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Archive for October, 2007

News Flash: Possible Taxi Strike

October 17th, 2007 by susan j

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Photo uploaded by aquatone282

According to blogs newyorkology and engadget, the Taxi Workers Alliance is urging taxi drivers around New York City to go on strike for 24 hours starting at 5 am next Monday, October 22. There appear to be several issues at stake, including the mandatory addition of GPS units (which would monitor pick-up and drop-off points) and proposed pension funds for taxi workers.

What does this mean for you?

If you’re planning a trip to New York City during the strike, then we recommend that you plan to ride the subway or walk to attractions if you can. Fortunately, the weather forecast predicts that next Monday in NYC will be sunny with temperatures in the 60s and 70s, perfect for a stroll to admire the foliage and take in the sights and sounds of NYC!

Planning a trip to New York City? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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Review of the Pod Hotel

October 16th, 2007 by susan j

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Photo uploaded by ThatBeeGirl

Think you have to spend a small fortune to stay overnight in Manhattan? Think again. The Pod Hotel (formerly the Pickwick Arms) is the budget traveler’s best friend. Their mantra is “sleep tight, stay happy,” and they have several different options available for under $200 a night (some of which include shared bathrooms like a European hostel but much, much fancier than you’d find in an actual hostel).

Located several blocks from the Museum of Modern Art and the Top of the Rock™ Observation Deck, the Pod brings a dash of Euro-chic and Asian décor to Midtown. Tech-savvy travelers will appreciate their iPod docks, LCD TVs, and free wifi. The rooms are on the small side (hence the term “pod”), but who really goes to New York to hang out in their hotel room? With so much to do and see, you’ll appreciate having more money leftover for exploring!

Stay tuned for other New York City hotel recommendations.

Planning a trip to New York City? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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Hit Us with Your Best Shot!

October 15th, 2007 by jamie a

10152007-family.jpg
Photo uploaded by allegri

Do you tote your camera around your neck on vacations just waiting for a Kodak moment? Do you live for capturing the memories of your vacation on film?

Though you can’t bring the Statue of Liberty back to Pennsylvania or Rockefeller Center to your home in Colorado, these wonderful memories can always be revisited through photographs.

If you fancy yourself a great photographer, we’d love to see your vacation photos. You could even be the next lucky winner of our Go Card Photo Contest!

You could be the winner of:

1st Prize (Best Overall Photo):
Canon PowerShot SD 1000 7.1 MP digital camera

2nd Prize (Best Fun Photo):
Phillip 7-inch Digital Picture Frame

Send us your daughter posing in Times Square, your wife walking down Madison Avenue, or a photo of the entire clan standing in front of the Statue of Liberty.

The best memories can be rewarding in more ways than one!

Planning a trip to New York City? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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TKTS Times Square

October 12th, 2007 by susan j

10102007-times-square.jpg
Photo uploaded by Mtl_Shag.

Newyorkology recently blogged about the TKTS booths in Times Square. The discount ticket booth (a staple for theatre-loving tourists visiting from around the world) was to reopen after renovations last December. Like many urban construction projects, it’s fallen slightly behind schedule and now the expected date to reopen is late spring of next year. Until then, visitors can visit TKTS’ temporary ticket booth at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Also read the NY Times and Daily News coverage of the TKTS renovations.

Planning a trip to New York City? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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New York City Events for the Week of 10/12

October 11th, 2007 by jamie a

September 28 – October 14
This is your last weekend to catch the New York Film Festival! Presented by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, this festival prides itself on showing “the newest and most important cinematic works by directors from around the world.” With 28 feature films and 12 short films to choose from, everyone will surely find a new favorite.

Saturday, October 13 – Sunday, October 14
(11 am – 5:30 pm)

The seventh annual CultureFest takes over Battery Park this weekend in the Big Apple. Discover New York City culture firsthand with music, art, dance, entertainment, and food all in the heart of lower Manhattan.

October 6 – November 18
Children ages 3-12 will surely love this production of The Three Sillies, a new children’s play at the Looking Glass Theatre. What’s a child to do when her family constantly embarrasses her with their silliness? Loosely based on an English folktale, this play by Aliza Shane is sure to have the whole family laughing.

Saturday, October 13 – Sunday, October 14
Calling all cat lovers! The 2007 Cat Championship Show is being held in New York this weekend. See 41 different breeds of cats compete in many different contests, including the Feline Agility Competition where they must scurry through tunnels and find their way out of mazes. Complete with speakers, veterinarians, and judges, the answer to any question about your cat will be answered.

Planning a trip to New York City? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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NYC Fall Restaurant Preview

October 10th, 2007 by susan j

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Photo uploaded by MR+G.

New York City is known for having one of the best restaurant scenes in the country. From soft pretzels to sushi, the Big Apple has all your dining needs covered. Zagat recently published their fall restaurant preview, which you can view here. Bon Appetite!

Planning a trip to New York City? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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New Travel Tool: an iPod?

October 9th, 2007 by susan j

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Photo uploaded by Andrew*.

Last week the NY Times reported that more tourists are getting in on the podcast craze and using their iPods as a virtual tour guide in a new city. What do you think of this new phenomenon? Does listening to an MP3 player really enhance your travel experience? Or do you lose some of the flavor of the place you’re visiting by zoning out on an iPod? Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Planning a trip to New York City? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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Ladies Night Out on Broadway

October 8th, 2007 by susan j

I am a huge theater fan. In fact, I once saw five Broadway shows in as many days on an action-packed trip to New York City! No surprise that I am super-excited about Ladies Night on Broadway, which is scheduled for Wednesday, October 24. Female patrons get 20% tickets to participating shows (using code WMN07), plus special festivities including drinks, karaoke, gift bags, and more.

Here are my picks among the participating shows. (more…)

Planning a trip to New York City? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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Big Apple on a Budget

October 5th, 2007 by susan j

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Photo uploaded by wilhelmja.

New York City seems to have it all: awe-inspiring architecture, world class culture, food from around the world, and not one but TWO baseball teams! Of course, taking advantage the city’s numerous attractions and activities can do a number on your wallet. We’ve compiled a couple of tips to help ease the burden on your travel budget:

  1. Sign up for the Big Apple Greeter program. They’ll pair you up with a local to take you around the city and even show you how to navigate the subway. This insider’s view of NYC is totally free, so take advantage!
  2. Stick to a budget by buying a prepaid attraction pass. The Explorer Pass includes admission to the Top of the Rock™ Observation Deck, the NBC Studio Tour, and a whole lot more! You don’t even need to carry cash, because everything is paid for in advance.
  3. When hunger strikes, try a hot dog, soft pretzel or other treat from one of the thousands of street vendors for a taste of the real NY. Also, several bars around the city offer free food to satiate the city’s artist and student population.
  4. Buy rush or standing room tickets to a Broadway show (after all, what’s a trip to NYC without a little theater?).

Here are some other sources for visiting NYC on a budget:

Big City, Little Budget
Things to do for $20 or less
Cheap Guide NYC
Cheap Stuff

If you’d like to add your 2¢, leave a comment with your favorite budget travel tip!

Planning a trip to New York City? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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New York Events for the Week of 10/5

October 4th, 2007 by jamie a

Here are our picks for this week in New York City.

Friday, October 5 - Sunday, October 7
If you love the The New Yorker, you’ve struck gold this weekend with The New Yorker Festival! Be prepared for three days chock full of culture, conversation, and amazing encounters. A few standout lecturers include Zadie Smith, Annie Proulx, Steve Martin, Fiona Apple, William Ivey Long, and Samantha Powers. From topics ranging from graphic novels, politics, and music to costume design, poetry, and medicine, this festival is an incredible gathering of inspirational and prolific people.

Sunday, October 7
There’s also the NYC Oktoberfest from 10 am - 6 pm. You’ll find this street fair with over 500 vendors on Lexington Avenue, between 42nd & 57th Streets. Keep your eye out for some delicious bratwurst and imported German brews!

Saturday, October 6
See some beautiful butterflies at the grand return of The Butterfly Conservatory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter at the American Museum of Natural History. Held in a re-created tropical forest environment, you can see over 500 live butterflies!

Saturday, October 6 - Sunday, October 7
America’s largest architect and design event, openhousenewyork, is this weekend as well! There are tours and talks available with architects at the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage, Chrysler Building, Rockefeller Center Rooftop Garden, and The New School, just to name a few.

Planning a trip to New York City? Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the New York City Explorer Pass.

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