The Windy City is indeed a cosmopolitan center of cultural exchange. For the last two centuries, Europeans were coming here for various reasons, bringing with them culinary influence that creates a food stage we all can enjoy today. Let’s dive in and see which European dishes in Chicago are worth your time.

Lamb and Italian potato chips

Meat lovers have a lot to find in Chicago. Especially if they prefer Italian-style lamb chops. They come straight from the Little Italy district. Garnished with garlic and fresh parsley, carefully roasted, and composed with the addition of Italian potato chips. Sounds simple, but it’s sophisticated. Like basically everything from the bluefire menu, where you can find a truckload of European influences. Nevertheless, these lamb chops work especially well with a Negroni before the meal…  and one afterward.

Pizza like no other

Deep-dish pizza is a style of pizza that originated in Chicago and is known for its thick, hearty crust. It is typically baked in a deep, round pan. People sometimes confuse it with a Sicilian pizza style, but that is not the case. The crust is thick and buttery, often resembling a savory pastry. It is usually pressed up the sides of the pan to create a high edge.

Deep-dish pizza from Chicago is assembled upside down, which means the cheese is placed directly on the dough, followed by various toppings like meats and vegetables, and then topped with a chunky tomato sauce. This helps to prevent particular elements from getting burned during the longer baking time. No wonder this is a popular choice for pizza lovers who enjoy a rich and satisfying meal. In Chicago, many restaurants offer their unique takes on this classic dish.

Mussels with a blue cheese

The Italians, the Spanish, the French—they all love mussels. And they know how to appreciate cheese, too. The Chicago culinary scene offers a combination of the two. This is a particularly light dish that provides a sensational experience as long as it is prepared correctly. It should also be paired with a glass of nicely chilled white crisp. This setup is what all European cuisine is about: quality, freshness, and enjoyment of food, which is supposed to be consumed with care. You don’t have to go to Paris to experience this. The Windy City has you covered.

These are only three examples of European-style dishes available in Chicago. The city has much more to offer, including Polish and Irish culinary heritage. But the above is enough to satisfy a demanding foodie visiting the Windy City for a weekend. We definitely recommend trying these dishes!

Car shipping is an essential consideration when relocating, purchasing a vehicle from a distant seller, or sending it interstate and internationally. Whether you have a luxury, family, or classic car, having an understanding of the timeframe and delays you may face is important. While the process appears simple, several factors may impact your expectations regarding delivery timelines, including unexpected challenges that may arise.

In this post, we detail the estimated duration for shipping cars, address possible delays, and offer strategies for prompt resolution of issues. Additionally, we explain How To Buy A Car On Carvana as well as the role of car shipping companies in the process.

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car?

Within the U.S, an average shipment of a car takes between 7 to 14 days. However, numerous factors such as the distance is to be picked up and delivered, the route, and the transport method will affect the shipment schedule. The following are some of the most important elements that determine the time of delivery:

1. Distance From Pickup to Delivery Points

The distance between pick up and delivery locations is critical in determining the time frame within which an item can be delivered. Longer distances almost always translate to longer time periods. For example:

• Short distance shipments (intra-state or nearby): Short distance shipments have a time frame of 3-5 days on average.
• Cross-country shipments: This has a time frame of approximately 7-10 days.
• Long distance shipments: Longer distances can take upwards of 14 days, especially in the case where there is multiple stopovers or if it is an International shipment.

2. Route Accessibility

Shipping a vehicle is also affected by the route’s accessibility. For instance, during urban or suburban traffic, shipping a vehicle using major highways is quicker than in more remote or difficult to navigate areas. Hence, shipping to rural or mountainous areas may require off-road detours, adding additional days to the expedition.

3. Time of Year

Car shipment periods have the potential to differ seasonally. For example:

Peak shipment period: During the summer months, especially between June and September, many people tend to relocate or buy vehicles, triggering a surge in shipping demand. For some families, selling their cars is the time to make considerable mone,y while for many shipping companies, the availability doesn’t match the demand, leading to extensive shipping times.

Off-peak period: During the warmer months, specifically between December and February, there tends to be lower demand for shipping vehicles, which scientifically decreases risk for delays. While this sounds advantageous, the winter weather, notoriously in snowy or stormy regions, has another plan of its own, causing delays.

4. Transport Type

Selection between air and ground transport can significantly change the schedule, if only slightly. Enclosed off-road transport is slower and takes longer due to loading preparation, while open-air transport is quicker and more common.

5. Carrier Accessibility

The region where your vehicle is located may affect the time taken due to coverage issues. Certain locations, particularly isolated or less populated regions, may have fewer carriers available. In such a situation, there will be longer waiting periods before the vehicle can be picked up.

What are the Possible Reasons for the Delay in Vehicle Delivery?

Although most shipments are successful, there are issues in transport and delivery. Below are some of the reasons that may cause hold-ups:

1. Climate Conditions

Certain weather conditions can create hold-ups, especially during winter months. Heavy snow, hurricanes, or rainfall can obstruct travel, create dangerous situations, or block roads. Parts of the country that have extreme weather conditions face more such delays.

2. Closure of Certain Routes or Gridlocks

Traffic, accidents, or construction work, especially in city centers, can impede logistics. Urban centers are prone to gridlocks, posing additional shipment challenges. Additional unforeseen internal and external delays, such as reroutes, may further hinder timely completion.

3.  Scheduling with Select Transportation

Transport service providers are carriers who frequently encounter tight schedules on multi-vehicle loads. If one of their deliveries is running late, it can impact the pickup and drop-off schedule of your vehicle. On the same note, if a vehicle is parked in a difficult location, like narrow streets that are inaccessible to large trucks, it increases the time needed to load or unload the vehicle.

4. Availability and Demand of Carriers

In some months, for example, January, it might be extremely difficult for shippers to get classes of motor vehicles in view of massive demand. It has been noted that numerous requests overload transport service providers. This leads to massive delays, most especially for a motor vehicle arriving within the peak period. If you want your car shipped within extremely busy months, expect to place your booking as far earlier as possible for faster servicing.

5. Issues of The Pickup And Delivery Location

Certain areas of interest may incorporate some challenging logistical considerations. An example would be when a car is placed within narrow streets or more remote regions, the retrieval becomes harder for the transport vehicle and results in delays.

6. Customs as well as Border Delays (For International Shipping)

With regards to international car shipping, the customs process can result in delays. If you are shipping a vehicle internationally, there are necessary customs clearance processes that need to be followed, which depend on the country’s set of rules. Undoubtedly, customs inspections, missing shipping documents, or unpaid fees can all impact the projected timeline for delivery.

How to Avoid Car Shipping Delays

Avoidable or not, there are some factors that will always have a greater influence on reducing car shipping delays:

1. Book Good in Advance

This is especially vital for peak seasons, as there will be more traffic and more competition for services. There are even places where you can have an early planning contest, so great service is always welcome.

2. Suitable Shipping Method Selection

For transporting expensive or antique cars, transport through closed trucks is often chosen. Even if this method takes more time than others, rest assured that your car will be protected from any extreme weather or debris during transport.

3. Make Sure Pickup And Delivery Locations Are Easy To Access

Be certain to make your pickup and delivery spots convenient for the carrier to access. If the area is challenging, try to make an arrangement at an alternate location, such as a nearby open area or parking lot, where the carrier may pick up or drop off your vehicle.

4. Keep In Touch With The Car Shipping Company

Efficient communication with the car shipping company will keep you informed about any possible updates. If you are shipping a car during the winter months or during storm-prone periods, keep in touch with the company to monitor weather patterns and adjust your schedule accordingly.

5. Weather-Related Delays

Prepare for bad weather conditions when shipping vehicles. Flexibility with your schedule will reduce the negative impact of excessive shipping time or unanticipated delays.

The Most Popular Questions Are These (FAQs)

1. How Long Does It Take To Ship A Car From One Side Of The Country To Another?

It usually takes somewhere between 7 to 10 days to ship a car across the country, though the specific route and weather may affect this estimate.

2. Is it possible to track my vehicle while it is being shipped?

Of course. Car shipping services track your vehicle’s progress, and many reputable car shipping companies will issue a tracking number for you to monitor your vehicle online. Some companies even provide tracking updates through their customer portals or apps.

3. What are the factors that determine my car’s shipping time?

These include: distance, weather, road conditions, type of transport, demand, pick-up/drop-off location, and other relevant factors.

4. Is it possible to ship a car internationally, and how long does it take?

Yes, however, it tends to take longer than domestic shipments. International shipments can take anywhere from ten days to several weeks, depending on the country, customs, and shipping method.

5. What can I do if my car shipping service gets delayed?

In the case of delays, your best option is to contact the shipping company for information regarding your shipment. They should have an itinerary documented that would at least state when they expect the package to reach its destination and provide explanations of delays. Usually, many delays are out of your control because of circumstances beyond your reach, but a good car shipping company will keep you updated.

Instagram isn’t just a photo-sharing app anymore—it’s your direct line to real relationships and potential growth. One underrated gem? DMs. Starting a conversation in someone’s Instagram DMs can feel a bit awkward at first, but with the right strategy, it can become your go-to method for building authentic engagement. And yes, if you’re already using tools like “Buy Instagram Comments” to boost visibility, pairing that with genuine conversations in DMs is a winning combo.

Why Instagram DMs Matter More Than Ever

DMs are where real talk happens. Whether you’re a brand, creator, or just someone looking to connect, Instagram DMs are the place to build community, deepen relationships, and even drive conversions. Unlike public comments or stories, DMs feel personal. They give you a space to talk without the crowd watching—perfect for meaningful conversations.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Meaningful Conversations in Your Instagram DMs

1. Start With Genuine Intent

Before sending that first message, ask yourself: Why am I reaching out?
If your goal is only to sell, you’ll come off as pushy. But if you’re curious, helpful, or simply admire their work—say that.

Examples:

• “Hey, I saw your recent post about sustainable living—loved your tips on reducing plastic use!”
• “I’ve been following your journey for a while. Your growth is inspiring!”

2. Reply to Their Stories Naturally

One of the easiest ways to slide into someone’s DMs is through their stories. It’s casual, non-intrusive, and relevant.

What you can say:

• Drop an emoji response to something funny or relatable.
• Ask a follow-up question based on the story.
• Share a quick tip if they’re asking for advice.

Story replies are short, sweet, and most importantly—timely.

3. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Avoid yes/no questions that kill the flow. Instead, ask things that require a bit more thought and invite conversation.

Examples:

• “What inspired you to start your business?”
• “How did you come up with that idea?”
• “What’s been the most surprising part of your journey?”

Open-ended questions make it easier for the other person to respond and engage.

4. Use Voice Notes for a Personal Touch

This is underrated. Voice notes feel real and human. They carry emotion, tone, and authenticity that text sometimes lacks.

Pro tip: Keep it under 30 seconds and make it relevant.

Example: “Hey, just wanted to say I really appreciate the content you post—it’s helped me tons! Keep it up!”

5. Lead With Value, Not Agenda

The best way to build rapport is by offering something useful—advice, insight, or even just encouragement—without expecting something in return.

Examples:

• Share a relevant article or resource.
• Offer a helpful tip.
• Recommend someone or something they might like.

Over time, these micro-interactions can lead to big relationships.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Instagram DMs

❌ Copy-Paste Messages

People can smell a template from a mile away. It feels robotic and lazy. Personalize every DM—even just a little.

❌ Jumping Into Sales

No one likes being sold to right away. Build a connection first. Once you’ve established trust, then it’s okay to introduce your offer organically.

❌ Being Too Formal

Instagram isn’t LinkedIn. Keep your tone friendly and conversational. Think of it as chatting with a friend, not writing a business email.

Bonus: DM Templates That Actually Work

Here are some DM starters you can tweak for your style:

Networking:
“Hey [Name], I came across your page and just wanted to say your content really stands out! Loved your post on [Topic]. Would love to stay connected.”

• Collaboration:

“Hi [Name], I think our audiences would love something together. Are you open to a collab idea I have in mind?”

Appreciation:
“Hey! Just had to say your recent reel was 🔥. You’ve got such a unique vibe.”

Feedback:

“Hi [Name], I recently checked out your latest product/post and wanted to share some thoughts—hope that’s cool!”

These messages show you’re present, paying attention, and not just out to promote yourself.

Keep the Conversation Going

• Once the ice is broken, keep nurturing the relationship:
• Engage with their content regularly.
• Follow up after a few days.
• Celebrate their wins or milestones.

The more effort you put in, the more you’ll get back. Remember, people respond to consistency and authenticity.

Final Thoughts: Conversations Build Community

The Instagram DM is one of the most powerful tools for connection—and it’s free. Whether you’re building friendships, professional networks, or future customers, DMs allow you to connect deeper than likes and follows ever could.

And don’t worry, not every message will lead to a reply or relationship—and that’s okay. Focus on quality over quantity, be genuine, and show up. Over time, your Instagram DM game will feel like second nature.

Oh, and if you’re wondering what even works these days—honestly, the homie at Buy Followers swears by voice notes and story replies. Weird combo, but it works!

FAQs About Instagram DMs

1. How do I not sound creepy when DMing someone new?
   Keep it light and friendly. Don’t overthink it. Compliment their content or ask a question that’s relevant. Avoid anything overly personal too soon.
2. What’s the best time to send a DM?
   Early evening (6–9 PM) often sees higher engagement. But if they’re active on stories, that’s your green light.
3. Can I use Instagram DMs for business?
   Absolutely. Just don’t lead with a pitch. Build rapport first and then ease into business when appropriate.
4. How often should I follow up if someone doesn’t reply?
   Once or twice max. If there’s no response, respect their space and move on. Forced messages feel desperate.
5. How do I respond if someone replies with just an emoji?
   Take it as a light opener. Ask a playful follow-up question or acknowledge their response with humor or curiosity.
6. Should I automate my Instagram DMs?
   Automation can help with initial responses, but it kills authenticity. Use it carefully—personal DMs still perform best.