There is no need to pack a suit case and wait in never ending security lines at O’Hare. You can be transported any where across the globe by means of your dinner table in under 30 minutes. We have compiled simple & authentic recipes that will allow you to have a make-shift vacay any day of the week.

Happy Travels!

Poland: Pierogi & Sauerkraut Bake

Indonesia: Peanut Shrimp

Puglia, Italy: Tuna & Artichoke Pasta Salad

Vienna, Austria: Weiner Schnitzel

Brazil: Roast Pork Loin

Caribbean: Cuban Pressed Sandwich

Portugal: Kale & Potato Soup

(Kristin Hamzik)

Getting sick of popped collars and big ten boys? Feeling down about the lack of culture in your life (and the dangerously low balance in your bank account)? There’s really no substitution for sipping margaritas on the beach in Puerto Vallarta or meeting a hot grad student on a Greek island (Sisterhood of The Travelling Pants anyone?).

Lucky for you, Chicago boasts numerous neighborhoods that can whisk you away to another country for nothing more than a $2.00 bus ride. Next time you’re yearning to get away for a day (or even a few hours) check out some of these hoods:

Chinatown: It’s the 3rd largest Chinatown in the U.S. Check out Chinatown Square or walk around Ping Tom Memorial Park. There are a ton of family owned storefront shops where you can find unique gifts and decorations.

Then of course there’s the food. Try Shui Wah (2162 S. Archer) if you’re interested in nibbling on some dim sum. Hungrier? Lao Sze Chuan (2172 S. Archer) is one of our favorites as well.

Ukranian Village: The neighborhood located south of Wicker Park is home to not only the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, but also the Ukrainian National Museum. If you want to make a day of it, stop by Willow (908 N. Damen) or www.shopwillow.net , for really cool home decorations, furnishings, and accessories. We especially like their line of eco-friendly “rehabilitated” dinnerware.

Afterwards, get classy, and fed, at High Dive (1938 W. Chicago). For around $10 you can nosh on some pretty delicious eats. We hear the ahi tacos are really good. Another good spot to hit later in the night? The DarkRoom Bar (2210 W. Chicago) isn’t your typical watering hole. This unique venue features work from different local photographers, and also hosts concerts and DJ’s later in the night.

Pilsen: Originally inhabited by German and Irish railroad workers, Pilsen is now home to the largest Mexican-American population in the city.

Be sure to check out the National Museum of Mexican Art for some culture. For a cheap draft, check out Skylark (2149 S. Halsted) or El Gato Boracho (1724 S. Halsted) for a little fiesta.

(Lindsey Duda)

So your tickets are booked, your hotel reservations are made and your car rental is secured. The rest should be breezy, right? Wrong! Sometimes packing for a trip can be the most stressful part! It is no easy task trying to predict what you are going to feel like wearing 5 days from now…let alone what the weather will bring you. You also have to take into account the recent add-on fees that airlines are charging if you check more than 1 piece of luggage.

At PLRG, we like to think of packing as a “Style Challenge” (read: how many looks you can get out of the least amount of clothing). Here are some tips on how to pack less without sacrificing your chic style:

Be Schematic

Instead of packing by outfits, pack by color scheme. For a long weeked trip, a good rule of thumb is to choose 2 color schemes so that you can mix and match your pieces. According to BudgetTravel.com, the “Big Rule” of packing is not to pack anything unless it goes with at least two other pieces.

Be Neutral

Well, at least half-way. Focus on packing neutrals for either tops or bottoms. For example, if you pack neutral bottoms (think dark jeans, black skirt and grey trousers) you can mix-and-match patterned tops and make more than 3 outfits that look totally unique.

Be Strategic

Use jewelry and/or accessories to dress your outfit up or down. Dangly earrings and a clutch with a pop of color can take your day outfit into the night so you don’t have to pack an entirely new ensemble. Also be strategic in your actual packing space. If you are traveling somewhere cold, wear your bulkiest jacket on the plane instead of packing it and taking up more room in your suitcase.

Bonus Tips:

If you have some room to spare, pack an empty duffel bag inside your suitcase. This will give you a safety net if your suitcase exceeds the weight limit, or if you decide to do a little more shopping than planned on your trip!

Traveling to the tropics or some place humid? Throw a sheet of fabric softener in your suitcase before taking off and this will keep your clothes from becoming damp and it will absorb odors too.

To prevent wrinkles, pack your clothes in dry-cleaning bags (or large garbage bags even) and lay them on top of each other in your suitcase.

Bon Voyage!!

(Noelle Provencial)