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February 2020

Feb 27
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5 Things to do in Chicago

By Travel Tips No Comments

With Chicago being a melting pot of culture, there are many things to do when in town. By using the JIFU Travel Portal and the Activities tab, discounts are available for almost all activities you could think of. By selecting the Lifestyle tab, even discounts for restaurants can be found! Now, let’s get into 5 things to do in Chicago.  

Chicago Theatre

The iconic Chicago Theatre is a must-do when in Chicago. Hosting Broadway shows, musicals, plays, concerts, comedy performers, and so much more, there is always something going on in the Theatre. There are options to see the show or even take a tour of the Chicago Theatre, which was built in the year 1921. 

Skydeck Chicago 

Skydeck Chicago, also known as the Willis Tower, is a lookout on the 103rd floor. Not only is this an extremely tall building, but the floor is clear! The Skydeck is not for those afraid of heights, but if you’re looking for a slight adrenaline rush, this is for you. With being this high up on a clear day, 4 states are visible from the Skydeck! 

Navy Pier Ferris Wheel

Located at the Navy Pier, this 200 food Ferris Wheel is the perfect activity for the whole family. Overlooking the water, the views on a clear day are amazing! Also on the pier is a shopping center perfect for wandering for the day. 

Montrose Beach 

Being in the city can be chaotic, if you’re in need of a relaxing day or a getaway from the excitement, Montrose beach is the perfect place. Montrose is right outside of the city, with a short drive straight to a stress-free day. 

Wrigley Field

Wrigley Field is the classic Cubs baseball field. Built in 1926, Wrigley Field is in the middle of a residential area, with no parking lot. Sticking to its old-school roots, Wrigley Field has remained a must-do activity in Chicago. If you’re traveling outside of baseball season, Wrigley Field tours are also available! These give another perspective into the history of the field itself.  

 

All in all, Chicago is a great place to visit. With its many different attractions and activities, it is not limited to these 5 things to do, although these are pretty great. Chicago has a little bit of everything and all sorts of things to do, meaning that this could be your perfect vacation.   

Feb 25
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Top 5 Most Underrated Beaches Around the World

By Travel Tips No Comments

Just about everyone loves going to the beach, but there’s nothing worse than driving up expecting a relaxing time, to find that its full of people all trying to do the same thing. A quick tip; choosing a beach that is less popular can nearly guarantee the relaxing day you’re looking for. Here are the top 5 most underrated beaches around the world. 

 

     1. Navagio Beach; Zakynthos, Greece

 

Navagio Beach is located in Zakynthos, Greece. Already, when someone thinks of Greece they usually envision Athens or Santorini, so beginning with a less popular island is a perfect first step. With Zakynthos being a less popular island, lodging can be much cheaper than other islands. Using your JIFU Travel Portal, you can find 4-star hotels starting at $47 per night. Navagio is a cove-like beach, that also can be referred to as “Shipwreck Beach”. Navagio Beach is the perfect, quiet getaway while on your vacation in Zakynthos. 

 

      2. Nakupenda Beach; Zanzibar, Tanzania

 

Although Nakupends Beach can be only reached by boat, this is the most beautiful day-trip, focusing on only your ocean surroundings. With its location, the water surrounding Nakupenda is bright blue and amazing, perfect for a relaxing day. With this beach being boat-accessible, it stays less crowded giving you nearly the whole beach to yourself. Hotels near Zanzibar stay at a lower rate, with a 4-star hotel being $30 per night using the JIFU Travel Portal. 

 

      3. Kelingking Beach; Bali, Indonesia 

 

Kelingking Beach is not for the everyday person, with a steep staircase leading down to this amazing view, the average adrenaline-junkie will love this beach. With one of the most beautiful sights in Bali, it is a must-see for those up for the challenge. With the JIFU Travel Portal discounts, lodging in Bali can be surprisingly cheap, with 4-star villas starting at only $20 per night. 

 

      4. Binalong Bay; Tasmania, Australia

 

With its beautiful rocky shore and gorgeously blue water, Binalong Bay is definitely an underrated beach. Although when we think of a beach we typically think sand, if you get the timing right, Binalong Bay can offer both! At low tide, the beautiful white sand is open to relax on. Lodging in Tasmania is not too expensive either, using the Travel Portal you can find a 4-star apartment to rent for $93 per night. 

 

      5. Noordhoek Beach; Cape Town, South Africa

 

Also known as “Cape of Good Hope”, this beach can be just that. With the beautiful shore and big rocks, Noordhoek Beach can lead to the most relaxing day. South Africa is amazing as it is already, this should be just one stop during your trip. Discounts on hotels using the Travel Portal can be found extremely easily. To stay in Cape Town, a 4-star hotel can be found as cheap as $60 per night. 

 

Overall, if you’re a beach person, exploring the unknown ones around the world can be easily placed on your bucket list and made even cheaper using your Travel Portal discounts.  

Feb 06
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nassau beach experience

Bahamas on a Budget: All-Inclusive or Not?

By Travel Tips No Comments

There’s really just something about Nassau. I know, I know – the Bahamas are a CHAIN of islands, and I get that there are so many other incredible places to visit rather than just sticking to the most populous area.

When it comes right down to it, if I’m going to the Bahamas, I want to do it in luxury. I get that many people reading this want their vacations to feel like a real vacation – i.e., you want something all-inclusive and you don’t necessarily want to feel like a local. Based on my experience, you can really do the Bahamas on a budget both ways – you can grab something all-exclusive that fits your needs, or you can look for some options that will satisfy that need to live like a local. Let’s start with the all-inclusive philosophy – is it really cheaper, better or best?

Unpacking All-Inclusive

When it comes to living it up during a trip to the Bahamas, it’s important to remember that all-inclusive doesn’t necessarily mean, “Everything is paid for.” (Of course, don’t forget that wristband!)

all inclusive bahamas

What it CAN mean is that alcohol and eats are included. What it normally DOESN’T mean is that things like island tours, spa treatments, and extras are covered (believe me, I found this out the hard way.) When you’re in doubt? ASK. And keep that resort policy bookmarked on your phone! When you’re out and about, dancing and having a great time, you can forget the little things you need to know about the resort, so keep them on your phone and keep your phone handy. Most all-inclusives these days have pretty decent wifi, so it’s a no-brainer.

Why Is All-Inclusive Best for Your Budget?

I know it may seem like all-inclusive doesn’t make a lot of sense when the prices seem fairly high – but here’s the thing. Whether you’re in a super luxury situation or not (and most big brand all-inclusives go out of their way to make this feel like a luxury vacation), those little off-the-beaten-path things tend to add up.

If you’re optioning an all-inclusive versus an, “is this included?” Think about this:

First, the food at an all-inclusive is likely pretty belly-safe. In fact, you’ll find it a little more bland than you might expect in some places, though I find most of the all-inclusive food in Nassau is pretty tasty. And you know what’s a HUGE waste of money on your vacation? Getting sick. It’s really no fun at all, and not fun to navigate when you’re in a different country.

Next, if you’re venturing off the beaten path, you get lost and you lose your sense of self, you’re going to be in trouble. To get where you want to go on the island, you’re probably going to want some kind of guided tour – and those add up! Using a tour or travel service recommended by your all inclusive is a good way to ensure you’re taken care of, but if you explore Nassau on your own, know it isn’t super safe off the beaten path. The security detail can really add up.

Using an all-inclusive not only means sponsored, booked tours, but it also means you’ll have access to hotel staff and concierges who will be happy to tell you what places to avoid and where to go.

all inclusive bahamas

All-Inclusive Bahamas

With an all-inclusive, all the good stuff is right there. I know it seems cliche’, but it’s very possible your off-the-beaten-path hotel isn’t going to have a pool, decent dining, free drinks or a party every single night for you to attend. Now, don’t think I’m recommending you stay at the resort the whole time – but if that’s your thing, that’s okay too!

Once you’re out of the resort, all the little amenities start to add up, and some of them just aren’t going to give you the kind of comfort you might expect for what you’re paying. All-inclusives are safe, they’re handy and they get the job done.

Tune in tomorrow where we talk about traveling like a local on a budget in Nassau!

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