Hey! Just in case you missed it, the first travel challenge was posted at Deseret News yesterday. I’ll give you a hint, it was long, used a lot of gas money and gave me a migraine.

This year we have partnered with Deseret News to take on 12 Travel Challenges in 2012. We added another member to our family last year and decided not to let it stop us from what we enjoy. So we created 12 challenges that we must do this year with two small children along for the ride. It would be a lie to say I’m not nervous but I’m also excited. The experiences will be on Deseret News but tips and reviews will be here for you all to read. Hope you enjoy and write your own list of travel challenges too!

Follow our updates on twitter too! @HilaryeTravels @ReidTravels @TheBabyTravels

I often get asked when is the best time to book a cruise by readers for cheap cruises. The answer varies by the person and their needs but unless you are traveling with a group or have a specific itinerary or date, I always suggest waiting for wave season or booking right when they release an itinerary. Wave Season is a magical time between January and March (hmmm usually when people are receiving tax returns) where cruise lines and travel agents can offer the very best in promotions and prices. Seriously, it’s the time when you can get the best deals particulary on sailings in the next year. We are talking free perks such as onboard credit and upgrades! It’s unlikely you will find a better deal on price any other time of year.

It’s also a time where many people are looking to buy cruises because of the dreary winter weather and the need to get some sun! It’s the most popular time of year to purchase a cruise vacation. I can’t think of a more fabulous way to spend my tax return. The best way to get a good deal is talk to a travel agent specialiizing in cruises or sign up for your favorite cruiseline’s email alerts. Have a cruise coming up? Tell us about it! We are going on a mediterannean cruise in October!

A few months ago I visited Chicago with my good friend. It was a spontaneous weekend and being that we didn’t have much planned we just saw the sights as we wandered the city. Here are a few places we ate at, some were recommendations and some we just wandered into. These are the places that you have to try when you visit the windy city.

Portillo’s

What started as a hot dog trailer 1963 is one of Chicago’s landmarks. They’re all over the midwest now and even have location in Buena Park, CA. At Portillo’s they have all of the Chicago style dogs and sandwiches. My favorite is the Italian Sausage/Italian Beef combo with hot peppers, you can’t go wrong there. For desert, try a chocolate cake shake. A delightful shake that really has a piece of cake blended in.

Gino’s East

I’m not sure who in Chicago makes the best deep dish, everyone seems to have their favorites. We hit up Gino’s because not only had we heard good things, it was really close to our hotel. It was awesome! Chicago style deep dish is like no other, you’ll have to try it for yourself!

Gino's East - Deep Dish Pie

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I love that Christmas is just around the corner. The air is filled with hope and happiness. It seems everyone get’s a little extra spring in his or her step this time of year.

It’s fun to shop for my family, especially BabyTravels who is two and loving this time of year for the first time in her little life. She loves Christmas trees and lights and of course the plethora of treats and fun activities. The other day as I was helping her to write her letter to Santa I began to think of what my Christmas wishlist was this year. And of course the first thoughts that came to my mind were of lavish trips and vacations.

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