Wouldn't you love to get away for a weekend?

We won't conduct a Forum poll on that question. Virtually everyone visiting a travel Web site would answer in the affirmative.

But the numbers drop off when the question is rephrased: Can you afford a nice weekend getaway?

There are basic budget tips that apply to many big-city escapes. Although many cities would apply, I'm going to use a trip to Chicago as my example.

Couples without budget savvy could have paid $1000 USD or more for a three-day holiday along the Windy City's "Magnificent Mile." We can cut that amount almost in half--here's the information you need to know:

Budget Problem #1: A Reasonable Room

Some of the larger luxury chains offer excellent weekend rates near O'Hare Airport. It's not often you can book a room under $100 USD in a major city at chains like Hyatt or Sheraton.

But as one problem is solved, another surfaces: O'Hare Airport is roughly 40 minutes by mass transit or car from the heart of Chicago.

If what you want to see is more than a half-hour from your hotel, how good is that deal?

Here's a Solution