A little behind the times, but ahead of the curve

 Greetings and salutations to all. 
As an avid and somewhat professional traveler, I am offering this up to try and help with some tips and tricks that I have picked up along the way. 
Can't tell you how many times we have gone on vacation in my life and on the plane ride home, have a conversation with the person across the aisle "ooh did you get to go to the (insert name of place we not only didnt go to, but had no idea existed)   it was amazing!  to which I often answer "no but will be sure to next time!"  Or worse yet, finding a gem on your own, on the last day of vacation (IE the free breakfast at the hotel you could have had all week instead of waiting in line down the street) to which you inevitably say , "boy I wish we had known about that earlier in the week!!"
Not that I would want anyone to follow directly in my shoes, but mean the post to be an interactive travel log that I would love to have comments and tips back from you, as now that you have decided to read, are just as much a part of this as I am. 
I have made enough mistakes for many of us to learn from, and although part of me feels slightly vindicated when people step in the same bucket I have, I would much rather you get the enjoyment you deserve out of your vacation.  You worked hard to take the vacation, so lets see what we can do to help each-other get the most out of not only our time, but money.  
That said, here is the plan; I will log vacations, trips for work, and other weekend or day trips, hopefully to offer you a leg up on your journey and future travels.  I will also post upcoming trips in hopes of gaining my own leg up and saving some time, money, and grief along the way.
Will get started here shortly on Chicago and then Orlando - the two vacation cities I have spent more time in than any others.  As a past Chicago (real chicago, as in downtown,,, 312 area code) resident and now bi-monthly Orlando business traveler in possession of many season park passes for weekend trips, I feel are both good starting points.  
Safe travels and have a great time!! 

My attempt an an homage to one of my favorite Seinfeld episodes.  New Buffalo, MI