This document outlines a potential spring break trip to Chicago from March 14-18, 2011. Key details include transportation from Lafayette, IN to Chicago via Amtrak for $43 roundtrip, and hotel options near Union Station starting at $87 per person for 4 nights. Several free and low-cost activities are suggested for the city like museums, parks, and a CityPass for $70 covering 5 attractions. The overall trip cost per person is estimated to be around $130-157 depending on the hotel.

1. SPRING BREAK 2011 – CHICAGO!!! Just do it. Press Slide Show!!!!

2. Why Chicago???? Reasons: Why the he!! not??? Don’t even think about answering that Direct transportation from Lafayette to Union Station; 3 hours and 33 minutes by Amtrak About an hour longer than driving from Purdue but without the worries of parking fees, gas or having enough space Looking to save this $pring Break??? Cheaper overall trip compared to air travel down south somewhere; transportation is relatively cheap per person If you’re looking for vacation and a little down time Trip is from Monday to Friday – four days outside of trip to relax and do whatever you want City and surrounding area is full of stuff to do (many free activities): museums, opera (college student discounts), sports teams, other attractions I haven’t been there since 6th grade

3. This is what you can expect: Coolosity Path Diagram:

4. 2011 Purdue Info Spring Break Start Date: Saturday, March 12 End Date: Sunday, March 20

5. Possible Travel Stats Trip Date: Monday, March 14th to Friday, March 18th Transportation Departure – 7 am (Monday) Amtrak Train Station – Lafayette 200 North Second Street, Lafayette, IN 47901 Return – 5:45 pm (Friday) Union Station 225 South Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60606 Ticket Prices (1 reserved coach seat) $19.00 – From Lafayette to Chicago $24.00 – From Chicago to Lafayette Travel time: 3 hours and 33 minutes 19.00 + 24.00 = $43.00

6. Possible Hotel Stats Best Western River North Hotel 125 W Ohio Street, Chicago, Illinois 60610-4203Phone: 312/467-0800 | Fax: 312/467-1665 Fun Facts: Indoor pool Minutes from Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, Sears Tower and the Water Tower 1.3 miles from Union Station (about 8 minutes) Near the Museum of Science and Industry and five miles from Soldier Field

7. Possible Hotel Stats (continued) Best Western River North Hotel Rooms (Source: Travelocity.com) Suite - 1 King and 1 Double, Nsmk, 3Rdbed Sofabed, Free Parking, 2Bedrms The Plan 4 people per room $79 per night for 4 nights Total Cost including taxes = $457.16 $114.29 / person

8. Possible Hotel Stats (continued) 2. Howard Johnson Downtown 720 NORTH LASALLE STREET CHICAGO IL US 60654 Fun Facts: Located 5 blocks from downtown Chicago Place, 900 N Michigan Shops, and the Water Tower Mall are approximately one mile from the hotel 1.3 miles from Union Station (about 8 minutes) 2 miles from Soldier Field Both hotels are relatively close

9. Possible Hotel Stats (continued) 2. Howard Johnson Downtown Rooms (Source: Travelocity.com) Standard Room With 2 Double Beds Smoking Non Refundable The Plan 4 people per room $76 per night for 4 nights Total Cost including taxes = $348.12 $87.03 / person

10. Show Me the Money!!! Trip total cost up to this point: Train tickets: 43 Hotel room costs: +87.03 or 114.29 $130.03 or $157.29