Our large, self-service kitchen is perfect for making a quick bowl of cereal in the morning or an elaborate 4- course meal! It has 3 stoves/ovens, 2 microwaves, 2 large refrigerators, dry pantry storage, and plenty of pots, pans and dishes for all of your cooking needs. A grocery store can be found just a 15 minute walk from the hostel. When you get back, please label your food and mark leftovers FREE when you are checking out so others can enjoy. You can eat your meal in our large dining room, overlooking the historic "L" train with other travelers. Check out Explore the Hostel for more pictures and information.

Saturdays, through September, take a free Loop Tour Train ride and learn about the area's 100-year history. Admission is free on a first-come first-served basis, and starts at the Chicago Cultural Center. Enjoy the ride!
The Museum of Contemporary Art is providing our guests with discounted entry so check out their latest exhibits while visiting Chicago. Also check out Tuesdays on the Terrace throughout the summer: free live jazz and entrance to the museum from 5:30-8pm!
Continue the World Cup fever by catching a Chicago Fire soccer game while in town. Games are played at their brand new stadium in Bridgeview, easily accessible by public transportation from the hostel.
Do you wish you could learn to dance without paying big bucks for lessons? Then Summerdance is perfect for you. Free dance lessons along with live music every Thursday-Sunday night in Grant Park's Spirit of Music Garden, just 5 minutes south of the hostel.
This summer is simply the best!

Fall will also bring so much to the city!!! Chicago offers great entertainment in the form of dance, music, food and art. The World Music Festival has 70 concerts at more than 20 venues, giving you the chance to celebrate different cultures while viewing numerous parts of Chicago. This event kicks off on September 14th and runs through September 21st. Do not miss the Great Performers of Illinois, September 6th through September 9th, at Millennium Park! These spirited performers are from all areas of Illinois and will share dance, food and storytelling in one of Chicago's most beautiful parks. Ready for a change of pace? Attend the Celtic Fest, September 16th and 17th, to experience the colorful costumes, unique dancing and interesting art of various Celtic regions. The Chicago Marathon is October 22nd. More in the next newsletter!

Already planning a trip to Chicago, Michigan Girl Scout Troop 1793 wanted to make the most out of their hostel stay – and Cultural Kitchen was just the ticket. The girls spent time learning about the culture of their chosen country, Poland, before their trip. While in Chicago this June, they took a night out of their busy schedule to cook an authentic Polish meal to share with travelers from around the world and delivered a presentation on Poland that they had created to their dinner guests. Everyone talked together about travel and learning about new cultures. When asked what she thought of Cultural Kitchen, 12-year-old Kelsey said she learned that, “there are a lot more opinions and backgrounds out there than we think...I had an awesome time and I think everyone should experience it.” Troop Leader Robbin was equally enthusiastic, saying that Cultural Kitchen was the highlight of the trip to Chicago.

Packing Light –save space and travel smart

Have you ever been on a trip and had a hard time finding space for that great local art print you wanted as a souvenir? I have some great ideas to free up some space in your travel pack.

The first thing to do is write out a packing list or arrange in piles what is needed for your upcoming trip. With your list of supplies for the trip, really analyze if the item will be used or worn during your travels. Don’t forget items like earplugs, a good water bottle, a journal or extra camera batteries. While traveling, I usually bring a set of clothes that are ready to be discarded if I need extra space in my suitcase (or if you are planning on exercising or outdoor work). Coordinate your wardrobe in matching colors and wear layers; this will free up space in your pack. Bring clothes that are multipurpose (linen pants- can be dressed up with a sweater or can be sleep wear). Downsize all toiletries and bring plastic bags for dirty laundry or wet towels and/or bathing suits. I always use film containers for jewelry or other small objects.

For more ideas check out these great packing light websites: www.onebag.com offers some great advice and tips on how to travel light and only use one bag. Also, look into www.travelite.org for more space saving ideas. Thanks for reading, Travel On!

This feature helps point you toward amazing destinations and their hostels. Wherever you go around the globe, chances are you will find one of over 4000 Hostelling International hostels.

Hostel "Wiecha" - the Polish member of Hostelling International is situated in the amazing town of Ustron, in southern Poland, in the Beskidy mountains. Great location, far away from the communication traces, beautiful views of the Czantoria mountains. Perfect for families with kids, teenagers and adults to relax, climb and ski.

Facilities:

• 180 beds: 2,3,4 or 6 beds in each room
• Prices starting from 29 zl/person (around $10.00 USD)
• Dining room seats 150 visitors, cafe and a bar
• Garage, a guarded parking lot, playground and swimming pool