Traveling by air can be stressful enough. Once you’ve arrived at your final destination, shouldn’t travel to your hotel or point of interest be as stress free as possible? By renting a car with a GPS navigation system on your next trip to Chicago, you’ll guarantee less stress for yourself! Trains & subways can be very confusing and who wants to get lost in a strange city? Bus routes are often just as confusing and why waste time sitting around waiting for a bus when you can have a nice comfy personal ride? The weather in Chicago can be harsh in both winter and summer.

If you’ve decided to rent a car, be sure to book in advance and look for the best deal. Often times, your current auto insurance policy will cover your rental car. Check with your auto policy carrier to see if this coverage is on your policy and if it is, you’ll save a bundle on that expense. Most people purchase insurance for rental vehicles without knowing that they’re already covered, spending money needlessly on coverage they don’t need.

When renting a car in Chicago, it’s important to budget for parking. You’ll have to pay for parking most everywhere in the city. Whether it’s your hotel, the airport, dining establishments or valet, nearly every place in the city has a charge for parking. If you’re staying in the suburbs, there’s likely no charge for parking. Just check with your hotel ahead of time to be sure.

For many, a city is not defined by it’s population, the news headlines, or even it’s geography – for many, a city is defined by it’s food. There are few food items that are as treasured as the all-mighty hot dog. The New York dog is adorned with red onions and grilled flat. The LA street dog is defined by the grilled onions, bacon, and mayo.

However, out of all the regional hot dogs, none are quite as polarizing at the Chicago dog: all-beef vienna on a poppy seed bun with yellow mustard, Nuclear Relish, onion, a dill pickle spear, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. Never forget the celery salt – a Chicago dog without the celery salt is not a Chicago dog. Oh, and no ketchup either.

So where can we find the best Chicago dog? There’s the chain, and then there’s the hole in the wall…

Portillo’s is a Chicago institution. Started up in 1963 by founder Dick Portillo, Portillo’s can be found all over Chicago feeding millions of hungry residents their versions of the classic Chicago hot dog and italian beef. Locations all over Chicago.

Hot Doug had their 15 minutes of fame when they were featured on the Travel Channel for their “Foie Gras” hot dog (once illegal). If you can get past all the crazy things they do with duck and duck by-products, it becomes clear: Hot Doug offers once of the best Chicago Dogs in the area, bar-none. As a bonus, they’re a measly $1.75! Hot Doug’s is located at 3324 North California, Chicago, IL 60618.

With your rental car keys in hand and your family bellowing to go on a trip you are probably scratching your head. The truth is Chicago is a city full on fun, food, and excitement and it’s not too hard to look for at all. Chicago, also known as the Windy City is one of the largest cities in the U.S. so let’s find something to do in this great place!

If you are into great football action you may want to go to Soldier Field to see the Chicago Bears and their dominant defense. Soldier Field can hold over 100,000 screaming wild fans and this is one of the largest stadiums in the U.S. So grab some tickets for your family for some Sunday afternoon hard-hitting action!

If you hear some growling stomachs in the car your family may want to go to one of Chicago’s finest eateries. The restaurant called Hot Doug’s is a great place to get great American food. Fair warning, the line can be very long at times however, it is well worth the wait. From hot dogs, to duck and bison, there are very unusual and common dishes at this established diner. So bring your appetite with you because the portions are quite large in this family owned joint.

If the spouse and the kids are getting antsy and they want to see something spectacular, feel free to make a drive to the yearly Chicago Air and Water show. For the past 51 years this show delivers daredevil thrills in the ear and on water. You can find it at the North Avenue beach, just look for the announcement on the Internet and the local newspaper.