Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Southwest comes to New York. Eventually.
It looks like Southwest, the low cost carrier that grew to enormous proportions based on a strategy of using under-utilized secondary airports is now poised to fully crack the New York City market sometime next year.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Southwest is buying the operating certificate and gates and slots of now defunct ATA Airlines for 7+ million dollars. This will allow Southwest to fly 7 flights a day in and out of New York City proper. Currently, the airline has operations out of Islip on Long Island, but does not fly out of any of the major airports in the New York area. When these flights will start isn't exactly clear. The current slots are leased to AirTran Airways and will be in use through at least sometime in 2009, unless Southwest can buy out those leases earlier.
Also, Southwest is purchasing ATA's operating certificate which may allow Southwest to begin international operations to Mexico and the Caribbean, something that ATA once did and that Southwest is looking into. It makes a lot of sense, and as Brett at Cranky Flier guesses, it is probably great for Chicago bound travelers as it the most likely primary destination for those flights. (It might however come at the expense of Delta's increased LGA-Chicago Midway operation)
According to the Houston Chronicle, Southwest is buying the operating certificate and gates and slots of now defunct ATA Airlines for 7+ million dollars. This will allow Southwest to fly 7 flights a day in and out of New York City proper. Currently, the airline has operations out of Islip on Long Island, but does not fly out of any of the major airports in the New York area. When these flights will start isn't exactly clear. The current slots are leased to AirTran Airways and will be in use through at least sometime in 2009, unless Southwest can buy out those leases earlier.
Also, Southwest is purchasing ATA's operating certificate which may allow Southwest to begin international operations to Mexico and the Caribbean, something that ATA once did and that Southwest is looking into. It makes a lot of sense, and as Brett at Cranky Flier guesses, it is probably great for Chicago bound travelers as it the most likely primary destination for those flights. (It might however come at the expense of Delta's increased LGA-Chicago Midway operation)
Labels: AirTran, ata, lga, new york, new york city, southwest, travel
Monday, November 17, 2008
Cheap Date: New York City
The greatest cities in the world are often some of the most expensive cities in the world to stay in. However, with a little know how, and a sense of adventure, a great vacation in a world-class city can be made on a tin can budget. This is the first of an occasional series on this world traveler to show just how easy it can be. This week: New York City.
Housing
For a city of 8 million, affordable hotel availability seems relatively scarce. Even a Holiday Inn Express can run upwards of $200 a night on any given weekday. Staying across the Hudson in New Jersey might save you some cash, and looking into hotels near JFK airport might also save you some money, even though they are quite far away from most of the sights and scenes of the New York City that is worth experiencing. For the more adventurous, Loftstel might be the right place to stay. No private rooms, all bedrooms are shared with at least three other people, the stay seems like its in its own enclosed NYC house with gorgeous kitchen accomodations, free wi-fi and a lot of other extras. Starting at $25 a night, it might just be one of the best bargains out there in New York City.
Food
New York City is home to many of the world's best restaurants and any kind of food can be found here. If there was one thing worth splurging on in New York City, it would be the restaurants. But if the budget is tight, there are a number of places worth visiting.
The best fries in the city are undoubtedly at Pommes Frites off St. Marks. The regular size is extremely filling and affordable. It's possible to get filled with potatoes and any of 40 different frites sauces for under 6 dollars. Strongly recommended: the "Frites Sauce," a danish tangy mayonnaise that's available for free with the purchase of an order of fries.
Dirty water dogs are available at every street corner for about a dollar or two and they are quintessentially New York. They also may get you a little sick. For something that's an NYC hot dog tradition, skip the overpriced dogs at Nathan's and head to Gray's Papaya (3 locations in Manhattan including 37th Street and 8th Ave, just off the A/C/E subway lines at 34th st) for the "Recession Special." Two dogs and a drink for $4.45. Worried that the recession will be over before the visit is possible? No problem, the recession special is even available in boom times.
Looking for something with more bite? Try Oasis, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Amazing falafel, schwarma and just about everything else. Pricing is extremely reasonable too for a great takeout meal in one of the most happening neighborhoods in the city. (On 7 Street, just off the L train at Bedford Ave)
Getting Around
The best and cheapest way to get across New York City cheaply is the subway system. Day passes are available for just $7.50 and this will get you unlimited access for the day. Also, get a great view of the Statue of Liberty without paying to get there by taking the Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island and back. The ride is free and offers some wonderful views.
Things To Do
There's so much to see and do in New York City, and much of it is cheap or free. Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Coney Island, Times Square. All those places are worth hitting up and they don't cost a dime. A lot of museums have free admission occasionally as well. The Museum of Modern Art on 53rd Street is free on Friday evenings, and the New Museum on the Bowery in SoHo is free on Thursday nights. Also in more than a handful of spots in the city, ice skating is possible during the winter for just the cost of skate rental.
Looking for nightlife? That's a bit more costly, but there is one spot in Williamsburg where there's always live entertainment and never a cover charge. Pete's Candy Store in Williamsburg (Lorimer Street, off the L train at Lorimer) hosts three or four performance a night ranging from indie rock to poetry readings and spelling bees. Plus $2 drafts for happy hour. It's one of the best values and most pleasant venues in the city.
There's plenty to do for very little money in New York City, enough to easily fill a weekend. NYC can definitely be a cheap date.
Housing
For a city of 8 million, affordable hotel availability seems relatively scarce. Even a Holiday Inn Express can run upwards of $200 a night on any given weekday. Staying across the Hudson in New Jersey might save you some cash, and looking into hotels near JFK airport might also save you some money, even though they are quite far away from most of the sights and scenes of the New York City that is worth experiencing. For the more adventurous, Loftstel might be the right place to stay. No private rooms, all bedrooms are shared with at least three other people, the stay seems like its in its own enclosed NYC house with gorgeous kitchen accomodations, free wi-fi and a lot of other extras. Starting at $25 a night, it might just be one of the best bargains out there in New York City.
Food
New York City is home to many of the world's best restaurants and any kind of food can be found here. If there was one thing worth splurging on in New York City, it would be the restaurants. But if the budget is tight, there are a number of places worth visiting.
The best fries in the city are undoubtedly at Pommes Frites off St. Marks. The regular size is extremely filling and affordable. It's possible to get filled with potatoes and any of 40 different frites sauces for under 6 dollars. Strongly recommended: the "Frites Sauce," a danish tangy mayonnaise that's available for free with the purchase of an order of fries.
Dirty water dogs are available at every street corner for about a dollar or two and they are quintessentially New York. They also may get you a little sick. For something that's an NYC hot dog tradition, skip the overpriced dogs at Nathan's and head to Gray's Papaya (3 locations in Manhattan including 37th Street and 8th Ave, just off the A/C/E subway lines at 34th st) for the "Recession Special." Two dogs and a drink for $4.45. Worried that the recession will be over before the visit is possible? No problem, the recession special is even available in boom times.
Looking for something with more bite? Try Oasis, in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Amazing falafel, schwarma and just about everything else. Pricing is extremely reasonable too for a great takeout meal in one of the most happening neighborhoods in the city. (On 7 Street, just off the L train at Bedford Ave)
Getting Around
The best and cheapest way to get across New York City cheaply is the subway system. Day passes are available for just $7.50 and this will get you unlimited access for the day. Also, get a great view of the Statue of Liberty without paying to get there by taking the Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan to Staten Island and back. The ride is free and offers some wonderful views.
Things To Do
There's so much to see and do in New York City, and much of it is cheap or free. Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Coney Island, Times Square. All those places are worth hitting up and they don't cost a dime. A lot of museums have free admission occasionally as well. The Museum of Modern Art on 53rd Street is free on Friday evenings, and the New Museum on the Bowery in SoHo is free on Thursday nights. Also in more than a handful of spots in the city, ice skating is possible during the winter for just the cost of skate rental.
Looking for nightlife? That's a bit more costly, but there is one spot in Williamsburg where there's always live entertainment and never a cover charge. Pete's Candy Store in Williamsburg (Lorimer Street, off the L train at Lorimer) hosts three or four performance a night ranging from indie rock to poetry readings and spelling bees. Plus $2 drafts for happy hour. It's one of the best values and most pleasant venues in the city.
There's plenty to do for very little money in New York City, enough to easily fill a weekend. NYC can definitely be a cheap date.
Labels: budget travel, cheap date, cities, hostels, new york, new york city, tips, travel
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
1 Picture = 1000 Words NYC
The Mercury Lounge, Manhattan, New York City, Feb 2008.
The stench of hipster was a bit overwhelming. People with "alternative" hairstyles paying 10 dollars to not watch the bands and instead spend 6 dollars per beer that they enjoy while not in the room to watch the bands that are on the stage. In the listening room, The Gay Blades blister through a set, complete with furries.
Labels: new york, photo of the week, travel
Sunday, February 03, 2008
The Week In Links: Best of the Web
This is a situation I've found myself in. Made a love connection on the road, but finding that private spot to enjoy it is tough when you're sharing a room with 20 strangers. Tim Patterson on Brave New Traveler talks about the best places to share an intimate moment in a hostel.
With the big news of Microsoft trying to takeover Yahoo!, real travelers know the value of Google. Just ask Vagabondish.
What happens when 200 people freeze in place at Grand Central? Improv Everywhere found out and Jaunted has the video.
Gadling has a story about a woman sharing half her seat with a third of the obese lady sitting next to her on Delta. What would you do in that situation?
With the big news of Microsoft trying to takeover Yahoo!, real travelers know the value of Google. Just ask Vagabondish.
What happens when 200 people freeze in place at Grand Central? Improv Everywhere found out and Jaunted has the video.
Gadling has a story about a woman sharing half her seat with a third of the obese lady sitting next to her on Delta. What would you do in that situation?
Sunday, January 27, 2008
This Week in Links : Best of the Web
I'm growing to love Gridskipper. Every single week, they come up with some off the wall guide that you know people want to have but are afraid to ask. This week, it's all about the best ummm... happy endings in NYC.
What are you scared of on a plane? For me, it's turbulence. For Salon's Patrick Smith, it's birds. And his fear is way more realistic than mine.
On a long trip and need to stay in shape? Vagabondish has got you covered.
What are you scared of on a plane? For me, it's turbulence. For Salon's Patrick Smith, it's birds. And his fear is way more realistic than mine.
On a long trip and need to stay in shape? Vagabondish has got you covered.
Labels: fear of flying, health, new york, travel
Thursday, January 17, 2008
My Cities of 2007
So I was leafing through various travel blogs, and I found Blissful Travel. It's a pretty insightful journal and she had a post talking about the cities she lived in. It was inspired by another travel blogger's list of cities visited last year. Taylor Davidson put up a list of cities he's spent a night in last year, and I thought I should do the same. It's neat to see where you've been in an aggregate sense over the past year. So I thought, I'd share.
Asbury Park, NJ - My hometown and a place I've grown to love. This former tourist destination is the home to Bruce Springsteen and a lot of broken dreams. It's currently working on the rebound and is an interesting case for redevelopment. I like it here, even if I think my time on the Jersey Shore may be nearing an end.
Quakertown, PA
Buffalo, NY
Newark, NJ
Jersey City, NJ
New York, NY - The big city nearby, I'm finding my trips there becoming more and more frequent as my heart is drawn to this city. Walking through Manhattan can at times be like walking through multiple cultures in just a few blocks.
Mountain View, CA - My first night in California was shared with some good friends in their small apartment just outside San Jose. I was immediately struck by how comfortable California can be, and after a couple days - I very much felt at home on the west coast.
Boulder Creek, CA
Worthington, OH
Pittsburgh, PA
Port Chester, NY
Boston, MA - Only my second time in the city, the stay was just too short. Yet pleasant. Finally had a chance to take the T, Boston's tram/subway system and frankly, I loved it. I wish my town had a T.
Michigan City, IN
Philadelphia, PA
Trenton, NJ
Atlanta, GA
Granada, Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Managua, Nicaragua - I honestly don't much care for Managua, the largest population center in the poorest Central American country, but there are some charms to the city and a small ex-pat community makes it their home. There's a very pleasant hostel run by a goodhearted South African/Canadian who's working on development projects for the country when he isn't running his hostel. Managua Backpackers Inn is the spot, and definitely worth the money for a night in the capital city.
With some good luck, the list of cities in 2008 will grow longer. If there's a specific town or city I should visit, let me know. I love discovering cities that might be a bit off the beaten path. They usually provide some excellent ideas.
Asbury Park, NJ - My hometown and a place I've grown to love. This former tourist destination is the home to Bruce Springsteen and a lot of broken dreams. It's currently working on the rebound and is an interesting case for redevelopment. I like it here, even if I think my time on the Jersey Shore may be nearing an end.
Quakertown, PA
Buffalo, NY
Newark, NJ
Jersey City, NJ
New York, NY - The big city nearby, I'm finding my trips there becoming more and more frequent as my heart is drawn to this city. Walking through Manhattan can at times be like walking through multiple cultures in just a few blocks.
Mountain View, CA - My first night in California was shared with some good friends in their small apartment just outside San Jose. I was immediately struck by how comfortable California can be, and after a couple days - I very much felt at home on the west coast.
Boulder Creek, CA
Worthington, OH
Pittsburgh, PA
Port Chester, NY
Boston, MA - Only my second time in the city, the stay was just too short. Yet pleasant. Finally had a chance to take the T, Boston's tram/subway system and frankly, I loved it. I wish my town had a T.
Michigan City, IN
Philadelphia, PA
Trenton, NJ
Atlanta, GA
Granada, Nicaragua
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Managua, Nicaragua - I honestly don't much care for Managua, the largest population center in the poorest Central American country, but there are some charms to the city and a small ex-pat community makes it their home. There's a very pleasant hostel run by a goodhearted South African/Canadian who's working on development projects for the country when he isn't running his hostel. Managua Backpackers Inn is the spot, and definitely worth the money for a night in the capital city.
With some good luck, the list of cities in 2008 will grow longer. If there's a specific town or city I should visit, let me know. I love discovering cities that might be a bit off the beaten path. They usually provide some excellent ideas.
Labels: boston, california, cities, list, new jersey, new york, nicaragua
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
A Picture Says 1000 Words
Winter falls on Central Park. Christo's gates in Central Park, NYC. February 2005.
Happy Holidays from me to you.
Labels: art, new york, photo of the week, travel
Monday, December 17, 2007
Tokyo meets Manhattan: Holiday Shopping in Soho
Christmas just days away, shopping season is in full swing. Although, the forecast is a little gloomy for retailers, stores are still awash with crazy shoppers looking for the next big gift. For me, shopping usually means at least one trip to New York City to try to find the slightly left of center gifts that I like to give. Record shopping in the village... fake bags on Canal Street... those places are old hat? Bloomingdales, Century 21? How very 2002. The big shopping spot this year is in SoHo, and its entirely Japanese.
MUJI is the new it shop on Broadway this year. Opened just last month to throngs of folk looking to grab their free "My MUJI" cloth bag and get shopping for simplicity. The relatively small space is filled with plastic and glass housewares and simple, plain clothes. Despite the simplicity of the style, the designs are pretty cunning, including a set of mini speakers built into cardboard boxes that you fold yourself. Like Tokyo, the store is cramped and expensive. The mini-speakers? Cute at $20, too bad they sell for $42.
The other "it" store in SoHo is also Japanese. UNIQLO opened in 2006 and is all about good, fashionable clothes. And at a decent price too. No clearance racks, but quality made clothes suitable for business and fun. Check out the listening racks on the second floor near the front of the store and you can find some of the music that apparently really is huge in Japan.Also worth a mention, but neither Chinese, nor in Soho - is the Brooklyn Indie Market. In far flung Carroll Gardens - a good half hour by subway out of Manhattan - the small market features about 15 or 20 booths with crafts and clothes and tents overflowing with hipsters. The market is, to my knowledge, open every weekend and currently has extended hours for the holidays. Although I didn't find anything there, the idea of the place is pretty great. Sort of like a co-op for Christmas presents. Especially if your list includes inexpensive jewelry, purses made to look like guitars, and shirts for your dog.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
On Future Travel
The more I travel, the more I realize that travel isn't about seeing some far off place for the first time. Well... that IS part of it, but it isn't what ignites my passion of travel. It's becoming for me about spending time with new people and getting to know people, even if just for that instant that we're around each other. It's about getting to know the place I'm at and living life in that moment.
So even though the sunburn from Nicaragua hasn't finished peeling from my back yet, I'm looking for the next challenge and the next adventure. My next trip is all about family business. For the Christmas holiday, I'll be back in the Chicago region, spending time with family and the few people I still know in that area.
One other trip - not so far away from home - is planned for August, but it is a trip that I am extremely excited about. In August, I'll be seeing New York State up close and personal as part of the Empire State AIDS Ride. This 560 mile bicycle ride is going to take me from Niagara Falls to Manhattan over seven days. It should be the most physically challenging week of my life so far and I'm really pumped to do it.
Other than that, the slate is wide open. I am looking at Argentina as a possibility - especially since I have just about enough frequent flyer miles to make that trip happen for virtually nothing. The other option is Korea. A few of the people that I met on this last trip mentioned that they had taught English in Korea for a year, and that it's a really good way to make money to travel more. The more I take a look at my financial picture and what I want to do with my life, the more this seems like an option. After reading The Daily Kimchi for a couple days, I have to say that the idea is becoming more appealing every day. That opportunity though is at least ten months away for me, as this charity ride is definitely first on my list.
Where else should I travel to? Is there something that I'm missing that I should make a date for in 2008? I'd love to know.
Labels: AIDS ride, argentina, future plans, korea, new york
