Chicago is -- as it should be -- one of the top destinations in the world. From its world-class dining, theater, nightlife and shopping; to its wonderful sports teams (baseball's Cubs, football’s Bears, basketball's Bulls and hockey's Blackhawks); and who can forget its world-famous deep dish pizza. Chicago should be on everyone's must-visit-at-least-once list. Your first order of business, no matter what you plan to see, is to sort out your transportation while traveling the Windy City.

If you're planning on being a part of Chicago winter tourism, remember that the city is snowy and COLD!!! No doubt about it. In fact, The Illinois State Climatologist’s Office (http://www.isws.illinois.edu/atmos/statecli/index.htm) reports that "the average Chicago winter produces 38.0 inches of snow." That's more than three feet! A few winters have seen as much as 89 inches (almost 7.5 feet), although some winters have given residents and visitors alike a "dusting" of just 9.8 inches.

As for the temperature, the average high January temperature is 29F, while the average low is 14F. And while Chicago (http://www.ustravelweather.com/illinois/) isn't any windier than other cities (belying its "Windy City" nickname), wind speeds can and do average 8 mph in late summer to 12 mph in spring. Chicago winter tourism experts remind you that wind truly does seem to howl at times in winter, if only because it often whips around downtown's skyscrapers in a true frenzy, often making the chilly temperatures become downright bone rattling!

So if you're in Chicago for business or pleasure during the winter months, here are some tips to help you plan ahead so that you'll stay as cozy and comfortable as possible as you enjoy all that this bustling town has to offer.

1) If you'll be doing any walking outside at all, especially as you walk to and from your Chicago charter bus, you'll want to be sure to bring waterproof boots with good traction. You can keep your dress shoes in a separate bag so that you may change into them once you reach your destination, but Chicago's sidewalks can become slick and icy, so boots are a must. Thick and warm socks -- the kind that pull up to at least mid-calf, are also a great idea for those boots.

Get waterproof gloves with Thinsulate, and if you're going to be doing any walking outdoors, get a scarf and a hat, especially a hat with some kind of ear protection.

Chicago winter tourism experts recommend that you buy the best down coat you can afford. Get one that goes at least to your knees. Down coats that hit at or above your thighs are all the rage now, but you want to keep your tush covered. Leave it exposed to the elements and you will regret it. There are many stylish down coats on the market today. Look for a coat with a hood, as well. Good wool coats are a viable option, but many aren't lined to block the wind and cold.

Bring sweaters and light turtlenecks to help keep the wind from reaching down your neck and gripping your chest.

Many cities will "shut down" when a storm drops even half a foot or a foot of snow. Not Chicago. The city keeps on going even when storms dump two or three feet of the white stuff. Understand this and plan accordingly. You may have to take the subway or other public transportation to get where you need to go. Give yourself a ton of extra time to get to your destination (better to be really early than even a bit late).

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