Best time of year to visit New York City

The best time of the year to visit New York city depends totally on you. I will talk about a couple of personalities and then say when you should visit this fabulous town!

1)Women having hot flashes or men who are always hot: You should go to New York city during winter time when the temperatures are always around 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Since you are always hot, you should avoid New York at all costs during summer/spring/fall because temperatures go up often during those times of the year. Most people will say to avoid NY during winter time because of the snow but there is not too much snow in New York city. You don’t need winter boots often in this town because the snow melts pretty quickly. On top of it, January/February/march are the cheapest times of the year for hotels, January being the cheapest one. I found a hotel room once for 80$ and breakfast was included! On top of it, there will be no crowds and you can visit places where there are too many people other times of the year. Ellis Island being one of them. It is almost impossible to visit it without waiting a couple of hours during the busiest times of year.

2)Trendy people:You can go during September or May. A couple of trendy events are held during those months. There is Fashion week in September. If you want to go to trendy places and hotels, you will see plenty of actors and models around. In May, there is the Tribeca film festival. Be prepared to pay for your hotel because you won’t find anything under 350$ if you want to stay in a trendy hotel, you will stay in a closet because if you want a real room you will have to fork over at least 400-450$!

3)People allergic to crowds: Go in the summer time and on the weekends. You will that there is less people on the weekends in the city. They all go outside the city because in July and August, the temperatures can get steaming hot! The upside is that you can walk and not always be engulfed in seas of people. There are specials in hotels in the summer that are very interesting. Tourists don’t tend to flock to New York in the summer time so hotels advertise specials on websites like travelzoo.com or opaque sites like hotwire.com and priceline.com.

Personnally, I would go to New York any time of year because there is always something interesting going on in town. Every season has its perks and you make do with the downs. For me, there is never any down in New York city!

Top five tourist attractions in the USA – Part 11

There are many attractions in the United States that would appeal to any tourist, foreign or domestic. Some of these are world renowned structures such as the statue of liberty. Some attractions such as Time square in New York has many opportunities and fun activities.

5. Time square, New York

Time square located in New York is an amazing place to be. Jumbo size televisions are featured upon skyscrapers. It is one of the busiest places in the world. Many events such as concerts, speeches, and parades take place upon this busy block. There are many restaurants and shopping venues that will meet anyones taste. All in all it is a wonderful Joyous atmosphere to be apart of.

4. Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas Nevada is one of the most traveled places in America. Millions of people pass through the city streets every year to get away and have a good time. There are hundreds of casinos where you can win big big money in the gambling scene. Some of the most lavish hotels are featured in this miraculous city. The streets are lined by many night clubs, casinos, and hotels covered in bright, beautiful lights that can bee seen from miles away. Las Vegas is more of an adult travel scene. It is guaranteed fun and a once ion a lifetime experience.

3. Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is the heart of American government and politics. There are so many things to see in this city it would be impossible see it all in a week! The White house, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Capitol Building, and the Washington Monument are some of the most popular attractions. There are many more though. Millions of people visit here each year, whether it’s to learn a little about American history, or to just vacation.

2. The Statue of Liberty, New York

The Statue of liberty is a symbol of America. It represents everything America is about. It is a large statue built on Ellis island that features a woman wielding a torch. If you were to visit this great American memorial you would be able to travel to the top and overlook the wonderful Hudson Bay. It is an amazing experience to be atop the heart of America.

1. The Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon, one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. It’s been 17 million years in the making thanks to the Colorado River. It is a 500 mile long gorge formed by erosion from the Colorado river. The scenery is some of the most beautiful in the world. Strange desert wildlife lives and roams in the 18 mile wide canyon. Millions of people from around the world have had the privilege to witness this formations sheer beauty. It truly is an incredible site to see and can only be fully experienced by going there.

Las Vegas – Dos And Don’ts

How long has it been since you’ve visited Las Vegas? If it’s been more than a blink of your eye, you won’t recognize it the next to you’re there!

I’ve learned to never expect the same LV that I remember. It’s a constantly evolving city that never sleeps! I know New York claims that distinction… but c’mon, you won’t see such drastic changes in NYC that you do in LV.

In Las Vegas, it’s Hotels down, followed by Hotels up. Six hotels have been imploded there in the last 10 years. And the newer hotels can hardly be classified as hotels… that term is to be reserved for other cities. So don’t expect the great “hotel bargains” and “free stuff” of the past. They disappeared with the $.99 dinners.

LV developers today, don’t build “hotels” anymore. They install mini-cities, mega-resorts, and the ultimate destinations! The new developments include: World-Class Chefs, Uber Spas, and amenities unheard of, or offered only to the super-rich not so long ago. Now, instead of the tacky diners and buffets, you are presented with the finest restaurants in the World, and the highest levels of entertainment. It’s a different Las Vegas!

However, there are some bargains to be found if you know where to look. Explore the older places. There, you’ll still find good deals on food. You can still get a $5 steak dinner at Ellis Island on Koval Lane.

One key to finding bargains is not where, but when! Don’t go at peak times. Visit in Mid-Summer for instance. You’ll need to take advantage of the AC everywhere, but the prices are lower then. Also, a good time to visit LV is during Christmas. It’s definitely an off-peak period. Don’t confuse that however with the following week; “New Years” the prices will be right back up during that period. Also, stay away during the larger conventions when LV is packed with convention attendees. During the Consumer Electronics Show in early January each year… the city is standing room only. If you don’t have to be there that week – Don’t! You should try to avoid weekends in LV too if you’re looking for a bargain. Mid-Week rates are lower.

Always plan in advance of your trip to LV. Do your research, or you’ll be overwhelmed and disappointed. All the best shows will be sold out; the restaurants will be accepting no more reservations. You must make your reservations and ticket purchases ($30 – $100+) at least 7 – 10 days before your trip. To help you, most reservation desks are open 24 hours every day!

If you plan well, you’ll be treated to gourmet meals prepared by celebrity chefs. The ubiquitous buffet is gone, (although, you’ll never find a better one than at the Aladdin); the 99¢ dinners are gone. But, as always, there is no time limit to enjoy the tasty treats of LV… If it’s 3am, you’ll find great restaurants are still serving! Let me mention two still-great bargains. Not only because of the low price, but because the steak dinners are very good at the steakhouses at the Imperial Palace, and at Circus, Circus. Try them, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the existence of remnants of the past meal deals of LV!

Did I say there are no more freebies? Not so, you can still be treated to great entertainment for free. You must see the outdoor attractions including the Volcano at the Mirage, Rio’s Masquerade Show in the Sky, and the Sirens of Treasure Island. For the cost of a drink or two, there are indoor entertainment venues that are free as well. The lounges in most Casinos have ongoing musical acts with no cover charge. Ask your concierge for a recommendation.

When you fly into LV, if you’re not fortunate enough to be met by your casino host or the hotel limo, you’ll most likely take a taxi to your hotel. Don’t let the driver take you by way of the Airport Tunnel… it’s longer by about $10.00. Tell the driver to go down Paradise Road instead.

If you’re heading for the south end of the strip (MGM Grand, Tropicana, New York, New York) you’re taxi charge should be $8 – $9. Mid Strip; $12 – $13, and north end of the strip; $14 – $15)

While we’re discussing taxis… it is illegal to hail a cab in LV. There are taxi stands and every hotel has taxi pick-up and drop-off areas. You must go to one of those. The drivers will ignore you standing in the middle of the street waving at them. Instead, get to a driveway, there, they can turn in, get out of traffic, and let you jump in. One more thing; don’t try to pay the driver with chips. They won’t take them, and they won’t take credit cards either. It’s a cash town outside of the casinos! In fact, chips are rarely used outside of the casino… for anything!

Here’s a great time saver… the Harrah’s Group will let you check in to one of their hotels… AT THE AIRPORT! Harrah’s, Caesars, Bally’s, Horseshoe, Flamingo, Imperial Palace, and Rio all offer this great service… take advantage of it!

Don’t ask for hotel amenities if you’re not registered there as a hotel guest. You’ll end up being embarrassed and worse! However, the Hard Rock Café opens their pool to everyone on Sundays (their Spa too – where you can get a massage inside or poolside for $85 – $155).

LV has become very famous for their nightlife… I’m not talking about gambling and shows… I’m referring to the nightclubs. At any one given time, you’ll find 25 of the World’s Best DJs spinning in LV. Word of caution though… don’t try to see them all! You’ll end up spending your entire evening in line – trying to get in. It’s best to reserve a spot for yourself and stay put! Especially on weekends (again) the lines are brutal! Get on the VIP list if you can (you must be well known or well connected). Tightest hours?… 10pm – 4am – Wed – Sat. Dress codes enforced. And guys… bring a girl (or more) or you’ll likely see ONLY the outside of the place – period!

If you drive to LV, or rent a car while there, always use Valet Parking… it’s free with a tip! And when trying to get your car, remember the peak times include immediately following the end of a show when the lines at VP are longest. For the downtown properties, use the parking garages, and get your ticket validated. You might want to rent a car to see the dam and Lake Meade. But other than that… there really is no need. I remember one of the last times I rented a car in LV. The agency delivered the car to me at the airport, it was a Cadillac with 4 miles on it! Yep only four! I drove it to Caesars Palace and unloaded it, had it parked, and when I turned it in to the agency 9 days later, it had 14 miles on it. What a waste! I tell you this to save you the money. It is not necessary to have a car in LV!

It gets windy in LV… and often without warning. It’s not important unless you’re at the top of the Stratosphere, or the Eiffel Tower. They both close down in high winds. If there’s a 25mph wind, the elevators in the ET move at half speed… at 35mph they evacuate the tower, and at 40mph, they shutdown. The winds also will cause cancellation of the “Sirens of Treasure Island”.

You simply cannot do “The Strip” from one end to the other by car. There’s so much traffic on LV Blvd that it makes it virtually impossible. Again, there is a peak time: 2p – 6:30pm.

Can you walk it? Hmmm, are you nuts? It’s 120 degrees out… I told you to come here mid-summer, but I also said to use the Air Conditioning everywhere! There are many alternatives to walking the strip. But for the little jogs between hotels, always use the crosswalks. You’re one of 30 Million visitors all heading to different places. The chaos is confusing and frightening – for you and for drivers! Always use the crossovers too. They are very convenient (most with elevators) and provide the fastest way to cross the busiest streets in America! By the way, if you “Jay-Walk” you’re risking your life and a fine of $150 – $250!

While you’re walking here, you can be drinking too! The “open container law” states that you can walk and drink ON the sidewalks, crosswalks, and crossovers… BUT, don’t throw empties, and don’t take that open container into a car… that’s illegal! A bus is OK!