
Culture, diversity, size, speed and energy of this place can even overwhelm residents here at times! Plan your New York vacation well - it’s better to carefully select beforehand a few must-sees, and wrap them around a nice dinner to round your day out.
Let’s look at some basic need to know information first, and then some fun things to do on a New York romantic weekend getaway.
Traveling to New York is quite easy, as many major airlines fly into New York. If you're looking for cheap flights to New York, check out our links page under Airlines.
New York City has 2 major airports, John F. Kennedy International and La Guardia. A third major airport is just across the Hudson River in Newark, New Jersey. All 3 have frequent shuttle bus and taxi service.
At Kennedy Airport, you can access the subway into Manhattan by first getting on the Long Term Parking Lot Bus which makes a stop at the Howard Beach Subway Station. Take the A-Train from there into town.
How To Get Around New York
If you’re thinking about renting a car as part of a New York vacation package, can I just say one thing: DON'T! It’s not worth the cost, traffic, parking problems and general hassle. The best way to get around this city are: Subway, Taxi, Bus and walking.

The subway is fast, convenient, and the lines and stations are numerous. Even though the subway map looks like a plate of spaghetti, it’s all color-coded, so you’ll understand it pretty quick. And it’s generally very safe – just use a little common sense, like not flashing around wallets and purses with large amounts of money.
The MetroCard is a good deal and gives you unlimited rides on the whole underground and bus system for $7. Buy them at vending machines and corner stores. If you’re out very late you may be more comfortable with a taxi home, which are easy to find and quite reliable.
One of the best things about New York is that it’s a superb walking city! Many great sights, shops and restaurants in Manhattan can be found on foot.

Best Areas to Stay in New York holiday guide
On a short New York vacation package, the most popular areas with the best choices are in: Midtown Manhattan including Times Square, Upper West Side, and Upper East Side.
Chelsea and Gramercy Park are also possibilities, loaded with cafes, shops and art galleries. Lower Manhattan is the financial district and there’s not much happening after dark. Soho and Greenwich Village tend to be more towards the funky and alternative side.
Romantic Things to Do and See
Too many to list them all, so here are just a few...
A romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park is a wonderful cozy way to see this magical part of New York. Cost is approx $35. You can find them on the southeast corner of the park at Central Park West (59th St.) between 5th & 6th Ave. Don’t forget to ask for a blanket if it’s cold!
If it’s winter, skate romantically arm in arm on the ice rink at Rockefeller Center.
Wait till dark, and then see the neon lights and huge billboards of Times Square. You’re close to Broadway, where you can catch a first run play or musical. Many fine places to dine here too.
A great romantic tip are the views of the city while you’re holding hands: sky high from the observation deck of the Empire State Building, or from a casual walk across the Brooklyn Bridge – one of the most gorgeous structures in the city.
The Staten Island Ferry is one of travel's greatest FREE deals! Make your way down to Battery Park, and set sail for the ride past the Statue Of Liberty and see awesome views of Lower Manhattan. Pack a little lunch and find a quiet corner of the boat for a romantic picnic at sea!
One of the most romantic inns in NYC... the West 11th Townhouse.See it here.
Just spend a few hours wandering through the tree-lined streets of Greenwich Village, a neighborhood full of galleries, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and all sorts of unique street culture.
Love classical music? Lincoln Center is home to the famous New York Philharmonic. Carnegie Hall also has great music.
There are two museums well worth including in your New York vacation package – the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim. You’ll only scrape the surface on an afternoon or a day, but that saves some for next time…

Over over six million foreigners fly into the country each year, Thailand has become Asia's primary holiday destination and is a useful and popular first stop on any overland travel through Southeast Asia. The influx of tourist money has played a significant part in the country's recent development, yet Thailand's cultural integrity remains largely unchanged.
In this country of fifty-three million people, over ninety percent are practising Theravada Buddhists, and King Bhumibol is a revered figure across his nation. Tiered temple rooftops and saffron-robed monks dominate every vista, and, though some cities and beach resorts are characterized by high-rises and neon lights, the typical Thai community is the traditional farming village: ninety percent of Thais still earn their living from the land.

Most vacations start in Bangkok. Thailand's huge, noisy, polluted capital can be an overwhelming introduction to Southeast Asia, but there are traveller-oriented guesthouses here, and heaps of spectacular temples to visit on holiday. It's also the best place for arranging onward travel and visas for neighbouring countries. A popular side-trip from the city takes in the raft houses of Kanchanaburi, the infamous site of the Bridge over the River Kwai.

After Bangkok, many travel north, sometimes via the ancient capitals of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, to the enjoyably laid-back city of Chiang Mai, where they organize treks to nearby hilltribe villages. There's tranquil countryside in bucketloads up in the northern highlands around Mae Hong Son and along the Mekong River in Thailand's northeast (Isaan), where you can stay in village guesthouses and hop across the border into Laos. The northeast is the least visited area of Thailand, but holds two fine ancient Khmer ruins at Phimai and Phanom Rung, and the country's most popular national park, Khao Yai.
After travel, trekking and rural relaxation, most visitors on holiday want to head for the beach - and Thailand's eastern and southern coasts are lined with gorgeous white-sand shores, aquamarine seas and kaleidoscopic reefs. The most popular of these are the east coast backpackers' resorts of Ko Samet and Ko Chang, the Gulf Coast islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao, and the Andaman coast idylls of Laem Phra Nang, Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta and Ko Tarutao.
The southern island of Phuket and the east coast resort of Pattaya are more expensive, package-tour holiday oriented spots. In the deep south, Thailand merges almost seamlessly with Malaysia, and there are plenty of border crossing points here; the city of Hat Yai in particular offers convenient long-distance bus and rail links to many Malaysian towns. Travel into Cambodia overland is not so easy, but there are two crossings currently open, Poipet and Trat.
Thailand holiday guide can be an extremely hot and soggy place. Its tropical climate is divided into three seasons: cool in November to February, hot in March to May, and rainy in June to October. The seasons are more extreme in the northern regions, where the dry heat can grow quite intense in late spring and the cool can become cold in the mountains. The rainy season is no detriment to travel in Thailand, as the rains can be cool and refreshing.
Thailand, Far East
Important Information
Dubai travel Guide
If you're looking for a really special destination where you can indulge your love of top-quality hotels, great shopping, fine dining, world-class golf and state-of-the-art spas, Dubai holiday guide is for you. Add to this a fascinating Middle-Eastern heritage to explore, and a range of exciting activities, and you have a destination with just about everything.
With year-round sunshine and miles of lovely beaches, Dubai is THE new destination, waiting to be discovered.
Dubai is just one of 7 Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The others are quieter, but still have great beaches and resorts offering excellent value for money. At Ras al Khaimah, relaxing maybe the only thing on your mind, but there are plenty of distractions including a fantastic floodlit golf course, a great array of water sports and the khat (hot springs) to visit. The museum has archaeological material dating back as early as 5,000BC!
The only Emirate on the Gulf of Oman, Fujairah has lovely clean beaches with mountain views. It's a haven for water sports, especially snorkelling and diving. Deep-sea fishing is popular.
Getting there
Flying Time
Approx 7 hours to Dubai
Currency
UAE Dirham (Dh)
Visa Requirements
British Citizens do not require a visa.
Language
The official language is Arabic.Though English is widely spoken.
Important Dates to Remember
01 Jan-02 Feb - Dubai Winter Shopping Festival
Feb - Dubai Desert Classic - golf
31 Mar - Dubai Gold Cup horse racing
Jul/Aug - Dubai Summer Shopping Festival
12 Sep-13 Oct - Ramadan
13 Oct - Eid - end of Ramadan
Development in Dubai
Dubai is emerging as one of the world's leading holiday destinations. Development of new hotels, shopping malls and attractions is ongoing throughout Dubai.
Ramadan
In Muslim countries there may be restrictions on alcohol consumption, restaurant facilities and entertainment during the month of Ramadan.
Extravagant Shopping
Shopping is such a huge pastime in Dubai, there's even a yearly festival dedicated to it (Jan/Feb). Finding the time to visit Dubai's 45 shopping malls won't be a problem. Many of their enormous air-conditioned complexes are open till midnight on various days. So don't forget your plastic because there are some fantastic tax-free bargains to be found. In the famous souks (marketplaces) you'll find everything from beautiful jewellery to fantastic local spices to exquisite silks. In the world's largest gold souk there are some great bargains to be had, so get your bartering skills in order.
Exciting Excursions
In the city, take a tour to discover Dubai's spectacular landmarks. Cruise the creek in a traditional wooden dhow, either in the sunshine or by moonlight. Out of town, hit the sand dunes on a 4-wheel drive adventure, journeying to a Bedouin-style camp where you'll enjoy a traditional Arab feast with entertainment from a belly dancer.
No-expense-spared courses designed by world-famous golfers, golf buggies with global positioning systems.
State-of-the-Art Family Fun
Dubai is a great place for kids. Many hotels have state-of-the-art sporting facilities and well-organised kids' clubs. Lots of properties are on Jumeirah Beach with its calm, shallow, warm waters (most hotels that aren't on the beach have shuttles to it). Cool off at the fantastic Wild Wadi water park with its 23 adrenalin-pumping rides.
Heritage and Culture
Explore the narrow lanes of 'Old Dubai' in the Bastakiya district and view the works of local potters and weavers at Heritage Village. The restored 400-year-old architecture of Hatta mountain village is a fascinating sight, as is the residence of the former Sheikh. Visit the Jumeirah mosque, and in Dubai's oldest building, Al Fahidi fort, wander around Dubai National Museum.
Fine Dining and Spas
If pure indulgence is your thing, then you've come to the right place. In those fabulous Dubai hotels, you'll find some of the world's best restaurants where world-class chefs have been wooed over to bring their culinary magic. Dubai is also home to some startlingly beautiful spas. In plush surrounds, you'll enjoy the latest treatments at the hands of qualified experts.
Action and Adventure
Like to live life to the max? How about riding a camel, or driving over sand dunes? You can try 'wadi bashing', take a 4-wheel-drive into the dry riverbeds that snake down from the mountains, and how about sand skiing down those dunes? You can even go 'real' skiing in the new snow dome. And don't forget the fabulous water sports.
Although known mostly as a summer holiday destination, Bodrum is becoming increasingly popular with visitors in the other seasons. The reasons are many, but probably foremost is the chance to enjoy its attractions more intimately by avoiding the hubbub of high season. Unlike many holiday resorts Bodrum does not close its shutters at summer’s end but continues an active though less frenetic life of its own. The colorful bazaars are open on their scheduled days, temperatures pleasant and local people have more time for each visiting guest. |
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