Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom, Author at Traveling Mom

Five Reasons to Stay in an Airport Hotel

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Oct 5, 2017 | 0 |

Airport hotels have traditionally been a lodging of last resort, your only choice after a flight cancellation. But times have changed. These days, plenty of the USA’s biggest airports have modern, clean, welcoming hotels. Their convenience not only makes flying easier, but they can be a lot of fun for the kiddos. (Imagine planes landing and taking off overhead while you’re swimming in the pool!) Here are our Midwest TravelingMom’s flying tips on why you might want to stay at an airport hotel. My family recently spent a night in the Hyatt Orlando Airport. It was our first time...

6 Reasons Why Cirque du Soleil is Family Friendly

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Sep 29, 2017 | 0 |

Mesmerizing mime, astonishing acrobats, over-the-top costumes and state-of-the-art technology combine in thrilling performances by Montreal’s reknowned Cirque du Soleil. Don’t expect elephants and dancing bears. The closing of Ringling Brothers Circus has brought an end to that traveling band of big name circus performers. No, this isn’t your classic circus. Rather, it’s what our TravelingMom likes to call cirque nouveau. Here are 6 reasons why Cirque du Soleil is magnifique and family-friendly! Cirque du Soleil’s productions are vibrant, surreal, family-friendly spectacles. We recently saw the French Canadian troupe perform “Luzia- A Waking Dream of Mexico,” where they head south of...

Nature Meets Luxury at Kid-Friendly Tenaya Lodge Near Yosemite

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Sep 27, 2017 | 0 |

Travelers go to Yosemite to experience nature, the towering waterfalls and granite cliffs immortlized by Ansel Adams’ black and white photographs. Longing to experience Yosemite’s wild places, but still want those creature comforts like high thread count sheets and clean bathrooms? Tenaya Lodge is one of the best Yosemite family hotel options. Near Yosemite’s south gate entrance, it’s that perfect combination of luxury and serenity, with a whole list of fun activities for the kids! Being a scenery starved Chicagoan, I love answering the call of the wild on my vacations. However, roughing it isn’t my idea of...

Avoid the Crowds at Yosemite Lodging at Rush Creek Lodge

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Sep 24, 2017 | 0 |

Is a visit to Yosemite National Park at the top of your travel bucket list? If so, you wouldn’t be alone. More than five million people visited Yosemite in 2016! Even campsites and lodges, which have to be booked months in advance, can have serious crowds. Yosemite lodging outside the park is one way to manage the masses. The park’s newest lodging in more than 25 years, Rush Creek Lodge, is a wonderful new option for families who want to escape the crowds. Here are a few more ways to avoid the crowds in Yosemite. Avoid the Crowds at...

Roller Coaster Rides and More at Six Flags Great America

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Jul 31, 2017 | 0 |

Six Flags Great America, in the town of Gurnee, straddling the Illinois-Wisconsin border, has long been a favorite summer stop for Midwesterners. It has rides for all ages and types of thrillseekers— from tame to terrifying roller coaster rides. Come along for the ride, as Traveling Mom highlights some of the best thrills and rides Six Flags Great America, an hour north of Chicago and south of Milwaukee. Kiddie rides, check! Entry level roller coaster rides, check! 15 roller coasters, including those with the latest technology, check! And of course, there’s the beloved record-breaking, heart-stopping American Eagle, once the...

A Tennis Vacation at The Breakers Palm Beach. Well Played!

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | May 19, 2017 | 0 |

Imagine the offspring of a tennis court and a yacht. That’s the vibe you get at The Breakers, the grande dame of Palm Beach resorts. Built by Standard Oil tycoon Henry Flagler in 1926, it’s stilled owned by his family. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, this sprawling Palm Beach, Florida, resort feels like a tribute to the jazz age. And don’t forget you’re only three miles from the winter White House, Mar-A-Lago. Yes, this is one of the wealthiest communities in the country, and everywhere you turn you’re reminded of it. There are the Rolls Royces...

5 Eco-Friendly Travel Clothes: Gorgeous and Good for the Planet

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | May 11, 2017 | 2 |

It’s not always easy being green. Much as we care about the planet, we’re busy moms. Who’s got time to research the origin of the clothes we buy? Because you’re busy, Midwest TravelingMom checked out these versatile, travel-friendly clothes brands that embrace sustainable and stylish philosophies. Eco friendly travel clothes make the planet a more beautiful place, through their fashion and actions. Keeping the Planet Green: 5 Eco Friendly Travel Clothes 1. Earth Shoes Keeping Feet Happy The days of dressing up for your flight have departed. Today’s travelers know comfort and efficiency are key. Being cozy during a flight...

Chicago Children’s Theater— Fun for All Ages

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Mar 8, 2017 | 0 |

When it comes to theatre, Chicago is second city to none. You’ll find some 250 theaters in the Chicago region, from small storefront community theaters to established Tony award-winners like Steppenwolf. In addition, there are dazzling downtown touring Broadway productions, like Hamilton. Throw into this mix a handful of fantastic children’s Chicago theater companies as well. Here are the most noteworthy Windy City children’s theaters and their upcoming productions for 2017. Coming to Chicago with kids? Any visit to the Windy City should include a big time theater performance. Here are a few of your best options: Chicago Children’s...

Inside Track on Chicago Auto Show

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Feb 14, 2017 | 1 |

I’ve lived in Chicago for 25 years, yet I’ve never seriously thought of attending the Chicago Auto Show, the USA’s largest and longest-running car show. I mean, why would I go to a car show, when I could just go to a nearby car dealer? What I realized after attending my first car show this year is that they’re not about buying cars. Nope, that’s way too practical. Car shows blend the practical reality of cars with our fantasies. Talking Tech The most interesting part of the 109th Chicago Auto Show for me is getting up to speed on...

Warming Up to Quebec City’s Winter Carnaval

Posted by Andrea Guthman, Midwest TravelingMom | Feb 12, 2017 | 0 |

With its beautiful architecture, European vibe and rich history, Quebec City is a fabulous choice for a family vacation. Being only 20 miles from the U.S.A., it’s a lot easier than crossing the Atlantic Ocean for a European trip! Although Quebec City’s beautiful throughout the year, it becomes an enormous outdoor playground each February with its Winter Carnaval– two weeks of games and gatherings for locals and visitors alike. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy Canada’s French-speaking walled city. No parle Francais? No problem! Most Quebecois speak some English as well! Quebec Carnaval It’s no surprise...