General Chicago Information

• OEMC Twitter/X - Stay up to date on the latest news and traffic jams

• Chicago Transit Authority - Plan your public transit journey, Track the "El" and busses

• OEMC Chicago App - Emergency Preparedness at your fingertips for Chicagoans (and visitors)

• WeatherChannel - Check out our post on the Weather Channel app! Add Chicago as your location to receive severe weather alerts.

Bedtimes can be tough, but a good book can help us all wind down. Does calling home make things a little bit harder? Perhaps you might try leaving a recorded story (Voice Notes work, and you can upload to private YouTube channels). There are also kid-friendly devices such as the Toniebox, a screen-free digital listening device that reads pre-recorded—or personally recorded—stories, which let kids listen to stories anytime, anywhere!

1. Consider joining a local yoga studio (or other fitness center) that offers punch cards.

2. Sign up for a national subscription that you can use on the road (at least one HMH teammate swears by Massage Envy!).

3. Return to the same coffee shop and restaurant to feel like a local.

4. Look for In Airport Running Challenges.

But, Game Pigeon is a better option. It is built into iPhone texting and let's me send them a two-player game challenge like Connect Four or archery. We then play/text back and forth until one of us wins! Then, usually, my kiddo sends me a new game and we start again!

Hilton Honors: Unlock your stay with the Hilton Honors App.

Marriott Bonvoy: Start your journey with the Marriott Bonvoy App.

Best Hotel Reward Programs

Best Value Hotel Rewards Programs

Google Maps: Use Google Maps Offline when driving in rural locations. You can use this with both Android and iPhone.

Waze: Consider using Waze to navigate around traffic delays and road work.

Time Zone Differences: What time zone is your school district in? Adjust your schedule to accommodate any time changes.

Weather: What will the weather be like while you’re there? Use the forecast to guide your packing.

Traffic Conditions: What are the typical traffic patterns? Plan your timing and route to avoid delays. Set a calendar alert to remind you of your departure time.

Major Events: What events are happening while you’re in town? With that knowledge, you may want to avoid certain areas or lean in to the activities in your off-work hours!

Avis

Budget

Share your most memorable company winter travel experiences with us—a travel mishap that turned into a funny story, a successful trip despite the weather, or a winter work event that left a lasting impression. 

This year, on a trip back to Fairbanks, we decided to use our lunch break to visit sled dogs. What a joy to ride a dog sled through the beautiful terrain!

My advice is to go out and seek adventure while you’re on the road. Be smart, be safe, and make plans within reason, but seek adventure.

• Stay Informed: Check weather forecasts frequently, especially 24–48 hours before your trip, to avoid delays or cancellations.

• Adjust Flight Schedules: If your flight is delayed or canceled, work with your airline or travel management provider for alternatives. Notify your manager and team of any schedule changes.

• Dress Warmly: Wear layers and bring essentials like gloves, scarves, hats, and waterproof footwear. If driving, keep a winter emergency kit in your car (blanket, water, snacks, flashlight).

• Communicate Changes: Inform your supervisor and the travel department of any travel disruptions to ensure support and updated team schedules.