General Travel Information

Travel in the U.S. president’s footsteps

(BUSINESS WIRE)—With all the excitement surrounding the inauguration of the 44th president, travellers looking for ways to keep the momentum going should visit one of the Barack Obama’s favourite spots. Editors at the Travelocity online travel company have come up with five destinations near and dear to the president that are worth visiting.

Bali, Indonesia

President Obama lived in Indonesia for several years of his childhood and returned there soon after law school to work on his best-selling memoir. It has been said that he escaped to Bali for the peace and quiet of this tiny island, where he and his wife lived for several months. Bali has long been known as a place of serenity and tranquility and often finds itself at the top of any serious traveller’s “must see” list.

Travelocity editors say:

Bali has long been attractive for its luxury resorts, favourable exchange rate, stunning beaches and mountains, and gentle people. February is an excellent month to visit as the rainy season winds down, the temperature hovers in the low 30s, and the crowds are few. Five-star hotels are widely available for less than $250 per night.

Chicago, Illinois

The must-see city for Obama fans, Chicago is chock-full of the places the first family ate, slept, and shopped before their move to the White House. First stop: the Obamas’ previous home at 5046 S. Greenwood Ave in the Kenwood section of the city.

Travelocity editors say:

The good news for travellers is that all this popularity hasn’t led to increased prices. According to Travelocity’s data, airfare and hotel rates in Chicago are way down – 17 per cent and 12 per cent, respectively.

Oahu, Hawaii

President Reagan had Santa Barbara, President Clinton had Martha’s Vineyard, President Bush had Crawford . . . and it looks like President Obama has Oahu. The 44th president visited most recently over Christmas and nearly every year since he left his home state for college in Los Angeles. Follow in his vacation footsteps with a plate lunch in Waikiki, teeing off at Olomana Golf Links, and taking a dip at Hanauma Bay.

Travelocity editors say:

Check out Waikiki, where hotels are plentiful and up to 50 per cent off regular room rates. Three-star hotels are available from $110 per night; four-star hotels are available from $220 per night. Don’t forget to take advantage of free room upgrades, free breakfasts, and all the other offerings at Hawaii hotels where available.

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

When the weary presidential candidate needed a break from campaigning, he headed to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Candidate Obama spent several days in March 2008 on the island of St. Thomas. It was his second visit in six months, according to a local island newspaper. The then-presidential hopeful enjoyed a round of golf at Mahogany Run.

Travelocity editors say:

This is a great Caribbean destination. The President stayed at the five-star Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas on Great Bay. Rates are in the neighbourhood of $765 per night. For something less expensive, check out the three-star Sapphire Village Resort from $220 per night.

Washington, DC

With the inauguration over, the crowds are not as thick in Washington and hotel rooms are less expensive. Stay in the Hay-Adams hotel, the place the Obama family called home in the weeks before they moved to the White House. The hotel is located very close to St. John’s Church; the National Mall; the Washington Monument; and of course, the White House. Visit the Smithsonian’s special – and timely – exhibition through March 9: Road to Freedom: Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, 1956-1968, which is a collection of evocative images, beginning with the Rosa Parks case in 1955-56 and ending with the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968.

Travelocity editors say:

Thinner crowds and lower prices mean travellers can take advantage of the whole city and all its attractions. The five-star Hay-Adams was completely sold out for the inauguration, but as of press time, there were weekend rooms available for about $370 per night. For something less expensive, the four-star Liaison Capitol Hill has a convenient location and rates from $153 per night.