So much to say, needing a break

[Scambone]

I find Chicago neat but very stressful. A couple of years after high school i went to a concert there. I plotted how to get to the venue and I thought I could take the same way back and I was wrong. The busses stopped running after a certain time and getting a city transportation card was confusing so I had to carry money on me at all times. The EL had some creepy people on it at night. (Long long long story that I still havent told my mother about to this day). You had to pay for everything you did. Walking around there seemed to take more of a toll on me than Disney ever did physically and emotionally. If you’ve been there before and know what you’re doing go for it. If you are a newbie and want a relaxing vacation it wouldn’t be the place I’d go.


Also I am sorry for your loss.

 

[kymom99]

I hear san Antonio is fun or maybe Myrtle Beach?

 

[Marionnette]

Double check if you flight needs to be taken by September, or booked by September. If I remember right, it just needs to be booked by then.

I'm pretty sure that Southwest credits have to be used (as in: the travel must be completed) within one year of the date when the original flights were booked. So, if you booked on 9/01/14 for a flight leaving 12/10/14, you still have to complete your travel by 9/01/15. But as a PP pointed out, you can call to have the credit extended after it has expired. This is not an automatic thing. It is at the discretion of the agent you speak with. And it comes at a price. They will deduct $100 per ticket from your credit for this courtesy.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

I find Chicago neat but very stressful. A couple of years after high school i went to a concert there. I plotted how to get to the venue and I thought I could take the same way back and I was wrong. The busses stopped running after a certain time and getting a city transportation card was confusing so I had to carry money on me at all times. The EL had some creepy people on it at night. (Long long long story that I still havent told my mother about to this day). You had to pay for everything you did. Walking around there seemed to take more of a toll on me than Disney ever did physically and emotionally. If you’ve been there before and know what you’re doing go for it. If you are a newbie and want a relaxing vacation it wouldn’t be the place I’d go.


Also I am sorry for your loss.

Thank you for your honesty. I went to Chicago when I was a kid so I don't remember the hassle of getting around. I would be fine staying in the hotel, eating within walking distance and visiting one museum. However my husband is talking about getting a pass to see several different sites like the science museum, aquarium and the sky deck. This makes me worrisome that we might run into the same issues you had with transportation and walking. Plus we would be going in March so the weather might still be chilly and walking in the windy city when it's cold doesn't sound enjoyable.

I hear san Antonio is fun or maybe Myrtle Beach?

Southwest doesn't fly anywhere near Myrtle Beach and looks like flights to San Antonio start at around $500-$600 a person for us. I think that's out!

I'm pretty sure that Southwest credits have to be used (as in: the travel must be completed) within one year of the date when the original flights were booked. So, if you booked on 9/01/14 for a flight leaving 12/10/14, you still have to complete your travel by 9/01/15. But as a PP pointed out, you can call to have the credit extended after it has expired. This is not an automatic thing. It is at the discretion of the agent you speak with. And it comes at a price. They will deduct $100 per ticket from your credit for this courtesy.

Thanks!

 

[tina.tina]

Southwest doesn't fly anywhere near Myrtle Beach and looks like flights to San Antonio start at around $500-$600 a person for us. I think that's out!

Well, this is how you make your decision! Look at where Southwest flies to and pick the cheapest one of those places that you like. Then, look for accommodations there within your budget.

I am very sorry for your loss. It would probably do you good to get a little break.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Well, this is how you make your decision! Look at where Southwest flies to and pick the cheapest one of those places that you like. Then, look for accommodations there within your budget.

I am very sorry for your loss. It would probably do you good to get a little break.

Exactly! I think that's why we had it narrowed down to DC or Chicago. I was just still on the fence about the who trip in general.

 

[tina.tina]

If you do a little digging, you could probably find a hotel around DC at an okay price. I like this site to give you some ideas of where you could stay.

 

[jimandami]

We stayed at the Westin in Old Town Alexandria for $107/night on Hotwire last June. Almost all the activities in DC were free so except for food and metro passes, we didn't spend much at all.

 

[danygirl]

Chicago in March is cold! Why not Nashville? Or Memphis?

 

[Ladygoldenhair]

I agree to call and extend the benefits. But, if this will be a good time to travel there are a lot of get always that are inclusive. The cruises and others. They are a lot less expensive then any Disney trip and all so relaxing. Detox from life, warm the heart and soul, good quality time with y.our husband. They have Internet available.

Your family certainly had had it's burdens and I am so sorry for the loss of the a baby. It you need to get away, do. Even if it's a weekend near by and use the flight later.

Prayers for your family.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Exactly! I think that's why we had it narrowed down to DC or Chicago. I was just still on the fence about the who trip in general.

Southwest Vacations! You should be able to apply your flight credit, and depending when you go and where you stay, even the Las Vegas Strip can be cheap. End of January, flight and five weeknights at Treasure Island is about $400.

Or just click on the Deals tab at the top of the page, enter Louisville and your dats and see what comes up. Pop Century in March was $655 air and hotel. Subtract your credit and you can buy tickets and stay under $750.

 

[SirDuff]

Southwest Vacations! You should be able to apply your flight credit, and depending when you go and where you stay, even the Las Vegas Strip can be cheap. End of January, flight and five weeknights at Treasure Island is about $400.

Or just click on the Deals tab at the top of the page, enter Louisville and your dats and see what comes up. Pop Century in March was $655 air and hotel. Subtract your credit and you can buy tickets and stay under $750.

Good suggestions!

I must say that I went to Chicago for the first time in September and had no problem at all navigating it. I'd itching to go back. However, it may well be freezing cold in March!

 

[McKelly]

How about 2-3 days at Disneyland? Fly in to LAX and take the shuttle to one of the hotels within walking distance to the parks. Then you don't need a rental car.

Or use Travelzoo for Chicago deals. Lots of hotels in Chicago to be had for a reasonable amount. Check out the Chicago CityPass. Five attractions for $94.00 a piece...not too bad.

 

[jadebaby0714]

Hi I am so sorry for your loss. I plan trips all the time and am great at finding deals to Chicago. Have been there and can give tips and advice. I have been through almost the same thing you are going through. I am also planning another trip to Chicago so if you want me to help you out I am happy too. Groupon and hotwire are great options ingetting deals. Just let me know. Tanya

 

[jadebaby0714]

We get the Chicago hop on and hop off trolley for three day pass 35.00 each adult. The trolley comes with little freebies too. Hotwire is great for a hotel if you don't like hotwire palmer house Hilton runs specials and I love best western ohio river north. Groupon a coupon for Gino's pizza.

 

[nunzia]

Well, this is how you make your decision! Look at where Southwest flies to and pick the cheapest one of those places that you like. Then, look for accommodations there within your budget.

I am very sorry for your loss. It would probably do you good to get a little break.

That's a very good idea! I'm so sorry for your loss. My daughter lost a Trisomy 18 baby at 26 weeks..prayers for your comfort.

Maybe rent DVC points at Vero Beach or Hilton Head and use that as a base..rent a car and explore? From Kentucky, I don't know where $225 in flight credits will take you, but that is certainly a starting point. There is so much to do in places you wouldn't imagine, so make part of the adventure researching sights to see around the place that you can get to with your credits.
I hope you'll report on your decision.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

We stayed at the Westin in Old Town Alexandria for $107/night on Hotwire last June. Almost all the activities in DC were free so except for food and metro passes, we didn't spend much at all.

Thanks for the tip. Looks like for our dates the Westin in Alexandria is almost $200. A few other hotels near the mail and white house are the same price so we would rather be closer to the museums etc.

Southwest Vacations! You should be able to apply your flight credit, and depending when you go and where you stay, even the Las Vegas Strip can be cheap. End of January, flight and five weeknights at Treasure Island is about $400.

Or just click on the Deals tab at the top of the page, enter Louisville and your dats and see what comes up. Pop Century in March was $655 air and hotel. Subtract your credit and you can buy tickets and stay under $750.

Thanks for the tips. We may need to revisit this option.

Hi I am so sorry for your loss. I plan trips all the time and am great at finding deals to Chicago. Have been there and can give tips and advice. I have been through almost the same thing you are going through. I am also planning another trip to Chicago so if you want me to help you out I am happy too. Groupon and hotwire are great options ingetting deals. Just let me know. Tanya

Have you traveled in March? Is it pretty chilly? We are thinking of arriving on a Thursday night in time for dinner and leaving Saturday afternoon and evening. Have you ever done a short trip like this? Any hotels you recommend for good deals?

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Hey everyone sorry it's been so long (even a new site design now!) but I did want to give everyone an update. The hubby and I have decided to go down to Disney for two nights and spend one day in MK!!!! Our friend works for Disney and offered me a pass to get in the park so all we have to pay for is two nights in a value resort and my husbands plane ticket (possibly 1 park ticket if our friend only has one pass). It will be a very short trip but just what we need and it's the cheapest option we have and frankly my most preferred. Waiting for my husband to get the confirmation he has the days off and I will book the flights and hotel. We will be going 4/14-4/16. I have never been in April but according to crowd calendars it should be 5 and 6's that week since it's right after spring break. So excited!

 

[lovesmurfs]

Hey everyone sorry it's been so long (even a new site design now!) but I did want to give everyone an update. The hubby and I have decided to go down to Disney for two nights and spend one day in MK!!!! Our friend works for Disney and offered me a pass to get in the park so all we have to pay for is two nights in a value resort and my husbands plane ticket (possibly 1 park ticket if our friend only has one pass). It will be a very short trip but just what we need and it's the cheapest option we have and frankly my most preferred. Waiting for my husband to get the confirmation he has the days off and I will book the flights and hotel. We will be going 4/14-4/16. I have never been in April but according to crowd calendars it should be 5 and 6's that week since it's right after spring break. So excited!

Congratulations! Hope you have a great time!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

One of the cheapest trips I took with SW points was to Reno, although that may not work since you have a monetary credit. DW & I flew to Reno, rented a car & drove up through, Tahoe & Redding to the CA's coast. We looped up through the redwoods into OR, then back down to Reno.

SW also flies into Harlingen, TX which is just 45 minutes from South Padre Island.

If you're willing to walk a few blocks, hotels "off" Riverwalk in San Antonio are much cheaper than "on" Riverwalk.


Edit: just read the update