Parades and Festivals to Catch This Pride Month

June is here and it means only one thing, its PRIDE MONTH! And we all know what comes with Pride Month, tons and tons of colorful festivals, awesome parades and epic parties to take part. We have compiled a list of some of the best parades and festivals you can catch this Pride Month.


NYC Pride March

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Every year in New York, the much popular NYC Pride March features close to over one hundred various social, cultural, athletic and political events and festivities which are coordinated by various community organizations and groups. All these events are hosted at various parts of the city and include various presentations like the choral concerts, dances, workshops, picnics, religious services, plays and film screenings. No wonder, New York for years has remained one of the best places to discover lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender culture any time of year. This amazing festival is sure to bring the five boroughs come alive and together that bring this energetic community's heritage to the spotlight.

San Francisco Pride

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The 2016 San Francisco Pride Parade will be held on Sunday, June 26 when the art will meet politics in a fleet of floats, vehicles, and marchers. And all this will happen along the famous Market Street, one the nation’s largest venues for hosting popular events. This renowned parade of San Francisco is the amalgamation of a month of Pride-themed events and festivities held within the city. This concludes with an all-out celebration for Pride with the Pride Festival at Civic Center Plaza.

Chicago Pride Parade

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The Chicago LGBTQ community is all set to host its two amazing events on two consecutive weekends in the summer; Chicago Pride Festival (June 18-19, 2016) and Chicago Pride Parade (June 26, 2016). The much celebrated Chicago Pride Parade will be a summertime staple that will celebrate a monumental 46th annual event this year. Alike every year, the various parade entries along with the different organizations supporting Pride Month events, have the prerogative of using an international theme and this year's international theme is ‘Solidarity Through Pride.’


Pride Houston

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The Houston Gay Pride Parade is one of the major celebrations of Gay Pride Festival held annually. The festival marks the celebration for LGBT community and their allies. The festivities will be held on 26th June and the highlight of the event is the parade, which is held in the evening after sunset. With the event being hosted after dark, the various establishments are creatively illuminated to make them look attractive. The Houston Gay Pride Parade is currently the most attended and major gay pride event in the Southwestern region of the United States.

Why You Should Visit Chicago during Offseason

We all are quite familiar with the four seasons; winter, spring, summer and fall. However in the travel industry, there are just three; peak, shoulder and off. Off season, or say the low season, is opposite of the peak season and it is that time of year when a particular destination experiences the fewest number of vacationers. Off season in every sense means fewer crowds, easier restaurant reservations, shorter lines, and most importantly, less stressed service people. Here are some other exciting benefits of visiting Chicago during the offseason.

More Savings on Chicago Hotels
The prices of Chicago hotel rooms in winters are about half of what they actually are in the summer and fall seasons. During this time of the year, the occupancy hits over 90%. The total occupancy rates in the months of January and February remain 50% and 52% respectively, giving vacationers enough options to book an accommodation according to their requirements. Moreover, numerous Chicago hotels have deals for the offseason, even for some of the well renowned high-end properties including Ritz-Carlton.

Chicago Flights Tend to be Cheaper
In order to lure more number of vacationers during the offseason, most of the global air carriers roll out discounts and concessions on domestic flights as well as on few international routes. The deals are open for corporate flyers, offering packages within Chicago from some specific destinations across the globe. All these packages benefit those looking to travel to Chicago during the offseason. And the best part is that one may easily find seat availability and there won’t be any scramble for cheap flights to Chicago.

Fewer Crowds to Handle on Your Chicago Vacation
It goes without saying that you will find comparatively fewer people in Chicago during the offseason as compared to any other time of the year. This also means that you can visit the numerous attractions in the city whenever you want without worrying about the crowd. Kids can enjoy skating at Millennium Park that is absolutely free during the offseason. And so is clowning around at the Bean. You may even relax yourself by strolling and shopping around the Lake Michigan and its nearby downtown areas.

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Budget Motels in Chicago for Budget Travelers

A very common misconception about Chicago is that budget conscious travelers tend to burn a hole in their pockets while holidaying in the ‘Windy City’. However, the wide array of budget friendly accommodation options here is more than enough to burst this myth. And most importantly, all these properties are located within the city, so the travelers do not have to stay in the outskirts of the city to save money. Let’s take a quick look at few popular budget hotels in Chicago that are perfect for a comfortable stay at limited prices.

Freehand
This affordable yet popular property of Chicago can be well defined as a sought after venue for tourists seeking affordable accommodation. This distinct, hip, boutique hostel is situated pretty close to some popular tourist attractions and its extensive list of amenities includes guestrooms with free Wi-Fi internet and on- site restaurant serving delectable food. You may choose from a shared or private accommodation and take advantage of the comfortable common living room.

Best Western Plus Hotel
This popular downtown Chicago hotel is best known for offering unlimited free high-speed Internet access to guests that most budget travelers crave for. The various services of this one of the cheap accommodations in Chicago include an ultra-modern exercise facility, sun deck with skyline views, an indoor heated pool and a modern style business center to hold conferences and meetings. Business travelers must consider a stay here as the hotel is situated with-in close proximity to Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue and the Merchandise Mart.

Days Inn Chicago 
Perfectly located outside the hustle and bustle of the downtown area, the Days Inn Chicago tops the popularity charts of visitors who cannot give up on the luxury. Guests making bookings in the hotel can enjoy free wireless Internet access in each room, as well as satellite television, dry cleaning and valet laundry. Those visiting Chicago for a holiday will find the property just amazing as it is located within minutes of popular sights as the Lincoln Park Zoo (practically across the street), Willis Tower, Water Tower Place, Navy Pier, and many museums.

Hampton Inn Chicago
With three different properties in Chicago, Hampton Inn is certainly redefining budget travel in Chicago. All the properties feature clean rooms offering free WiFi and a gigantic free breakfast. This special property has been built in the old Chicago Automobile Association office and thus enjoys a special preference in the hearts of history lovers. Travelers looking for cheap motels in Chicago will certainly love this property for its friendly staff and excellent location, minutes away from Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River.

Celebs Favorite Vacation Spots

It’s always great to get away from a stressful lifestyle, no matter even if it is for some limited time period! And this implies on the celebrities too as even they need to take a break from their busy lives which is always surrounded with the spotlight. However unlike an average person, the celebrity pocketbooks allow them to go on rather extravagant vacation which is crammed full of utmost luxury and style.
No wonder, celebrities definitely know how to live it up on a vacation. You visiting one such popular celebrity vacation destinations will not only prove to be a gratifying experience but may also give you a chance to come back with a selfie. So, here are some favorite celebrity vacation spots that you may not just dream but even plan to visit!

Mallorca, Spain

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One of the most sought after celebrity vacation spots across the globe is Mallorca, Spain. Many international celebs including Gwenyth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston and Michael Douglas check-in at this destination regularly to enjoy a memorable holiday. Some of the famed tourist spots of this place include Karma Bar, ES Trenc Beach, Puerto Portals, and Wellies Restaurant and bar. The place is no doubt a peaceful retreat from the busy and hectic lives.

Lake Como, Italy

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One celebrity that totally loves and admires the undying beauty of Lake Como is George Clooney who even owns a lakeside villa here. The star even regularly invites his celebrity friends for vacations to this gorgeous location in Italy. Some other regulars of Lake Como include David Beckham, Richard Branson, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon. The amazingly impressive locations here that top the travel itineraries of the celebrities are castles, gardens, cathedrals and museums.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

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Thanks to the utter privacy it has to offer that makes Bora Bora one of the most celebrated celebrity getaways. Something that everyone craves for are the high-end, over the water bungalows that allow celebrities to have their own private entrance to the ocean and their own awe-inspiring view which is limited to them. Kardashians, Nicole Kidman, Eva Longoria and Rob Lowe are few of the many famous personalities who have taken advantage of Bora Bora’s unmatched beauty and grandeur.

St. Barts, Caribbean

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Yet another popular celebrity vacation spot that is quite famous amongst the elite class is St. Barts. This place is no doubt also one of the most visited vacation spots by celebrities as everyone who has their names written in tabloids has been here at least once. Some of them include Jay-Z, Beyonce and Jessica Alba. Apart from other regular things, most enjoy soaking up the sun here and sampling the scrumptious food offered at the lavish restaurants. And yes, St. Barts’ extravagant nightlife is well worth experiencing.

Las Vegas Most Cliché Activities Which are Actually Fun

Adorably famed as the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’, Las Vegas is amongst few cities where your luck can take a drastic turn in just an overnight. Although the metropolis is best known for its amazing collection of casinos and mega hotels, the regulars of Las Vegas will tell you there is much more to this pulsating city than just regular gambling and dining experiences. From admiring the dancing fountains at Bellagio to swimming along the wild sharks at Mandalay Bay, there is no dearth of fulfilled experiences in the lively city of Las Vegas.

A Gondola Ride across Venetian Hotel

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Ever craved to visit Venice but always dropped the idea thinking it will be way too expensive? If so, do visit the beautiful Shopping Arcade of the Venetian Hotel and you will be more than surprised at what you see and experience. Constructed in an utter attempt to resemble incredible Venice, this shopping arcade is quite beautiful, and truly a must visit place for the eternal romantic souls taking flights for Las Vegas. A gondola ride is a must to experience the complete beauty and also take a tour of the premises with the loved ones.

Rollercoaster Rides at the Stratosphere Hotel

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Are you someone who loves taking rides no matter what country or city you visit? If that is what tickles your fancy, do head towards the Stratosphere Hotel of Las Vegas which offers 3 crazy roller coaster rides including the very famous Big Shot. But be cautious as these rides are not meant for the faint hearted souls. Aboard one of the rides, you are shot 150 feet in the air and this is sure to give you an amazing adrenaline rush. Apart from the breath taking rides, the property even has numerous shopping avenues on its rooftop. A delight for shopaholics!

Fountain Show at the Bellagio

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One of the most happening attractions in Las Vegas in the recent times, at spectacular fountain show at Bellagio is something that you just can’t afford to miss. This marvelously choreographed and well-timed event makes everyone go crazy as the fountain dances to the tune of wonderful music against the awe-inspiring setting of the Bellagio Hotel. You are sure to fall in love with the tones and tunes that make you tap your feet along each time the fountain erupts. The best part, you can capture this entire event on your camera and take back the shoot to your home as a souvenir.

A different Version of Game of Thrones Intro Song

Insider Tips to Save on Chicago Flights

Going away on a to Chicago brings a smile even to the most cynical lip. And this becomes all the more rewarding just in case you manage to net cheap Chicago flight tickets and ensure overall affordable vacations by simply using some online tools and special techniques. Here are some important Chicago travel tips that have often proved useful in this regard. These techniques can be applied irrespective of the class you wish to fly.

Travel at the Cheapest Times

The prices of flights to Chicago vary significantly depending on the month, day and time of travel. It is best advised to first compare flight prices on various websites across a whole month. This will allow you to see the cheapest days to fly, saving a potential packet. Some of the cheapest days to fly to Chicago are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. However, avoiding the weekends can make a huge impact on the prices of flights. The cheapest time to book Chicago flights is usually the time when most of the travelers don’t want to fly; dawn flights, flights during the late evening and overnights or red-eyes.

Travel in Low Season

If you plan to save on Chicago flights, prefer traveling off-season as at that time you are sure to find better bargains. Chicago is a quite popular destination round the year; however it can be cheaper during the frigid winter months, and especially before and after the Christmas/New Year’s holidays. During this time of the year, flights to Chicago are much cheaper and the destination is a lot less crowded.

Fly Indirect

If you are looking for cheap Chicago flights then it certainly means that money is more important than time. Here, consider a flight with a stop-over or multiple stops as they are often a far cheaper option.

Mix and Match Your Flights

Using the 'flexible' search tool offered by various fare comparison websites, you can easily mix and match the airlines to find the cheapest price available in the market. You may even save significant amount by flying out and back with different airlines and airports. No wonder, taking flights from less popular airports helps in netting cheap airline tickets.

Food Onboard

These days a plethora of international airlines charge for the food they serve onboard. So in order to save yourself a great fortune, you may take your own snacks along instead of buying them on the plane or in the airport.

Checkout the Fees Calculator

No matter what all additional services you may require from your airline on the way to Chicago airline flights, just be sure to check out the Fees Calculator offered by numerous airlines that allow you to have a detailed visual breakdown of all the associated costs and charges.

Use the 'codeshare' Trick

'Codesharing' is undoubtedly a great way to get a flight with that airline via another one. It is actually an airline’s buddy up to sell seats on each other's flights. The prices are most of the times different for each of the airlines and all the codesharing flights are included in comparison site results only. Saving on Chicago flights become much easier with codesharing!

Visiting New Zealand during winters

Just after the arrival of winters in June, the North and South islands of New Zealand experience a huge influx of global travelers. And most of these travelers are winter enthusiasts who wish to enjoy the numerous winter offerings of this adventurous country. Spectacular natural retreats, snowy landscapes and thrilling wildlife are few of the many things that are sure to entertain the guests. Also, skiing down the slopes and a hike along the empty trails are a great way of entertainment. Then there is the Queenstown Winter Festival, one of the most popular winter events, which catch attention of thousands of vacationers. Here is a quick rundown of the top winter charms of New Zealand.

Snowboarding and Skiing in the Alps

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Home to the Southern Alps, New Zealand promises one of the most thrilling and exciting snowboarding and skiing experiences across the globe. People interested in indulging in the activity may take snowboarding gear on hire and take help from experienced instructors to learn few good lessons. You may choose from a plethora of ski destinations including Queenstown, Coronet peak and Treble Cone.

Abel Tasman National Park

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This New Zealand attraction ranks high among the travel itineraries of vacationers who love exploring the nature. This popular coastal national park allows immense opportunities for various water sports, sky diving, trail walking and day trips. The best way to spend time here is by soaking up the sun during the day time and lying under the night sky to admire the unmatched grandeur of the place. Numerous boating companies even offer single day or multi day tours of the entire park.

Train Journey with the TranzAlpine Express

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A vacation to New Zealand is just incomplete without a guided tour of the beautiful landscapes of the kiwi nation. And the best way to do is aboard the popular TranzAlpine Express, one of best trains that take its guests onboard on a beautiful winter experience while passing through the snow clad Canterbury Plains, the gushing slopes of the Alps, and the twisty rivers. The train operates each day between Christchurch and Greymouth and it takes 5 hours to complete the entire journey with refreshment offered in between.

Queenstown Winter Festival (24th June to 3rd July)

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Queenstown plays host to one of the best winter festivals of the southern hemisphere with lights, sound, music and fireworks in the end of June. The colorful opening ceremony of the festival is marked by massive fireworks followed by an amalgamation of other exciting fun filled activities like comedy shows, live street music, street parties and mountain races. The festival is all about celebrating Queenstown’s distinct culture and traditions with pomp and grandeur.