mTrip Blog » united states

Manhattanhenge: an urban solar phenomenon

Alexander — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:22:22 +0000

Manhattanhenge is an amazing coincidence of nature and the city where twice a year the setting sun aligns perfectly with the street grid of Manhattan in New York City. The result is a breathtaking view of Manhattan’s buildings lined with an orange glow radiating across the north and south sides of every cross street in the borough.

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

Celebrate National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.

Sabrina — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 18:54:22 +0000

The greatest springtime celebration in Washington, D.C. has arrived! The National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the long-lasting friendship between the people of the United States & Japan. With 16 days of spectacular festivities that are primarily free, tourists visiting the nation will make the most out of their trips by visiting Washington, D.C. during this time. The festival takes place from March 26 to April 10, 2011.

When to go

The best time to visit DC is when the blossoms begin to peek out. This is predicted to be between March 29 and April 3. At this time the trees are in fullest bloom and offer the prettiest pictures. Tip: Get out to view the blooms early morning before the crowds descend. Or get out to enjoy the festival by renting a paddle boat on the Tidal Basin. Make advanced reservations!

What to see

From sustainable sushi tasting and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade to photo safaris and fireworks, there’s plenty going on for everyone. Other interesting events include: Cherry Blast: Art + Music Dance Party, Make your own Bonsai Demonstration, Monuments-by-Moonlight River Cruises, Tudor Nights: Blossoms & Bubbly, Lantern Walks, as well as Cinematic Tourist Series: Japanese Film, Animation and Cultural Workshops. For the packed list of festivities going on, click here.

Getting around

During the Cherry Blossom festival, let alone on a regular day parking around the monuments can be a pure mess; avoid the disaster by taking the metro. Get off at the Smithsonian stop (orange and blue lines). From here you can expect a 10-15 minute walk to reach the Tidal Basin. If you prefer a shuttle service, take Tourmobile from Virginia’s Haines Point parking area to the Tidal Basin. You may also consider getting on a bike and using the free bike valet at the Jefferson Memorial’s parking lot from 10am to 6pm. For $15 a day on a five day pass, you can rent a bike through Capital Bikeshare.

Download mTrip’s Washington Travel Guide to navigate around the festivities!

Image sources: National Cherry Blossom Festival.org

mTrip Travel Guides celebrates Black Friday with a sale in the App Store

Sabrina — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 14:39:33 +0000

Happy Black Friday!

mTrip Travel Guides is kicking off the holiday season with its iPhone and iPod Touch apps on sale in the Apple App Store.

The travel guides are regularly priced at $5.99 but today you can grab your favorite guide for $3.99!

The stores will be going crazy today as will you; skip the store madness and head straight for the App Store. We hope you enjoy your mTrip Guide

Available destinations: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Munich, London, Madrid, Moscow, Paris, Rome, Venice, Vienna, Istanbul, Dublin, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Washington, Tokyo, Singapore and Shanghai.

Download your favorite Travel Guide

New York’s Inspirational Rooftop Bars

Sabrina — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 15:08:26 +0000

After the hustle and bustle of a day shopping or taking in the sights and atmosphere of New York City, the numerous rooftop bars offer the full range of entertainment from dancing to dining to simply sipping a cocktail and watching the sun go down and the lights come up on the City that Never Sleeps. Rooftop bars offer the perfect combination of sightseeing and relaxing, making them the perfect cool-down and relaxation spot for holidaymakers. New York is one of the most exciting travel destinations in the world, and the unique skyline views from the decks of these exotic rooftop bars can make the trip even more memorable; here are five of the best.

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.

Making the Most of Black Friday

Sabrina — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:18:02 +0000

There is no other way to describe shopping on Black Friday than to call it sheer madness. With crowds of people lining up outside stores before dawn, ruthless shoppers pushing and shoving to beat each other to the sales racks, and otherwise respectable mothers fighting over jewelry, dishware, and the hottest toys of the season, you’d think you dropped right into some sort of post-apocalyptic sci-fi universe. But no, it’s just the day after Thanksgiving (and the craziest way to kick off the orgy of consumer spending that will unfold over the next month). But whether you live in New York, Washington, Chicago, San Francisco, or anywhere in between, there are ways to take advantage of the killer sales happening on Black Friday without the hassle of the madding crowd. Here’s how.

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.

Today only mTrip offers free New York iPhone travel guide on Remembrance Day

Sabrina — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:33:04 +0000

Just today on Remembrance Day mTrip is giving away its New York travel guide away for free. You can download it in the Apple App Store.

mTrip New York will be back to regular price tomorrow so don’t forget to visit mTrip’s New York travel guide page to download the guide. We appreciate your support.

Opening of Gansevoort Park Avenue hotel less than one month away

Sabrina — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:13:54 +0000

The much anticipated opening of the Gansevoort Park Avenue hotel in New York is less than a month away.

Gansevoort Hotel Group coins this one as “uptown classic meets downtown cool.” This tremendous, 20-story building is the newest and most exciting addition to the groups collection. The hotel is located on the corner of 29th and Park Avenue South.

What can Gansevoort Park Av guests look forward to?

Heated indoor & outdoor rooftop pool
The outdoor pool features a mosaic image of a pinup girl
Heated lounge area
Spectacular 360 degree backdrop of the city
Beautiful views of the Empire State Building
Tri-level bar
Wrap-around terraces
Transparent floors
249 elegant rooms
Spa & salon
Luxurious bar with infused liquors
Cozy Italian restaurant

Gansevoort is set to open beginning of August.

Address 420 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016

Phone 01 212 317 2900

Download mTrip’s New York Travel Guide

Manhattanites are flocking to New York’s Rooftop Lounge mad46

Sabrina — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 21:08:23 +0000

Catch a view of New York’s glittering cityscapes at mad46, located atop the elegant Roosevelt Hotel. The bar is well located and the contemporary rooftop lounge is the best place to mix and mingle with the locals while enjoying specialty cocktails and viewing the midtown skylines. If it’s raining still be sure to visit the indoor lounge spaces named UPTOWN and DOWNTOWN for table service and a more laid back atmosphere with friends.

mad46 Address: 45 E 45th St., New York, NY 10017

Phone: +1 212-885-6095

Hours:

Full Season Starts May 2010

Monday – Friday: 5:00pm – 12:00am
Saturdays: 8:00pm – 2:00am

Download mTrip’s New York Travel Guide

Image source: joiseyshowaa at http://www.flickr.com/photos/joiseyshowaa/

Twestival 2010 – Using Social Media for Social Action

Sabrina — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 20:50:07 +0000

Twestival aka Twitter Festival uses social media to drive social action by providing the public with awareness and knowledge on the importance of education. The festival took place March 25, 2010 with local events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Although the event wrapped yesterday, the charity still continues to take in donations. It has thus far has raised more than $310K which is significantly higher than last years debut event at $250K+ from a total of 202 international cities.

All proceeds of Twestival went toward Concern Worldwide, a charity that seeks to provide children with access to school education.

Any city worldwide had the opportunity to host a Twestival and to choose a specific educational area to raise funds for, with all proceeds going toward Concern Worldwide’s educational programs. The areas of focus were:

Building schools
Training teachers
Furnishing classrooms
School meals
Water for schools
Reaching the vulnerable
Health education
Education for girls

Check out how successful some of the hosting Twestival cities were:

• New York
• Chicago
• San Francisco
• Paris
• London
• Barcelona

…and if you would still like to make a donation it’s not too late!

For more information visit Twestival

@twestival for more fundraising updates!

Download an mTrip Guide: Paris Travel Guide, London Travel Guide, Amsterdam Travel Guide, Berlin Travel Guide, Rome Travel Guide, Barcelona Travel Guide, New York Travel Guide, Chicago Travel Guide and San Francisco Travel Guide

Image source: cambodia4kidsorg at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cambodia4kidsorg/

The Affordable Art Fair – New York City, May 2010

Sabrina — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:51:50 +0000

Whether you are a discerning art collector or just seeking something that catches your eye, The Affordable Art Fair (AAF) has a work of art to brighten up your home. With emerging artists, well-established artists and price points ranging from $100 to $10,000 you can see how this art fair draws in all types. The Private Preview will give you the opportunity to choose from the works of art available for sale before the public gets their eyes on them.

Where: 7 W 34th St., New York
When: Thursday May 6 – Sunday May 9, 2010
Private Preview: Wednesday May 5, 2010

Admission: $20 – General Admission. $15 Student/Senior, $10 Group Rate.

Check out The Affordable Art Fair website for fair hours and fair details!