasant international shopping and dining, low key and few crowds. (Red line north to Argyle. Devon is a bus trip.) Public transportation in the central Chicago area is great unless you have plans to get into the surrounding suburbs. posted by KirkJobSluder at 6:19 AM PST on November 8 If you're looking for bars and clubs and things that less touristy check out the Reader . The paper is free and can be found all over the city. It comes out on Thursday afternoons, and from the Allegro you can pick one up at Rock Records, which is exactly one block South on Washington (it's at about the same spot on that block as the Allegro is on Randolph). There are loads of ads and listings, so you should definitely be able to find something to do. TimeOut is also now in Chicago, and you can pick that up anywhere that sells magazines. posted by Slack-a-gogo at 6:19 AM PST on November 8 Oh, I love the Hotel Allegro. I put my maid of honor up there as a thank you when she came into town for my wedding. I think you'll be absolutely fine with relying on the train/buses. If you need to get somewhere that's not really accessible for whatever reason, you'll be able to get a cab really easily. I enjoyed going to Chinatown. You can take the Red Line south a few stops. It's not like San Fransisco or New York, but it's fun. posted by sugarfish at 6:27 AM PST on November 8 The Pier is nice for an hour or so but it's primarilly food and drink. There's the Shakespeare Theatre there if you're so inclined, tho. In the summer Second City runs shows there as well - I saw The Trial of Friar Lawrence there and it was superb. The aquarium is awesome too. I resisted going, having grown up in Miami and with no shortage of great aquatic displays, but went on my most recent visit and it was excellent. Beautiful, well laid-out and well worth the money. The perfomance shows are corny as such things always are, but still neat. Presumably they're done screwing around with the bean so make sure you go see it. It seems like a moronic concept but it's impressive up close. And take a picture . posted by phearlez at 6:35 AM PST on November 8 Whoops - I meant to suggest going to one of the Second City shows while you're there, too. posted by phearlez at 6:35 AM PST on November 8 When I was in Chicago, I was pleasantly surprised that I could get a five day bus/train pass [not including the Metra] for $18. This was definitely the way to go for travelling. There were very few places that I couldn't get to this way, be sure to bookmark their trip planner . posted by jessamyn at 6:36 AM PST on November 8 If you do decide you'd rather not take the Bus or trains, just take cabs. By the time you rent a car and pay for parking you'll come out close enough to even that it's worth it to pay for the convenience. posted by Wallzatcha at 6:41 AM PST on November 8 If you'll be using public transportation, use this site or just call 836-7000 from any Chicago area code and they'll plan your trip for you (i.e. tell you where to get on, get off, and transfer). posted by jtron at 7:11 AM PST on November 8 These may be a little too off the beaten path for your visit, but catching a show by The Neofuturists or browsing the stacks at Quimby's Bookstore will yield unexpected pleasures. If you opt to visit the more readily accessible Shedd Aquarium - may as well walk an extra block and catch the show at Adler Planetarium as well. Great views of the city from out there. posted by tristero at 7:13 AM PST on November 8 The Art Institute of Chicago has one of the greatest Modern Art collections in the world. If you like art, don't miss it. posted by scottr at 7:14 AM PST on November 8 I would recommend Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind The historical society offers tours of the city via the brown and purple lines on Saturday and Sunday. Navy Pier is not a waste if you would like to see an IMAX movie, eat at McDonalds, or buy something that says Chicago on it. I think the art museum and the Shedd are great. posted by srburns at 7:17 AM PST on November 8 The Allegro is great, the restaurant downstairs (320 Grille?) has the BEST scallops appetizer I have ever had. There is a fondue restaurant on the north side called Geja's (I believe it's pronounced "yay-ya's"). It's a good time, celler-like environment, full 3 or 4 course meal. Make a night of it, and expect to spend $50-$75 a person. Also, Mambo Grill on Clark street has amazing latin food. Don't rent a car- it's just too expensive. You can get everywhere you need to go by El or train. Thumbs up on Art museum, thumbs down on Navy Pier, especially in cold weather. The Field museum and Shedd Aquarium are both fun, and farther south The Museum of Science and Industry is amazing. If you are interested in Chicago history, the main building is what's left of what was built for the World's Fair in 1893. Check out " Devil in the White City " posted by bradn at 7:18 AM PST on November 8 The Art Institute is worth seeing, even if the layout is infuriating for the modern works. I like to go there for two hour chunks with a clear idea of what I want to see, in order to avoid museum fatigue (though I can go longer, usually the people I'm with start to whine like babies in the face of all the art. Also, I'm not shy about skipping stuff I think is crap in order to sit for ten minutes in front of the Rothkos. Which you should do.) The Museum of Contemporary Art is usually pretty solid, and can be done in an hour. The Contemporary Photography Museum is small, but absolutely fantastic with its rotating shows, and can also be done in an hour (and is an easy walk from the AI). Aside from that, if you feel like trecking, you can visit the Brookfield Zoo. It's an excellent spot if you're either with kids or on drugs. Or both. Even if you're not, the Rainforest exhibit is worth seeing sooner or later, but I'd be hard pressed to make the trip from the loop that far out just to see it. The Museum of Science and Industry is OK, if you want to feel wistful for the great public works projects of yesteryear, and feel deeply frustrated with the screaming children that decend like locusts to break everything tangible around while their parents ignore them. Most of the really cool stuff is gone, and computer monitors have replaced a lot. Instead of having an emphasis on the sheer achievement and monumentalism that made Modernism so amazing, it's turning into just a large hands-on museum, and one cluttered with the garrish and transient. Though they do have a WWII sub as a last gasp grab towards The History Channel viewers. The Aquarium is top-notch (though I again recommend drugs to push the experience over the edge into truly fantastic), but can have an ungodly wait to get in, especially on the weekends and whichever day of the week is the cheap one. You should see it at least once in you life though, it's really great. My second favorite aquarium, next to the one in Monterey Bay, California (which is totally different in scale and emphasis-- the one in Chicago is just huge and gorgeous, but there's no interaction with the fish). Right next door is the under-rated Museum of Natural History, which I enjoy quite a bit. But I also enjoy looking at the giant rings of trees, dinosaur skeletons and old decrepit mummies, so your milage may vary. For all of those places, you should endeavor to keep a few dollars with you for the plastic models that are die-cast right in front of you. They're probably toxic and cause cancer, but they're so damned cool. I'm working on a full set... If you like music, you should look to Out of the Past records, a dusty anarchic set of vinyl (seriously, no order at all) that has so many hidden treasures that it should be declared on the national registry. It's near the Museum of Science and Industry. Dusty Groove is good too, if you've got some time to kill and are around Wrigleyville. Lots of out-of-print stuff. Totally easy to blow cash there. I dropped $50 like breathing, and I'm a cheapskate... posted by klangklangston at 7:52 AM PST on November 8 Navy Pier will make your soul hurt for a couple of days hence. If you brave Michigan Ave. for shopping or the desire to get your toes stepped on, I'd recommend going to the top of the Hancock. It's a great view of the city and you can have a $12 martini. posted by MarkAnd at 7:53 AM PST on November 8 If you get a chance, try an Ino's burrito-- you won't regret it. There's also a nice little thai place on Michigan Ave. right near the Art Institute that's surprisingly cheap and pretty tasty. Or there's the Chicago Diner, if you go for upper-middle-class vegetarian food. posted by klangklangston at 7:53 AM PST on November 8 Oh, I second the Neo-futurists (or rather, I third it) - TMLMTBGB is the best! The architectural boat tour is one of my favorite things to do in the Chi - it's probably too cold for that, though, so maybe one of the walking tours sponsored by the architects? I know it sounds boring, but it's actually really interesting and fun and pretty. And please eat some pizza. Mmm, pizza. And also, don't get a car, you don't need one, and it would be a pain to park -- public transportation in Chicago rocks (and don't discount the buses, I love the bus system in Chicago). The bar at the top of the Hancock building has great views, too, if the weather is clear. posted by echo0720 at 8:30 AM PST on November 8 As others have noted, if you care even a smidge about art The Art Institute is a must. It's my favorite art museum in the US. Do not miss its spectacular collection of Joseph Cornell's work--the largest one anywhere. The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers a wide array of tours . If the weather is not abominable I highly recommend the river cruise. Devon street was mentioned--this is a great place to eat Indian food. If you like German food, the Berghof is a classic and very popular at lunch. And much to my chagrin as someone who grew up on the West coast and has been eating MExican food all my life, my hands down favorite Mexican restaurants are in Chicago-- Frontera Grill and Topolbampo . posted by donovan at 10:01 AM PST on November 8 Oh yeah, lemme recommend TMLMTBGB as well. Excellent. posted by klangklangston at 10:31 AM PST on November 8 These are all great suggestions, thanks! posted by gd779 at 10:47 AM PST on November 8 Go to the Hideout . Best music in a city which abounds in beautiful noise. posted by felix betachat at 11:36 AM PST on November 8 MeTa . (Just in case the dates work, gd779.) posted by felix betachat at 12:21 PM PST on November 8 Second the Hideout, definitely. Also second (third/fourth/whatever) the Art Institute, in particular the modern collection -- and the Joseph Cornell collection is, indeed, not to be missed. As for restaurants, I always love going to Reza's when I'm back in Chicago -- the fessenjen (cornish hen in pomegranate sauce) is spectacular. On the fancy-schmancy end, if you're in the mood (and have the means!), Blackbird is stellar -- I had one of the greatest meals of my life there. posted by scody at 12:26 PM PST on November 8 Check out Wicker Park starting with the intersection of Damen, North and Milwaukee. It's still a little piece of heaven in some respects. Record shops, coffee shops, thai food, noodle shops, the Double-Door and all sorts of assorted tomfoolery can be had. The Hideout isn't too far north of there either. You'll be on Randolph street which has undergone a huge resurgence. All sorts of awesome stuff if you get on Randolph and head west. Also, as touristy as it is, the area of Wells and Division has Second City and cool things to see. For Blues, avoid Kingston Mines and the neck-high frat crowd and head over to Rosa's on West Armitage. Of course you could always come to our meetup! ;) posted by KevinSkomsvold at 12:39 PM PST on November 8 ON REVIEW: The Out of the Past record store is NOT near the Museum of Science and Industry, despite my visiting it on the same day and somehow believing that it was. Out of the Past is at 4407 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60624. I still recommend you go there. posted by klangklangston at 5:12 PM PST on November 8 I love the area around Clark and Belmont Ave...get off the El at Belmont, walk to Clark, turn left and walk up the street toward Wrigley Field. Lots of cool shops and things there. You should also stop in the Marshall Fields flagship store on State Street. This is nothing like the Marshall Fields stores in the mall. It's a definite experience. Plus the Christmas windows will be done by then, so check those out. : ) posted by SisterHavana at 1:05 PM PST on November 10 « Older I love my lotus lamp. I hate t... | My company has an ISDN2 link w... 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EUROPEAN VACATIONS We're pleased

All inclusive Vacations - Hawaii Vacations, Caribbean Vacations, spa Vacations A VERY WARM WELCOME TO YOU FROM CM.TRAVELONLINE.COM Caribbean Vacations Mexico Vacations Romantic Vacations Family Vacations New - Luxury Travel Site Map Please call us at 757-240-6642 for your free consultation One of the Internet's best sites for All inclusive Vacations , Hawaii Vacations , Hotel Reservations , and spa Vacations ! CM.Travelonline.com is a full-service travel company that specializes in custom tailored vacation experiences to include Hawaii vacations, Mexico vacations, Europe vacations, and Caribbean vacations all designed to suit the needs and desires of our customers. We also feature exciting honeymoon vacation ideas, family vacations, and cruise vacations. WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO? WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO? -- Please Select the Destination You'd Love To Visit-- " u-menulink1="all-inclusive.htm" clientside s-menu1="Caribbean" b-holdselection="0" u-menulink2="antigua_vacations.htm" s-menu2="....Antigua" s-target="" u-menulink3="aruba_vacations.htm" s-menu3="....Aruba" i-type="3" u-menulink4="bahama_vacations.htm" s-menu4="....Bahamas" i-count="62" tag="p" i-menusize="1" s-inform=" -- Please Select the Destination You'd Love To Visit-- " s-separator="" s-menu9="....Cayman Islands" u-menulink12="dominican_republic.htm" u-menulink17="http://www.funjet.com/destinations/detail.asp?Dest=STX&pageMode=D&OAC=&plCode=7575962774" u-menulink20="http://www.funjet.com/destinations/detail.asp?Dest=STT&pageMode=D&OAC=&plCode=7575962774" u-menulink7="http://ref.iliit.com/agents/page.asp?site=0296757C058&pin=&page=island&id=&island=bonaire" s-menu12="....Dominican Republic" s-menu17="....St. Croix" u-menulink6="bermuda_vacations.htm" u-menulink15="http://ref.iliit.com/agents/page.asp?site=0296757C058&pin=&page=island&id=&island=jamaica" s-menu20="....St. John & St. Thomas" s-menu7="....Bonaire" u-menulink10="http://ref.iliit.com/agents/page.asp?site=0296757C058&pin=&page=island&id=&island=curacao" s-menu11="....Dominica" s-menu16="....Puerto Rico" u-menulink19="saint_martin_vacations.htm" u-menulink5="http://ref.iliit.com/agents/page.asp?site=0296757C058&pin=&page=island&id=&island=barbados" s-menu6="....Bermuda" u-menulink14="http://ref.iliit.com/agents/page.asp?site=0296757C058&pin=&page=island&id=&island=guadeloupe" s-menu15="....Jamaica" u-menulink9="cayman_vacations.htm" s-menu10="....Curacao" u-menulink13="http://ref.iliit.com/agents/page.asp?site=0296757C058&pin=&page=island&id=&island=grenada" u-menulink18="http://www.cmtravelonline.com/st_lucia_vacations.htm" s-menu5="....Barbados" s-menu14="....Guadeloupe" s-menu19="....St. Maarten" u-menulink8="http://ref.iliit.com/agents/page.asp?site=0296757C058&pin=&page=island&id=&island=britvirgin" s-menu18="....St. Lucia" s-menu13="....Grenada" u-menulink16="http://ref.iliit.com/agents/page.asp?site=0296757C058&pin=&page=island&id=&island=puertorico" s-menu8="....British Virgin Islands" u-menulink11="http://ref.iliit.com/agents/page.asp?site=0296757C058&pin=&page=island&id=&island=dominica" u-menulink21="http://ref.iliit.com/agents/page.asp?site=0296757C058&pin=&page=island&id=&island=grenadines" s-menu21="....The Grenadines" u-menulink23="http://www.funjet.com/destinations/detail.asp?Dest=PLS&pageMode=D&OAC=&plCode=7575962774" u-menulink22="trinidad_vacations.htm" s-menu23="....Turks & Caicos" s-menu22="....Trinidad & Tobago" s-menu30="....Huatulco" u-menulink33="los_cabos_vacations.htm" u-menulink38="belize_vacations.htm" s-menu51="...Other major U.S. cities" s-menu25="....Acapulco" s-menu46="....Miami & South Florida" u-menulink28="cozumel_vacations.htm" s-menu41="United States" u-menulink49="http://www.funjet.com/destinations/detail.asp?Dest=ANH&pageMode=D&OAC=&plCode=7575962774" u-menulink44="http://www.funjet.com/destinations/detail.asp?Dest=0FL&pageMode=D&OAC=&plCode=7575962774" s-menu36="....Puerto Vallarta" s-menu31="....Isla Mujeres" u-menulink39="http://ref.iliit.com/agents/page.asp?site=0296757C058&pin=&page=island&id=&island=brazil" u-menulink34="manzanillo_vacations.htm" u-menulink42="hawaii_planner.htm" u-menulink47="http://www.funjet.com/destinations/partners.asp?xmlFile=0un&OAC=&plCode=7575962774" u-menulink50="http://www.funjet.com/destinations/detail.asp?Dest=LAX&pageMode=D&OAC=&plCode=7575962774" s-menu39="....Brazil" s-menu26="...Cancun" u-menulink29="guadalajara_vacations.htm" s-menu34="....Manzanillo" s-menu42="Hawaii" s-menu47="....Universal Orlando Resorts" u-menulink24="mexico.htm" u-menulink32="ixtapa_vacations.htm" u-menulink37="http://www.funjet.com/destinations/detail.asp?Dest=0CN&pageMode=D&OAC=&plCode=7575962774" u-menulink40="costa_rica_vacations.htm" u-menulink45="http://www.funjet.com/destinations/detail.asp?Dest=MCO&pageMode=D&OAC=&plCode=7575962774" s-menu50="....Los Angeles" s-menu29="....Guadalajara" s-menu24="Mexico" s-menu32="....Ixtapa" s-menu37="Latin America" s-menu45="....Disney World" u-menulink27="mexico_riviera.htm" u-menulink30="huatulco_vacations.htm" u-menulink35="mazatlan_vacations.htm" s-menu40="....Costa Rica" u-menulink43="http://www.vegasvacationsource.com" u-menulink48="http://www.funjet.com/destinations/detail.asp?Dest=0CA&pageMode=D&OAC=&plCode=7575962774" u-menulink51="http://dg.ian.com/index.jsp?action=viewLocation&locationId=41713&cid=64169" s-menu27="....Riviera Maya" s-menu35="....Mazatlan" s-menu43="Las Vegas" s-menu48="California" u-menulink25="http://www.cmtravelonline.com/acapulco_vacations.htm" u-menulink46="http://ref.iliit.com/agents/page.asp?site=0296757C058&pin=&page=island&id=&island=sflorida" u-menulink41="http://dg.ian.com/index.jsp?cid=64169&action=viewLocation&locationId=41713" s-menu38="....Belize" s-menu33="....Los Cabos" u-menulink36="puerto_vallarta_vacations.htm" u-menulink31="isla_mujeres_vacations.htm" s-menu28="....Cozumel" s-menu49="....Anaheim & Disney Land" u-menulink26="cancun_information.htm" s-menu44="Florida" u-menulink59="south_pacific_holidays.htm" u-menulink54="asia_travel.htm" s-menu62="More International Destinations" u-menulink60="tahiti_vacations.htm" s-menu52="Canada" s-menu57="....India" u-menulink55="dubai.htm" s-menu63="....Hong Kong" u-menulink61="go_europe.htm" s-menu53="Africa" s-menu58="Australia & South Pacific" u-menulink56="hong_kong.htm" s-menu61="Europe" s-menu56="....Hong Kong" u-menulink62="http://www.eeitravel.com/site_cobrand/index.asp?Group=cmtravelonline&GroupID=256" s-menu59="....Fiji" s-menu54="Asia" u-menulink57="india.htm" u-menulink52="http://dg.ian.com/index.jsp?cid=64169&action=viewLocation&locationId=29266" s-menu60="....Tahiti" u-menulink63="hong_kong.htm" s-menu55="....Dubai" u-menulink53="africa.htm" u-menulink58="australia.htm" -- 0) window.open( document.JBOT124110.dest.options[document.JBOT124110.dest.selectedIndex].value,'_self');this.selectedIndex = 0;" -- Please Select the Destination You'd Love To Visit-- Caribbean ....Antigua ....Aruba ....Bahamas ....Barbados ....Bermuda ....Bonaire ....British Virgin Islands ....Cayman Islands ....Curacao ....Dominica ....Dominican Republic ....Grenada ....Guadeloupe ....Jamaica ....Puerto Rico ....St. Croix ....St. Lucia ....St. Maarten ....St. John & St. Thomas ....The Grenadines ....Trinidad & Tobago ....Turks & Caicos Mexico ....Acapulco ...Cancun ....Riviera Maya ....Cozumel ....Guadalajara ....Huatulco ....Isla Mujeres ....Ixtapa ....Los Cabos ....Manzanillo ....Mazatlan ....Puerto Vallarta Latin America ....Belize ....Brazil ....Costa Rica United States Hawaii Las Vegas Florida ....Disney World ....Miami & South Florida ....Universal Orlando Resorts California ....Anaheim & Disney Land ....Los Angeles ...Other major U.S. cities Canada Africa Asia ....Dubai ....Hong Kong ....India Australia & South Pacific ....Fiji ....Tahiti Europe More International Destinations 0) window.open( document.JBOT162632.dest.options[document.JBOT162632.dest.selectedIndex].value,'_self');this.selectedIndex = 0;" -- Please Select Your Activity You'd Like To Do -- Book a flight & hotel together Book International Flights Find the best hotel deals Find an exotic vacation Find Passport information Find sightseeing tours & attractions Take a cruise Plan a destination Wedding Plan a honeymoon Plan a family vacation Plan a tropical spa vacation Plan a luxury vacation Plan an adults-only vacation Plan a clothing-optional vacation Plan a couples only vacation Plan a spa vacation Rent a villa or condo Research vacation ideas RELATED TRAVEL SECTIONS HONEYMOON VACATIONS CRUISE VACATIONS GO EUROPE SPA VACATIONS ONLINE RESERVATIONS Great Honeymoon Getaways Amadeus Waterways AUTO EUROPE - EUROPE Spa Vacations Airline Reservation Honeymoon Registry Carnival European Hotel Spa Resorts Funjet Vacations Honeymoon & Wedding Tips Celebrity Cruises GLOBUS TOURS - EUROPE Spa Package Deals GOGO Vacations Top Honeymoon Destinations Clipper Cruise Line SCEPTRE TOURS - IRELAND Spa Services Hotel Reservations Romantic Resorts of Mexico Costa Cruises PERILLO TOURS - ITALY Spa Terminology Pleasant Holidays Romantic Caribbean Resorts Cruise West More About Spas Travel Impressions Destination Wedding Info Crystal Cruises US Airways Vacations Free Weddings Holland America Line Norwegian Cruise Lines Oceania Cruises Orient Lines Radisson Seven Seas Cruises Royal Caribbean Cruises Seabourn Cruise Line SeaDream Yacht Club Silversea Cruises Windstar Cruises GREAT VACATION EXPERIENCES BY CM.TRAVELONLINE.COM VACATION IDEAS - Our site is packed with sensational vacation ideas - from exotic African safaris to tropical island weddings . Read on to learn more about our specialties. CRUISE VACATIONS Our site features some of the finest cruising experiences online. This includes discount cruises, luxury cruises, and small ship cruise experiences. EUROPEAN VACATIONS We're pleased to present The European Vacation Experience - exciting European escorted tours, Europe vacation packages, discount and luxury hotels in Europe - for all tastes and budgets. Booking your European vacation is now only a few short clicks away. MEXICO VACATIONS - Search and book exciting family vacations, honeymoon vacations our a quick getaway to Cancun, and other great destination in Mexico. SPA VACATIONS Did you know that CM.Travelonline.com offers one of the largest collection of spa resorts on the internet? We feature over 350 spa resorts, luxury spa resorts, and destination spas worldwide. Book your spa vacation online or call us at 1-888-783-1342 for fast, friendly service. CARIBBEAN VACATIONS - Youve come to the right place for the finest and largest collection Caribbean vacations online. CM.Travelonline.com features only the best all inclusive vacations, family vacations, weddings and honeymoons to over twenty-seven islands in the Caribbean. Check out our adults-only vacation section too! LAS VEGAS VACATIONS - Thanks to our sister site , Vegas Vacation Source.com , you can create incredible Las Vegas vacation packages that makes a visit to Las Vegas all the more fun. Customize you vacation package to include Vegas show tickets , limousine rides, or tour through the Grand Canyon. Looking for hotels only? We feature over 160 hotels in Las Vegas and its surrounding areas - from budget to luxury -and booking your Las Vegas hotel is fast and easy! EXCEPTIONAL VACATION OFFERS - Catch the latest travel offers by GOGO Worldwide Vacations. DESTINATION GUIDE - Find out where to go and how to plan your trip with CM.Travelonline.com's Travel Destination Guides. 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