Chicago highlights

• Navy Pier

  For a bustling carnival vibe along Lake Michigan, wander along the Navy Pier promenade and catch the spirit of Chicago. Bring the kids to the Children's Museum, Shakespeare Theatre or Stained Glass Gallery, and marvel at the incredible skyline views from the 150-foot Ferris wheel. Grab a bite to eat at Chicago institution Harry Caray's, and rest your weary feet to enjoy the free weekly fireworks.

• Magnificent Mile

  The Mag Mile is a revered for its incredible shopping and eating scene, as well as the festivities that occur throughout the year. Lined by colorful tulips in the springtime and glittering lights during the holidays, the Mag Mile is chockablock with department stores and notable landmarks, from the Wrigley Building to Oak Street Beach. For incredible views on your Chicago travels, head to the Hancock Observatory or spend a few bucks on a cocktail in the Signature Lounge.

• Lincoln Park Zoo

  For an easy escape without having to spend a cent on your Chicago travels, take the afternoon to meander through the menagerie at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Not only is it brimming with wildlife exhibits and beautiful historical architecture, it's totally free and open 365 days a year.

• Cultural Chicago

  If you want to experience the cultural side of the Second City on your Chicago vacation, make a beeline for the Chicago Cultural Center where admission is free. After taking in the impressive architecture and stunning Tiffany dome, head to the Art Institute across the street to view the amazing collection of Impressionist art and the new Modern Wing. Take a stroll to the Buckingham Fountain and laze in the sun, or take in a nighttime light show.

• Millennium Park

  Chicago has plenty of parks, but this one is worth a special mention. An impressive feat of engineering, landscaping and cultural celebration, Millennium Park is home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture and splashy Crown Fountain video sculpture. Enjoy a concert at Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the go-to spot for the best in outdoor entertainment.

All about adrenaline: Spring ramps up with new rollercoasters

Spring is here early (thanks global warming) and that means only one thing — time to take a family vacation to scope the season’s latest theme park expansions.

Heartland thrill junkies can soar at 3,000 feet on Six Flags Great Americas latest, X-Flight. Five inversions, a 12 story drop and a zero-gravity roll are more than enough to get the adrenaline pumping. Designed by the Swiss engineers behind the Raging Bull, SUPERMAN and BATMAN rides, the X-Flight is the first of its kind in the US. The unique “wing” design pairs riders on either side of the track, creating the illusion of free flight. This ride will make its home in the County Fair section of the park, replacing the old school Iron Wolf in May.

Bargainista beauty: $50 treatments during Spa Week 2012

To those who love beauty bargains, this one ranks right up there with $1 Wet ‘n Wild eyeliner: 7 straight days of $50 spa treatments. Held twice yearly, Spa Week, to be held from April 16 to 22 at spas nationwide, treats the stressed, washed-out masses to $50 treatments and the savings to plan a cheap vacation. Considering that many spas charge $100 and up for the most basic services, guests can truly make a day of pampering and sampling the luxe life inside high-end properties.  Consider these offerings, and just how good it will feel to afford a few treatments for the price of one:      Exhale at Fairmont Battery Wharf     Spend $50 for a facial peel – because we like all dewy skin – or having your toes exfoliated with lavender scrub.

Disneyland on a dime: 7 money-saving tips

undefined  Catch Disneyland's new Mickey's Soundsational Parade, one of many freebies within the park.  By Amanda Ficili  There’s never been a better time to visit the Disneyland Resort and with the upcoming openings of Cars Land and Buena Vista Street, you’ll want to get those bags packed and ready for an unforgettable summer vacation.  A trip to “The Happiest Place on Earth” can be more affordable than you think.  Proper planning and careful budgeting are extremely important keys to successful Disneyland trip planning and with the right tools, anyone can plan a magical vacation that won’t break the bank. Here are a