New York City is known for being a cultural melting pot, rich in history and brimming with vitality and style. The best way to experience all of it by yourself is through bus tours. Bus tours let you enjoy the best parts of the city without having your nose buried in a guide book all day. You can also get down and explore places better when desired while also being able to give your tired feet a rest when finished roaming.
Given below is a list of bus tours in New York City that you should check out.
Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
Costing $48 for adults for a one day ticket, this bus tour is ideal for tourists who are visiting New York for the first time. It provides a fully narrated and comprehensive tour of thirty popular New York attractions. Highly convenient, the hop-on, hop-off tour allows you to personalize your itinerary and board and leave according to your wishes. You can get tickets for this bus tour in Times Square.
The bus takes three routes that you can choose from—the uptown loop, the midtown loop, and the downtown loop. The first route includes the Lincoln Theatre, Rockefeller Center, and the Apollo Theatre. Next, the midtown loop covers Madison Square Gardens, The United Nations Headquarters, and the Empire State Building. Lastly, the downtown loop visits Chinatown, Little Italy, and the World Trade Center.
Brooklyn, Bronx, and Queens Coach Tour
This extensive bus tour takes you through the four boroughs of New York City, including Manhattan, where you have to board from. The tour costs $64 and begins from the Grand Central Station, drives through the Upper East Side followed by the Bronx and the Spanish Harlem. You will get to check out the Yankee stadium and Arthur avenue before you cross into Queens. The tour also covers Long Island City, Astoria, and Brooklyn. Finally, it heads down to Williamsburg and Greenpoint, where you will stop for a quick bite, before completing the tour with a view from the Brooklyn bridge.
Gossip Girl Sites Tour
The show Gossip Girl was inspired by the rich and elite families of New York City. Now you can have a sneak peek into their lives with this bus tour. Lasting for about three hours, this tour takes visitors through the hotels owned by the Van der Woodsen family in the show, the popular shopping spot Henri Bedel, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. As far as bus tours go, this one is pure fun, especially for die-hard fans of the show. The tour costs $56.
Scott’s Pizza Tour
Bus tours and pizza—not a bad combination, huh? Scott’s Pizza Tour offers a charming food-based bus tour every Sunday. The tour takes place in a bright yellow school bus, and journeys through the outer boroughs of New York. With overwhelmingly positive reviews, this tour helps you learn a bit about making pizza, and of course, eating it too.
New York City Guided Sightseeing Tour
Short on time? This bus tour is the way to go. Both the six-hour and the eight-hour tour cover most of Manhattan, including famous spots such as Museum Mile, Battery Park, Central Park, Times Square, and Greenwich Village. The bus tour also lets you go on a guided walk to Wall Street, South Sea Seaport, and other historic sites. If you opt for the eight-hour tour, you get to go on a sightseeing cruise. The cruise visits the majestic Statue of Liberty and gives you a birds-eye view of Manhattan from the Top of the Rock.
New York Hip Hop Tour
If you are more musically-inclined, the New York Hip Hop Tour is the one for you. Costing $74.99, this bus tour is worth the price. Presided over by a Grandmaster, the tour begins at a hip-hop party in Manhattan and heads uptown to sites like the Rucker Park, the Graffiti Hall of Fame, and the Apollo Theater. The tour also includes a lesson on freestyle hip-hop!
The Ride New York City
Want to do something different from regular bus tours? Take a journey on The Ride New York City. Part broadway show and part city tour, this bus tour is touted as a “traveling theater.” The 75-minute long excursion takes place on a uniquely-designed bus. The bus has floor-to-ceiling glass windows and stadium-style seats. While the tour allows you to experience brilliant showmanship and even interact with performers, it is limited to Times Square and its adjoining areas. So, if you prefer your bus tours to be informative and thorough, you might want to give this one a pass. The Ride New York City charges $69 per person.
New York Double Decker Night Tour
Rightfully dubbed as the city that never sleeps, New York is a sight worth witnessing in the night. This bus tour allows you to check out the city in its complete night-time glory for only $29. Starting on the west side of Manhattan, this double-decker bus tour moves on to Chinatown, the Empire State Building, and Times Square. The tour ends with a phenomenal view of the Manhattan skyline.
TCM Classic Film Tour of New York
New York has been the backdrop of so many classic movies. A horror tale like Rosemary’s Baby, a sweet rom-com like You’ve Got Mail, and the Marilyn Monroe classic Seven Year Itch have one thing in common—New York City. Now you get to visit all these filming locations, thanks to the Turner Classic Movies Film Tour. The tour costs $56 and will bring lasting memories to the cinephile in you.
Planning a vacation in a cozy cabin nestled in the midst of nature’s embrace is a dream for many people. However, with numerous options available, choosing the perfect rental cabin can take time and effort. Several factors must be considered, from location and amenities to size and budget. However, if you know what you are looking for, it will be easier to pick the best cabin rental that suits your needs and preferences.
When booking a cabin rental, one of the critical things to consider is the location. It will set the mood right for your complete vacation experience. When planning your vacation destination, consider the proximity of the rental cabin to the activities you plan to participate in or spots you plan to travel to. Look at the top spots for skiing, lakes, hiking trails, and cultural landmarks. Alternatively, if you prefer a secluded cabin, look for a location surrounded by wilderness and serenity. In addition to the basics, take into account the accessibility of the location and how it will fit into your itinerary.
The next thing you want to keep in mind is the size and capacity of the rental cabin. Ensure the options you are looking at can comfortably accommodate the travel party. Check the number of baths and beds offered and compare it to the available common areas. If you enjoy the great outdoors, consider the outdoor space that comes with the cabin. When traveling with a large group, opt for cabin rentals with spacious interiors and outdoor space. Alternatively, you can look for a range of cabins located together that will allow you all to spend time with other group members while also enjoying your privacy. Meanwhile, a smaller cabin with intimate settings may be more suitable if you want a cozy retreat for a romantic getaway.
Evaluate the amenities and facilities the cabin rental provides to enhance your vacation experience. Determine if necessary features such as a fully equipped kitchen, heating or air conditioning, Wi-Fi connectivity, and parking are available. Depending on your preferences, look for additional amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, outdoor grills, game rooms, or access to community pools or recreational facilities. These amenities can add convenience, comfort, and entertainment to your stay.
Establishing a budget is crucial when choosing a cabin rental. Determine how much you can spend on accommodation, keeping in mind other expenses such as transportation, dining, and activities. Research various cabin rentals within your budget range and compare prices, considering seasonal variations and any additional fees or charges. Consider the value offered by each cabin rental, weighing the amenities, location, and overall experience against the cost.
Before finalizing your decision, read reviews and testimonials from previous guests. These insights provide valuable information about the cabin rental’s quality, cleanliness, the host’s or management’s responsiveness, and overall customer satisfaction. Certain platforms or dedicated cabin rental websites often have tabs for reviews and ratings to help you make an informed choice. Pay attention to positive and negative reviews and feedback to understand the cabin rental’s strengths and weaknesses.
If you travel with furry companions, ensure the cabin rental allows pets. Some cabin rentals may have specific pet policies, restrictions, or additional fees. Check if the surrounding area offers pet-friendly attractions, trails, or parks, and inquire about any pet amenities provided, such as pet beds, bowls, or fenced yards. Choosing a pet-friendly cabin rental ensures that your entire family, including your beloved pets, can enjoy a memorable vacation together.
Prioritize safety and accessibility when selecting a cabin rental. Consider factors such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and security measures. If you or any members of your travel party have mobility restrictions, look for cabins with wheelchair-accessible entrances, ground-floor bedrooms, and bathroom facilities designed for accessibility. Additionally, inquire about the proximity of healthcare facilities or emergency services in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Reliable customer support is invaluable when renting a cabin. Ensure the host or management company is responsive and readily available to address any issues or concerns during your stay. Prompt communication, clear instructions, and a helpful attitude provide a seamless and stress-free vacation experience. Check if the cabin rental provides a dedicated contact person or a 24/7 helpline to assist you throughout your stay.
One should never ignore the possibility of changes in travel plans. Review the cabin rental’s flexibility and cancellation policy before making a reservation. Understand the terms and conditions of reservation changes, cancellations, and associated fees. Opting for a cabin rental with a flexible policy gives you peace of mind, knowing that you can adjust your itinerary if needed.
Lastly, consider your preferences and vacation goals when choosing a cabin rental. Reflect on the ambiance, style, and surroundings that resonate with you. Whether you prefer a rustic log cabin, a modern mountain retreat, or a lakeside cottage, select a cabin rental that aligns with your ideal vacation concept. Remember, this is your getaway, and finding a cabin that captures your imagination and creates lasting memories is more important than anything else.
Planning a family vacation is quite challenging. You must consider every member’s travel and adventure expectations and try to accommodate as much as possible in a single trip. Whether for domestic travel or past international experiences, from flights to hotel booking and dining options, you must consider every alternative available. This is where you’ll benefit from booking an all-inclusive vacation package. Here are some valuable tips to secure the best family vacation packages worldwide.
Decide on the type of vacation
Before comparing and searching for deals, decide on the type of vacation you want. Does your itinerary involve a lot of driving or flying? If it’s both, will you be able to cover a lot of places considering layovers and on-road delays? How many hours can you drive without taking frequent breaks? Does your budget allow for multiple rentals in every new destination? Can you shift from one location to the other during check-in and check-out times? And does the plan involve a lot of resort and beach fun or inland adventures like amusement and water parks? All these are essential factors to consider before booking an ambitious travel itinerary.
Book well in advance
Cruises, expeditions, and exclusive tours are all popular family vacation packages that get picked up when booking partners update the details. You don’t want to wait till the last moment, especially when you’re planning a vacation for the entire family. Also, booking in the off-season is a good idea to avail better discounts and deals. Family vacation packages are generally booked to fill a specific volume for the travel partner. So peak season, the prices will be bumped up to accommodate guests. However, these deals will be cheaper in the off-season to encourage filling in the empty spots.
Book with specific partners
Planning a family vacation means you’ll have to consider every member’s wish and find a way to accommodate their plans in the single travel itinerary. This can be pretty challenging if you simply browse for deals and packages with limited travel options. Specific websites and booking partners guarantee all-inclusive vacation offers for a reasonable price. For example, Expedia offers a unique booking filter called ‘Traveler Experience’ where you can select vacations based on experiences at the location. CheapTickets is another alternative offering excellent budget packages with a comprehensive travel itinerary and all-inclusive price. You can filter our results further by using meta-search engines like Momondo to select property styles and locate kid-friendly vacation deals. Many airlines also offer family vacation packages as part of a booking deal with flights and hotels included. The devil is in the detail of booking when using these websites.
Compare all-inclusive family vacation packages
When you travel with the family, it’s better to consider all-inclusive packages. All-inclusive packages cover your hotel stay, food, and a preplanned itinerary with a flexible schedule you can confirm in advance. With an all-inclusive deal, you’ll know upfront how much money will be spent per person. So, managing both budget and expectations at the location becomes easier. Once you pick a comfortable plan, allocating extra funds for other trip expenses is easy. All-inclusive deals further allow you to plan multiple excursions and activities to enjoy at the location in advance. For example, if you are traveling to the beach, resorts offer various water sporting adventures as part of the package. If the purpose of the trip is to explore new places, book tour packages offered as add-ons. With an all-inclusive deal, you’ll also get a good sense of the amenities included and excluded from the price.
Make travel goals
Even if you have a fixed itinerary to follow, it never hurts to have some fun travel goals to make the vacation more memorable. For example, traveling to a new destination, you can plan to try one local delicacy every single day. Or try to learn some essential conversation starters in the local language to discover more you can explore. Plan to try a new activity that you might have a fear of and have been postponing for the right time to pick. Traveling with family members, you’ll have a lot of audiences to encourage and boost your morale by trying the new activity – like paragliding or snorkeling, depending on the location. Plan and agree to mutual travel goals that everybody can enjoy as part of the trip. Planning together allows you maximum room to decide on activities and excursions that nobody will resist or get bored of on the trip.
Have realistic expectations
Package deals, even the ones that mention all-inclusive, will limit a certain number of activities and experiences. But there is no sure way to tell if the booking will be worth the price. Some experiences will be memorable, but you and your family should also be prepared for the few dull moments that make up the day. Hiccups in transportation and amenities are all part and parcel of any well-planned vacation, as there are some factors that you just can’t control. So get ready for some spontaneous change in plans, and even if it costs a bit more, the memories you make with family and friends are worth the money spent well. So always have realistic expectations and keep an open mind to enjoy the most of your trip.