Need a Vacation?

Do you ever need a vacation? I sure do. This winter was so long and so cold; my kids and I are fed up with staring at the walls of our small condo. So when my husband suggested a family vacation, I packed our bags.

Where did we go? Hawaii? Paris? Sedona? Nope - Schaumburg.

Yes, you heard right. These days, who has the money to take a two week vacation to someplace exotic? Not me. But I can honestly say we had an awesome time kicking it up in Schaumburg, complete with rest, relaxation, and a change of pace. And the total price? $150.

Here's what we did. On Saturday morning, we booked a Hotel through Hotwire. We ended up staying at the Hyatt Regency for the price of a Holiday Inn. Once I knew where we were staying, I called and requested early check in. We hopped in the car. Twenty minutes later we were there - moving into our posh room at the swanky Hyatt.

The hotel is right across the street from Woodfield mall, so after getting settled we took our sons to the Rainforest Cafe. I don't think Disneyland could have made their eyes bug out any wider - they loved seeing the fish and the animals, and were amazed to experience an indoor thunderstorm.

After lunch, it was back to the hotel for naps - my toddler slept in a sleeping bag for the first time, and thought he was getting the treat of a lifetime. After naps we hit the pool and splashed and yelled and played for the rest of the day.

Tired and hungry, we walked across the parking lot to Sweet Tomatoes. My sons are still young enough to eat for free, so we got our money's worth and more. My toddler loved being able to go through the buffet line to pick out his food, and even managed to swallow a few veggies! Then, back to the sleeping bags (fancy pillow top King sized bed for Mom and Dad).

In the morning we ate at the gorgeous hotel restaurant, explored the beautiful hotel, and did some more swimming. After checking out we went back across the street and wandered through Woodfield mall.

When we arrived home on Sunday evening it felt like we had been gone for a week - in a good way. We had taken a break from our busy lives and focused on having fun together; and we did it in a new environment. Sometimes its not Disneyland or Italy that we want - its just four walls besides the ones we've been living in.

So....

Super Swank Hotel on Hotwire: $85.00
Lunch Menu at Rainforest Cafe: $35.00
Sweet Tomatoes Buffet with two kids under 3 years old: $25.00
Taking time to rest and relax with your family: Priceless

Catherine is one of the co-founders of DupageMamas. When she's not over here you can find her blogging about life at her personal blog, everyday life as lyric poetry.

Do you have a suggestion for a local get away? We'd love to have you guest blog for us. Email us your post, ideas, pictures - whatever!