Summer in New York

There are pros and cons to visiting New York in the dead of summer. The cons include (obviously) the oppressive temperatures and the crowds of tourists. On the flip side the months of June, July and August are when most locals head out of town and visitors can save a few bucks taking advantage of summer travel deals, including these great Big Apple events that don’t cost a dime to attend: Shakespeare in Central Park runs from June through September and is a great way to spend the evening with family and friends. What’s more, it is one of the … Continue reading

New York in the Spring

It may not seem like it if you were outside today, but spring has arrived in New York City. As the warm weather arrives (it should any day now) so do the dozens of street fairs and other seasonal activities. Here’s a rundown of some of the Big Apple’s biggest spring flings: April brings with it the mega-popular Tribeca Film Festival. The annual event started in 2002 by Robert De Niro. It features screenings of films from around the world, including many premieres. Best of all, the directors or stars of the shows stick around after the screenings to answer … Continue reading

Broadway Bound Part 2

For the past few days I have been researching current Broadway shows in preparation for what could be my first visit to New York in more than four years. I am thrilled at the prospect of heading back to the Big Apple and especially overjoyed that I could soon be sitting in one of the city’s famous theaters taking in a Tony Award-winning musical. Now, if I could only come up with the money I would be in business. When Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein opened on Broadway last year, the top price of a ticket reached $450 for the first … Continue reading

Broadway Bound

No trip to the Big Apple is complete without taking in a few Broadway shows. Whether you’ve never stepped foot in one of New York’s famous theaters or you make going to a musical part of your annual family vacation you will pleased to know that tickets for some of Broadway’s biggest shows are still available. In my previous blog I mentioned that I am seriously considering taking a trip to New York in the coming months. My friend from high school generously offered me a place to stay and asked if I would like to take in a couple … Continue reading

Valentine’s Day Travel Packages for the Special “Girls” in Your Life

Regardless of their age there is one thing most “girls” have in common—a love for shopping. Some might not willingly admit to the obsession, but give a girl the chance to walk away with new goods–no strings attached–and I doubt you would find many who would turn the other cheek. That being said here are a couple of ways you could make the day of your favorite female just in time for Love Day: BOSTON Beantown is getting ready to open its first American Girl Place store and to celebrate it will be hosting an American Girl Fashion Show, on … Continue reading

A New Twist on Hotel Chocolates

Gone are the days when you would be left a single piece of simple chocolate on your hotel room pillow… With the rising price of hotel rooms these days you wouldn’t think that properties would be looking to branch out in an effort to make more dough… but you’d be wrong. If you have ever been in a situation where you were left scurrying around at the last minute trying to find gifts to take home from vacation then you will be able to appreciate what one California hotel chain is offering its guests. Shutters on the Beach in Santa … Continue reading

Travel Tidbits: Passport Alternatives and New York’s Revamped Tourist Attraction

If you are planning a trip to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean this year take note: The State Department says it will begin accepting applications February 1st for passport cards as alternatives to passports for Americans traveling to the aforementioned destinations. The wallet-sized cards, which will be available to U.S. citizens by this spring, will cost $45 for adults and $35 for children. That’s cheaper than a regular passport, and adults who have passports will have to pay only $20. However, the passport cards will only be accepted for land and sea crossings between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico and … Continue reading

Big Travel Deals in the Big Apple

Now that the parade watchers, holiday shoppers, and New Year’s Eve revelers have packed up and gone home, hoteliers in New York City are offering incredible rates to fill their rooms. If you have been waiting for an excuse to take in the bright lights of the city that never sleeps (and you don’t mind doing so in chilly temps) then now is the time to book your stay. The following hotels are offering spectacular rates that shouldn’t be passed up. But, don’t procrastinate… the deals are only good through February and are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Algonquin … Continue reading

How to Score a Free Hotel Room in Europe

Okay, there’s a catch… actually, a couple of catches. But, the concept behind the free stay is so clever I had to share it. The spirit of the Christmas season hasn’t been lost on a hotel chain in the United Kingdom that’s offering married couples whose names are Joseph and Mary a free room at any of its properties. The UK’s Travelodge chain says if you can prove that your name is Mary or Joseph and you are indeed legally wed you will get a free room at the inn. Technically, you will be given a free night at one … Continue reading

Travel Tidbits: New York’s Public Toilets, BBQ U and Holidays at the Hilton

New York City seemingly has it all—–bright lights, world-class attractions, and luxury accommodations. But if you have ever strolled around the Big Apple for an extended amount of time you might have noticed something major was missing—public toilets. A Spanish advertising company is coming to the rescue of every tourist and resident of the booming metropolis who has undoubtedly noticed this missing convenience and has had to adjust accordingly. The landmarks toilets—–20 to be exact—will be installed throughout the city over a five-year period. The first of the self-washing, wheelchair-accessible toilets is expected to open sometime this month in Madison … Continue reading