Are you making plans to visit Chicago? Are you wondering if is Chicago safe? Wondering how being a solo traveler, it is important to be aware and integrate your safety precautions before you visit the bustling streets and neighborhood solo!
Let me share with you some of my experiences which I really enjoyed. You have to prioritize your safety before you do anything! Acquiring experience is important however, it is significant that you should learn about some of the safest places to stay and visit safe places to eat and visit.
Is Chicago Safe? Question as a Solo Female Traveler!
A fantastic destination, Chicago has repeatedly been identified as a safe location for travelers. When you question about exploring places in Chicago solo, you need some safety tips that will help you make a successful vacation plan. Afterall, you are going to one of the exotic places to travel!
The vibrant city of Chicago is quite accessible with excellent public transportation. If I share my personal experience, I love traveling alone and when I went on a vacation to Chicago, I realized that the public transportation system is so easy to navigate, that it was a breeze for me to get around.
There are many tourist attractions, quite close to each other. Planning and creating cluster location trips is both affordable and safe for a solo female traveler. Let me share with you some of the things to do, top restaurants, top places for accommodations and others while being safe.
Safety Tips for Solo Female Traveler!
When you are traveling, the first thing you need to keep in mind as a solo female traveler is your safety. It is crucial when you are traveling solo especially when you need to enjoy as well as stay safe. Please keep the following tips in mind:
Learn more about the city – You should go through maps of Chicago and familiarize yourself with the city, its streets and places. Go through the layout of Chicago, and either use mobile apps or physical maps to navigate across the city. Trust me, you will feel more confident when you know all about the city’s places, streets, routes, and places to visit.
Follow the safety guidelines – There are general safety guidelines, especially if you are traveling alone. You must stick to safety practices. A vibrant city, Chicago is safe, but you still need to be aware of the place properly to travel alone. Chicago can easily be one of the best places to travel solo female in the US.
Awareness of surroundings – You need to be aware of your surroundings, especially when it comes to keeping your things to yourself. Try to avoid deserted streets or buildings along with strangers trying to be over-friendly.
Visit the tourist-friendly areas – The city is overall a cool place to be, but there are some places where you need to be a little aware. It is better to avoid them if you are a solo female traveler. Yes, you will find security measures being taken to keep people visiting these places safe.
Things to Do in Chicago
Let me share with you some of the things to do when you visit Chicago while staying safe. If you love visiting museums, this is your chance to utilize most of your vacation time. You can visit the following places if visiting museums, and cafes and going on walks is your vibe.
Field Museum – Open from 9 am to 5 pm, this state-of-the-art museum displaces beautiful scientific artifacts, displays, and exhibits. You will also find several inventions that are displayed in this museum. Furthermore, you get to see the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the largest display in the world!
Millennium Park – Open from 6 am to 11 pm, sprawled across 24.5 acres of green, there is an outdoor theater. Furthermore, you can take memorable pictures in front of the reflective “Bean” structure. This is one of the best places to travel with kids if you are traveling with your family!
The Art Institute of Chicago – Open from 11 am to 8 pm, this museum is known worldwide. It has exhibits that are collected from all over the world across many centuries.
Lincoln Park Zoo – Open from 10 am to 5 pm, this zoo is small. However, their exhibit is quite good as you get to see primates, reptiles, lions, and other animals free of cost. There is also a children’s area along with a very interactive farm exhibit.
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
– Open from 9:30 am to 4 pm, this sprawling space is filled with industrial exhibits and child-friendly scientific exhibits that are quite informative.
Riverwalk – You can visit this place between 6 am to 11 pm. A pedestrian path along the riverside offers you beautiful city views. If you are solo traveling, it is a perfect place for dining with a lucrative view. You can also check out the bridges, boat docks, and fishing piers!
Top Restaurants and Bars to Visit
I am a foodie, so I love checking out places that offer delicious food along with a variety of options. Chicago offers you delicious food especially for people who are solo traveling. The experience is both enigmatic and beautiful.
The Longroom – If you are a beer enthusiast, this is the perfect place to try delicious craft beers. The vibe is great while the pub fare is not that expensive so, as a solo experience, it is perfect.
– The innovative cuisine is the selling point of the restaurant so, every time you visit the place, you get to eat something exciting and new. Visiting this place is the perfect way to experience the developing culinary scene of Chicago.
– The Italian restaurant is quite charming serving a cozy environment with delicious dishes. If you are looking for an authentic trattoria, this is it for you. Try their fritto misto, Nutella calzone, carbonara and Margherita Pizza and others.
– Giving you the perfect rooftop vibe, the pub is located high above the city offering stunning skylines. You will get the perfect feel for solo dining with delicious and mesmerizing food dishes.
– The deep-dish pizza, Lou Malnati is a popular Chicago classic! You must try this if you want to experience Chicago-style pizza thus, feel the authenticity.
– If you are craving some Mediterranean–inspired dishes, this is the place to be! The Charcuterie is to die for. Starting for delicious cocktails, you must try their roasted bone marrow with herbs, crispy pig’s ear, grilled broccoli, Spanish octopus, and others.
Best Neighborhood for Booking Your Accommodations
If you are planning to visit Chicago, let me suggest some of the coolest and safest neighborhoods creating the perfect environment for your solo travel. When booking your accommodations, let me share with you some of the places known for various things!
If you want to shop in Chicago, the best neighborhood to stay is around the North Side. You must visit the Magnificent Mile which is vibrant and filled with charming elements all around. There are several stores, both high-end brands, unique flagship outlets, and street styles!
You also need to consider visiting near historic water tower and the John Hancock Center. Overall, it brings to the forefront the rich history of Chicago. A perfect mix of cultural exploration and retail therapy thus, providing a perfect place for your solo self to shop.
If you are planning to party, another place in Chicago to offer you vibrant nightlight is River North. Popular for eclectic bars, vibrant live music venues, and a high-energy club scene, the neighborhood exudes nocturnal life. You can visit the roof-top lounges like LondonHouse and The Godfrey Hotel!
Wrapping Up!
In conclusion, if you are wondering if is Chicago safe especially if you are a solo female traveler, plan your vacation based on the tips. Remember the safety tips I have shared along with keeping your eyes and ears open.
Comment below if you need any more information regarding creating a travel plan when visiting Chicago! Furthermore, you can also let us know if any safety tips that we have missed in this article.
Sagnika Sinha is a content writer who is passionate about writing travel vlogs, entertainment and celebrity articles and literature-based pieces. With a 4 years experience in teaching, she loves reading books. A procrastinator by nature, she loves travelling, listening to music, planting and gardening.
We’ll go on jeep safaris to explore wildlife closely. But if you want a true wildlife experience that enriches you physically, mentally, and even spiritually, then you must try bush walks.
Bush walk takes you on a walking safari to national parks that are havens for unique flora and fauna. These let you immerse into a healthier and happier community.
In this blog, we're going to tell you how a walking safari can change your life.
But First, What Is A Walking Safari?
A walking safari takes you on less-traveled paths, bringing you the most authentic safari experience. On your journey, you’ll experience many things that are easy to miss on a vehicle.
Instead of simply gazing at animals and vegetation, you can examine these wildlife entities closely. You get the opportunity to track the footprints of animals on the ground. Watch lovely beetles roll the dung and hear birds singing melodically.
If you happen to be in South Africa, you're in luck. The land has a lot to offer for bushwalkers. You typically start in the morning.
Some walking safari camps also run in the afternoon. But if you’re after an incredible experience, then head out at the crack of dawn. At this time of the day, animals are most active, and the crisp morning air simply touches your soul.
Walking becomes even easier during the African dry winter, mainly because of low temperatures and humidity. Also, dry vegetation increases your chance of spotting animals. So, it’s the best time to go on bush walks in South Africa.
Top Reasons To Book A Bush Walk:
While there are many reasons to book a bush walk, key benefits are:
1. Connect with Nature
You don't need to confide in a vehicle. Instead, you can walk on foot and have an intimate experience with the wild. You’ll get to see lots of fascinating animals, soaking your eyes in their incredible beauty.
You can see, smell and feel things around you. It’s not possible to experience this from a distance. All in all, a safari on foot lets you connect with nature on different levels.
2. See Finer Details
While exploring the African bush on a walking safari, you'll be able to discover every single detail of your surroundings. These include plants, animals, birds, insects, and even some wonderful landscapes.
So, you'll be able to slowly absorb your surroundings so that you can easily drive straight passed while driving a vehicle.
3. Learn a New Skill
In addition, you’ll learn a new skill, that is, tracking. Your tour guide to bush walk will teach you to read tracks in the sand and successfully follow animals.
This wonderful skill will improve your overall wildlife experience in the bush. You may spot wild giraffes, wild elephants, and hippos playing in the woods.
By going on a walking safari in African woods or national parks, you can expect a lot of immersive experiences. You can travel solo, with your family, friends, or in a group of other travelers.
So, book a bush walk tour in South Africa.
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Which Is The Best Time To Visit Sikkim? – Travel Guide
Sikkim is a state in northeastern India, bordered by Bhutan to the east, Tibet to the north, and Nepal to the west. It is the second smallest state in India but is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse landscape, which includes the Himalayas, rolling hills, and lush forests. Some of the popular tourist destinations in Sikkim include the capital city of Gangtok, which is known for its vibrant street markets, delicious street food, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Other popular destinations include the famous Nathula Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the surrounding landscapes, and the Tsomgo Lake, a high-altitude glacial lake surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Sikkim is also home to a number of historic monasteries and temples, including the Rumtek Monastery, one of the largest and most important monasteries in the region, and the famous Tashiding Monastery, which is considered one of the holiest sites in Sikkim. Overall, Sikkim is a must-visit destination on Northeast tour packages for those interested in natural beauty, culture, and history, and offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to the region.
Gurudongmar
Gurudongmar Lake is a high-altitude freshwater lake located in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. It is one of the highest lakes in the world and is considered to be one of the most sacred sites in the region by both Hindus and Buddhists.
The lake is located at an altitude of over 17,000 feet and is surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Himalayas. Despite its high altitude and harsh climate, the lake remains a popular destination for both tourists and pilgrims, who come to experience its natural beauty and spiritual significance. Gurudongmar Lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava, a revered Tibetan Buddhist saint who is said to have blessed the lake and made its waters holy.
According to local legend, the lake never freezes, even in the harshest of winters, due to the blessing of Guru Padmasambhava. Visitors to the lake can take a challenging but rewarding trek through the mountains to reach the lake, or they can take a drive along a rough road to reach the lake's shores. Regardless of how they reach it, the lake offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and is a must-visit destination on Northeast tour packages for those interested in natural beauty and spirituality.
Yumthang Valley
The Yumthang Valley is a stunning mountain valley located in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. It is known for its incredible natural beauty and is often referred to as the "Valley of Flowers" due to its lush and colorful landscape. The Yumthang Valley is situated at an altitude of over 11,000 feet and is surrounded by the towering peaks of the Himalayas.
During the spring and summer months, the valley is blanketed in a vibrant carpet of wildflowers, including rhododendrons, primulas, and poppies, making it a truly awe-inspiring sight.
The valley is also home to the Yumthang Hot Springs, which are believed to have healing properties and are popular among visitors for their therapeutic benefits. Additionally, the valley offers a variety of outdoor activities, including trekking, hiking, and horseback riding, making it a popular destination for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts on Sikkim tour packages. Overall, the Yumthang Valley is a must-visit destination for those interested in natural beauty and is a truly unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to Sikkim.
Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a research center and museum located in the city of Gangtok in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. It is dedicated to the study and preservation of Tibetan culture, religion, and history, and is considered one of the leading institutions of its kind in the world.
Founded in 1958, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is home to a vast collection of Tibetan manuscripts, artifacts, and works of art, including ancient texts, religious objects, and rare manuscripts. The museum also houses a large collection of Tibetan religious masks, sculptures, and paintings, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in Tibetan art and culture.
In addition to its museum, the institute also operates a library and research center, which is dedicated to the study of Tibetan culture, religion, and history. The library is considered one of the most comprehensive collections of Tibetan literature and is an important resource for scholars and researchers from around the world.
Visitors to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology can take a guided tour of the museum and view the incredible collection of artifacts, as well as attend lectures and workshops on Tibetan culture and history. Overall, the institute is a fascinating destination that offers a unique glimpse into the rich culture and history of Tibet and is a must-visit destination for those interested in the region.
Zuluk
Zuluk is a small village located in the Eastern Himalayas in the Indian state of Sikkim. It is situated at an altitude of around 10,000 feet and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rolling hills.
Zuluk is becoming a popular destination among tourists and adventure-seekers, thanks to its unique location and breathtaking scenery. The village is located on a historic trade route that was once used by traders traveling between Tibet and India, and its winding roads offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.
One of the main attractions in Zuluk is the Zuluk Loop, a stunning mountain road that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The loop is a popular destination for road trips, and visitors can take a drive through the mountains to experience the incredible scenery and views of the Himalayas.
Zuluk is also home to a number of historic monasteries and temples, including the Tukla Monastery, which is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the region. Visitors can attend prayer ceremonies and learn about the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the area. Overall, Zuluk is a must-visit destination for those interested in natural beauty, culture, and history, and offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for visitors to the region.
Do-Drul Chorten
Do-Drul Chorten, also known as the Stupa of Reality, is a Buddhist stupa located in the city of Gangtok in the northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. It is one of the most important religious and cultural landmarks in the region and is considered a sacred site by the local Buddhist community.
The Do-Drul Chorten was built in 1945 by the head of the Nyingma order of Tibetan Buddhism and is considered one of the most important centers of Buddhism in Sikkim. The stupa is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels, which are turned by visitors as a form of meditation and prayer. The Do-Drul Chorten is also home to a number of Buddhist shrines and statues, including images of the Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, and other important figures in Buddhist history.
Visitors can attend prayer ceremonies and learn about the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the area. Overall, the Do-Drul Chorten is a must-visit destination for those interested in Buddhism and the culture of the region and offers a unique and fascinating glimpse into the spiritual beliefs of the local community. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or simply interested in the rich history and culture of the region, a visit to the Do-Drul Chorten is sure to be a memorable and enriching experience.
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Planning to visit a new country from the USA and don’t have a passport? Don’t worry, as the places to travel without a passport from the USA await you with natural wonders, hiking expeditions, and more!
You can have Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and many other destinations in American Overseas Territories on your wishlist. You just need to check on the documents and ID proof you need to fly to these wonderful travel sites.
Here is a list I have curated, and you can always add your favorite countries or places to travel to without a passport from the USA.
These Are The Best Places To Travel Without A Passport From The USA
Last-minute trips are great, especially when you don’t need to worry about getting or renewing a passport.
Further, with passport worries gone, you can focus more on getting your itinerary right and budgeting.
So, pack your bags and fly to any of the following destinations.
1. Puerto Rico
Best Time to Visit: December to April
This Caribbean island is one of the best places to travel without a passport from the USA. It exudes the quintessential vibe of the Latin American culture, and it is the largest US territory.
Traveling to Puerto Rico is easy as you will get a daily flight to San Juan from almost all major airports in the USA.
With easy access from the USA, Puerto Rico also offers many natural wonders and activities to do. Culebra and Vieques are the best islands to explore. Further, for some adrenaline rush, you can participate in surfing in Rincon.
However, the most fascinating water activity here is paddling atop bioluminescent bays. Laguna Grande, Mosquito Bay, and La Parguera are the spots where you can try this activity.
The other attractions in Puerto Rico are the El Yunque tropical rainforest and the Spanish fortification of El Morro. You must not also miss the scenic waterfalls in Puerto Rico.
2. Northern Mariana Islands
Best Time to Visit: January to December
One of the most exotic places to travel around the world, the Northern Mariana Islands is a tropical paradise where the sea and the mountains meet.
The Northern Mariana Islands look like a small string in the Pacific Ocean, and it is the best for watersports activities like kayaking, sailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Furthermore, the Northern Mariana Islands are a hub of the Polynesian culture. This location once witnessed the brutal activities of World War II. So, you will come across many war memorials here.
The Saipan Memorial in the American Memorial Park is the most prominent war memorial in the Northern Mariana Islands. Further, the American Memorial Park commemorates “the American and Marianas dead in the Marianas Campaign of World War II.”
3. St. Croix Island
Best Time to Visit: December to May
St. Croix Island, a US territory, exudes the true Caribbean spirit. A part of the British Virgin Islands, St. Croix has a dash of history due to the presence of the sundial monument. However, tourists find its beaches and lush forests more intriguing.
It also has some cool golf courses and resorts. Moreover, St. Croix Island offers the best food tourism experience with fine dining restaurants like Ama Cane Bay, Hamilton’s, Duggan’s Reef, etc.
4. St. Thomas Island
Best Time to Visit: December to February
St. Thomas Island has some of the coolest beaches in the British Virgin Islands. Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular water activities here. You can also enjoy the vibrant nightlife here.
ARC Boutique Restaurant & Gallery, Taphus Beer House, Starz Nightclub, and Dog House Pub are some of the coolest destinations on St. Thomas Island, where you can enjoy the most happening nightlife.
5. The Bahamas
Best Time to Visit: November to April
Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, this large archipelago nation bustles with its ship cruise ports. However, its beaches are pristine, allowing you to spend the most tranquil holiday here.
You reach the Bahamas, one of the best places to travel without a passport from the USA, through a cruise from Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
The long coastline of the Bahamas will allow you to have the best interactions with coral reefs, mangroves, and sandy beaches.
6. The Dominican Republic
Best Time to Visit: December to April
The Dominican Republic is an amazing place to explore the best Spanish architecture, and its white sandy beaches make it one of the most exotic destinations in the world.
If you take cruises from the USA, they will stop at Punta Cana or Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo has Alcazar de Colon and other impressive sites that speak of Spanish colonial history.
Punta Cana, on the other hand, will charm you with turquoise water and its serene beaches.
7. The Cayman Islands
Best Time to Visit: March to June
Cayman Island is one of the best places to travel without a passport from the USA when one is on a closed-loop cruise. The cruise stops at George Town, the cruise port of this island nation.
With pristine waters, George Town is the hub of many water activities, and you will also find many endangered animals, including the Georgetown Salamander.
The ocean activities include snorkeling, paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, and fishing.
8. Honduras
Best Time to Visit: December to April
Diving in Roatan will be the biggest highlight of your trip to Honduras from the USA. You can take a closed-loop cruise from South Florida to reach Honduras.
Honduras is also home to the Mesoamerican Reef. It is the second-longest reef barrier system in the world.
9. Turks and Caicos
Best Time to Visit: February to April
On the south of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos will win your heart with its wonderful beaches. The clear water of this British Territory is one of the best in the world, and you can participate in the most thrilling snorkeling and diving activities here.
Furthermore, exploring the secluded shores of the Grand Turk is an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime.
10. Hawaii
Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October
You just need a government-issued ID for the beautiful island of Hawaii, the 50th state in the USA. You will get a vibe of the Polynesian culture in Hawaii, and the volcanoes on the Big Island are great sites for geological wonders.
Moreover, you can surf in Maui to make your vacation in Hawaii more exciting.
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