The Benefits of Bundling

We all know about the bundling options available for cable TV, Internet and phone service, but did you know there are similar ways to save money when it comes to traveling? Package deals and all-inclusive options give frugal travelers the opportunity to get more bang for their buck. When selecting an all-inclusive travel deal you pay one price up front to cover a range of travel expenses, including airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, plus meals and beverages. In other cases, you may opt to stay at an all-inclusive resort. These properties are attractive to budget conscious travelers who are looking … Continue reading →

Have a Merry New York Christmas

It’s been nearly eight years since I posed in front of New York’s most famous Christmas tree. The towering Rockefeller Center Christmas tree serves as a seasonal centerpiece in the Big Apple during the holidays, but it’s just one of many, many highlights you will experience if you decide to spend December in NYC. Other must-visit holiday-themed attractions include: Soak in spectacular views of the city from 70 stories up at 30 Rock’s Top of the Rock observation deck. Kick your holiday season into gear by taking in a magical Christmas performance at Radio City Music Hall. Remember the true … Continue reading →

Holiday Love in NYC

So much to see, so little time to take it all in. If you are traveling to the Big Apple this month, you will be delighted (and probably a bit overwhelmed) by all the holiday happenings. In addition to the traditional haunts—-Rockefeller Plaza, Macy’s and FAO Schwartz-—there is a slew of other seasonal stops you should consider making. Start at Barneys New York, at 666 Madison Avenue near 61st. You don’t have to bring your wallet to have fun here. Just peer into the store’s windows. This year the upscale retailer is celebrating with characters from a different genre: Its … Continue reading →

Spending the Holidays in New York City

I love spending the holidays in New York City. The problem is, so do millions of other people. If you don’t mind dealing with huge crowds, then soaking up the sights and sounds of the season in one of the world’s most magical cities, should be on your to-do list this month. At the top of your must-see list should be Rockefeller Center. Its world-famous tree and ice skating rink serve as amazing backdrops to family photos. In addition, Radio City Music Hall, the view from Top of the Rock, and the observation deck at 30 Rockefeller Plaza are equally … Continue reading →

New York Lights the Way for the Summer Olympics

New York is sizzling hot… with Olympic fever. Despite the fact that the Summer Games are taking place a half a world away (and technically the Opening Ceremonies are already over), beginning tonight New York’s Empire State Building will pay tribute to the Olympics by illuminating the four sides of the famed tower with the colors of countries’ flags. For the next 16 nights, the world’s most famous building (well, one of them anyway) will honor the top 66 countries (based on the number of athletes on each national team) using colored plastic gels over 182 floodlights. Tonight, the north … Continue reading →

Once in a Lifetime Travel Opportunity in New York City

Have you ever dreamed of traveling through the air like Curious George and the Man with the Yellow Hat—-clutching a handful of balloons and letting the wind and some helium provide the fuel for the ride of your life? My preschooler does. Each and every time she reads her Curious George book or watches the famous monkey’s movie she begs me to buy her enough balloons so she too can fly through the air like her favorite marsupial. Typically, I tell her that she is a “big girl” and it would take thousands of helium filled balloons for her to … Continue reading →

Visiting the Statue of Liberty’s Crown

There was a time when I thought the day would never come that I would be able to give my daughter the same opportunity my parents gave to me during our first trip to New York City nearly 30 years ago—the chance to view one the most populated places on Earth from the Statue of Liberty’s iconic headpiece. According to the documents released by a New York congressman on the Fourth of July, the National Park Service is considering reopening Lady Liberty’s crown for the first time since the September 11th terrorist attacks. U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner says the park … Continue reading →

More Ways to Save on a Girls-Only Weekend in the Big Apple

Who says you have to mortgage your home to afford a girls-only weekend in New York City? You can save a bundle by taking advantage of the creative deals some Big Apple lodgings are offering female guests. The following bargains allow you to live large with your gal pals in the city that never sleeps. Take a look: SEX AND THE CITY PACKAGE The Muse in New York’s Time Square is joining dozens of other Big Apple lodgings to offer a deal inspired by this summer’s massive “Sex and the City” movie launch. In honor of the film’s fabulous four, … Continue reading →

Saving on a Girls-Only Weekend in the Big Apple

With the hype, and now success (at least during its opening weekend) of the summer movie “Sex and the City” dozens of lodgings in the New York area offering travel deals that allow ordinary women to live like their sassy on-screen idols—-Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha. Even if you haven’t seen the movie (or watched a single episode of the now defunct series) you and your best gal pals can live fabulously in the Big Apple—if only for a weekend—without going broke in the process. Take a look: SHOPPERS’ PACKAGE The Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel is offering a delightful deal called … Continue reading →

Summer in New York—-Family Friendly Cultural Choices

Mention to your children that your trip to New York is going to include “cultural experiences” and you can bet that you’ll be met with eye rolling and some groans. Well, stand tough parents because once your offspring are immersed in the Big Apple’s cultural offerings you might be surprised by their reaction. Melodious summer fun begins and ends in Manhattan. It’s music, music and more music at Central Park’s SummerStage. The series of free concerts gets underway on June 13th with a salute to gospel and soul. Artists including Mavis Staples and Stephanie McKay will kick off the summer … Continue reading →