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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
Alternatively, check out some of our holiday offers below.
- Destinations
- North America
- United States of America
- Illinois
Illinois
The mid-Western American state of Illinois offers on one hand
the giant, bustling city of Chicago, and on the other the
experience of small-town America. Most of the state is covered in
rich farmlands, dotted with agricultural communities and half a
million acres of state parks. Tucked away in the rolling hills are
some Amish communities carrying on their traditional rural way of
life without modern conveniences.
The metropolis of Chicago on the shore of Lake Michigan in the
north is the focus for most visitors, with its amazing collection
of museums and high class shopping areas. Travellers who venture
downstate, however, can find plenty of diversions, particularly
those interested in history or outdoor activities.
The state capital, Springfield, 200 miles (322km) south of
Chicago, is a city with a small-town atmosphere, revelling in its
fame as having being the home of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th US
President, who practised law here and was laid to rest in the local
Oak Ridge Cemetery after his assassination.
Visitors seeking life in the open air are drawn to the expanse
of natural beauty in south Illinois where the Shawnee National
Forest offers hiking, biking, camping, and fishing opportunities in
serene woodlands.
Information & Facts
Climate
The weather in Illinois can be fairly extreme, in summer (June
to August) temperatures rise to between 80-90°F (27-32°C) and there
is high humidity, while in winter (January to March) it can be wet
and cold, between 12°F and 29°F (-11°C and -2°C) with icy winds
whipping off Lake Michigan and regular snow. May and September are
the most pleasant months with reliably warm days.
Language
English is the most common language but Spanish is often
spoken in south-western states.
Money
The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into
100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are
widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid
hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Time
GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to November).