World's 10 Most Amazing Hotel Pools

Growing up in Florida, pools are everywhere. Come home from school, you jump in a pool. You go to the beach, you jump in a pool. You turn 12, you jump in a pool.

So living in Chicago, I've learned that I took this one childhood pleasure for granted. When the city turns balmy, all I want to do is take a refreshing dip in chlorine. And I'm sorry, the lake is beautiful, but it's not for swimming.

Anyway, check out Budget Travel's 10 Most Amazing Hotel Pools. These are not your ordinary Holiday Inn pools. They are a destination all to themselves. It reminds me why people feel compelled to leave the city in August and head to a tropical destination.

Be like Armstrong – but with more wine and cheese

Watching the coverage of the Tour de France leads me to two thoughts. The first, how badly I need to get in shape. And the second, how amazing it would be to bike through the idyllic towns of France. Fortunately, you can do both at the same time without having to compete in the grueling, famous race.


There are tour groups that offer bike rides through most countries in Europe. I personally believe traveling by car is the best way to see the country, but can you imagine seeing it by bike? You would be fully able to take in the breathtaking views while trying to catch your breath.


And with all the delectable food you’ll be eating, you can burn off the calories the next day. The downhill side of these types of tours would be inclement weather and tough terrain. But whatever, bring a poncho, and of course, train like Armstrong before the trip.

The ultimate adventure: sailing around the world

I saw this report recently and it truly amazed me. A teenager sailing around the world by himself? Unbelievable. He’s battled squalls, pirates and perhaps worst of all, loneliness. I think the only adventurous thing I did in high school was drink Zima.

But it got me thinking, how amazing would that be to sail the seas of the earth. In one seamless timeline you see exotic cultures, architectural wonders and breathtaking landscapes. I would imagine it being a life-changing experience.

But if you’re like me and would rather watch the world sail by in the luxury of a stateroom there are cruise lines out there that offer world voyages.

This one from Holland America is 111 days long and takes you everywhere from Mumbai to Cape Town, and of course the always exotic Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

But if you can spare 111 days, why not 365. This one from Cruise West is the length of a full year and you visit all the ports in the Holland America cruise plus many more. Some of the wonders include Easter Island, which is on my short list of places to see before I end up in a nursing home.


But to be away from the real world for a year will cost you nearly $234,000. Hmmm….maybe I’ll just hop on Zac’s boat next time he sails the world.

The pride of Illinois

Since it's the 4th of July holiday weekend, I thought I'd indulge my patriotic side with some Presidential history.

Illinois might be notorious for seedy corruption, but it's famous for its Presidential roots. As most know, this is the adopted home state of President Obama. But you may not know that Ronald Reagan and Ulysses S. Grant were both born in Illinois. And of course, Illinois is the Land of Lincoln.

The tourism bureau for the state of Illinois prides itself for these legacies and has created trails that history buffs and Illinois residents can travel through. Check it out here.

This is also the most opportune time to do the trail on Lincoln. Honest Abe celebrated his 200th birthday this past February and a commission was granted to honor his bicentennial. Celebrations at spots that commememorate pivotal events in his life and career have been going on for the last 18 months, and will continue throughout the year.

In addition, his presidential library in Springfield has underwent a lot of changes and created new exhibits for the occasion.

So next time you're in the Land of Lincoln, you'll know just where to go to learn more about one of our greatest Presidents.

BTW, I heart the 4th of July.

Like most Americans, I always associate the holiday with sparklers, the beach and barbecues. And if I partake in these activities, or others, its always with immense pride for being an American. Happy Independence Day!