Summer in New York City is Hot!

Summer in New York City is hot, hot, hot! The temperatures in the city soar in July but so does the excitement ... and those who have been cooped up in an office all winter will appreciate getting outside and exploring all the fun activities and cultural events the city has to offer.

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks


If you are lucky enough to be in New York over the July 4th weekend, you are in for a spectacular treat- the largest fireworks display in America. The Macy’s fireworks start to light up the sky after 9 p.m. and the pyrotechnic spectacle features over 1,000 shells bursting per minute, timed to the beat of the accompanying music. The dazzling show can be viewed from any point in Manhattan with clear views of the sky above the East River. For a completely unobstructed view, consider booking one of the many boat tours that offer a perfect view of the fireworks, the Statue of Liberty, and the New York City skyline.


Midsummer Night Swing


What better way is there to spend a hot summer night than dancing under the stars? For three weeks in July, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts presents its annual Midsummer Night Swing, which transforms Damrosch Park in midtown Manhattan into a rocking dance party. Dance lovers from the most basic beginners to seasoned pros will enjoy the impressive showcase of live bands, orchestras and DJs as they show off their swing, samba or soul moves. The performance schedule is available at their website, and visitors can purchase passes to the events online.

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks

For travellers looking for free things to do in New York, July is a great time to be in the Big Apple. The world-renowned New York Philharmonic’s Concerts in the Parks series will delight music lovers with its free performances of a selection of arias and symphonies from Mozart, Beethoven and other classic greats. Shows take place in Central Park and other boroughs throughout the city. More free entertainment in New York in July includes free Monday night movies in Bryant Park, NBC's Today Show concerts at Rockefeller Center, and Central Park’s Shakespeare in the Park.

Central Park Summerstage Series

Central Park in the summer is an oasis of trees, ponds and scenic landscaping in the middle of the hot city. Spend a lovely July evening at the Central Park Summerstage, an outdoor venue featuring a busy schedule of dance, music and theater performances. Concerts showcase both big-name bands and exciting emerging talent. Most shows are free of charge and take place rain or shine.

Lincoln Center Festival


For three weeks in July, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts presents a festival of performances from internationally acclaimed dance, music and theatre companies. This festival series showcases some of the most exciting talent from around the world, and visitors will be dazzled by experimental theatre, contemporary dance and innovative musical performances. Visit the Lincoln Center’s website for a calendar of events and to purchase tickets. Student discounts are available.

July weather in New York is typically hot and humid and can be rainy, so remember to stay hydrated and keep an umbrella handy as you explore the city. If you need a break from the heat, keep in mind that New York is also home to some of the most famous (and air-conditioned) museums in the world so consider a visit to cool down with some culture!

Read More …

Summer in New York City is Hot!

Summer in New York City is hot, hot, hot! The temperatures in the city soar in July but so does the excitement ... and those who have been cooped up in an office all winter will appreciate getting outside and exploring all the fun activities and cultural events the city has to offer.

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks


If you are lucky enough to be in New York over the July 4th weekend, you are in for a spectacular treat- the largest fireworks display in America. The Macy’s fireworks start to light up the sky after 9 p.m. and the pyrotechnic spectacle features over 1,000 shells bursting per minute, timed to the beat of the accompanying music. The dazzling show can be viewed from any point in Manhattan with clear views of the sky above the East River. For a completely unobstructed view, consider booking one of the many boat tours that offer a perfect view of the fireworks, the Statue of Liberty, and the New York City skyline.


Midsummer Night Swing


What better way is there to spend a hot summer night than dancing under the stars? For three weeks in July, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts presents its annual Midsummer Night Swing, which transforms Damrosch Park in midtown Manhattan into a rocking dance party. Dance lovers from the most basic beginners to seasoned pros will enjoy the impressive showcase of live bands, orchestras and DJs as they show off their swing, samba or soul moves. The performance schedule is available at their website, and visitors can purchase passes to the events online.

New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks

For travellers looking for free things to do in New York, July is a great time to be in the Big Apple. The world-renowned New York Philharmonic’s Concerts in the Parks series will delight music lovers with its free performances of a selection of arias and symphonies from Mozart, Beethoven and other classic greats. Shows take place in Central Park and other boroughs throughout the city. More free entertainment in New York in July includes free Monday night movies in Bryant Park, NBC's Today Show concerts at Rockefeller Center, and Central Park’s Shakespeare in the Park.

Central Park Summerstage Series

Central Park in the summer is an oasis of trees, ponds and scenic landscaping in the middle of the hot city. Spend a lovely July evening at the Central Park Summerstage, an outdoor venue featuring a busy schedule of dance, music and theater performances. Concerts showcase both big-name bands and exciting emerging talent. Most shows are free of charge and take place rain or shine.

Lincoln Center Festival


For three weeks in July, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts presents a festival of performances from internationally acclaimed dance, music and theatre companies. This festival series showcases some of the most exciting talent from around the world, and visitors will be dazzled by experimental theatre, contemporary dance and innovative musical performances. Visit the Lincoln Center’s website for a calendar of events and to purchase tickets. Student discounts are available.

July weather in New York is typically hot and humid and can be rainy, so remember to stay hydrated and keep an umbrella handy as you explore the city. If you need a break from the heat, keep in mind that New York is also home to some of the most famous (and air-conditioned) museums in the world so consider a visit to cool down with some culture!

Read More …

How to Determine if a Travel Agency is Reputable

When planning a business trip or family vacation, using a well-educated travel agency is an extremely helpful way to book your getaway without any stress. However, not just any agency will get the job done efficiently. You will want to invest with one that has a reputation for getting the job done and going the extra mile for their customers. This means you may need to do some homework in order to verify that any agency you do business with is in fact a reputable one. Here are some basic tips on how to pick the best travel agency for you.

Longevity

When considering a travel agency in which to do business with, longevity is a factor in which to keep in mind. While being in business for twenty years does not guarantee the agency is the best in the area, it does indicate they have enough going for them to stay in business. Avoid any travel agency that is not at least a couple years old, unless you know the owners and staff very well. Building a good reputation takes time. The new kids on the block may be excellent, but they may not be worth the risk of using to plan that once-in-a-lifetime vacation that you want to go perfectly.

Local Presence

Along with longevity, it is a good idea to see what ties the agency has to the local business community. A good place to begin looking is with your local Chamber of Commerce, or other business association. In comparison with businesses of all types, a travel agency that tends to be community minded and customer-centric is very likely to take part in the events around town in some manner. Membership in local business clubs and organizations is a good sign the agency is serious about what it does, which is exactly what you want.

References

References are always an excellent indicator of whether or not a travel agency has a good reputation. Toss the name of the agency out to your co-workers, friends, neighbors and other acquaintances around town. There is a good chance someone has either dealt with the agency or knows someone who did. Make sure to speak directly to the source rather than attempt to obtain opinions through a third party. It is too easy for something important to be left out or misunderstood as the information goes through several people.
Customer Care

Drop in at the agency and see how they deal with potential customers who wander in off the street. If you are greeted with a friendly smile, invited to come in and sit, or offered a cup of coffee, you can learn a lot about the business model and integrity that the agency holds. It would be worth your while to investigate a little further.

At this point, you may share a few general remarks, such as “I’m thinking of taking a trip to the mountains in a few months, and I wondered what you could do for me.” If the response is to toss a couple of brochures your way, followed by a quick nod toward the door, then you know this agency is not right for you. On the other hand, if you are invited to sit down and discuss the possible vacation in more detail, it is a strong indicator that the agency wants to earn your business and respect.
Asking Questions

The type of questions asked by the agent is also a good way to judge the reliability and reputation of the agency. When small details such as preferences in room types, accommodations for any allergies you may have, and preferences in the mode of travel are mentioned by the agent, you know they really do want to design a travel package that is to your liking. An agency with more interest in collecting your hard-earned money will simply lay out a few generic package deals and invite you to choose one. Go with the agency that will take the time to customize your travel plans to suit your needs.

Always ask questions regarding matters such as up front deposits on packages, payment terms, customer support during your trip, and the ability to change your travel plans in the event of an emergency. Reputable agencies will provide straightforward answers to these types of queries and not attempt to use fifty words when a one word answer will do. While you receive these answers, notice whether or not the agent is looking you in the eye. People who are not afraid to face you squarely when they talk are much more likely to be ethical, honest, and in general very reliable.

Other Factors

While price is not necessarily a factor when it comes to determining if an agency is reputable or not, beware of any agency that trots out the issue of cost and waves it like a red flag. It is perfectly permissible for the agent to ask you regarding how much you would like to spend for the trip, but it is not a good sign if he or she begins to wave discounted packages in your face before getting any solid ideas of what you want.

Choosing a reputable travel agency is a combination of assessing their standing in the community in terms of what others think, along with your own personal impressions of the agents when you make that first critical contact. Keep in mind your first impression is likely to be the right one. If you do not feel good about the meeting, then continue your search for the best travel agency.

Read More …

How to Determine if a Travel Agency is Reputable

When planning a business trip or family vacation, using a well-educated travel agency is an extremely helpful way to book your getaway without any stress. However, not just any agency will get the job done efficiently. You will want to invest with one that has a reputation for getting the job done and going the extra mile for their customers. This means you may need to do some homework in order to verify that any agency you do business with is in fact a reputable one. Here are some basic tips on how to pick the best travel agency for you.

Longevity

When considering a travel agency in which to do business with, longevity is a factor in which to keep in mind. While being in business for twenty years does not guarantee the agency is the best in the area, it does indicate they have enough going for them to stay in business. Avoid any travel agency that is not at least a couple years old, unless you know the owners and staff very well. Building a good reputation takes time. The new kids on the block may be excellent, but they may not be worth the risk of using to plan that once-in-a-lifetime vacation that you want to go perfectly.

Local Presence

Along with longevity, it is a good idea to see what ties the agency has to the local business community. A good place to begin looking is with your local Chamber of Commerce, or other business association. In comparison with businesses of all types, a travel agency that tends to be community minded and customer-centric is very likely to take part in the events around town in some manner. Membership in local business clubs and organizations is a good sign the agency is serious about what it does, which is exactly what you want.

References

References are always an excellent indicator of whether or not a travel agency has a good reputation. Toss the name of the agency out to your co-workers, friends, neighbors and other acquaintances around town. There is a good chance someone has either dealt with the agency or knows someone who did. Make sure to speak directly to the source rather than attempt to obtain opinions through a third party. It is too easy for something important to be left out or misunderstood as the information goes through several people.
Customer Care

Drop in at the agency and see how they deal with potential customers who wander in off the street. If you are greeted with a friendly smile, invited to come in and sit, or offered a cup of coffee, you can learn a lot about the business model and integrity that the agency holds. It would be worth your while to investigate a little further.

At this point, you may share a few general remarks, such as “I’m thinking of taking a trip to the mountains in a few months, and I wondered what you could do for me.” If the response is to toss a couple of brochures your way, followed by a quick nod toward the door, then you know this agency is not right for you. On the other hand, if you are invited to sit down and discuss the possible vacation in more detail, it is a strong indicator that the agency wants to earn your business and respect.
Asking Questions

The type of questions asked by the agent is also a good way to judge the reliability and reputation of the agency. When small details such as preferences in room types, accommodations for any allergies you may have, and preferences in the mode of travel are mentioned by the agent, you know they really do want to design a travel package that is to your liking. An agency with more interest in collecting your hard-earned money will simply lay out a few generic package deals and invite you to choose one. Go with the agency that will take the time to customize your travel plans to suit your needs.

Always ask questions regarding matters such as up front deposits on packages, payment terms, customer support during your trip, and the ability to change your travel plans in the event of an emergency. Reputable agencies will provide straightforward answers to these types of queries and not attempt to use fifty words when a one word answer will do. While you receive these answers, notice whether or not the agent is looking you in the eye. People who are not afraid to face you squarely when they talk are much more likely to be ethical, honest, and in general very reliable.

Other Factors

While price is not necessarily a factor when it comes to determining if an agency is reputable or not, beware of any agency that trots out the issue of cost and waves it like a red flag. It is perfectly permissible for the agent to ask you regarding how much you would like to spend for the trip, but it is not a good sign if he or she begins to wave discounted packages in your face before getting any solid ideas of what you want.

Choosing a reputable travel agency is a combination of assessing their standing in the community in terms of what others think, along with your own personal impressions of the agents when you make that first critical contact. Keep in mind your first impression is likely to be the right one. If you do not feel good about the meeting, then continue your search for the best travel agency.

Read More …