Popular Trends From New York You Can’t Ignore

Popular Trends From New York You Can’t Ignore

Yes, New York has a fashion week that is said to set all the trends for the fashion industry for the coming year, but that is not the only trend that New York shares with the world each year. Did you know that with the more than 60 million tourists that travel through New York yearly, it has become a hotspot of nightlife, food, drink, and culture? Here are six popular trends you probably didn’t realize are new and exciting ideas coming from New York – and you can’t ignore them!

1. Immersive Entertainment

There is a new type of play hitting the streets of New York. With a small audience, the action in the theater is interactive, and the lines between reality and fiction are continually blurred. Think of the popular escape room games, throw in a mixture of live-action theater, and you may come up with an audience of members that must escape their own kidnapping using creative and unique methods they discover as they play with one another. The twist is that some of those playing are theater members trying to keep the audience captive.

2. Conceptual Dining

Although New York has always had a flair for introducing new and radical forms of dining, nothing quite compares to the new Japanese restaurants that are opening across the city. After ordering food, the customer's meal is cooked, served, and eaten while the customer stands. Another trendy restaurant is one that offers a complete izakaya meal that is served to the blaring of the vinyl selections of the customers.

3. Modern Broadway

While it used to be true that the television and movie personalities stayed away from the world-renowned theaters on Broadway, that is no longer the case. In fact, the opposite is now true. No matter where you turn, or what Broadway show you want tickets to, you can be sure to find out that one of your favorite movie or television stars has just been or will soon be taking a guest-starring performance role.

4. Olden Bakeries

Not very long ago, people would purchase their bread every day from the local bakery. Sometimes sweet bread, cakes, and celebration “dainties” were also sold. For some reason, most of those shops disappeared a few decades ago, but they are back with a vengeance. Some have innovative treats, and others sell only desserts. You may also be surprised that hidden among the bread shops are several restaurants with two Michelin stars that have a five-course tasting menu of desserts only.

5. Green Environment

With a city as large as New York, it may come as no surprise that the amount of waste and garbage produced by the city has caused some recent changes in the way people live. One of the biggest trends currently is the New York solar changes taking place across the city as people try to create a much smaller footprint within the environment.

6. Friendly Barges

You probably can’t imagine New York, the waterways of Manhattan, or the piers in Brooklyn without also picturing the historic barges that have traversed the waterways for centuries. As more new barges are built, the older boats are being repurposed. The trend has caught on in other major cities, but it has been slow. In New York, you may see barges floating by that offer an oyster bar, a living orchard, or a wine tasting experience. You can also find barges that have been turned into a historical museum, a floating jail, and one of the hottest bars in the city.

As the diversity of New York continues to grow, and millions of visitors pass through the city, you can only imagine that the trends of the unique and creative Empire State will have a lasting influence on the world as the travelers return home. The next time you find yourself facing a new trend where you live, you may have to stop and wonder if it came from New York.

Visiting Sydney: 5 Ways to Explore on a Budget

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Sydney is one of the most desirable holiday destinations in the world. Since it’s a big city, you’re going to expect the costs of a trip here to be pretty substantial. If you’re a student or you’re just trying to travel as much as you can on a frugal budget, you’re going to want to save a few bucks in this expensive metropolis. Luckily, there are a couple of ways to do this.

1. Affordable food is right around the corner

Sydney cuisine is anything but bland. There’s more than enough delicious food to go around. The problem is finding the right place for your taste buds and wallet. Getting ahold of a filling meal isn’t the easiest task, but it’s quite manageable. Food enthusiasts will be happy to know that there are lots of voucher hubs which will offer you a substantial discount if you’re visiting the city.

The market is always the best option in town. You can get the best locally-sourced food here without having to fork over a lot of money. Finding your way through one might be tricky, but you won’t need a map once you’re used to it.

2. Visit on a Sunday

There is no shortage of incredible sights in Sydney. There is a beautiful landscape on every corner and breathtaking views are dime a dozen. Getting to know the whole city on a budget seems like an impossible mission. There are just so many attractions and they aren't at all cheap. Luckily, there's a great loophole in the system.

Journeys around the city are capped at about two and a half dollars on Sundays. Seeing dozens of attractions would rack up the price quite a bit if not for this small change. It seems like an incredible deal that is too good to be true. The good news is that it is true and you can visit quite a few attractions for such a low price. If you get yourself a capped travel card, you won’t have to worry about running out of money while exploring the wonders of the city.

3. Enjoy the beaches and nature

Sunny days are best spent on the warm sands of the many Sydney beaches. If you like a quick dip in the ocean this might just be the place for you. If you visit during the week, there's more than enough room to go around. Avoid weekends as that's when the beaches are jam-packed. Bondi is the most popular beach in Sydney and it attracts visitors every day. The best part is that all the beaches are free to enter, meaning your wallet won't take a hit.

While you’re already near the coast, try visiting one of the many public coastal walks by the sea. They are a great way to enjoy the beautiful Sydney Harbor and the many cliffs in the area. If you’re headed to the beach, might as well enjoy the scenic Coogee-to-Bondi path that will lead you right to the Bondi beach.

4. Walking tours

You can't properly explore a city through the windshield of a car or bus. Walking through it lets you get up close and personal with every street. When you're alone, finding all the best parts of the city can be tricky. Luckily, there are guides that can point you in the right direction and show you. There are many walking tours in Sydney, each of them can cover quite a bit of the city area. They are the best way to explore the history of the city and get in touch with what the city is about. These tours are free so remember to tip the guide if you opt for one of them.

You can’t cover all the ground in Sydney in one day, it might take a week to explore every nook and cranny. You’re probably going to need a place to stay during this time, which is why you might want to book some affordable Annandale Apartment stays during your trip to Sydney. You’re going to need a lot of rest if you intend to walk in these tours.

5. Backpacker bars

The plight of a traveler is well known to everyone. You don't know the best places in town so you'll inevitably end up in a tourist trap once in a while. The good people of Sydney have accommodated their guests to spare them this fate.

If you're new in town or like traveling a lot, backpacker bars are for you. Drinks in most of Sydney can cost you a pretty penny. Beers can sot you upwards to ten dollars even. Backpackers have the option of enjoying a discount at these locations. A beer will cost you only about four bucks and you’ll be able to talk to other adventurous people who are on the road.

Conclusion

Sydney isn't the cheapest place to travel in the world, but it's a wonderful place that deserves to be explored. Craftier travelers will always find more than enough ways to cut costs. Follow some of these tips and your trip to Sydney will be wonderful without being too expensive.

Why Arizona is One of the Best Places to Live

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Travel & Leisure

by

Paisley Hansen

If you are looking to relocate with your family, you probably want to pick the right state. When looking at your options, you should definitely check out Arizona. Although it's not for everyone, there are many things to love about living in the Grand Canyon State. These are just some of the reasons why Arizona is one of the best places to live.

 

It Has Beautiful Scenery

If you have never taken a trip to Arizona, you are missing out on some of the best scenery in the United States. Not only is Arizona home to the majestic Grand Canyon, but it has many mountains, rock formations and more for you to enjoy. If you love the desert scenery, then you're probably going to love the views in Arizona.

 

Cost of Living is Affordable in Many Areas

As in most states, some areas of Arizona have a higher cost of living than others. You'll probably pay more for housing and other expenses in a major city like Phoenix than in other parts of the state, but costs are still more affordable than in many other major cities across the United States. Rural and suburban areas throughout Arizona actually offer affordable living for families. For example, you may want to check out towns like Chandler, Gilbert, Prescott or Flagstaff.

 

It Has a Sunny and Warm Climate

If you are someone who hates dealing with snow and ice in the winter, then heading to Arizona might be the right decision for you and your family. Arizona solar panels do well because of the many days of sunshine throughout the year. Although you may have to adjust to the higher temperatures in many areas of Arizona, you'll probably find that the weather is generally sunny and cheerful.

 

There are Lots of Job Opportunities

When looking for a new place to call home, you will obviously need to look for a place where there are ample job opportunities. Like in most states, you will probably find that you have the most options for jobs if you live near a bigger city. You can look for opportunities in the tech industry, medical field and more in Arizona.

 

It's a Great Place for Sports Fans

If you are a sports fan, then you can watch most of your favorite sports live while living in Arizona. Professional football, baseball, and basketball teams all call Arizona home. If you're into golfing, then you will probably love all of the golf courses that can be found throughout the state.

 

There are Great Places to Visit Within Easy Driving Distance

Even though you will probably find Arizona to be a great place to live, you and your family will probably want to get away every once in a while. This is easy when you live in Arizona; there are lots of great getaways that are within easy driving distance or the distance of a short plane ride. For example, you can visit Las Vegas when you want to hit up the casinos, or you can head to Colorado for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. California is a relatively short distance away, too.

 

If you're looking for the right state for you and your family to move to, you might just want to check out Arizona. Although it has its pros and cons, many people find that it is actually a fantastic place to live. With a little research, you can find out if Arizona might be the best new home for you and your family.   

What Should You Do On Your California Vacation?

Although most people tend to associate California with movie stars and massive theme parks, remember what a huge state it is. The Golden State might be a hub for celebrities and talking mice, but there are so many other ways to take advantage of the beautiful California weather and make the most of your visit there.

See The Sights

Seeing the natural beauty of the West Coast is something that you should take advantage of if you are given the opportunity. A mixture of beautiful beaches and rolling hills covered in Irvine solar panels and windmills, It doesn’t matter what season or what time of the day you choose to go; there are so many breathtaking spots of beauty that you won’t even miss the churros.

 

The Redwood Forest. Ancient timber and the stillness of some of Mother Nature’s oldest and largest trees, the Redwoods are a beautiful spot in Northern California and are perfect for hikers, campers and anyone who has the soul of an adventurer. 

 

Visit the beach. While Washington and Oregon are full of thick, grey sand beaches, the California coast is unique to this side of the coast: You’re likely to find white sand beaches, crashing waves and surfers all over the place.

 

Wine country. The Bay Area of Northern California is an amazing spot to relax and sip some fermented grape juice. If you are a wine connoisseur, visiting any number of vineyards available to you can make for a fragrant, mostly memorable experience.

Explore The South

The West gets a little wilder the further down South you go. Transforming from lush rolling hills to desert and tumbleweeds, there is much to be seen while you’re exploring the Southern area of the state.

 

Hiking. Outdoorsy folks who are used to spending time in forests and green areas might enjoy a change of scenery in the desert. Huge boulders and sand dunes can make for an interesting hiking experience — just make sure that you know the local wildlife and how to treat any bites or stings.

 

Trek it across the border. If you are feeling extra adventurous, why not take a road trip into Mexico for a day? If you have the appropriate ID and paperwork, it can be worth stepping into another country and seeing what it has to offer, even if it’s only for an afternoon.

 

National parks. From Death Valley to Joshua Tree National Park, there are plenty of cool and interesting places to explore down South. Remember to pack extra water and wear appropriate clothing; Death Valley isn’t named for its raging waterfalls!

Onto The Obvious

How can you be in the vicinity of so many theme parks and ignore them all? It’s expensive to visit any of the most well-known parks in the area, so double-check prices before booking a trip. You don’t want sticker shock when you arrive at the ticket window!

 

Disneyland. Childhood memories come to life in Walt Disney’s 1955 dream come true. Located in Anaheim, there is an attached park called Disney’s California Adventure that requires a second entry fee to get into, or you can get a deal and purchase a park hopper pass.

 

Universal Studios.  Built on the magic of the movies, the silver screen is brought up-close-and-personal in this fun and exciting park. More appropriate for older kids than littler ones, there is plenty to do to have a good time there.

 

Knott’s Berry Farm.  Woodstock and Snoopy, along with his brothers and sisters, are the stars of this park the features rides, restaurants and a fun Halloween attraction called Knott’s Scary Farm.

 

California is more than the stereotypical things that it is known for. Spanning a third of the West Coast, California is the third-largest of the United States. With so much square footage, it’s natural that there would be so much to do when you visit. Take advantage of the mostly sunny weather and spent an unforgettable vacation in the Golden State.

Ideas for a Worry-Free Vacation

A vacation should always be an enjoyable, worry-free experience. That being said, it can sometimes be hard to shake off your concerns when you have to be away from your home or workplace for an extended period of time. There are a few things you can do to secure your home and your life so you will not come back to any disasters. Here are 5 tips to help you leave your worries behind you so you can enjoy your vacation to its fullest.

1. Tell A Friend About Your Trip

Before you begin your adventure, make sure to let a trusted friend or family member know about your travel plans. Tell this person where you are going, when you are leaving, where you plan to stay and when you will be returning home. You should also let this person know how to contact you in case of an emergency - as well as anyone else who may need to get in touch with you during your vacation. If you are leaving the United States during your trip, take a picture of your passport and email it to yourself and your trusted contact so you don't get stuck in a foreign country.

2. Invest in Security

It can be hard to relax and let your worries go when you don't know if someone could be accessing your house and valuables without your knowledge. In this case, purchasing one or more security cameras for your home is the way to go to put your mind at ease. A sleek and modern wireless doorbell camera allows you to view your front door from afar without appearing as an eye sore on your house. Make sure you choose an option that includes mobile app integration so you can see what's going on from your smartphone no matter where your travels take you.

3. Pay Bills in Advance

Do you have a list of looming due dates for all of your bills that you are afraid you will miss on vacation? Pay them in advance to alleviate your concerns. If you need to make payments that are directly related to your travels in some way, such as car or health insurance premiums, take extra care to ensure that you have them paid on time to protect yourself. You can always utilize mobile apps during your vacation, but that doesn't help you relax very well, does it?

4. Write Out Lists

If there are tasks and deadlines that need to be accomplished during or after your travels, you may be afraid that you will forget them while you are off having a good time. Writing lists can help you stay organized and ease your fears of forgetting what needs to be done and when. Set reminders or add notes to your cell phone if you need to - however if some of your responsibilities can wait, why not leave a detailed note at the office or at home so your to-dos will be ready and waiting for you when you return?

5. Stop Worrying

This tip may be one of the hardest to follow of all, but if you have followed the other advice on this list, you owe it to yourself to let go and trust that everything will work out. The world isn't going to end just because you took a few days away from home to enjoy yourself. Put your everyday stressors on pause and be present at the moment to fully enjoy your vacation.

If you have a lot of work or personal responsibilities to attend to, you may find that you cannot leave some or even any of your anxieties at home while you are on vacation. If this ends up being the case, you still owe it to yourself to find time each day to put your worries on the back burner and enjoy your day. This vacation is your time to show yourself some care and have a good time - take advantage of it to the best of your ability.

Traveling Soon? Here are the Items You Need to Bring

Whether you travel frequently or only on special occasions, there is no feeling quite like knowing that you've brought the right items to help you have a good trip. Even if you think that you know what you need, you may be surprised to learn that there are some unique must-have items to add to your packing list that will make your travels easier in the long run. Here are a few travel items that you should know about so you can plan the best trip possible.

Ginger Essential Oil

Whether you are traveling by plane, car, boat or another method of transportation, you will need to be prepared with safe aids if you tend to have car sickness or other travel-related nausea issues. Keep a bottle of ginger oil in your bag to help combat these unpleasant sensations on-the-go. It has soothing properties that can help you combat occasional nausea when taken by mouth. Just add one or two drops to water and drink up. You can also add a drop to the palm of your hand and inhale it as an alternative way of gently combating  that sick feeling.

Space Saving Luggage

Did you know that there are vacuum-free space saver packing sacks that use compression to help you clear up room in your luggage? If you need to pack a large amount of clothing and other items for a long or intensive trip, but do not have a lot of luggage space, these sacks could make all the difference. They also allow you to hold your belongings securely in place during travel.

A Travel Charger

Are you the kind of person who needs to know that your phone will be charged no matter where you are or what you are doing? A rechargeable, external phone charger may be the solution. As long as the charger has a full battery, you can charge your cell phone from just about anywhere - no wall outlet or computer required. This can be especially helpful if you are going to a foreign country with outlets that differ from what you are used to.

Mini Travel Iron

If you can't stand putting on one more wrinkled shirt from your luggage, a mini travel steam iron should make you very happy. Even the smallest unit in existence, which is roughly the size of a computer mouse, can feature up to three heating levels and take care of any wrinkled mess that comes your way.

WiFi Hotspot

Traveling the world is exciting, but dealing with roaming data charges and foreign SIM cards is not. With a portable WiFi hotspot, you no longer have to worry about finding somewhere to connect to the internet in an unfamiliar country - meaning you can take care of your personal and work-related internet business from anywhere in the world.

Jewelry Organizer

Do you want to bring all of your favorite jewelry accessories on your trip? It can be hard to figure out how to bring your most precious or valuable items without worrying about them getting lost or stolen. A mini travel jewelry organizer can help you keep your tiniest rings, pins, and earrings safe and organized so you can look chic and stylish the whole time.

Water Purifying Bottle

If you are traveling to an area that is known for suspicious water quality, why not protect your health with a purifying bottle? You can quickly and easily purify natural or tap water so you can stay healthy and hydrated without worrying about what's going into your body.

Travel is an exhilarating experience for many people and a stressful one for others. Taking steps to make your trip as easy as possible can help you stay healthier and happier during your whole trip, whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a months-long global adventure. Start by finding some of these helpful travel items and see the difference that they can make while you are on-the-go.

5 Things You Must Pack for Your Next Vacation

Packing for a well-deserved vacation is an art form. Arranging everything in your suitcase just so, not over-packing and not packing too lightly takes a lot of care and consideration. You know as a responsible adult to not forget things like extra underwear and your toothbrush, but there are some other things you should always pack that aren’t quite so obvious. Here are some items not to forget when you are packing for your next vacation that will make your trip more fun and keep you prepared for anything.

Throw in a Little Flair

Going on a vacation is the perfect time to be a little daring, or at least be a little bolder in your wardrobe choices. Instead of wearing what you normally wear, why not add a little pizazz and color to your outfit with some fun socks? Socks are something most people don’t notice, but it will be fun that only you know they are covered with yellow elephants. Those socks you got as a gag gift at the company Christmas party three years ago? Now is the perfect time to break them in. If anyone does notice them, they will think you are artsy and cool.

Get Ready for Rain

Something most people would rather avoid on vacation is rain. No matter how unlikely it may seem, bringing an umbrella is always a good idea. Something small and cheap and compact is ideal, it can fit in the bottom of your carry-on bag and be forgotten about until you need it. Lugging around a nice umbrella is a pain to deal with. Bringing a cheap one that you don’t mind getting stolen or lost still does the job and you’ll forget it is there until you need it. Being wet when you don’t want to be is no fun.

Prepare for a Swim 

On the subject of being wet, you never know when the opportunity for a relaxing dip in the pool might come up. Packing a swimsuit is always a good idea, even if you have no plans to get into the water on your vacation. Your hotel might have a hot tub that you overlooked, or you might be invited to someplace with a pool. Even in the winter, packing a swimsuit is a must. You may not need it, but the worst is if you need one and don’t have one.

Have Snacks at the Ready

The worst-case scenario while traveling is being hungry and not having access to food, or only having access to expensive bad food. You might have a long layover at an airport and you need a snack, but there are no good options. There might be a restaurant, so you could spend $25 for the worst club sandwich of your life, or you could snack on something you brilliantly brought with you. Stowing a few granola bars or a baggie of trail mix in your carry-on is a veteran move that could very well save your sanity when you are hungry and your options on the airplane are undesirable.

Prepare Your Papers

An important thing to do when traveling anywhere, vacation or not, is to make extra copies of all your important documents and tickets and keep them in your purse or carry-on bag. Make a photocopy of your passport and any visas you needed to get for your travels. Make photocopies of reservations and the front and back sides of your credit cards, and be sure to have any emergency numbers written down for easy access in case you need them. This will make your life so much easier if your passport or wallet or purse gets lost or stolen.

Being prepared can make your next vacation the best one ever. Have a little fun with your wardrobe, bring along a swimsuit and a cheap umbrella, and don’t forget the back-up documents and snacks. Then, you’ll be having the time of your life without a worry in the world.