The 15 Coolest Airbnbs in Chicago

When you think of Paris-based hospitality company Accor, brands like Sofitel, Raffles and Fairmont are likely the first things that come to mind.

Picture it: You battled your way through summer holiday traffic going to the airport, and waited in what felt like the world’s longest security line, only to have your flight diverted two hours in, resulting in your flight reaching its destination three hours later than planned?

Like or loathe its quaint depictions of the French capital, Emily in Paris has stamped its mark on how a new generation of Netflix viewers regard Paris—and now the streaming giant has given its permission to use the name for short holidays in Paris offering tailored experiences as seen on the show.

The rising tide of America's obsession with true crime is undeniable. With over half of Americans confessing their addiction to tales of crime and mystery, the genre has not only taken over our screens, from TV shows like HBO's "Love and Death" to popular podcasts like "My Favorite Murder," but it has also crept its way into the travel sector. Fans are turning their obsession into vacation plans this Halloween, seeking chilling adventures and spine-tingling experiences. You might wonder, how do you combine the love for mysteries with holiday festivities? Here's a peek into some haunting offerings provided by our client this Halloween season.

Chicago, the city known for its vibrant arts scene and rich cultural heritage, is gearing up for Halloween. LUMA8, an independent not-for-profit organization, is planning its 9th Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade. This family-friendly parade includes unique floats, puppets, and an array of creative performances. The parade will take place on Saturday, October 21st, from 6 pm to 8 pm (CST), along the historic State Street, stretching from Lake to Van Buren Streets. But the fun begins earlier at 5 pm with a pre-parade candy giveaway.

There’s a lot to be excited about in the food world right now, with plenty of anticipated restaurant openings to keep track of. This fall, some of our favorite chefs are expanding to new cities, transitioning pop-ups into permanent spaces, and reviving the restaurants that their fans were sad to see go. In Chicago, a decorated chef will pay tribute to his roots at a new spot serving both traditional and reimagined Ukrainian dishes. And chef Sam Fore, the self-described “Sri Lankan snack queen,” will launch the long-awaited brick-and-mortar location of Tuk Tuk Snack Shop, her pop-up restaurant in Lexington, KY. The menu will highlight the commonalities between Sri Lankan cuisine and the flavors of the American South.

Massive Montana comprises the Last Best Place in the American West, encompassing a wild terrain of Rocky Mountain adventures and bucket-list places to visit. Amid the mountains, national forests and wild rivers teeming with trout, several historical and current railroad depots punctuate the state, now grown into Montana’s best cities, showcasing its independent yet inviting culture.  

Think the Midwest is just a cornfield you fly over between coasts? Don’t be fooled by that nonsense.

The prize of the Midwest, or the jewel of New England?

Situated along the Chicago River in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, The Langham Chicago has location in spades; it also has some of the city’s most sublime views. The hotel, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has been a fixture along the river since 2013 - occupying thirteen floors of famed architect Mies van der Rohe's 1972 IBM building. Whether you’re in Chicago to catch the sights or close the deal, this luxuriously comfortable five star hotel is the best place to stay.

A United Airlines passenger forced a flight to return to the gate after trying to enter the cockpit and opening the exit doors before takeoff on Friday. 

Summer nights may be great for August’s Perseid meteor shower, but it’s hard to beat fall for stargazing. Longer, darker nights and the earlier rise of the bright stars of Perseus, Taurus and Orion make it the ideal time to indulge in one of the hottest trends in travel—astro-tourism.