Travel Fun and Adventure

On this week's episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we discuss our choices for the best day trips from Chicago. Some of these trips can even be taken by Amtrak or the local transit agencies.

Remember that none of the places we picked have sponsored their listing in our list.

Starved Rock State Park

Ottawa, Illinois

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Indiana Dunes National Park

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Michigan City, Indiana

Rockford, Illinois

Galena, Illinois

Springfield, Illinois

New Buffalo, Michigan

Illinois Railway Museum

Volo Auto Museum

Madison, Wisconsin

South Bend, Indiana

St. Joseph, Michigan

Amtrak

METRA

Chicago, South Bend and South Shore

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

So you plan a trip for your kids, knowing that in your heart, they will have a good time and have a lifetime of memories. However, that will most likely not be the case. Kids below their teenage years may not remember many things regarding a trip. 

On this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, I go over my memories of the trips I remember from my childhood. I only remember bits and pieces of those many trips, and the same will be true of your children. Of course, we are all different, but most children will carry the same memories. Sure, they could look at pictures or videos of those trips and see what they did, but if they don't have a memory of it, just like I don't for many of the trips that I took, then it is hard to be able to put yourself in those places at that time. 

So sit back and enjoy these stories, reflect on your own trips as a child, and see what you remember of those trips; then, when planning your next trips, you can figure out what is important for your children so that they will have memories of those trips. 

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

In this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we go over some of the things that people are not happy with when it comes to traveling in 2024. 

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

In this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure podcast, we discuss some of our favorite day trips from Reno, Nevada.

Once again, none of the places that we mentioned have sponsored their inclusion into this list. 

Here are some great places to go from Reno:

Truckee, California

Donner Pass Summit Tunnels

Donner Pass

Lake Tahoe

Chimney Beach, NV

Virginia City

Carson City

Virginia & Truckee Railroad

Genoa, NV

Tahoe-Pyramid Trail

Pyramid Lake

Sierra Buttes Trail

Fernley

Additional Music in this episode: 

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/pony-express
License code: HZCS3V8XFOYBZU 

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

On this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we share our list of the best activities in Reno, Nevada.

While its big neighbor to the south, Las Vegas, is known for its gambling despite the wonderful attractions, especially in nature, Reno, on the other hand, is known more for its outdoor attractions and events. 

Reno has some great indoor attractions, and you never have to set foot in a casino; it also has some fantastic outdoor attractions, and we give you our favorites.

Remember that none of these attractions sponsored their listing.

National Automotive Museum

Nevada Museum of Art

Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum

Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary

W. M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

The Riverwalk District

Idlewild Park

Galena Creek Regional Park

Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

Wilber D May Arboretum

Reno Rodeo

The Great Reno Balloon Race

National Championship Air Races & Air Show

When in Reno, be sure to check out these great attractions and be sure to tell them that the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast recommended them. 

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

There are many good restaurants in the Reno, Nevada, area. Here are our favorite places to eat in the Reno area.

Best Chinese Restaurant - Szechuan Garden 

-Family owned since 1990.

Best Italian Restuarant - La Famiglia

Best Fast Food Restaurant - Spooners Drive-In

Best Mexican Restaurant - Bertha Miranda

-Not only great food but a fantastic location in a historic stone home.

Best Steak House - Biggest Little Steakhouse

Best Breakfast - Two Chicks

Best Pizza - JJ's Pie Company

-Not only great pizza but a great interior atmosphere.

Other Great Restaurants:

Johnny's Ristorante Italiano

Archie's Giant Burgers and Breakfast

The Stone House Cafe

Speedy Burritos

Barrio Burgers

-Food truck. You will need to check out their Facebook page (link) to find out where they are day to day.

South Creek Pizza Company

Also, Reno has some great food trucks besides Barrio Burgers, but you have to seek out where they will be. However, every Friday in summer, there is a Food Truck Friday in Idlewood Park. The event runs from the first Friday in June until to the last Friday in August from 4 pm to 9 pm. Oh, as a little preview of next week, Idlewood Park is one of our choices for top attractions in Reno. 

Just a reminder that none of the restaurants we mention are sponsoring their listing on our list. This list is our true thoughts on who are the best restaurants in Reno and anywhere else we do these lists for. 

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

Are you thinking about a trip to Reno, Nevada? 

In this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we give you our tips for planning a trip to the Biggest Little City in the World. 

Getting to Reno: 

Reno International Airport—Served by all the major airlines. While Reno has twice been a hub for airlines, both of which no longer exist, it currently is not a hub airport and is, in fact, a nice airport to fly into since it's less crowded, especially compared to its bigger counterpart, Las Vegas. 

Driving: Interstate 80 goes right through the heart of Reno on its way from San Francisco to the East Coast. US 395 is the major north-south route traveling from Southern California to the Canadian Border

Train: Reno is served by the California Zephyr and Amtrak buses from Sacramento. 

Where to Stay: Downtown and Midtown are two of the more popular areas, but hotels are spread throughout the area (although almost none are north of the downtown area and into the northern suburbs). Room prices are generally much better than in Las Vegas, although when significant events happen, prices can go through the roof just like anywhere else.

 Getting around: 

Car: The two main streets in Reno are Virginia Street, which is the main north-south road that used to be US Highway 395, and 4th Street, which is the major east-west road that used to be US Highway 40 and is now Interstate 80 Business.  

Bus: RTC provides fairly good transit service throughout the Reno area. 

Weather: Summers can be warm and dry but nearly as hot as Las Vegas. Winter can be cold (the last time I was there was February, and it goes down to 0 degrees), and spring and fall can be nice but have major temperature variations. 

Major Events: Air Ballon races, Airplane races, and a major rodeo. 

Be sure to tune into our next episodes of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast: 
August 31: Best Places to Eat in Reno
September 7: Best Attractions in Reno
September 14: Best Day Trips from Reno

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

On this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we go over some of the major stories in the travel industry and how this can affect your travel in the future. 

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

On this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we discuss several great places to go on a ski vacation, especially if you're a beginner or want to travel to North America or Europe. When picking the ski resorts, we look for highly rated ones that have good beginner slopes, are family-friendly, and are budget-friendly. Also, none of these resorts sponsored this podcast.

Resorts in the North America:

Smugglers' Notch Resort, Vermont

Keystone Resort, Colorado

Big White Ski Resort, British Columbia

Suns Peak Resort, British Columbia

Winter Park Resort, Colorado

Schwietzer Resort, Idaho

Resorts in Europe:

Les Gets, France 

Alpbach, Austria

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

La Rosière, France

Bansko, Bulgaria

Here are some tips for planning your trip: 

-We say it in every podcast, but you should book early to get the best prices.
-Look for package deals, but also see if you can get better prices by booking transportation and lodging directly with the providers. 
-If you are traveling with children, be sure the resort has the amenities that are going to fit their needs, and remember that every age group will have different needs. 
-Look for ski-in/ski-out accommodations if they fit your needs and reduce travel. 
-Research the ski schools and their ratings to see which ones fit your needs. 
-Look at the cost of renting equipment and avoid buying equipment unless you are sure this is something you are going to want to do on a regular basis. 
-Think about how you are going to get to the resorts. If you are driving, which you will have to do to most of the North American resorts, make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving. If possible, consider alternatives to driving, such as shuttle buses from nearby airports if you are flying in. 

Additional songs for this episode: 

Frozen Beaty
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/ian-aisling/frozen-beauty
License code: LR5CKCLRFRKEITL

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y

In the last episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we discussed great places to go if you want to get into the Christmas Spirit. In this episode, we take it one step further and call out places where you not only get the Christmas feeling but also have a good chance of having a White Christmas.

However, while we give you a list of good places where you could have a White Christmas, no one can guarantee that there will be snow on the ground, but hopefully, you will find some white stuff.

United States:

1. Lake Placid, New York

2. Breckenridge, Colorado

3. Salt Lake City, Utah

4. Flagstaff, Arizona

5. North Conway, New Hampshire

Europe

1. Zakopane, Poland

2. Rovaniemi, Finland

3. Krakow, Poland

4. Innsbruck, Austria

5. Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Here are some tips for planning your vacation, although it should be noted that most of these are similar to our previous video: 

1. Book early. I know that is what we say every time, but for a busy season like Christmas, you must book early. 
2. Check for nearby towns that might save you some money. In Europe, there are usually a lot of smaller towns you can stay in and take a train ride to the major tourist attractions and Christmas markets. 
3. If you're not used to driving in the snow, consider a place where you don't need to, such as Salt Lake City or almost anywhere in Europe. 
4. If you are driving to your destination, make sure that your car is ready for winter driving—check out our Tips for Winter Driving podcast. 
5. Check out travel packages to your destination or tours, but remember it is often cheaper to book directly with transportation providers and lodging than it is to book a package on 3-party sites. 

Special Music: 

Deck the Halls
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/deck-the-halls
License code: NUKEFRICBYJATZVP

Magical Christmas
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/magical-christmas
License code: 8Z8ZNADMQE3B5XP5

Frosty the Snowman:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-barracuda/frosty-the-snowman
License code: PIJUCOOH6XABHQ8B

Happy Holiday

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/giulio-fazio/happy-holiday
License code: UR3X9Y49SPD4BGMC

Let's talk about this episode on our Facebook page.

We also have a Twitter page where we post airfare specials we see or articles important to those looking to travel now or in the future.

Our website can be found at Travel Fun and Adventure.

Travel Fun and Adventure
PO Box 842
Hudson, IA 50643
[email protected]

Music provided by:

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/reakt-music/deep-stone
License code: JSMBIKZBIADTYR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/dixieland-strut
License code: 6BME73BXSUHQOKIO

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danger-lion-x/spring-mornings-in-chicago
License code: EAXHQTLXUZ0AMC5Y