The term Manhattanhenge is derived from Stonehenge, where the sun aligns with the stones semi-annually during the solstice.  The dates of Manhattanhenge do not align with the equinox, as Manhattan’s street grid is rotated 29 degrees east from geographic north.

It was discovered by Neil deGrasse Tyson, the director of the Hayden Planetarium in the Department of Astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History. Every year he releases the dates and times that Manhattanhenge occurs. Here are the dates for 2012:

Half sun

Half-sun on the grid:

Tuesday, May 29 at 8:17 pm

Thursday, July 12 at 8:25 pm

Full sun

Full-sun on the grid

Wednesday, May 30 at 8:16 pm

Wednesday, July 11 at 8:24 pm

Tyson suggests that you “arrive a half-hour earlier than the times given” and to “position yourself as far east in Manhattan as possible but ensure that when you look west across the avenues that you can still see New Jersey.”

Don’t forget to grab the mTrip New York City Travel Guide App to help you get around the city.

images by: Dan Nguyen @ New York City, OpenStreetMap contributors, ianqui and GRI SHA

Set a budget and stick to it
Sounds absurdly simple right? Yet most people fail here. Once in the city they forgot the budget entirely, lured by designer clothes and fancy restaurants. It’s easy to feel rich on vacation, until the credit card bill comes. Avoid post-trip financial nightmares by making a plan of what you must see and do each day, adding up the total cost, and padding the final amount so that when you want to splurge, you can…a little. Be realistic about yourself and your spending habits and pick a figure that works for both your shopping (or culinary, etc) addiction and your bank balance. While New York on $5 a day is probably impossible now, you could conceivably see the city for $50 or $100 or $150 per day, depending on your travel style.

Accommodations
Hotels are the biggest expense for a trip to New York, so if you know someone in the city, start buttering them up now. If they’re willing to offer up a spare bedroom, couch or even a floor and sleeping bag, you can save hundreds of dollars. Rentals by owner, like AirBnB and HomeAway, are usually the next cheapest option. And if you have more time than money, consider staying outside of Manhattan. You’ll spend precious extra time commuting to the major sites (not ideal if you are on a shorter trip) but you could save considerably on a place to stay.

Transport
Hailing a taxi with a raised arm and a sharp whistle (while wearing impossibly tall designer heels, of course) is a classic New York moment, and one that many tourists envision having on their trip. But taxi fares add up fast, so if you’re on a budget, ditch the cabs (and the impractical shoes) in favor of public transport. NYC’s bus and subway system is extensive and affordable, and rubbing elbows with commuters is a far more “authentic” experience than riding in a taxi anyways.

Food
While NYC does have some of the best – and most expensive – restaurants in the world, it also has food for the rest of us too. The city is packed with fast food options, corner delis, and neighborhood bars that offer good food at affordable prices. If you’re in a real budget crunch, a slice of pizza is just a few bucks, or you can hit the local grocery store and then have a picnic in Central Park. If you’re dying to sample some of the city’s culinary gems, go at lunch for smaller portions and smaller prices, skip the alcohol with dinner, or keep an eye out for discounts on sites like Groupon.com.

By Katie Hammel of BootsnAll

Download mTrip’s New York Travel Guide

Greater Access to Digital Information

One simple action that is already being addressed is to provide free wireless access in more public spaces. Three New York parks began receiving wireless Internet last week, while 17 more parks across all five boroughs are due to receive it some time in 2011. Further plans include wireless connections on the subway; the experiment will begin with six stations. Hopefully this will increase quickly as there is really no particular target user; every single New York tourist and local would benefit from this. Lastly, the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program will grant funding for high speed Internet in public spaces such as libraries and recreation centers.

Government API Platform

Tim O’Reilly has envisioned ‘government as a platform.’ He believes that there is great potential to offer the cities’ information and services in a digital capacity. The idea is imagined through an API, which would allow the government to open up the information and services the city provides. This would create a platform for everyone to engage with the city, yet on their own terms, much like Facebook and Twitter do. The potential for travelers is definitely far-reaching.

Increase City Engagement

There are 33 million unique visitors to the nyc.gov website yearly and it is believed that the number will soon overtake physical visits to Central Park, which is at 35 million a year. This is why the city will aim to make digital public spaces welcoming and useful. This will certainly assist travelers as well, who visit the website for travel information on the city events and things to do in New York. The city will also aim to increase social media engagement. Look out for their soon-to-launch Foursquare page, which will reward visitors with a badge for visiting public spaces. They will also launch a Tumblr page that focuses on telling New York stories.

Nurture the NYC Tech Industry

Since New York City already has a thriving startup scene, the city’s digital initiatives will include further encouragement of innovation and entrepreneurship. NYC BigApps, developed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation supports innovative technology by allowing developers to access the NYC DataMine and build public apps with the data. An example from this competition is the popular app called DontEat.at, an app that integrates Foursquare and sends text messages when you check in to a place that scores low on its health inspection. Hopefully talented developers will continue to take part in the competition and develop some interesting NYC-localized apps that will be helpful for tourists and locals.

There is clearly a lot to be done on the initiative but as one of the most digitally-engaged cities, NYC tourists and locals can look forward to some exciting changes.

Get a New York Travel Guide to get around!

Image by: DoctorWho

The bar: Maison Premiere

298 Bedford Avenue (Grand Street), Brooklyn

This ‘oyster house and cocktail den’ is a new addition to the New York scene, but feels like it has been around for centuries and is already attracting its fair share of accolades. Its authentic, sincere décor is somewhat Parisian, with more than a dash of New Orleans, and this Williamsburg bar boasts the largest list of premium absinthes in the city. Have the unpretentious bar staff fix you up something to whet your appetite as you browse the list of around 20 tempting oyster dishes. There’s a healthy selection of juleps for those sultry summers, too.

The cocktail: Absinthe Frappe. Simple and refreshing, absinthe and sugar syrup over ice.

The bar: Mayhuel

304 East 6th Street, Manhattan

Sitting between a row of curry houses on a quite sidestreet in the East Village, Mayhuel has been bringing a touch of Mexico to New York for a couple of years now. The drinks list specialises in tequilas and mescals, and as you duck through the doorway, there’s a church-like feel to the interior. The service isn’t too formal, but the staff really know their drinks, and are happy to recommend for those that are new to tequilas. It’s much more than slammers here, and you can sip on the nectar of the gods while snacking on the excellent small plates.

The cocktail: Division Bell. Delicious smokey mezcal with Aperol and lime juice.

The bar: Dram

177 South 4th Street, Brooklyn

One of the most casual and non-pretentious cocktail bars to open in New York recently, this Williamsburg joint is a testament to simple design and an uncomplicated idea done very well. A testament to its greatness is its popularity with other service industry workers; it’s a real bartender’s bar. That doesn’t mean they’re snobby, though, and you’re more than welcome to ask for a dealer’s choice after letting them know your favourite flavours. The atmosphere is casual and buzzy. Grab a cheap can of Pork Slap beer or a fancy cocktail: either way, it’s a cool, late-night experience.

The cocktail: Viceroy’s Daisy. Gin, raspberry and fresh lemon. Divine.

The bar: Angel’s Share

8 Stuyvesant St, Manhattan

Walk through an unassuming door in a Japanese restaurant in lower Manhattan and you’ll find yourself in the bar that started the whole New York cocktail revival. It’s a tiny room and it’s seating only, so prepare to go early or face a wait. Once sat in the plush bar and given a menu, though, it’s an entire new world of delights. It’s a sophisticated, sexy and somewhat formal room, with very professional bartenders and frowns towards rowdiness or mobile phones. For a purely drinks-focussed experience, though, the original speakeasy is very hard to beat.

The cocktail: The Evidence. Sophisicated gin and Earl Grey.

The bar: Pegu Club

77 W Houston St

There’s a colonial air to this West Houston cocktail bar, which has long been the standard by which its peers are judged. There’s a long bar and Asian-themed décor and the people making your drinks are the best in the business. Their choice and preparation of martinis is legendary, and it’s all without a hint of gimmick, just balanced, well-thought out drinks. Each table has eyedroppers of citrus and bitters in case you have a strong predilection for these flavours. Its low-key entrance makes it feel like a secret, and you feel somewhat exclusive as you climb the stairs.

The cocktail: Pegu Club Cocktail. A tantalising mix of gin, orange liqueur and bitters.

Fancy a trip to the Big Apple? Visit the Virgin Atlantic website for the latest deals on flights to New York

Image by: BKLYN guy

 

 

iTunes Festival London 2011 - July 1-31, London

Featuring 31 consecutive nights of brilliant live music, iTunes Festival will showcase both established and emerging artists. Each performance will be recorded and made available for download on iTunes. Tickets for the iTunes Festival are free but you have to apply for tickets! There will be about 60 artists performing, including Paul Simon, ADELE, Foo Fighters and Duran Duran.

 

 

Berlin Festival 2011 – September 9-10, Berlin

Berlin is a city like no other; especially known for its underground music scene, its definitely a city worth visiting just for its musical influence alone. Berlin Festival takes place just days after Berlin Music Week (September 7-11), making this week one of the best times to visit this vibrant city. Berlin Festival 2011 will feature a Boy George DJ Set, The Drums, Suede, Beirut, Mogwai, Battles, Hercules and Love Affair, Deus, Santigold, A-Trak, Yelle, Diplo and many other unique acts.

 

 

Fête de la Musique – June 21, Paris

Allowing for the expression of all types of music, Fête de la Musique is completely different from most music festivals. It is open to both emerging and professional musicians, and all musicians are asked to perform for free as the event itself is free to the public.

 

 

Make Music New York (MMNY) – June 21, New York

Now in its fifth year, Make Music New York is a unique festival filled to the brim with free concerts, taking place in public spaces throughout the five boroughs of New York City. All taking place on the first day of summer, June 21, MMNY takes place simultaneously with similar festivities in over 460 cities across the world. The lineup hasn’t been announced yet but it should be any day now. In past years, the lineup has ranged from hip hop to opera, Latin jazz to punk rock, all performed on the streets, sidewalks, stoops, plazas, parks and gardens of New York.

 

 

Pitchfork Music Festival – July 15,16,17, Chicago

This three-day event showcases over 40 of independent music’s best bands and artists. It is one of the few music festivals that keeps ticket prices reasonably low. Among the many artists you will see Animal Collective, DJ Shadow, Toro Y Moi, TV on the Radio. Activities include a Record Fair, presented by the Chicago Independent Radio Project, Coterie handmade goods, FLATSTOCK poster show series and Rock for kids.

 

 

Lollapalooza – August 5-7, Chicago

Whereas the Pitchfork festival focuses on independent music, Lollapalooza is a destination for music lovers all over the world. It just so happens that this year is the 20th Anniversary of the Festival and festival-goers can look forward to a full and exciting lineup. Artists include: Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, Deadmau5, Cee Lo Green, Girl Talk, Kid Cudi and so many more. As always, the festival will take place in historic Grant Park, between the iconic Chicago skyline and the shores of Lake Michigan. FYI – if you have kids 10 and under, they get in free to Lolla when accompanied by a ticket holding adult.

 

 

Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival – August 12-14, San Francisco

Taking place in San Francisco’s historic Golden Gate Park, Outside Lands invites guests to celebrate not only the best in music, but also food, wine and art. From singer-songwriters to DJs, jazz acts and cutting edge rock bands, all major music movements are celebrated alongside a host of local musicians, food vendors and visual artists representing SF’s vibrant cultural community. This green-conscious event will feature artists like Arcade Fire, Black Keys, The Shins, MGMT, Girl Talk, Erykah Badu, The Roots, Major Lazer, OK GO. Other attractions will include tastes of the Bay Area, many wine offerings, festival market place, and the eco lands area, powered entirely by solar energy.

 

 

Osheaga – July 29th to 31st, Montreal

There’s no better city to enjoy an outdoor music festival than Montreal. The summer is when Montreal shines the most and the energy of the city is always outstanding, especially during the outdoor festivals. There are no shortage of them in Montreal and Osheaga is one stellar festival not to be missed. Last years addition with Arcade Fire performing during the fireworks was spectacular. Osheaga acts this year include The Tragically Hip, Cypress hill, Eminem, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, The Flaming Lips, Death Cab for Cutie, Kid Cudie, City & Colour, Broken Social Scene, Lupe Fiasco, Bright Eyes, Ratatat, Bran Van 3000, Crystal Castles, MSYRKRFT, The Joy Formidable, Sam Roberts Band, Jamie xx, Manchester Ochestra, Malajube and a host of other amazing bands. And don’t miss out on Osheaga in the City, which features acts outside the days of the festival. The lineup will be announced in the coming month.

 

 

Glastonbury Festival – June 22 to 26th, Glastonbury

The lineup is endless and Glastonbury’s following is so large that they are already sold out of tickets. If you were planning to attend, we hope you already grabbed your tickets. The festival began the day after Jimi Hendrix died in 1970 and so marked one of the best festivals. In 2011, this festival is still going strong and with so many stages, we couldn’t possibly list all the bands. Some stellar acts include U2, Coldplay, Paul Simon, Queens of the Stone Age, The Naked & Famous, The Streets, Lykke Li, Wu Tang Clan, Beyonce and so many more that my eyes are watering looking at the lineup.

 

 

Sonar – June 16-18, Barcelona

Taking place in Barcelona, Sonar will be showcasing famous artists and DJ’s like M.I.A., Underworld, Janelle Monae, Steve Aoki and many more. To add to the already full lineup, there will be some interesting showcases by Ninja Tune, BBC Radio and others.

 

And one extra…Piknic Electronik – WEEKLY, Montreal and soon Barcelona!

This unique weekly event helps you get the most out Montreal’s summer weather, while enjoying an incomparable view of the city and quality electronic music. They highlight the many talents of both the local and international electronic scenes, featuring classic acts as well as audacious newcomers. The Barcelona version appears to be next on their list of cities!

What music festivals will you be attending this summer? Add yours to the comments.

Download a city guide to get you around during festival season!

Image sources: Anirudh Koul, stevenboegborn, tom-jenkins, tkaravou, toombsday, jaywei80, Jason Bryant for Glastonbury Festival, SPACEBAR.ca [Simon], scannerfm_flickr, zenra, bumpershine, tammylo

In fact, Cinco de Mayo is really only celebrated in one place in Mexico – the state of Puebla. The holiday commemorates the date when the Mexican army defeated the French in the 1862 Battle of Puebla. On this date, you’ll find festivals of food, music, and dancing throughout Puebla, but not much elsewhere in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo is almost a bigger deal in the US, where people use the holiday as an excuse to eat their favorite Mexican food, drink margaritas and don a sombrero.

If you want to join the fun closer to home, here are the best places to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the US:

Chicago
Chicago’s southside neighborhood of Pilsen is home to a large Latino population, and hosts a free parade every year. The many Mexican restaurants (some of which are BYOB, so you can save money on your Dos Equis or Tecate) also host Cinco de Mayo parties.

New York City
New York seems to have a party for just about everything, so it’s no surprise the city gets down for Cinco de May as well. You’ll find a Cinco de Mayo party at nearly every Mexican restaurant and there’s a weekend parade near Central Park.

San Marco, Texas
The San Marco Cinco de Mayo party includes a parade and a Miss Cinco de Mayo (and Little Miss Cinco) pageant plus music and dancing, tons of food and menudo (a type of Mexican soup) cooking contest.

Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to the biggest Cinco de Mayo street fair. Head to Broadway in downtown L.A. or to the historic Plaza del Pueblo de Los Angeles at Olvera Street for traditional dances, music, and kids’ activities.

By Katie Hammel of BootsnAll

Photo by maveric2003, sbctb, Paul Lowry

McQueen Plato's Atlantis

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty will pay tribute to one mans extraordinary contributions to the world of fashion. The retrospective will chart McQueen’s 19-year career, from his post-graduate collection to his final runway presentation, in 100 spectacular pieces. In the length of McQueen’s career, he challenged the notion of fashion by expanding our understanding beyond utility to a conceptual expression of culture, politics and identity. Since McQueen’s death in 2010, his clothing line has been very sought after, even more so than when he was alive. The exhibition expects to draw fashion fans from across the globe and if you happen to be traveling to New York during this time, it’s definitely an exhibit worth your itineraries attention!

Also, if you are visiting New York during the exhibition, you are in luck because The Lowell hotel is offering guests a special package, granting guests complimentary priority admission to the retrospective. The stylish Lowell offers an amazing Upper East Side location close to the Madison Avenue shops, Central Park and Museum Mile.The likes of Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and British Vogue have stayed here.

Stay at The Lowell Hotel

Prices from £475 per night; offer valid May 4 to July 31, 2011. To book visit www.lowellhotel.com

Call (001) 800-221-4444

 

See the Alexander McQueen Exhibit

When: May 4, 2011 – July 31, 2011

Where: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Exhibition Hall, 2nd Floor

Website: http://www.metmuseum.org/

Use the mTrip New York Travel Guide

Image sources: The Metropolitan Museum of Art & Lowell Hotel

New Orleans for Jazz & Heritage Festival

From April 29 until May 1 & from May 5 until May 8, the city will be music to your ears, literally! New Orleans just breathes culture and what better way to celebrate their city than with the Jazz & Heritage Festival. Whereas normally you can’t walk down the street in New Orleans without hearing live music, you will hear even more of it during the festivities (if that’s even possible). Artists booked include Bon Jovi, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Cyndi Lauper, and the Neville Brothers.

New York for the Easter Parade

On Easter Sunday (April 24, 2011) paraders, dressed to the extreme wander along the closed streets of Fifth Avenue from 49th to 57th Street. The ideal place to see the parade is the area around St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival runs from 10am to 4pm. While the parade doesn’t have any floats or marching bands, it is still a spectacle; from around the world people come to New York City to participate, with outfits ranging from elegant to outrageous.

New York travel guide

 

Istanbul for the Shopping Festival

Istanbul Shopping Festival (ISF) is an annual event that brings together people of all kinds, making Istanbul the shopping, cultural and entertainment centre of the world. Until April 26, visitors will enjoy the many activities taking place at the 90 indoor shopping malls and many stores, open till late hours. The glamorous spirit of ISF is not to be missed if you are planning on taking a trip there. Don’t forget the tax free shopping for visitors from overseas!

Istanbul travel guide

Munich for Strong Beer Season

Did you miss Oktoberfest? No worries because with spring in Munich also comes Strong Beer Season. This is the insiders alternative to Oktoberfest yet the beer is stronger and the crowds are thinner .The traditional serving of the spring strong beers begin during Lent and lasts about four weeks, this year until April 26th.

Munich travel guide

 

London for the Royal Wedding

The Royal Wedding takes place at Westminster Abbey on April 29 and the city will be abuzz. Locals might flee the city, while travelers might pay a visit for the cities unique buzz. If you want to be part of the celebrations and catch a glimpse of the royal couple, you can stand somewhere along the wedding procession route. The route will include The Mall, Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall and Parliament Square.

London travel guide

Amsterdam for Queen’s Day

On April 30, Amsterdam is home to the biggest collection of events and parties in celebration of Queen’s Day aka Koninginnedag. Aside from endless crowds and the colour orange, visitors can expect many outdoor parties with bands and DJs on several squares and parks throughout the city. The biggest outdoor concerts are held by Museumplein and Rembrandtplein. Queen’s Day is also the one day of the year that the streets and sidewalks become one big ‘free market’ (vrijmarkt). Don’t forget about Queen’s Night either – check out one of the many bars and clubs hosting events.

Amsterdam travel guide

Singapore for the International Film Festival (SIFF)

With its dynamic film programming and commitment to development of film culture and local cinema, SIFF has become Singapore’s largest international film festival. In its 23rd edition, SIFF will take place from April 15-24 and will showcase Asian film in various venues like The Singapore Art Museum and The Arts House.

Singapore travel guide

What interesting festivals and events will you be headed to this Spring? Or for Easter? Let us know in the comments!

Glass Bar at the Hotel Indigo
Nestled in the heart of the Chelsea Flower District, the Hotel Indigo has a well-earned reputation for simple elegance; that reputation is borne out by the sleek, intimate atmosphere of its rooftop Glass Bar. The unique lighting, spectacular view and elegant décor combine to create the perfect setting for drinks, appetisers, and dancing under the stars after a day steeped in the glamour of New York. Even in inclement weather travellers can enjoy this rooftop gem, since it features a waterproof enclosure for all-year-round comfort and luxury.

Salon de Ning at the Peninsula Hotel
New York represents a fusion of many different cultures; nowhere is this more evident than in the Asian-inspired styling of the glamorous Salon de Ning. Bold reds, oranges, and shades of black dominate the colour scheme in this upscale rooftop bar, which takes its name and inspiration from world traveller and Shanghai social butterfly Madame Ning. Patrons enjoy stunning views of the lights of Fifth Avenue while sipping a Ning Sling and relaxing in comfort on the outdoor terraces or inside at the well-appointed bar and salon.

Penthouse808 at the Ravel Hotel
Drinks, dancing, and an extensive dinner menu are the perfect accompaniments to the stunning panoramic views that constitute the main attractions at the Penthouse 808 nightclub and bar. The retractable glass greenhouse allows this rooftop getaway to remain comfortable all year around, while the view of Manhattan from the terrace is especially lovely at sunset.

Ava Lounge at the Dream Hotel
Integrating a blend of European chic with South Beach sensibility, the Ava Lounge is definitely Miami Nice; the rooftop oasis provides unparalleled views of the iconic Times Square and the Hudson River, making it an exquisite choice for travellers from all around the world. The upscale casual atmosphere of the Ava Lounge make it one rooftop bar experience not to be missed.

Bookmarks at the Library Hotel
For an intimate night out or a quiet retreat, the Bookmarks rooftop bar offers quiet charm and European-style cocktail service. What Bookmarks lacks in panoramic views it makes up for in simple rustic charm and natural brick and tile décor, making it the perfect spot for romantic encounters or stimulating conversation and a lovely place to wind down after a day of sightseeing and shopping.

New York is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with unique attractions including the glitz and glamour of Broadway shows, the extensive shopping and fashion district, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and many other landmarks and once-in-a-lifetime sights. A trip to New York can create memories that will last a lifetime; including one or more of the luxurious rooftop bars on the itinerary can make the holiday even more memorable and enjoyable.


This post was written by Nadine Hallak, travel expert at flight deals website www.cheapflights.co.uk, with thanks to the respective hotels for providing the exceptional photos.

For starters, avoid the opening rush. Instead of lining up at 4am, look for stores that offer midnight-madness sales. Often, less people are aware that these sales are happening (since they only occur at certain stores) so you may get the same great deals with a lot less hassle (plus, you should be wide awake following your post-tryptophan afternoon nap). By skipping the opening bell you may forego some door-buster deals, but you’ll also avoid a lot of stress (and chances are you can do without the crappy printer they’re giving away for free).

You can also make your life a lot easier by being discerning when it comes to choosing which stores you will visit. This pertains not only to the chains you decide to patronize, but the area you frequent. High-end shopping centers in heavily populated areas are likely to receive the lion’s share of visitors, as are big-name retailers like Best Buy, Apple stores, and large outlet malls. So consider giving your consumer dollars to local businesses that offer the same items. Call ahead of time to see if they’re willing to price match the chain stores and you may be able to get the same low prices with a lot less stress.

Finally, you can get more done by employing some help. You’ve no doubt heard of people paying others to hold their place in line (outside a store) starting at 2 or 3am so they can show up just before the doors open and avoid a wait. However, this is probably a waste of funds that could be put to better use on sale items. Instead, ask some friends or relatives to come along. You can bring a thermos full of coffee and camp out in front of a store, then spread out once you get inside to get all of your shopping done quickly (before the lines get too long).

Of course, there’s always online shopping to consider. With Cyber Monday following fast on the heels of Black Friday, you can opt to avoid physical shopping altogether. And even though many companies designate Monday for the beginning of their biggest online sales, some of them actually post lower prices starting on Friday to boost sales and get the jump on their competition. So if you really want to make the most of the biggest shopping day of the year, do a little research ahead of time to find out who’s offering what and how you can save a lot with the least amount of hassle.

If you need help navigating your way around the city while shopping, download one of mTrip’s US iPhone Travel Guides.

~ Sarah Danielson writes for RAC Breakdown offering the best in breakdown cover and car insurance guides.