Washington D.C. Hotel Barks for Impoochment

Washington D.C. is going to the dogs. Whether you are politically liberal, conservative or moderate, it’s time to see D.C. from a new perspective. The St. Gregory Hotel is inviting you to experience Washington D.C., doggy style. Bridging political divisions by encouraging travelers to seek a more grounded view of … Read more

Day of the Dead in SAn Antonio on TRavelSquire

San Antonio Celebrates Day of the Dead

Few U.S. cities embrace their diversity like San Antonio, Texas. At the intersection of American, Texan and Mexican culture, the seventh-largest city in the United States knows how to celebrate traditions while making everyone feel welcome. (Can we all please take a cue from San Antonio!?) This season, though tricky … Read more

New York Hilton on TravelSquire

New York Hilton Midtown Welcomes Night Owls

Start spreadin’ the news! We all want to wake up in the city that never sleeps—just not for an early morning checkout. Please! For guests who want to take advantage of the pulsing New York City nights, the New York Hilton Midtown is offering “The City That Never Sleeps” package … Read more

Celebrate WorldPride 2019 on TravelSquire

7 Ways to Celebrate WorldPride NYC

In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn on historic Sheridan Square in Greenwich Village. The rough handling and arrest of many patrons was the final straw for the gay community. Riots ensued and continued for the next five days. Though … Read more

Egypt is a 2019 newsworthy destination on TravelSquire.com

Part 1: Newsworthy Destinations

We just announced our picks for the most intriguing destinations for 2019. This year we dove a little deeper and looked at unique destinations with intriguing sites and experiences. The list is divided into four segments including domestic and international destinations and offers something for every travel style. You’ll find … Read more

Art Week Miami Art Basel Miami Beach at Convention Center

Miami Celebrates Art

Miami Art Week happens each December where Miami becomes the center of the art world hosting over 20 art fairs, pop-up galleries and special exhibitions presenting the best in contemporary art.  The week brings in artists and galleries from around the world, but it’s also a time when Miami celebrates … Read more

A room filled with furniture and a table in a restaurant

American Airlines Ups Dining Ante

When was the last time you had a great dinner in an airport lounge?  Some airlines offer free snacks and small plates in their lounges as well as food for purchase but now American Airlines has upped their game. Last week the carrier broke out of the mold by opening … Read more

Chihuly: Red Reeds on Logs at New York Botanical Garden 2017 - TravelSquire

Chihuly at New York Botanical Garden: Dazzling Glass

As I walk the grounds of the New York Botanical Garden, I admire a towering white tree. Bursts of fire-engine red emanate from its center, the tree’s slender white branches curling like Medusa as they reach for the sky. But this rare, glorious tree, situated on 250 acres of garden … Read more

cruise ship, cruising, fathom

The Squire’s Tips For Spending Your Tax Refund

Are you the average American?

Why?  The average American will get a tax refund in the amount of just under $3,000.

Travel is one of the best ways possible to spend that refund.

Travel Squire’s Editor-in-Chief (me) just appeared on TV station WCIU Chicago’s You & Me, and shared some ideas on what can be done with that cash back from the IRS.  Although I discussed Chicago-centric ideas for that money, here are ways you can take advantage of them on a national level.

$250 Tax Return—Stay Close to Home

My suggestion:  Make yours a “staycation” with CityPASS.  CityPASS ticket booklets provide substantial savings along with speedy entry into some of the top attractions in twelve destinations in North America. This is a wonderful way to see important sights that you may not have visited in awhile such as Willis Tower or the Art Institute of Chicago.

CityPASS is available in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, NYC, Philly, San Francisco, Seattle, Southern California and Toronto.

Check out CityPASS website for more www.citypass.com

$1,000 Tax Return—Cruise for a Cause

My suggestion:  Get to Miami and take a Fathom Cruise to Cuba and the Dominican Republic.  You can take an authentic “cruise for good” by booking with Fathom before they discontinue at the end of May.

Volunteer to teach English, pour concrete floors, make water filters, all the while meeting local residents. This is a fantastic way to give back with your tax dollars, as well as being a life changing experience.

Check out the Fathom site: www.fathom.org

$3,000 Tax Return Splurge

Go to Europe via Iceland on WOW Airlines.  This new airline carrier, which launched in 2012, offers low fares to European destinations from seven gateway cities in the USA. Chicago flights commence July 12, as WOW’s eighth US gateway.  Currently airfares to Europe start below $400 during peak summer season with destinations like Paris, Milan, London, Bristol, Cork, Edinburgh and Warsaw, Poland.

WOW fares do not include either checked or carry-on luggage so you’ll need to account for those when planning your budget for this trip of a lifetime.

Check out WOW airlines site:  www.wowair.com

 

Attention all average Americans:  Spend those tax refunds on travel.

Check out my segment from today’s “You and Me” show on WCIU Chicago.

 

 

 

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDxSBznzuO8[/embedyt]

 

 

Buenos Aires First Gay Subway Station

Buenos Aires Plays Its Gay Trump Card

Step aside, Spain.  Monday, March 20th, marked the opening of the newly inaugurated Carlos Jáuregui subway station in Buenos Aires. So, what’s the big deal?  In another giant step forward for gay awareness, the station, formerly the “Santa Fe” stop on the H line, is the first in the world … Read more

Cheese Week New York City

You Say Wine, I Say Cheese

What goes better with wine than cheese? OK, don’t answer that question. How about what goes better with Moroccan wine than French cheese? If you agree and swoon at the mention of camembert, you’re in luck. Next week a French Connection will be more than ever a la mode as Cheese … Read more

cruise ship, cruising, fathom

Cruising for a Cause

While many of us struggle with classifications, if prodded I would have to admit I’m a solo or small group traveler. A cruise isn’t something that’s in my field of vision. So, it was with a fair amount of trepidation that I boarded the 700 passenger Adonia in Fort Lauderdale … Read more

Cidade Olimipico

Rio Bound for the Summer Olympics?

August 5, 2016 is the opening ceremony of the summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil which go until August 21. Here’s some advice if you plan on going.

Miami Spice 2016

Editor’s Note:  Miami Space has now officially ended.   Foodies rejoice! Miami Spice is in full swing. The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau celebrates the 15th anniversary of this Superbowl of culinary festivals. Running through September 30, visitors to the ever popular destination can indulge in three-course meals at … Read more

St. Lucia’s Chocolate Laboratory

Birdwatching, a visit to a chocolate laboratory and an investigation of a phenomenon called coral spawning … a day in the life of a mad scientist? No, all things you probably didn’t know you could do on the island of St. Lucia. And just some of the out of the … Read more