How to Find Cheap Hotels In Illinois

Famous for being the birthplace to Abraham Lincoln and the home of Chicago, Illinois is a historic state successful at housing big cities alongside quaint, country towns. Illinois is an affordable and fun destination with lots to see and discover, so get packing and ready to go!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A computer with Internet access

Familiarize Yourself with Illinois

1. Appreciate U.S. history. Illinois is proud of the many historical sites within its borders. Check out the sites related to Abraham Lincoln for a fascinating glimpse into a troubled time in the nation's history.

2. Choose your crowd. Tourism peaks during the summer months due to festivals like "On The Waterfront," the largest musical festival in Illinois. Decide what the best tourist season is for you before you book your vacation.

3. Look into the past and seek out niche museums. A state rich with history, Illinois is the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, and in 1933 it was host to the World's Fair in Chicago.

Cheap Accommodations in Illinois

4. Hit the boondocks to find discounts on lodging. Popular cities like Chicago and Springfield will have pricier lodging than a more quaint destination like Galena.

5. Investigate potential deals. Call around to Illinois motels and ask for discounts given to members of the Army or clubs like the AAA, or even to travelers willing to check in late.

6. Go back to nature to save a bundle. Illinois has an abundance of state parks, campgrounds and RV parks offering unique and rustic lodging.

7. To book accommodations, contact Illinois Bureau of Tourism at (800) 2CONNECT or visit their Web site (see Resources, below).

Sights in Illinois

8. Work on your honesty by checking out the birthplace of Honest Abe. Located in Springfield, Illinois, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the sixteenth president of the United States.

9. Step back into time by visiting the nostalgic town of Galena. With over 85 percent of the town marked as a national historic district, this quaint treasure is perfect for a history buff.

10. Get blown away by the "Windy City." One of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago is a bustling town with breathtaking architecture, cutting edge restaurants and abundant shopping.

11. Find the path to nature by seeking out the many natural resources of Illinois. Host to several lakes (including Lake Michigan), streams, forests and rolling plains, Illinois is filled with scenery that will delight and relax the most discriminating of travelers.

Tips & Warnings

• Be savvy. As some recreational parks are open in the winter, do not make reservations unless you have the proper accommodations to survive in the cold.