8 Airport Essentials You Should Pack To Survive Long Travel Days

Where To Stay In Lake Geneva

There are so many hotels to stay at in Lake Geneva, but there are definitely a few that really standout properties you should consider during your visit!

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is luxurious — yet somehow wonderfully quaint — property located an hour from Chicago that's great for your fall getaway. You'll find standard rooms and suites alongside a plethora of dining options and amenities to utilize during your stay including an indoor and outdoor pool, golf courses, a fitness center, a spa, and an on-site trolley. Plus, the resort has packages for the fall available where you can receive free rounds of golf during your stay on The Brute or The Highlands courses. Might I suggest sending the boys on a golfing spree while you and the girls savor the spa? 😉

Maxwell Mansion

Book lovers, this one's for you! The Maxwell Mansion is a boutique hotel that's two blocks away from Geneva Lake. The historic mansion has 28 rooms, some of which are inspired by historic figures such Emily Bronte, Charlotte Bronte, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, General Grant, and Virginia Woolf. You'll also find a hidden speakeasy that's open to resort guests, and it's definitely worth checking out if you have some free time. Otherwise, you can find an indoor bar or grab a drink at the seasonally open tiki bar by the pool!

Warning: This hotel is adults only, so it's best suited for a romantic getaway or a girls' trip!

The Abbey Resort

For a more full-service experience, The Abbey Resort is a great option for families and solo travelers. Aside from spacious rooms, the property has indoor and outdoor pools, live music, an entertainment center, and a 35,000 square-foot spa. The Avani spa is absolutely a highlight at this property, too — you can book a massage, manicure, pedicure, hair and makeup services depending on what you're interested in. Outside of all that, the resort is simply stunning, making it an even better spot to enjoy the fall foliage and take some totally Instagram-worthy photos.

Where To Eat In Lake Geneva

While you'll eat lots of cheese curds (and cheese in general, let's be real) in Lake Geneva, you'll probably want to swing by a restaurant for a more hearty meal. Here are some top options to add to your reservations!

Pier 290

You can't visit Lake Geneva without dining alongside Geneva Lake, and Pier 290 is the city's only lakeside restaurant! While the view alone has plenty of allure, the menu loaded with familiar favorites from cheese curds to lobster rolls. Plus, if you stop by on the weekend, you'll be able to enjoy some awesome live music as you eat!

Sopra

If you're craving Italian food, then you'll definitely want to head on over to Sopra. This Italian-American bistro located on main street is home to scrumptious eats including fish, pastas, salads, and more. A majority of the menu items have unique names — I'm looking at you, "donald from delhi" — adding a little extra fun and flair to your dining experience. So grab a "b positive" cocktail (blood orange vodka, club soda, splash of blood orange juice), and enjoy your evening!

240 West

Chow down on locally sourced ingredients at The Abbey Resort's 240 West Restaurant. Chef Noah Gumustekin curated a selection of dishes from pappardelle to a grilled ribeye that'll get your mouth watering at the thought. Plus, if you're staying on the property, you can eat to your heart's content and make your way to a lovely night's sleep in no time!

What To Do In Lake Geneva

Go On A Mail Cruise

Looking to actually get out on the lake itself? Lake Geneva Cruise Line hosts a US mailboat tour where you can sit on a boat as employees deliver mail to over 75 homes around the lake. During the two hour tour you'll learn all about the different mansions on the lake, plus some fun facts about Lake Geneva in general! This is a must-do for first-time visitors!

Visit Yerkes Observatory

Science lovers will want to take a trip over to Yerkes Observatoryfor all things space. The historic building is home to the world's largest refracting telescope (wow!), alongside plenty of other exhibits which you can browse at your own leisure. If you're looking for a more guided experience, the observatory offers tours to help you understand what the heck you're actually observing.

Walk Along The Shore Path

You should totally take some time out of your busy itinerary to walk the shore path around Geneva Lake. The entire path is over 20 miles — which would take you almost all day to complete in its entirety — but you can just start and end wherever you'd like to get a gorgeous view of the lake and the larger-than-life mansions. The best part? It's free and open to the public, so you can stroll around at any time.

Take A Cooking Class

If you're looking to spend time like a local in Lake Geneva, then you'll want to register for a class at Lake Geneva School of Cooking. Join Chef John Bogan and his team as you participate in a hands-on cooking class alongside other locals and vacation go-ers. You can browse the classes offered online and pick one that suits your palate, whether that's a meat-driven dinner or a perfect pasta dish. Classes are priced at $150 per person, so it's a bit on the expensive side, but think of it this way: this experience goes beyond the class! You can cook this menu over and over again at home, remembering the fabulous time you had in Lake Geneva.

Try Some Local Cheese

You can't visit Wisconsin without trying some local cheese. Head on over to Hill Valley Dairy to get your hands — and taste buds — on locally produced cheeses. Once you figure out what you like, you can buy them to take home with you, so you can enjoy them even after you leave Lake Geneva! And who doesn't want more cheese in their lives?

Why is Lake Geneva so famous?

Lake Geneva is famous given all its fine dining, larger-than-life mansions, and absolutely beautiful body of water. Additionally, this quaint town is also in a pristine location located only an hour away from Chicago, making it an easy way to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and be a little more in tune with nature.

On top of that, plenty of travelers compare Lake Geneva to more expensive destinations across the globe, from Lake Comoto Newport. This lets you get all the beauty and luxury of those bucket list towns without the high price tags!

How do I spend a day in Lake Geneva?

When it comes to activities, Lake Geneva has plenty to offer! Whether you're simply walking the shore path, indulging in delicious locally grown dinners, or taking a cruise around the lake, you'll find fun everywhere you turn! And just because this is a lake town, doesn't mean you have to be outdoorsy. You can cater your experience based on your interests, including relaxing in one of the lovely luxury hotels.

Cleaning Products

Glad Tall Kitchen Drawstring Trash Bags

$15, was $23

Taking out the trash surely isn't the most glamorous of all household chores, but it is necessary. These expertly-designed Glad bags make the task more manageable with unparalleled durability and stretch, two layers of leak protection, and a fresh Febreze scent. Stock up for 35% off during Prime Day.

Blueland Toilet Bowl Cleaner Starter Set

$23, was $29

These plastic-free tabs make cleaning your toilet bowl as easy as 'drop and flush.' The fizzy formula dissolves to remove every type of blemish from rust and mineral deposits to limescale and hard water. You'll enjoy the 100% natural lemon-cedar fragrance after every cleaning sesh!

Dawn Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray

$12, was $18

This powerful dish soap comes in a satisfying spray format, helping to erase hefty grease stains and food residue in a fraction of the time it'd take if you used a traditional liquid dish soap. You can use it beyond dirty dishes too: it works on kitchen counters, laundry stains, and grills.

Amazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels

$4, was $5

For an "affordable and effective" clean, opt to order this cheap 2-pack of paper towel rolls that can handle everyday messes in a single tear for Prime Day.

Clorox Free & Clear Compostable Cleaning Wipes

$14, was $18

These at-home compost-friendly Clorox wipes boast the Safer Choice stamp of approval from the EPA, so they're certifiably safe to use around kids, pets, and food. They work on a variety of surfaces to clean and disinfect whatever they come in contact with. We love using these for a quick and easy clean-up session around the kitchen and bathroom before guests come over!

Natural Kitchen Sponges 12-Pack

$14, was $17

You won't need to do a restock on kitchen sponges for a while after snagging this handy 12-pack! They're made of plant-based fibers that not only supply a solid clean, but also prevent excess bacteria growth because of their extra-porous texture. After a sponge has reached the end of its lifespan, you can compost the white cellulose layer!

Blueland Laundry Detergent Tablets

$34, was $44

It only takes one of these 100% plastic-free detergent tablets to really freshen up a load of laundry. They're produced with enzymes proven to lift tough stains, plus the formula is completely hypoallergenic, so it's safe to use for kids' and pet laundry. This pack can tackle 120 rounds!

Clorox Disinfecting All-Purpose Cleaner

$12, was $15

Though these all-purpose cleaning sprays have zero bleach, they still effectively tackle grease, grime, and soap scum with ease. They provide the powerful clean you're looking for around the kitchen, bathroom, and more – the formula is proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19. Snag the trio for only $4 a bottle during Prime Day!

Windex Glass & Window Cleaner

$3, was $4

Windex is an absolutely undeniable staple for any cleaning lineup. It can wipe away dirt, smudges, fingerprints, and more, leaving a streak-free shine every time. Stock up for just $3 this Prime Day.

Vitamins + Supplements

Ritual Multivitamin

$26, was $37

This vegan, sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free multivitamin formula brings a daily dose vitamins B12, D, E, and K12 along with folate, iron, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and boron. It's verified by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a mark that less than 1% of multivitamins have. The capsules are also Non-GMO Project-verified, ensuring no heavy metals, major allergens, or microbes are present.

Sugarbear Hair Vitamin Gummies

$24, was $39

These vitamin gummies claim to support healthy hair and nails through 6000 mcg of biotin, vitamins D, E, and B6, plus folate, calcium, zinc, sodium, iodine and a proprietary mix of European elderberry, inositol, MSM, and omega-3 fatty acids. Each plant-based gummy has only 1 gram of sugar and 10 calories to suit a healthy routine. Most users have noticed a difference after 3 months of consistent use!

OLLY Women's Multivitamin Gummies

$14, was $17

Another exceptional multivitamin, these OLLY gummies contain vitamins A, B, C, D, and E to help fight free radicals, support bone health, and amp up cellular energy production. There's even 500% of your daily value of biotin in each dose to encourage healthy hair, skin, and nails! They can help "fill in the gaps" of your eating habits to deliver all the nutrients your body needs on the daily.

Lemme Matcha Superfood Energy Gummies

$24, was $30

These matcha-infused gummies give you a good boost of non-jittery energy when you need it most – think for that classic afternoon slump or post-workweek outing! They're made with organic matcha, vitamin B12, and CoQ10, a "powerful" antioxidant and coenzyme that assists in energy production. Each gummy is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, gelatin-free, and has no high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, or synthetic colors.

Nature's Bounty Biotin

$7, was $20

For an affordable hair, skin, and nail vitamin, biotin is the way to go. In addition to the physical benefits, it can also help support a healthy nervous system and metabolism.

Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Powder

$34, was $42

Our favorite protein powder is on sale for Prime Day at 20% off! One serving contains 21 grams of plant-based protein, 1 gram of sugar, plus 6 grams of prebiotics and fiber and 9 essential amino acids. You can use it across shakes, smoothies, overnight oats, and even baked goods to get your protein fix. It's shoppable in 9 flavors, but our go-to is this vanilla iteration.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Amazon Basics 24-Pack Rechargeable AA Batteries

$19, was $24

You never know when you're gonna need some extra batteries, so make sure you have some spares handy by stocking up with this 20% off Prime Day deal! These are rechargeable, too, ensuring you never run out of energy.

Amazon Elements Baby Wipes

$19, was $22

A whole 810 wipes for $19? Count us in. These gentle, non-flushable baby wipes are formulated without fragrances, alchohol, bronopol, dyes, parabens, and pthalates, ensuring a safe clean for your little one every time.

Levoit Air Purifier

$80, was $100

Though t's a bit of a bigger purchase, having an air purifier like this one at home is a super smart investment, especially if you are prone to environmental allergies (or just want to keep your place smelling fresh and clean). This compact model comes complete with a HEPA-grade filter that captures smoke, dust, dander, and more up to 1,095 square feet of space.

LED Red Light Face Masks

CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask

Made from flexible silicone, this red light therapy mask fits snug against your face for maximum coverage. Its medically-designed features aim to make your skin more "visibly glowing and noticeably healthier looking." It secures with some head straps that make the experience totally hands-free, so you can watch your favorite TV show, fold laundry, or pour yourself an after-work drink with ease.

iRestore LED Face Mask

You are able to choose from three light treatments with this mask: red, infrared, and blue light. It has dual straps near the top and bottom of your head for a very secure fit, and 360 bulbs to help reach every nook and cranny further. The signature quality of this face mask is the especially-shielded design around the eyes to help block extra light. The brand reports that 90% of users saw reduced signs of aging after consistent use.

Lovsheme LED Face Mask

This flexible face mask offers blue light (for blemishes), blue and red (for inflammation) or infrared red light therapy (for reducing wrinkles and encouraging collagen production). Its versatile light options become more impressive with 3 levels of intensity and adjustable time settings! The mask itself is soft and comes with silicone eye protectors so you can relax and read peacefully while it works its magic. It comes with a cord-connected remote control so you can choose your own skincare adventure.

Weyais Light Therapy Face Mask

This red light tool conveniently folds down when you're not using it and pops up into a tent-like shape to treat your skin. You can use it beyond your face, too, effectively treating your neck and hands. This product is equipped with customizable timing settings from 1-60 minutes, though you should only use it 20 minutes max. This is the perfect red light therapy piece for lazy gals, since it's easy to use when you're winding down and layin' down in bed.

Red Light Therapy Tools

Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Facial Wand

The classic Solawave wandis acclaimed for a reason. This award-winning red light therapy tool also uses galvanic current to let your topical products (we recommend a serum that targets your desired skincare concern) absorb better and deeper. It also warms up slightly to soothe the skin when it's lookin' a bit inflamed. The simple on-off button is easy to use, plus this wand is very compact, so it's easy to keep in your vanity, on your bathroom shelf, or bedside table.

Uaike Red Light Therapy Device

This wand leverages red light and infrared light therapy to support collagen production. Plus, it has a gentle heating function to boost blood circulation, encouraging a more youthful complexion. Its small surface area allows you to target certain 'worry' areas like crow's feet, smile lines, forehead wrinkles.

PMD Clean Redvolution Smart Red Light Facial Cleansing Device

This multitasking device cleanses your face with a silicone brush on one side, and firms with a red light therapy panel on the other. It uses gentle vibration when cleansing to really help get the gunk out of your pores. This tool is also completely waterproof, so you can keep it atop your sink or in your shower worry-free!

Solawave 2 in 1 Anti-Aging Face & Body Skincare Mini

This super-portable skincare tool can fit in your purse for on-the-go treatment. It "improves firmness, enhances radiance, soothes, and depuffs" after consistent red light therapy sessions. The circular light panel combines red and near-infrared light with therapeutic warmth for visible results. The tiny handle even pops in and out for easy storage!

Doset Red Light Therapy Facial Massager

This affordable tool lights up, vibrates, and warms to reduce signs of aging and sooth your skin. It's equipped with 7 different light colors, including red light, to target a number of different skincare concerns. The smart arched wand design fits the natural curvature of your face, especially your cheeks and forehead and even your neck!

Solawave Bye Acne Red Light Spot Treatment

This tiny powerhouse combines red and blue light to treat new breakouts under the surface while also helping heal current ones. It can decrease sebum production, offering a handy preventative measure you can even keep in your purse for last-minute blemishes. If you're prone to popping (which only exacerbates pimples), give this red light therapy tool a whirl!