Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar at the Conrad Downton Hotel
Hilton Hotels of New York City are keeping you tipsy and sparkly this Pride.
To celebrate World Pride and the 50thanniversary of Stonewall, the crafty mixologists of Hilton have created Pride-inspired cocktails at nine NYC hotels. From sexy lounges to rooftop bars, follow their cocktail guide to sip, sample and saunter through NYC all month. I prefer my summer parties outdoors, so my favorites are the rooftops of The Bernic Hotel, DoubleTree Times Square, Conrad Downtown, Hilton Fashion District and the Embassy Suites in Midtown Manhattan.
Hilton World Pride Cocktails – Photo courtesy of Hilton
“No one needs glitter on Gay Pride” …said no one ever. To keep you glitzy, Hilton Hotels of NYC are creating complimentary Glitter Glamour Stations throughout the city on the Sunday of the Pride Parade (June 30). Makeup artists at select hotels will be transforming dazzle-deprived hotel guests and locals from 9am-12pm, with special glitter makeup and applique. For the added shimmer head to the Glitter Glamour Stations in the lobbies of the Hilton Garden Inn New York/Tribeca, Hilton New York Fashion District, Millennium Hilton New York Downtown and New York Hilton Midtown.
Make it a Pride to remember… and remember…and remember …as you discover glitter deep into August.
Troy “@thegaytraveler” feeling sassy – Photo courtesy of Hilton
Last month, travel professionals representing 49 countries converged in New York City for IGLTA’s Annual Convention, the premier educational and networking event for LGBTQ+ tourism. The convention was the largest in the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association’s 36-year history, with nearly 700 delegates. And though it was my first, it will most definitely not be my last.
Under the banner of “Unite: Travel-Learn-Connect” the convention was a packed few days of panel discussions, presentations, networking events and fantastic parties. Truly an opportunity to unite the LGBTQ+ travel community.
As the host city, New York made me proud! On the 50thanniversary of Stonewall and the year we welcome World Pride, the city where I’ve lived for twenty years showed the travel world why there’s no place like (my) home. Not only were the locations spectacular (the Pre-Conference reception was held at One World Observatory) but the programming reminded me that no other city can feature performers from the Broadway casts of Be More Chill, Mean Girls and Wicked at a rooftop party DJ’d by Lady Bunny…all like it’s no big deal. Literally every-thing about that previous sentence is a big deal. And IGLTA and NYC & Company brought it!
It was an opportunity to meet exciting new friends (did you know that the Lt. Governor of Guam, Joshua Tenorio, is the first openly gay Lt. Governor elected anywhere in the U.S. or its territories?) and connect with a new generation of travel media who I previously only knew by their Instagram handles.
But beyond the people and places, the convention was an opportunity to learn. I learned more about the experience of trans travelers and the importance of inclusive communication practices. I was inspired by the amazing work of Rainbow Railroad, the organization that helps persecuted members of our community escape violence and death in their home countries, where being LGBTQ+ is a criminal offence.
I emerged from the convention a little smarter, better connected and more energized to continue growing within the travel sphere. And with a rekindled love for my city, “Famous Original NYC!”
New York is a city of immigrants, a place where diverse cultures co-exist, thrive, expand and blend. We are a mish-mash of transplants. And that mish-mash tastes real good.
Last month, I had the delicious joy of joining Cristina Lombardi, the insanely knowledgeable owner of Follow Me New York City Adventures on their “Taste of Queens Adventure.” This private, customizable walking tour focuses on the neighborhoods of Astoria or Flushing, depending on the interests of the guests. In fact, Follow Me NYC can customize pretty much any type of tour you’d like: from a tipsy tour through the city’s speakeasies to a sweet-tooth tasting of the city’s best candy and dessert spots. They also offer a la carte adventures exploring Times Square & Theater District, Wall Street & Financial District, Central Park and Greenwich Village.
On a sunny and blustery fall day, our small group set out to taste our way through Astoria, Queens. Queens is the most diverse borough of New York City and, depending on what survey you read, it is either in the top three or the most diverse county in the entire United States. According to the last U.S. census in 2010, 48.5% of the population of Queens is foreign-born.
We began our tour with a brief history lesson. We learned Astoria was named after the wealthiest man in America (at the time), John Jacob Astor, in the hopes he would invest in his namesake neighborhood. And though he could literally see it from his palatial home on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, it is rumored Mr. Astor never actually set foot in Astoria, nor invested any substantial money. Regardless, the name stuck and, through the years, Astoria became home for every wave of immigrants that landed on our shores.
Galaktoboureko
Throughout the early to mid 1900’s it was primarily Irish, Italian and Jewish. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that Greek immigrants began flocking to Astoria and creating one of the largest centers of Greek culture in the United States. So, it was fitting that our first stop was the family-owned Yaya’s Bakery for a taste of Galaktoboureko, a traditional Greek phyllo dough pastry filled with warm custard and drizzled with a light syrup made from honey and lemon juice. Not only was it delicious, but it was a dessert I would have never thought of ordering had it not been for our guide, Cristina, who chose this pastry specifically for that reason.
With warmer bellies, we headed to La Cabaña Grocery for Tacos al Pastor (a pork taco with fresh cilantro, pineapple, chopped onion and a squeeze of lime). The bodega sells traditional spices, authentic ingredients and beloved Mexican treats in a no-frills but all-taste setting.
Samosa at Seva Indian Restaurant
From one characteristically spicy cuisine to another, we next savored a vegetable Samosa at Seva Indian Restaurant, which specializes in Northern Indian dishes. Don’t forget to dunk the potato, onion, pea and lentil-filled pastry in the mint chutney for the full flavor explosion.
Spinach Burke
Our walk continued to Djerdan for a Spinach Burek, a Balkan staple and probably my favorite of the day. The crispy phyllo-dough pastry is filled with cheese and freshly sautéed spinach and shaped like a (very tasty!) cigar. Insider tip: In between trips to Astoria, you can order from their online store.
At our next stop, Zenon Taverna, a member of the family that owns the restaurant greeted us with a crash course in Cypriot cuisine, explaining “we use a lot of mint and cumin… we use all the spices that Greeks won’t.” He continued describing the flavors as a blending of traditional Greek, Turkish and Middle Eastern influences, before serving us Trahana Soup. The traditional Cypriot soup is made with bulgur wheat, thickened in chicken stock, Greek yogurt, halloumi (a type of goat cheese) and finished off with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
From the traditional to the trendy, our group headed to the very popular Queens Comfort, which had a line of folks waiting to enter. Inside, there was a DJ spinning for a brunch clientele that was equal parts multi-generational families and Millennial hipsters. Our takeaway was a taste of the Atomic Fire Balls–deep-fried, Siracha-infused mac ‘n cheese balls. If these spicy nuggets were indicative of the other menu options, I can easily understand the long line of eager diners.
Atomic Fire Balls
Our final stop took us to Little Morocco for a taste of the Merguez sausage, a minced lamb sausage spiced with cumin, chili peppers, sumac and harissa. The area of Steinway Street, where the restaurant is located, is often called Little Egypt or Little Morocco, as Lebanese, Northern African and Middle Eastern immigrants have been steadily settling in the area since the 1980’s.
This tour through Astoria was a much-needed reminder that diversity makes New York City great—always! As a now seasoned New Yorker I too often stay within my own neighborhood out of habit and, well, laziness. But no one moves to New York to stay within his comfort level. Especially as politicians are using the topic of immigration to stoke unfounded fears, it’s important to remember that our diversity makes us stronger, makes us better, and makes our walks through Astoria all the more tasty.
(The restaurants we visited on our tasting adventure; our fabulous guide, Cristina Lombardi, in center; Trahana Soup lower left.)
***To share in the experience, visit the “Astoria Tasting” highlighted story on the @travelingiq Instagram
You are welcome here—no really, you are, we promise—has been the predominant U.S. travel campaign theme of 2017.
The travel industry has been working overtime to offset a negative international perception of the United States since the presidential election. Cities such as Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco (to name a few) have invested in various versions of “Welcome” campaigns. In February, Hyatt Hotels launched the “World of Hyatt” integrated marketing campaign during the Oscars® broadcast, with a video celebrating empathy and multiculturalism. In June, Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, announced their “One Big Welcome” strategy, using personalized video invitations from “real people” to attract potential visitors.
Unfortunately, the President’s “America First” political message is translating to “America Alone” when attracting international tourism. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, 1.3 million fewer foreigners visited the United States during the first half of 2017. The New York Times reported that European readers overwhelmingly cited the Trump administration and its policies as reasons for avoiding travel to the United States. And last month, the National Brands Index, a global survey measuring perception of fifty nations, saw the U.S. drop from No. 1 to No. 6, in overall nation brand.
International travel is America’s number one service export, boasting an $87 billion international travel trade surplus last year. In an article in Worth, Roger Dow, the president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association writes, “The Trump administration has yet to convey a sustained message of welcome to international visitors. Long-term failure to do so will unnecessarily deter travelers, which could have disastrous consequences for the U.S. economy.”
While we wait….
and wait…
and wait…
Let’s take a look at a few of my favorite, inclusive travel campaigns of 2017:
The world of travel moves fast! Let’s keep up–together. On Fridays, Traveling IQ curates the highlights:
*June is Gay Pride Month, with rainbow-themed festivities and parades all over the U.S. For anyone who has ever wondered why these celebrations are still important, click through for your answer (via CNN).
*Save by booking your summer vacation on the first day of the season. On June 21,”CyberSummer” offers 24-hour travel deals throughout the Caribbean, Florida, Mexico, Latin America and South Africa (via CyberSummerTravel).
*As summer descends on NYC, its residents ascend to the city’s rooftops. Raise your glass at an elevated bar (via Time Out) or shimmy up toward a gay rooftop party (via Next Magazine).
*Celebrate Father’s Day at a destination named for Papa (via AOL).
*Seventy-five years ago, Fascist Italy exiled homosexuals to the Tremiti Islands, creating both a prison regime and the country’s first gay community (via BBC News).
*Russian parliament confirms gay travel dollars are not welcomed in their country by unanimously passing an anti-gay bill that bans–among many other things–gay pride rallies (via Herald Sun).
What did I miss? Share your favorite travel news in the comments below or by posting on the Traveling IQ Facebook page.
The world of travel moves fast! Let’s keep up–together. On Fridays, Traveling IQ curates the highlights from the past week:
I’m too sexy for this country…
*The price of beauty is deportation. Or so discovered Omar Borkan Al Gala (pictured above) and two other men, deported from Saudi Arabia for being… wait for it… wait for it… too handsome (via Asiantown.net).
*Time to expand your destination wedding options. On Tuesday, France became the 14th country to allow same-sex marriage (Yahoo). The next day, the Rhode Island Senate approved legislation to make the “Hope” state the 10th in the U.S., in addition to Washington D.C., to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples (via The Advocate).
*In other sweet news, earlier this month two men married in Africa’s first traditional gay wedding (via Daily Mail).
* In the Navy, yes, you can sail the seven seas, but apparently cannot afford to dock in New York City. This year, Congress has sequestered the sailors. Because of federal budget cuts, the Navy’s annual Fleet Week is cancelled (via AMNY).
*More than ever, support Boston with your travel dollars… here are ten reasons why (via PeterGreenberg.com).
*Go big or stay home! Splurge at a hotel worthy of your holiday (via Conde Nast Traveler).
What did I miss? Share your favorite travel news in the comments below or by posting on the Traveling IQ Facebook page.
The world of travel moves fast! Let’s keep up–together. On Fridays, Traveling IQ curates the highlights from the past week:
If he only had a knife…
*Your liquid soap, cologne and moisturizing lotion over 3.4 ounces will still not be allowed in your carry-on, but your knives, ski poles and toy bats can board the aircraft, effective April 25, 2013 (via CNN).
*Scraping the sky on Instagram from 2,716 feet (via Huffington Post).
*Rumor has it, “air rage” is on the rise (via CNN).
*Boys will be boys, and bears and beasts and stags and trees. Photographer Charles Fréger captures men of Europe dressed in outfits wilder than the National Tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert (via National Geographic).
*The same oil that fried up your lunch might be powering your next flight to Europe (via BBC).
*Curious about the sexual orientation of a building? Tour the Gayest Buildings in America (via California Home & Design).
*A time-lapse film captures New York City in the fast lane (via Kickstarter):
What did I miss? Share your favorite travel news in the comments below or by posting on the Traveling IQ Facebook page.
The world of travel moves fast! Let’s keep up–together. On Fridays, Traveling IQ curates the highlights from the past week:
*You can leave your heart in San Francisco, you can be sure to wear flowers in your hair, but don’t forget to cover your “genitals, perineum, and anal region,” now that the city’s ban on nudity has officially gone into effect (via RT).
*With Valentine’s Day approaching, woo your honey-bunny at one of the “ten romantic places to see before you die” (via Times of India).
*NYC, what is it about you? See for yourself in this stunning 360 degree, interactive map (via The Telegraph).
*You might want to reconsider your trip to Russia, as the country’s anti-gay law–already in place in St. Petersburg and other cities–aims to criminalize “homosexual propaganda” nationally (via Edge).
*Enjoy a pink and magenta hued lunch with Ken, at the world’s first Barbie restaurant, now open in Taiwan (via CNN).
*Some like it hot… while some not. The travel doctors at MAW take the “sexual temperature” of the 19 gay resorts in Ft. Lauderdale (via Man About World).
What did I miss? Share your favorite travel news in the comments below or by posting on the Traveling IQ Facebook page.
As the recovery efforts following Hurricane Sandy continue to evolve, here’s the latest news from NYC & Company, the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York:
Marathon Update:
The 2012 ING New York City Marathon has been cancelled. We would like to share the following statement from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg:
STATEMENT OF MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG AND NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS ON NEW YORK CITY MARATHON
“The Marathon has been an integral part of New York City’s life for 40 years and is an event tens of thousands of New Yorkers participate in and millions more watch. While holding the race would not require diverting resources from the recovery effort, it is clear that it has become the source of controversy and division. The marathon has always brought our city together and inspired us with stories of courage and determination. We would not want a cloud to hang over the race or its participants, and so we have decided to cancel it. We cannot allow a controversy over an athletic event – even one as meaningful as this – to distract attention away from all the critically important work that is being done to recover from the storm and get our city back on track. The New York Road Runners will have additional information in the days ahead for participants.”
Airports:
JFK International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and LaGuardia Airport have all reopened. Check with individual carriers regarding specific flight confirmations.
Taxi service and express shuttle-bus service are available into the City. Shared shuttles and private transfer companies are operating on a case-by-case basis and many are experiencing delays due to volume.
AirTrain JFK has resumed limited service. Visitors can pick up AirTrain shuttle buses at the Howard Beach and Jamaica subway stations for transport to all airport terminals. Consult mta.info for current information regarding service between Manhattan and the Howard Beach and Jamaica stations.
AirTrain Newark has resumed service. Visitors can take AirTrain to/from NJ Transit’s Newark Liberty International Airport Station, which connects to the Northeast Corridor Line to New York Penn Station. Please note that NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor Line is currently running on a special schedule.
Transportation:
Taxis and livery car services are operating throughout the City.
The public transportation system is slowly being restored within the City. There is limited subway service on several routes, supplemented by a bus shuttle between Downtown Brooklyn and Midtown. A modified map reflecting service changes can be found here. At this time, there is no subway service between 34th Street in Midtown and Downtown Brooklyn. Visit mta.info for information regarding specific subway lines.
Public bus service has resumed throughout the City and is running on a normal weekday schedule with delays.
Additional service is now available on both the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad, although not all lines are running and trains may not be operating on a regular schedule.
Most major highways, bridges and tunnels into the City are open to traffic. The Hugh L. Carey (Brooklyn-Battery) and Queens Midtown Tunnels remain closed. The Holland Tunnel is currently open only for buses entering Manhattan in the mornings and leaving Manhattan in the afternoons.
NYC has ended the ban requiring High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) restrictions for vehicles entering Manhattan between 6am and midnight via bridges and tunnels. Vehicles will no longer be required to have at least three occupants.
The Staten Island Ferry service has resumed with half-hourly service in both directions. Regular service returns on Saturday, November 3.
East River Ferry Service has resumed.
Amtrak is now providing Acela Express and Northeast Regional modified service on the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C., via New York City. Before traveling to Boston South Station, New York Penn Station, Philadelphia 30th Street Station or other Amtrak locations, passengers should make reservations and/or use the eTicketing option with their computers and smartphones.
Hotels:
Before traveling, visitors are advised to re-confirm their hotel reservations directly with the property, regardless of location.
In Midtown Manhattan, most hotels are open and operating, with the exception of a few hotels near a construction incident on 57th Street, including Le Parker Meridien, West 57th Street Club by Hilton and Salisbury Hotel.
Power outages are widespread in Lower Manhattan, below 39th Street on the East Side and below 23rd Street on the West Side, affecting many neighborhoods and hotels in this area. Consolidated Edison has advised that power will be restored as soon as possible, but it could take several more days. The situation is improving frequently, however. Travelers holding a reservation for a hotel in this area are strongly advised to check with the hotel in advance of traveling.
Hotels in Brooklyn and Queens remain open, with the exception of the Wyndham Garden Long Island City/Manhattan View.
Cruise Ship Terminals:
NYCruise is coordinating with the US Coast Guard, and the cruise lines are working to return operations at the cruise terminal back to normal as quickly and safely as possible. Please continue to check the nycruise.com website and social media channels for updates on service, and make sure to contact your cruise line to confirm your itinerary before arriving for any cruise you may have scheduled.
Museums, Attractions and Broadway:
Many tourist attractions have resumed operations, including Broadway shows, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Empire State Building Observatory, Gray Line New York Sightseeing, Top of the Rock and some Circle Line Sightseeing cruises. Spirit of New York Cruises are expected to resume from Chelsea Piers on Saturday, November 3.
The majority of city parks are now open.
Some sites, particularly in Lower Manhattan, remain closed until further notice, including the 9/11 Memorial, South Street Seaport, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
For more information and continuing updates, visit facebook.com/nycgo or check individual websites.
The world of travel moves fast! Let’s keep up–together. On Fridays, Traveling IQ curates the highlights from the past week:
Sandy floods NYC
*It has been a rough week for the eastern coast of the United States. Much of the region devastated by Hurricane/ Superstorm Sandy is still without power and is reaching an economic damage pricetag of $50 Billion. (via USA Today)
*For those still trying to coordinate travel during the aftermath, every major U.S. airline is waving changing fees (via USA Today), and though the hotel situation in New York is grim, one website guides you through the options. (via Hotel Chatter)
*In other news, the U.S. is electing its next president on Tuesday. Take a politically inspired trip to get you in the spirit (via CNN), or escape the sound bites, talking heads and potential four years of horror–after voting, of course–by burying your head in warm sand. (via CNN)
*Your vacation album will be the envy of all your Facebook friends after posting pictures from these top photography destinations. (via Lonely Planet)
*Navigating a new city can be challenging, your iPhone can help. (via AupairJobs.com)
*When it all just becomes too much to handle, escape to one of the “World’s Most Sensational Spas.” (via Passport)
What did I miss? Share your favorite travel news in the comments below or by posting on the Traveling IQ Facebook page.
Photo: Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company
Photo via flickr/
