Categories
NYC Travel

Qualities That Make New York City One of the World’s Most Attractive Destinations

 

If you’ve already been, you want to go back; if you’ve never visited, you’re itching to see it for yourself. New York City is truly a place unlike any other in the United States. Rich in history, culture, and world-famous sites, the Big Apple contains the most diverse population in the entire country and is visited by over 60 million tourists each year. Below we’ll take a look at just a few of the qualities that prove the City that Never Sleeps is one of America’s most desirable destinations.  

It’s known as America’s melting pot

New York possesses a special history rooted deeply in immigration. Since the building of Ellis Island’s immigration station in the 19th century all the way up to today, millions of people have found a home in the city, originating from many different places around the world. From Koreatown to Chinatown, Little Italy to Little India, the city offers a unique blend of cuisine from a variety of different cultures and ethnic groups. With over 8 million people speaking more than 800 varying languages, New York is as diverse as it gets.

Exciting entertainment opportunities await at every twist and turn

It’s quite literally impossible to grow bored when living in or visiting the Big Apple. If an event is not currently taking place, it’s being planned, with thousands of opportunities presenting themselves each and every day. Whether it’s seeing a show on Broadway, attending a live jazz concert in Harlem, or playing a round of blackjack at a glamorous casino, New York has your entertainment needs covered. In fact, even for fans of online casino gameplay, New Jersey is conveniently located only a short drive away on the Williamsburg Bridge and is one of four states which offer legal virtual gameplay as well as a variety of no deposit casino offers for their users. It just goes to show that everything you could ever want is in the big city and if it’s not, well, it is probably just a hop, skip, and jump away.

Everything you see exudes character, art, and culture

In New York City, many aspects of life are centered around important American cultural activities. For example, there’s the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and more. Central Park is a cornerstone venue for various outdoor events, and people flock to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to enjoy local and international pieces as well as different exhibits all year round. Architectural beauty can be seen around every corner and some of the city’s most stunning buildings like the Flatiron and Met Life Clock Tower are important structures that have been around for many decades. The bottom line: in New York City, a walk to the grocery store can become a great cultural experience no matter what area you live in.

If you’ve been convinced by the magical qualities of New York City and want more than just a visit, check out some of these helpful tips for apartment hunting in the Concrete Jungle, and fast-track the process to living in your dream locale!

 

Statue of Liberty
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A symbol of American freedom, the Statue of Liberty is one of the United State’s most famous landmarks

 

Categories
Featured Lifestyle Miami Travel

4 Offbeat Ways to Enjoy Miami

 

The winning combination of ultra-luxurious hotels and pristine sandy beaches makes Miami one of the most popular travel destinations in America. Miami is definitely not a laid-back beach destination where you can drink beers from shacks and quietly listen to Bob Marley. Miami is all about the glitz, glamor, and the nonstop party atmosphere. This beach destination is all about the luxury and opulence. It’s a place that’s riddled with posh nightclubs, rooftop restaurants, and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

If you are planning to take a break from the party and the Miami beach life, then this post is for you. We reveal 4 offbeat things you can do in Miami to add variety to your travel itinerary.

Take to the Skies: While slowly driving through Ocean Drive is the quintessential Miami thing to do, there is another way to explore this beautiful city. There are quite a few helicopters touring companies in Miami that give you short tours of the city. Thanks to the competition, the prices of the helicopter tours are pretty reasonable. For example, per person cost of booking 30-minute Miami helicopter rides costs around $200. Considering that renting an entire chopper costs thousands of dollars, the per-seat booking makes these helicopter rides pretty accessible. Miami helicopter rides usually cover the beach destinations including, Miami Beach, Fisher Island, Sunny Isles, Virginia Key, North Beach, South Beach and other locations. You can book these helicopter rides online and the tours usually start from the Opa Locka airport in Miami.

Get a Taste of Cuba in Little Havana: While some may say it has become too touristy, Little Havana still offers a great selection of Cuban cuisines and great shopping opportunities to make it to our list. This place is as vibrant as the beachfront party destinations in Miami. However, Little Havana has a different cultural vibe with live Cuban music and specialty shops. At the risk of being overcharged, you can pick up some authentic Cuban cigars from one of the many Cigar shops and factories in the area.

Ride an Airboat to Explore the Alligator Riddled Swamps: Craving for some quiet time? Head over to the swamps and rent an airboat. The Everglades National Park is just an hour’s drive away from midtown Miami. Apart from the beauty of the unspoiled nature, it offers plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Considering these swamps are riddled with alligators, there is a certain thrill factor to these tours.

Walk the Streets of the Art Deco District: While you cannot travel back in time, walking the streets of Miami’s Art Deco district is the next best thing. All the historic 1930s buildings are restored to look as if they were built yesterday. All the buildings have beautiful pastel shades and amazing neon lightings. Our suggestion is to visit the art deco area both at night and day. During daytime, you see the 1930s architecture in full glory as the building are kissed by the Miami sun. This gives you the opportunity to see the subtle architectural details. At night, these buildings come to life with glowing neons and colorful lighting.

 

Categories
Europe Featured Travel

Is Bulgaria the Next Big European Travel Destination?

After assuming the EU Presidency, all eyes are on Bulgaria. The country is undergoing vast changes in both ideology, political structure and tourism, making the days of a truly authentic Bulgarian experience numbered. Here are three reasons Bulgaria should be next on your travel list:

Bulgaria Travel Rila Monastery

  1. Relatively Undiscovered by Tourists

Will there be lines and people snapping photos around major attractions? Yes. However, weigh the crowds around the ancient Boyana Church just outside of the capital with the Louvre or the beaches lining Barcelona and you’ll find a hefty portion of comparable legroom.

According to Bulgaria’s Minister of Tourism, Nikolina Angelkova, there has been a 7.7% increase in visitors in from last year, and it is projected to keep climbing. If you could use a break from elbowing your way through a sea of sunglasses and fanny packs, Bulgaria is the place for you.

Bulgaria Travel Architecture

  1. Booming Art & Food Scenes

Colorful cafes and underground art installations are popping up all over Bulgaria’s major cities like Plovdiv, Varna and Sofia. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Bulgarian travel experience with classic cuisine and folk music, or perhaps something a bit more trendy and modern, you’ll find what you’re looking for.

Bulgaria, in addition to undergoing its own travel, art and food resurgences, is becoming a destination for international talent. Sofia, in particular, is becoming an increasing draw for world-renowned street artists and musicians.

Bulgaria Travel Vitosha Mountain

  1. Natural Wonders

Traveling to Bulgaria gives you access to too many natural attractions to count. From the Vitosha Mountains’ Golden Bridges to Rila’s Seven Lakes and the highest mountain range in the Balkans, you’re at no shortage of options for adventure in Bulgaria. There are also many English-speaking tour groups and guides available at reasonable rates if you’re planning an expedition.

If sports are more your thing, there are multiple internationally-popular ski resorts in the mountains, as well as watersports options in Varna and the other major coastal cities.

Photos courtesy of author.

Categories
Featured Travel

Five Scenic Pools to Cool Off in This Summer

When the snow starts to melt and the birds start to chirp, our minds inevitably wander upon the prospect of some good, old-fashioned summer fun. Here are five of our favorite scenic pools around the world to cool off in:

Gansevoort NYC Scenic Pool

  1. Gansevoort Meatpacking NYC, New York

Featuring 360° views of Manhattan and the Hudson, and located in our very own Meatpacking District, Gansevoort’s rooftop pool is a trendy spot to soak in some rays. Don’t forget to grab a cocktail from their Plunge Rooftop Bar + Lounge.

The Curtain Hotel Scenic Pool

  1. The Curtain, London

East London’s Shoreditch neighborhood is full of hip spots, but The Curtain Hotel raises the bar with a Moroccan-inspired, scenic rooftop pool. Open to hotel guests and club members, the pool is heated and open year-round, with a myriad of food and drink options by their resident bar & restaurant, LIDO.

Hollywood Proper Residence Scenic Pool

  1. Hollywood Proper Residences, Los Angeles

Nothing quite says LA like a scenic rooftop pool in Hollywood. Sat atop 21 stories, the rooftop of the Hollywood Proper Residences features all-around views of the Los Angeles skyline, live music events, poolside cabanas and plenty to eat & drink at the Filifera bar and lounge.

Immersion Spa Scenic Pool

  1. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City

Soaring 32 stories above the streets of Atlantic City lies the two-story Immersion Spa at The Water Club, The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa Group’s $400 million luxury accommodation. The Water Club features five different pools, including an infinity pool 300 feet above sea level and a window-lined Lap Pool offering some of the most scenic views in the city.

Panamericano Hotel Scenic Pool

  1. Panamericano Buenos Aires, a member of Worldhotels, Buenos Aires

Neighboring the Obelisk and the Colón Theatre in downtown Buenos Aires, Worldhotels’ Panamericano hotel offers up a hefty dose of luxury cool atop their checkerboard-tiled luxury rooftop pool, featuring some of the best views the capital city has to offer.

Photos courtesy of properties