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When the Midwest is best
Looking for the perfect time to take a summer vacation? Here's what to know.
People in other states and countries usually have no clue what the Upper Midwest is really like, though they've heard about our 20-foot snowfalls and two-ton mosquitoes.
Believe it or not, many of them still want to vacation here in summer. But they have a few questions about those mosquitoes and about humidity and crowds. Mostly they want to know, "When's the best time to visit?''
Here's what we tell them.
Camping in state parks
For summer, reserve far ahead to get choice spots at peak times.
People who want choice campsites in popular state parks need to plan ahead. Here's how to do it.
For general information, see How to find the best campsites.
For specific spots spots, see 25 great campsites.
Serious reservations
Here's how to stay ahead of the hordes in 2012.
In the Upper Midwest, travel can be competitive.
Many events are so big and so fun that everyone wants to go. If you want to go, too, you'll have to act fast to stay ahead of
the crowds.
Sometimes, you need to know when not to go. In Chicago, G8 and NATO summits will be held the week of May 15-22, filling hotels and likely disrupting tourist movement.
Great holiday festivals
In November and December, check out Santa, Scrooge and shopping markets.
As soon as the leaves have fallen and cold winds start to blow, the holidays get under way. This is the season for craft fairs, theme feasts and Christmas parades.
Here are some of the best holiday festivals in 2011.
For holiday feasts, see Indulging at the holidays.
One in 1,000
Somewhere, in Minnesota's glorious lake country, there's a resort for you. Here's how to find it.
After years of traveling around this region, I can answer nearly every travel question except one: “Can you give me the name of a good lake resort?’’
No, I can’t. Only you and your therapist know what you consider a good lake resort.
Staying at a Minnesota lake resort is not like staying at a Marriott. There may be chipmunks living under your cabin, and fish that nibble your legs when you wade. Squealing children may run past your window while you’re trying to read.
Word of mouse
By posting reviews on travel forums, the public wields a lot of power.
If you're planning a vacation, remember this: The people have spoken.
They've spoken about the meals they ate, hotels they slept in, tours they took, attractions they visited and people they met. They've gone on and on about beaches and bars and bathrooms and what they had for breakfast.
It's the kind of thing that bores their friends to death — and yet strangers around the world are eating it up.
8 great travel tips
Planning a summer vacation? Here are a few good things to know.
We get a lot of questions at MidwestWeekends from people planning vacations.
We’re glad to help, because we believe in planning. Spontaneity is a wonderful thing, but it’s risky in summer, when the rest of the world also is on vacation.
Most common questions: Where can I get a deal in the Wisconsin Dells/Duluth/Minneapolis? Where should I stay? What should I bring to a rented cabin? How can I avoid bugs?
How to find a bed-and-breakfast
To travelers, B&B usually means 'best bet.'
Long before Chaucer wrote "The Canterbury Tales,'' inns were a place to meet interesting people. They still are. When travelers gather for breakfast, or for evening drinks and hors d'oeuvres, they tell stories and trade tips that pave the way for the next day's travel.
If you're on vacation and you want to get to know an area, staying at a B&B gives you a big head start. Supplying
information and personal service is how B&B proprietors set themselves apart from hotels.
They've certainly helped me over the years. Sometimes, I feel like the Blanche DuBois of travel journalism: Wherever I go, I depend on the kindness of strangers.
Happy deals
For rock-bottom hotel rates, learn how to use Priceline.
When reserving a hotel room, there are deals, and then there’s Priceline.
Five years ago, I tried the on-line bidding service, which has a big catch: You don’t know what hotel you’ve
reserved until you’ve paid for the room. We got a hotel in Miami’s South Beach that had a decent location but was
noisy, had an unfriendly staff and charged an extra "resort fee.''
After that, I’d had it with Priceline – until friends made me reconsider.
© Beth Gauper, 2007 - 2012 all rights reserved
