Travel Fun and Adventure

On this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure podcast, we review our favorite restaurants in Chicago, where you can get some of the original Chicago Food, such as Chicago Dogs, Deep-Dish Pizza, Lollipop Chicken, and more.

Please note that none of these restaurants sponsored their listing. 

Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
8128 West 95th Street, Hickory Hills, IL 60457
(708) 430-0700
-Great Mexican Restaurant with friendly service and good portions.

The Pit Rib House
9430 S Roberts Rd, Hickory Hills, IL 60457
(708) 599-7576
-A place to get BBQ on the south side of the metro area.

Prime Time Restaurant
7750 95th St, Hickory Hills, IL 60457
(708) 599-3332
-A great all-around restaurant with something on the menu for everyone.

Jelly Cafe
1784 W Golf Rd, Mt Prospect, IL. 60056
(847)979-8989
-A great place for breakfast out in the suburbs past O'Hare airport.

Jim's Original
1250 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-7820
-Home of the Polish Sausage.

Mi Pi Pizza
2010 N Damen Avenue Unit E, Chicago, IL 60647
(773)394-6900
-Want to try true Chicago Deep Dish? Then Mi Pi Pizza is the place to go.

Superdawg
6363 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646
(773)763-0660
-The place to go to get that Chicago Dog.

Al's Italian Beef
1079 W Taylor Street, Chicago IL 60607
(312) 226-4017
-Try the unique Italian Beef sandwich where it all started.

Great Seas Restaurant
3253 West Lawrence Avenue Chicago,IL 60625
(773) 478-9129
-You have to try the Lollipop Chicken!

Mayflower Restuarant
2225 S Wentworth Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 808-1322
-Wonderful Chinese Food

Do-Rite Donuts and Chicken
1027 W Addison, Chicago, IL 60613
-An interesting combination whether your in the mood for a fantastic donut or are looking for some great chicken ,then Do-Rite is the place to go. 

Into Music: 

Disco-Food

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/disco-food

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 week's episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we list our favorite train trips in the United States. While there are several wonderful trips on Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, this episode focuses on the history and scenic train trips that are shorter but nether less just as spectacular.

A link is included to each website, but none are sponsored (although sponsorships are welcome but will be noted).

Durango & Silverton - Durango, Colorado

Cumbres & Toltec - Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado

Roaring Camp - Felton, California

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad - Elbe, Washington

Grand Canyon Railway - Williams, Arizona

Skunk Train - Fort Bragg and Willits, California

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad - Bryson, North Carolina

Mt. Washington Cog Railway - Mt. Washington, New Hamshire

Conway Scenic Railroad - North Conway, New Hampshire

The Broadmoor Manitou Cog Railway - Manitou Springs, Colorado

Royal Gorge Route Railroad - Canon City, Colorado

Each of these trains represents a beautiful journey, some lasting just an hour and one that will take one or two full days. While there are many great historic and scenic train rides in the country, these are some of the best. 

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, two Extended Stay hotels battle to see which is better. 

The first is the Chauncy Hotel, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Iowa City, Iowa. 

The second hotel in this challenge is Staybridge Suites by Intercontinental Hotel Group, located just up the road a few minutes in Coralville, Iowa. 

The Staybridge Suites in Coralville, Iowa, has many positive attributes, including a good breakfast, larger than-average rooms (for the type of room rented), good overall cleanliness, and good value for the dollar. 

The one major negative for the Staybridge Suites is check-in and check-out staff who were not very friendly, 

Final Grade for the Staybridge Suites is a B+ and very close to an A-. 

The Chauncy Hotel also has many positive attributes, including friendly staff, very large rooms, walking distance to the University of Iowa and Downtown Iowa City, convenience of location, and good value for the dollar. 

The only major negative for the Chauncy was the breakfast which you have to for, the portions were not great, and it was expensive for what you got. 

The final Grade for the Chancy Hotel was an A-1, and it was very close to being an A property. right now, it is only the breakfast that is holding it back. 

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 renting a car with loyalty. 

According to most rental car companies, if they offer their loyalty service at a location, it should be as simple as showing your driver's license and being on your way, but is it? 

In the last couple of months, I have rented cars from Budget, Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz, which are my local companies, and I am a member of each of their loyalty programs.

 Which one do you think will have the best story, and which one will have a horror story? Tune in and find out. 

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 great attractions (some of them even free!) in the area around the Chicago Loop.

Here are some must-see things in the area:

Millennium Park and the Bean

Navy Pier

Lincoln Park Zoo

Chicago Cultural Museum

Taking the El Train - (we recommend riding the Brown Line or the Green Line west (to suburban attractions to be talked about in a future podcast), but do not recommend riding the Green Line south of McCormick Tribune Campus Center Station or the Red Line south of 35th Street.

Field Museum

Shedd Aquarium

Alder Planetarium

Art Institute of Chicago

Museum of Contemporary Photography

Willis (Sears) Tower Skydeck

Chicago History Museum

The Rookery

The Fine Arts Building

Pritzker Military Museum & Library

Museum of Ice Cream

The Chicago Loop area is filled with many attractions. In future podcasts we will talk about some of the attractions in the suburbs, our favorite places to eat in the  Chicago area, and tips for planning a trip to the Windy City. 

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 Travel Fun and Adventure, we discuss our tips for planning a great trip along US Route 66. 

Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, took people from the heart of Chicago to the Santa Monica Pier in the Los Angeles Area. The road was used by many people trying to escape the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression, which was written about in the famous book The Grapes of Wrath, which came out in 1939 and was followed by the movie the next year. 

But of course, Route 66 was a bigger part of the cultural heritage than that, as it was the basis for the television show Route 66, which starred Martin Milner and became even more famous for playing officer Pete Malloy in the television series Adam-12. While Route 66 had been long gone by 2006, it was still a major part of the animated movie Cars. 

 Our tips for planning a trip along Route 66: 

1. Budget your Trip 

2. How many days do you have? 

3. What time of the year do you want to travel? 

4. Do you want to drive the whole route or just a portion of it? 

5. Who will be traveling with you? 

6. How will you be getting to Route 66?

7. What Kind of Vehicle will you be using? 

8. How much time do you want to dedicate to seeing attractions and what kind of attractions are important to you? 

9. Check out independent motels from the era along the route. 

10. Do you want to take detours to places such as the Grand Canyon? 

11. Check out local events during your travels. 

12. Connect with the local communities. 

13. Check out the local specialties when it comes to food options. 

14. Be sure to do lots of research with Route 66 guides, whether in book form or online.

For more detailed explanations of all of these tips, be sure to check out the whole podcast.  

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 give you tips for saving money when traveling to Switzerland and the surrounding European Countries. 

Traveling to Switzerland and the surrounding countries can be expensive, but here are some ideas for saving money. 

Travel during the shoulder season- We say this in most of our recommendations: Travel during the shoulder season of fall and spring and save money. 

Use Public Transportation - Don't worry, you won't die on public transportation; millions of people use it every day. In fact, in Switzerland, I observed more females traveling. alone early in the morning or late at night more than any place ever has been. 

Purchase a Swiss Rail Pass or Eurorail Pass—The Swiss Pass is an excellent deal that includes not only rail and bus transportation through Switzerland but also transit travel in the cities and admission to over 500 museums throughout the country. If you are traveling through multiple European countries, then the Eurorail Pass might be the best option for you. 

Look for accommodations that are a good value for the money - If more than 2 of you are traveling, look to Airbnb and VRBO. 

Save money on meals - Look for hotels that have free breakfast (although most charge in Europe) and at places like the CO-OP and Migros stores, where they have warm food at good prices. 

Take advantage of free attractions - Explore the natural beauty of Switzerland and surrounding countries, as many parks and hiking trails are free. 

Visit museums on free days—If the Swiss Rail Pass doesn't work for you, many museums have free days. 

Drink tap water - Switzerland, the surrounding area has good water, so you don't need bottled water. 

Use No Foreign Transaction Fees  Credit Cards

Don't use the conversion—When you go to an ATM or at many restaurants and hotels, you are asked if you want the bill converted into your own currency. Do not do it, as you will end up paying substantially more than if you let your bank or credit card company do the conversion instead. The worst part of these fees is the merchant at the restaurant or hotel doesn't get any of the money. It all goes to the banks. 

Hopefully some of these tips will be helpful to you. 

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

Looking for https://www.facebook.com/buttermilkcafe1/some great restaurants in Iowa or Nebraska? In this episode of the Travel Fun and Adventure Podcast, we recommend a list of restaurants we have recently eaten at. 

Here are some restaurants we have been to recently and can recommend them:

Margaritas Restaurant
119 3rd Ave, Kearney, NE 68845
(303) 455-3484
[email protected]

Le Peep Aksarben
6920 Pacific St, Omaha, NE 68106
(402) 933-2776

Cedar Falls Restaurant
2627 Center St, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
(319) 266-6705

Buttermilk Cafe
1008 1st Street West, Independence, IA
(319) 334-4285

El Viego Mexican Restaurant
90 Twixt Town Road, Cedar Falls, IA
(319) 200-4447

Bubba-Qs   
1110 North Quincy Avenue, Ottumwa, IA
(641) 682-0082

Riverside Restaurant
1317 East St. Mary Street, Ottumwa, IA
(641) 682-2386

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 review the hotels AmericInn in Fort Dodge, Iowa and Holiday Inn in Kearney, Nebraska.

AmericInn - Fort Dodge, Iowa
100 Kenyon Rd W, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
515-576-2100

Pros:

-Excellent Breakfast (best AmericInn breakfast)
-Comfortable Bed
-Pet Friendly

Cons:

-Unfriendly Staff
-Poor value for the dollar

Holiday Inn - Kearney Nebraska
110 2nd Avenue, Kearney, NE 68847 
308-237-5971

Pros: 

-Free Breakfast 
-Best Breakfast layout I have ever encountered 
-Friendly staff 
-Convenient location
-Good Value for the Dollar

Cons: 

-Was noisy during a blizzard. 

While the AmericInn did end up with a grade of C, I cannot recommend it because of its price, poor front desk staff, and distance from the heart of Fort Dodge. 

However, I can recommend the Holiday Inn in Kearney, Nebraska. It has the best hotel breakfast layout I have even seen, is reasonable priced, has a good staff, and is conveniently located. 

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, I go over my trip quick trip to Nebraska for a presentation. Was I prepared for everything that could happen? 

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