You can travel the world and never leave Chicago — that boast usually pertains to the many ethnic neighborhoods around town. But here’s a way to narrow that statement even further, and say that you can travel the world and never leave the Harold Washington Library. That’s where the Geographic Society of Chicago will present its film series in this, its 100th anniversary season. Shows run Saturdays and Sundays, beginning with “Wild and Scenic Rivers” Oct. 10-11; “Italy” Oct. 24-25; and “Jordan and Israel” Nov. 14-15. Other films visit many other destinations, as the series continues through spring. Tickets are $6.50 per show for non-members. Annual membership is $55. (312-644-0696)
FAMILY FARE
It’s all well and good that the world is getting smaller. But when the Great Wall of China starts shrinking, the situation calls for an on-the-spot inspection. That can be conducted at Splendid China, an Orlando, Fla., attraction that has scaled down not only the Great Wall but many other Chinese landmarks. The 76-acre Splendid China in this hemisphere is itself a near replica of a similar attraction in Shenzhen, China, not too far from Hong Kong. Through December, the Wuhan Acrobatic Troupe will present “The Mysterious Kingdom of the Orient” at the Florida spot. The 90-minute show is included in park admission — adults $29, seniors $26, children $18. (800-244-6226) . . . Put a stop to the endless, “I don’t know, where do you want to go” whine: Sign up for Club Med’s Family Escape, pay $849 per person, and get round-trip air from Chicago, seven nights’ accommodations, three meals a day, complimentary beer and wine at dinner, and lots of things to do — including the Mini Club for kids. Club Med decides which of its six Family Villages you’ll go to. A week before departure, you’ll find out whether your destination is in Florida, the Bahamas, the Caribbean or Mexico. The deal is good for travel through Nov. 14. But if you want to try this for Christmas week, your family can depart Dec. 19, from New York only, for $1,099 per person. (800-CLUB-MED)
FOLLOW THE SUN
Sooner or later, the mystique of Costa Rica will get the better of you and you will have to see it for yourself. Cross Country International offers this different way to go about it: astride a Costa Rican Crillo horse. The vacation package, good December through May, includes six nights’ accommodation in three- and four-star guest houses with private bath; the sturdy steed, all tack and equipment; airport transfers; taxes; and all meals for $1,500. The rides are progressive — four or five hours a day spent on horseback — and English-speaking guides point out howler monkeys, parrots, iguanas and leatherback turtles. You can even swim with the horse in the ocean at the edge of a black- or white-sand beach. (800-828-8768) . . . They must never have heard of Labor Day in Bermuda: summer just keeps right on going. Or, at least in this case, it keeps going Oct. 28-Nov. 24. That’s when The Reefs resort offers its “Endless Summer” package that covers four nights in an ocean-view room; breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner every day; three-day bus and ferry pass; tax, service charges and transfers — all for $775 per person. (800-742-2008)
Tour prices generally are per person, based on double occupancy.
