How to get a new passport in under 24 hours

So your dog ate your passport?  This may be the oldest excuse in the book, but getting a new passport quick can be stressful.  A week before my trip to Europe in May I realized that I was out of blank pages. After some quick Googling, I realized that for most of the countries that I was traveling to required at least two blank passport pages to enter. Even though the blank pages rule is not always strictly enforced, I didn’t want to risk it.  

The quickest way to get a new passport is to go to one of the twenty-six regional Passport Agencies.  To go to the agency I highly recommend booking an appointment in advance.  From my experience in Chicago, the agency prioritized appointment holders even if when they arrived extra early.  To be eligible to get your passport from a Passport Agency you need to be traveling internationally within two weeks or need a foreign visa within four weeks.  

So now that you have your appointment booked get your paperwork together.  First, you will need new passport photos and proof of travel (I printed my hotel and flight confirmations).  To avoid paying $14.99 at Walgreens for a less than stellar photo I recommend having a friend take your picture against a white wall. Make sure you follow the US Government’s passport photo criteria. You can print the photos out on wallet-size prints at Walgreens for a couple of dollars and cut out the photo down to the appropriate size. 

Next, fill out the appropriate passport paperwork and make sure you sign it.  If you need help determining what paperwork you need, check the Travel.State.Gov website.  Finally, check the Passport Agency website to make sure that you have the correct identification sources. The identification you will need depends on if your passport is a renewal or replacing a lost/damaged/expired passport.

After your appointment is booked & forms are filled out the hard part is over.  I arrived about thirty minutes early to my appointment and the agency got me in right away.  The agents asked me for proof of travel and determined how quickly I would get my passport based off of how soon I was traveling.  Overall I spent about 20 minutes in the Passport Agency in the morning and by 4 PM that same day, my new passport was ready to be picked up.  

Getting a new passport can be stressful, but luckily the process at the Passport Agency is easy.

x smack

How to have a conflict free vacation

Travel is such an incredible experience, and nothing is better than sharing that experience with other people. I've traveled in all sorts of group formats - with my sister, my mom, groups of friends, friends of friends, and roommates. Each trip had its own unique set of challenges. For example, my mom LOVES to talk about feelings, me not so much. I walk everywhere, and she gets tired easier and has back issues. I've had both good & bad trips with my mom and what we've learned works for us is to leave the feelings talks back in Wisconsin and take transit or Uber if one of us is getting tired of walking.

I've written previously about how to plan a group trip and pick travel companions, but what happens when you’re traveling, and things start to go wrong? You can't just leave your mom at the airport and continue without her. Travel is difficult, it's not always perfect, and everyone handles that stress differently. Understanding this is key to coping with whatever gets thrown at you.

My biggest piece of advice is to level set before you start traveling. Do you have something that is guaranteed to upset you? I know for me I am always hangry after a long flight. On my end, I pack snacks, but I also level set with my travel companions that I need to know where that first meal will be. Another challenging but critical topic to discuss is how much money you are willing to spend. Misaligned expectations on finances can lead to some tense moments on a trip. Be upfront on what you want to pay for accommodations, transportation, meals, and if there is anything that you feel is splurge-worthy.

So you're on the trip, and things start to go wrong. Someone feels sick. Someone said something hurtful. Someone wants to spend an uncomfortable amount of money on an expensive meal. The list goes on and on, but no matter what it is the only way to resolve things is to talk about it. I was recently traveling with my sister Emily. When we were in Riga, Emily started to feel ill and did not say something about it to me right away. Long story short, she got irritated with me, but once we talked through how she was feeling the day went much smoother.

Although most tricky travel situations can be resolved through good old fashioned honesty, there are always going to be those cases where you can do nothing. I think the hardest trips to take are with friends and their friends. You never know what the group demographic is going to be like. When I'm on a vacation that isn't going steller with people that I don't know well I find the best way to make the best out of a bad situation is to find me time. Wake up early & take a walk. Temporarily break off from the group if there is something that you really want to do. Do what you need to do to maintain your sanity & and do your best to enjoy the trip.

The person (or people) that you choose to travel with can make or break your vacation and how you handle situations when they aren't going perfect determines if you have a great or terrible time. It's easy to get caught up in the moment when you're traveling, but you can mitigate the chaotic unknowns of travel by being upfront, honest, and understanding your limitations.

x smack

Chicago's Best Happy Hours because #PATIOSEASON

The frigid Chicago winter leaves all of us questioning our choice to settle in the Arctic of the Midwest. That is until the first signs of spring appear and we find ourselves attempting to sunbathe in 60-degree weather (or is that just me?). What better way to celebrate the coming of a new season and, naturally, perfect day drinking weather than with a list of my favorite spots to hit up after work.

So you like fresh air?

Boleo | The Loop

Boleo is located in the center of the Loop and has a retractable glass ceiling which makes this the perfect spot to grab an after-work cocktail throughout the year. Boleo’s pisco sours and disco punch paired with mouthwatering anticucho specials make it one of my favorite spots on this list.

Happy hour deals Wednesday-Friday from 4:30-7pm.

Cabra (Hoxton Hotel Rooftop) | West Loop

Cabra is one of Chicago’s newest additions, and I already have high hopes for this rising star. If the expertly curated Latin playlist doesn’t win your heart, Cabra boasts an entire menu of dangerously smooth pisco sours which are sure to make you swoon.

Waydown (Ace Hotel Rooftop) | West Loop

What can I say? I have a thing for rooftops and glorious views of my favorite city. In addition to a great location, Waydown also has fantastic bartenders who can always whip up the perfect drink to match your cravings.

Varying weekday deals.

Beatnik on the River | The Loop

Inside or out Beatnik on the River is a charming place to unwind at the end of a hectic day. My favorite happy hour snack here is baba ghanoush with French fries. It may sound like an odd combination, but don't knock it till you've tried it.

Cindy’s | The Loop

Basic? Yes, I know. However, the basic b*tches have this one figured out. Great view, good booze, and you have your pick of food and drinking venues to stumble upon once you’ve taken your Instagram of the bean. If you need me I’ll be in the Game Room eating loaded tots editing my selfie. (Kidding. No one takes selfies anymore.)

Devereaux (Somerset Hotel Rooftop) | Gold Coast

A little party never killed nobody and the Somerset Hotel truly embraces this ideology with their progressive happy hour. The party starts at Somerset restaurant from 4-5:30pm and moves to their rooftop, the Deveraux from 5:30-7pm Mondays through Fridays.

Happy hour deals Monday-Friday 4-7pm.

Mad Social | West Loop

Indoors or out Mad Social has you covered with awesome food and a lively (but not obnoxious) atmosphere that provides the perfect spot to end the day.

Varying weekday deals.

Queen Mary | Wicker Park

There are few things I appreciate more than a good pub and having grown up on a lake I adore the nautical vibe of this charming place. If the “Navy Strength Old Fashioned” doesn’t have you hopping in an Uber how about Tuesday Movie Nights? Watch your favorite classics paired with themed cocktail specials.

Oyster Happy Hour Sunday-Monday from 5-7pm.

If it’s raining or you simply prefer a dark corner to the sun.

Franklin Room | River North

Sun or no sun, I would happily spend my evening here. The best happy hours have great food and lots of whiskey - and trust me, Franklin Room has no shortage of either.

Everyday deals! Happy hour starts at 5 pm Monday-Saturday.

Good Measure | River North

Good Measure is a new bar in River North with deliciously creative spins on classic cocktails and great food. This place has a great divey vibe with killer aesthetics.  

Happy hour deals Monday-Friday from 4-6pm.

Pink Taco | River North

There is truly nothing better to quench the warm weather margarita cravings than a burnt orange margarita and Taco Tuesday deals from Pink Taco.

Happy hour deals Monday-Friday from 4-7pm.

The Press Room | West Loop

Deals of the night including half off cheese and charcuterie boards and half off whiskey pours. What else could a girl ask for?

Varying weekday deals.

Violet Hour | Wicker Park

So you had a rough day? No better way to cure that than with “Absinthe Happy Hour.” Please try to drink responsibly...

Happy hour deals Monday-Thursday 6-8pm.

Summer Specials
Chicago summers are embraced by all the city residents, including some of it’s most spectacular institutions.

MCA | Streeterville

Tuesdays on the MCA terrace are filled with jazz music and great food. Entrance is free for all.

Marisol, MCA’s in-house eatery, also boasts happy hour specials Tuesday-Friday from 4-6pm.

Shedd Aquarium | South Loop

Jazzin’ at the Shedd has become a well-known and much-loved tradition. After all, who doesn't love to drink like a fish with the fish? Admission is $19.95 for Chicago residents, $24.95 for non-residents, and free for members. We recommend buying your tickets in advance.

Cheers

Em

*This list is subject to updates.