The Winter Road Trip Short Checklist

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I am no stranger to winter or winter road conditions. While many of you know me from my years in Tennessee when I began my travel career, I have as much if not more of my life spent in the north. I have lived in Wisconsin on four different periods of my life, including my driving development years and living in Vermont three different periods. And of course, now I reside here in New Jersey, where we just had a lovely dumping of the white stuff from the most recent Nor’easter.

With many of us still sticking close to home and hitting the roads for our vacations, it is an excellent time to share some of the items I keep in my car to be road-ready. I’ve created a shortlist of things you will typically find in my car during the winter months or when I make a winter road trip. I like to ski and visit the mountains, not to mention I will use any excuse to hit the roads for travel. 

Winter Road Trip Short Checklist

  • A blanket. I keep a blanket in my car year-round. In the winter, it is there for warmth should you end up stranded on the side of the road. In the summer, it is a beach blanket or park blanket.
  • A shovel. I have a collapsable shovel that I throw into the car when the cold months arrive. It comes in handy if you have to dig yourself out unexpectedly. 
  • A bottle of wiper fluid. Be sure to get the wiper fluid that is good for at least -20 degrees below zero. Regular wiper fluid will freeze up in the spouts.
  • A bag/box of cat litter.   Cat litter works great for providing some traction if your wheels are spinning. The extra weight of the bag or box is good for keeping the tail end of the car swishing. The extra weight grounds the car better.
  • A bottle of water. I always have my water bottle with me. Again, if, for some reason, you are off the road waiting for some assistance, you can remain hydrated. 
  • A roll of paper towels. Paper towels can serve many purposes, from cleaning up messes, wiping your nose, or even wiping your ass. Having had three kids and multiple pets in the cars over the years, finding paper towels rolling around in the back is pretty standard year-round. 
  • A snack. Anyone who knows me well knows I usually have something in the bottom of my purse. I am one of those hangry people. However, traveling during winter, this snack may need to be your meal until help arrives. 
  • Jumper cables.   I have a set that has its own power source. I don’t need another vehicle, but I need to make sure I have fully charged them before traveling. 

Those are my winter car kit basics. And I must admit I am not always good about remembering to keep it stocked on regular road days even though I should because traveling the parkway to work here can be just as dangerous as taking a road trip to the mountains in Vermont. Share with us some of the things you have in your emergency kit. I know there are a few other things that I should include, but this is a good start for anyone looking to hit the winter roads.  



Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslThe Winter Road Trip Short Checklist
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My Favorite Holiday Traditions

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As the year winds down, I feel somewhat nostalgic this year. I believe it comes from being so thankful to be here writing and booking travel after what seems like an eternity of trials. However, that is precisely it; we can always keep our spirit no matter the challenges. December for me is always a rollercoaster month of emotions, but when I think and prepare for the holiday, it brings me joy. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite holiday traditions. While not all of them happen every year now, especially with the kids all grown up and the family spread across the states, they still bring joy to me. You may practice some of them yourself. I hope thinking of them brings a smile to your face.

My Favorite Holiday Traditions

  • Cutting a Christmas Tree.  I haven’t done this one in years, but oh, the memories of bundling up and going to go pick out what I always felt was the grandest tree. Over the years, I lived in many homes with Cathedral ceilings allowing us to get a huge and very tall tree. But what I love most, its the smell. 
  • Watching the Sound of Music.  My favorite movie. Every December, it has become a tradition for mom and daughter to watch. And of course, you can not watch it without singing along. I was fortunate to see a theater version with a good friend one year. And probably one of the best family trips ever was a trip to Germany and Austria that included the Sound of Music tour. 
  • Hanging Christmas Stockings. To this day, my kids still find the stockings to be the best part of Christmas. We open them last. I fill them each year with the same treats. I fill them with such things as toothbrushes, floss, gum, nuts, chocolate, hard candy, chapstick, and more. 
  • Opening One Gift on Christmas Eve. After returning from Midnight Mass, it has always been a tradition to open one gift before heading to bed. Oddly enough, this one gift always managed to be pajamas. Insert winky face. Today, my adult kids still look to open that one gift. 
  • Attending Midnight Mass. While it can be a struggle to stay up, I believe this is the most beautiful and heartfelt of the Christmas masses. It just seems a bit more magical when you leave and see the stars in the sky. After all, it is the reason for the season. 

I am sure there are more I could share, but as the song says, “these are a few of my favorite things.” I would love to know if your family shares any of our traditions or what others you might have to share. The greatest gift about working in travel and living all over is discovering other cultures. Learning what is the same and trying something new. 



Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslMy Favorite Holiday Traditions
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5 Reasons Why Couples Should Travel Together

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When you think travel, you think of dreamy destinations, romantic hideaways, untold adventures, and a world waiting out there to discover. What better way is there to find the hidden world with all its magic than to travel together with your significant other. Whether you are dating, engaged, or married, you should be traveling together. Traveling together is not only fun and a great time to try new things, but travel provides some great building blocks for couples. I’ve heard it said, a couple who travels together stays together.” Here is what travel can do for you.

5 Reasons Why Couples Should Travel Together

Strengthen your bond. Traveling together gives you time to strengthen the relationship as you face challenges. An opportunity to build and grow trust in the relationship. A time where there are no outside forces of daily life to pull you away from concentrating on each other.

Discover more about each other. Now is a perfect time to see one another’s true colors, reactions to change, and stress management skills. Are they able to let loose and enjoy, or are they fit to be tied? Learn something maybe you didn’t know as far as a like or dislike or even a future dream.

Learn to compromise. As you discover each other’s styles, likes, dislikes, you will learn to compromise. Quite often, in a couple, one is the daredevil, and one is not. You may have different visions of what relaxing means. Through travel, you will learn to sort through the differences and select destinations and activities that appeal to both of you.

Make memories. Travel will create stories and make you storytellers. You will have moments to share deep into your relationship. “Remember when we….” And be sure to capture those personal photos and pictures to go along with the many adventures.

Rekindle the romance. Traveling together definitely provides an opportunity to keep the sparks alive. We all need, and I think even more so when we are in a relationship that, time to disconnect from the hustle and bustle to become human again. Whether you go near or far, time spent away as a couple for a weekend, week, month allows you time to reconnect and remember why you first came together.

Want to liven things up and have a less boring relationship, then make time for travel as a couple. Not only does it do all the things above, but it is safer, can be less money than single travel, creates quality time, and is double the fun!



Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa Rossmeissl5 Reasons Why Couples Should Travel Together
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3 Reasons to Visit the Shore in September

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Everyone thinks of going to the beach during the summer months of June, July, and August, but they are missing out on one of the best months, which is September.  September itself is such a beautiful month. Many forget that school starting that summer doesn’t technically end until the twenty-first of the month. I make it a point to visit the shore each September around my birthday. It is a perfect time for me to refuel, even if it is only a few days.  So, let me share just a few reasons why you should plan a visit to the shore in September.

3 Reasons to Vist the Shore in September

  • September is indeed beautiful. The days will often be quite warm in the upper seventies to lower eighties without all the humidity. There is more breeze, and the angle of the sun is less intense.
  • The crowds are gone.  Most tourists have returned home at this point. Finding a spot on the beach is not a problem. You will probably have most of it to yourself. The same goes for parking and even finding a rental.
  • The cost has gone down. In September, you no longer have to have a pass to go on the beach.  In New Jersey, and I know in other US locations, you typically have to purchase a pass or pay for parking to access the beach. These costs go away after Labor Day.

I encourage you to consider taking time off in September for your next beach vacation. I invite you to come to visit our shores in New Jersey or somewhere else along the east coast.

 



Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa Rossmeissl3 Reasons to Visit the Shore in September
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Personal Review-Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt

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I had the fun of making a quick trip to Austin, Texas for, a long weekend. The hotel pick, Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt. One of the draws to this was the architecture with light fixtures made from musical instruments throughout the property. A visit to their website will do better picture justice than I could do. The hotel had many other things I look for, from views to dining, to the amenities.


Here is a breakdown of my take on the Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt.

Location-Located in what is known as the Rainey district is not far from the live music venues. One could easily walk to catch the entertainment from within the hotel to as close as across the street. It was an easy walk if you chose to go downtown or get there even more quickly with a Lyft or Uber. 

Rooms-It is a 16-floor hotel offering a variety of room types. I can recommend you choose one of the lake view room categories. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting at the large window looking out over the water and cityscape while enjoying a glass of champagne. The bedding was comfortable, plenty of dresser and storage space for unpacking, and a nice large bathroom with two sinks. There was a refrigerator and robes. Room service is available during select hours from Geraldine’s. Not necessarily issues, but oddities were there was no coffee maker, and the shower design was a half glass vertical partition. 

Amenities-Hotel had two dining options, live music, rooftop pool with a bar, almost making it unnecessary to leave. I enjoyed Cafe 65 daily for my morning cup of tea, hit The Pool Deck several times, and ate at Geraldine’s one night to not only enjoy the cuisine but the live music. The whole place had a great vibe, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves to the fullest. Be sure to make reservations at Geraldine’s and for most fine dining if you want to go somewhere specific. For the pool, like most anything, you need to be the early bird to catch the worm. Lounge chairs and those with umbrellas are limited. I suggest getting down by 11 am. The pool does have the option of cabana rentals which seemed to be very popular with some birthday and wedding guests. The hotel did have a gym which I did not make it to, and bikes for exploring.

On the whole, I enjoyed this hotel. I would recommend it for most travelers looking for a stay in Austin, TX. And to top off, the great feel of this place was the friendly staff. It was a real show of southern hospitality from the doorman to the concierge, the barista, and the poolside waitress. There wasn’t a single person that didn’t serve with a smile and upbeat attitude. I certainly would consider staying here again. 


Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslPersonal Review-Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt
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3 Things You Can Expect Traveling Post-Pandemic

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2020 certainly goes down in the books as probably the craziest year any of us will ever live through. The year 2021 has not seen much change. However, compared to the preceding year, we appear to be moving toward the return to normalcy. That is, if there even is a “normal.” 

The travel industry was probably one of the most, if not the most, impacted industries from the pandemic. Today it is still in a revolving state of recovery. Many countries remain with borders closed, and others open face new waves of decisions as this virus continues to release new variants. 

What does that mean for travel? What can you expect traveling post-pandemic? 

Here are 3 things you can expect traveling post-pandemic.

  1. Pricing will not remain low.  Due to the continued shortage of staffing at all levels of travel from the airlines to hotels to supply companies, prices will be at pre-pandemic to higher. Not to mention the increased cost to step up the cleaning processes across the board.
  2. Covid-19 Protocols will continue to change.  The change will result not only from the various variants this virus may take but also from the continued rollout of the vaccine. The vaccination rate is different across the world and even in the United States. As doctors get a better understanding and we can fight off the infection rate, the protocols for each destination will continue to change depending on the current state at any given moment. 
  3. Travel agent’s value increases.  Your travel agent will be your new best friend. As we continued throughout the pandemic to work for your well-being before, during, and after travel, our value couldn’t be more clear. Our relationship with suppliers is just one of many items that makes us an invaluable tool for planning your next trip. We are on the frontline with the latest word from all partners on those Covid-19 protocol changes and pricing. We continue to provide you great value and service for your hard-earned vacation dollars.

They say in life, the one constant is change. I couldn’t agree more. My whole life and career were a result of significant changes. But I can tell you the one thing that won’t change is Boomerang Escapes desire to provide care for your travel. Trust your trip to a travel agent. 



Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa Rossmeissl3 Things You Can Expect Traveling Post-Pandemic
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Destination Spotlight-Cape May Food Tours

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Are you a food lover? Do you love design? Does the history of a place intrigue you? If you answered yes to any of these, then keep reading. I want to share a fantastic activity you need to include when visiting Cape May, New Jersey.

Be sure to block some time on your weekend docket for Cape May Food Tours.

 

Cape May Food Tours fits the bill to all three of these questions. It is a food tour that delivers the history and points out the unique architecture this town is famous for. In just a half-day, you will enjoy some of the best eats along with some fascinating discoveries.

The tour recently re-opened on June 19, 2021. The creative director, Mary Ockrymiek, has taken what used to be a favorite past-time with visiting friends and expanded it to the public. Mary and her guide Susi Bithell, are excellent at sharing their knowledge and passion for the area. I had the pleasure of taking a mini custom tour along with a handful of other agents. And we all agreed definitively that this is a must when visiting Cape May.

The tour currently runs on Saturdays and Sundays. The length of the tour is approximately 3 hours. They have a Historic Downtown tour and West Cape May option. Visitors may also book a private tour. The maximum group size is 8. This activity is great for celebrations, clubs, family reunions, girl’s getaways, and more!

To learn more about booking this tour or an east coast beach vacation, email us at info@boomerangescapes.com.



Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslDestination Spotlight-Cape May Food Tours
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Weekend in Cape May-5 Top Highlights

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Let me share highlights of a weekend in Cape May.  Trust me; it is a place you will want to add to your list.

I had the privilege of what we refer to in the industry as a familiarization trip thanks to the generosity of La Mer Beachfront Resort. The owners of the resort whom we met at one of our Association of Central New Jersey Travel agents last year were gracious enough to host about a dozen of us from the association to experience what Cape May has to offer. Let me tell you, and Cape May did not disappoint. My first time heading to the southern tip did not disappoint and, I can’t wait to go back. But, first, let me share some of the weekend highlights.

First of all, La Mer Beachfront resort makes for a perfect stay. Located in what might they say is the “quiet” end, it is ideal for couples and families. I walked it out and, it is only a mile to a mile and a half from the main strip and shopping center on Washington St. I will do a more in-depth of the resort later, but I highly recommend checking out this resort with all its newly renovated suites.

Activities. There are a bunch! From enjoying a peaceful day poolside or beachside to exploring all the great food, drink, and history the area has to offer. Here are some recommendations.

Cape May Food Tours-A 3-hour tour offered on the weekends currently. Tour begins at 10:45 am. They will take you to 6 different stops tasting some of the best Cape May has to offer while learning a good deal about the architecture and history of this town.

Nauti Distillery-For a relaxing afternoon or evening, drive yourself here or take the shuttle, then no one has to be the designated driver. Built on lovely farmland, the distillery produces vodka, gin, and rum and offers tastings during the week. Weekends are lively with a food truck and live music. It is a perfect spot to gather with friends or even consider a bachelorette party. Their spirits are so smooth they will turn you into a fan even if you don’t drink one of them. Be sure to say look for and say hit to “Rita on the Rocks.” She made our experience over the top.

Sunset Beach-Reserve at least one evening to head over to Sunset Beach to experience an incredible sunset and discover Cape May Diamonds. Visit the gift shop to learn how the pebbles on the beach become beautiful pieces of adornment. Also, during the summer season, be there for the flag ceremony.

Willow Creek Winery-Set on a 40acre farm with a beautiful southern plantation home at the forefront, the winery makes for a great day trip.
The winery offers plenty of outdoor seating, music, wine flights, and more. Consider it for getting out with your significant other, a group of friends, or even as a wedding venue. The winery pairs with other locals businesses in their productions.

Trolley Tours by MAC-Cape May’s Museum Art and Culture offers fantastic trolley tours. Select from a broad offering of tours such as historical, ghost, and specialty. The tours provide a tremendous opportunity to experience this beach community’s sights, sounds, and tastes. The staff is lovely and adds flavor and humor to the tales you will love.

There wasn’t one thing I experienced I wouldn’t do again. First, I want to thank the La Mer Beachfront resort again for the opportunity and then all the fine workers and owners at the establishments we visited. For more information on designing your Cape May experience, please reach out to me directly.

 



Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslWeekend in Cape May-5 Top Highlights
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5 Tips to Make Your Family Beach Vacation Unforgettable

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I am a mother of three now-adult children.  I’ve had kids from all over the US, Europe, the Caribbean, and even the South Pacific.  When you are a family of five and have a mix of girls and boys, it is crucial to make sure you take everyone in the family into consideration to make your trip enjoyable. I’ve put together a list of tips below for making the most of your next family beach vacation.

5 Tips to Make Your Family Beach Vacation Unforgettable

Involve the children in the planning process. Share and show them pictures of the possible destinations. Find out what activities are important to them. For example, I let each of our three children choose an excursion for our last family trip. This gave us 3 of our 7 days off the resort doing things we knew each child would enjoy.


Pick a resort with a good kid’s activity program. Make sure the program the resort offers has activities that your child would enjoy participating in. Be sure that the resort’s activities cater to the age of your children. Not all resorts have activities that entertain that “tween” and “teen” crowd. When your children are busy being entertained, you can steal some time for yourselves.
Pick a resort with a variety of dining options. We all know how picky kids can be when it comes to eating. Make sure the resort has a good buffet option. It is also helpful when they have an American option that you know the kids will go for, such as a Pizzeria. If your child has any food allergies, check before booking, see if the resort can accommodate the allergy. Often the chef will meet with you to arrange the necessary meal plan for your stay. Several resort chains have now begun to include gluten-free options for their guests, as well as handling, dairy, and peanut allergies.


Pick a resort that provides spacious room accommodations. When you are used to having your own bedroom and or bath each morning, it is important to consider the size and amenities of the room types at the resorts you consider for your family. Many resorts now offer bunk bed options for families of 5, separate rooms for kids, and family suites with 2 bedrooms.


Remember to relax. You are on vacation after all. Consider locking the electronics in the room safe. Do activities together and apart (Spa time for mom?). But most of all, have FUN!

PS: Don’t forget to use your favorite travel professional to help you find the perfect resort match for you!



Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa Rossmeissl5 Tips to Make Your Family Beach Vacation Unforgettable
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Things to See & Do in NYC Right Now

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It’s spring, one of the lovely times to visit New York City. And while not everything is fully open, such as Broadway (which expects to return this fall), it is a beautiful time to see the city that never sleeps.

I recently returned from a five-day stay where I acted as a guide and tourist with my friend who was seeing the city for the first time. Here are some great things to see and do in NYC right now. It is the perfect time to take advantage of the low crowds.

Central Park-One of the great beauties of the city and a must stop when visiting. Just starting to have the spring blooms pop, it will probably be magnificent these next few weeks with colors. Whether you are walking it or spending an afternoon on the lawn, it makes for a perfect spring day activity. We even caught some excitement with the filming of the Guilded Age taking place. Covid notes: No reservations are needed, and people are wearing their masks when walking. Joggers and small groups on lawns or, if socially distanced, will have masks off. 

The Highline-An architectural beauty and landscape masterpiece, this walking trail designed from an old rail pathway is ideal for spending a couple of hours out of the day. Again, ready for pure bloom beauty over these next few weeks. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture some great city pictures. Covid notes: Use their app to make a reserved walking time. Depending on traffic, you can scan and book your time at arrival, but to ensure you will be able to walk right away, book in advance. 

Masks are required.

Walking Tours-Many of the tours are back up and running. We did a fantastic Art Deco tour learning about the architecture and buildings in the city. Some incredible design features and surprise buildings you might not even be aware of are in your walking discovery. The tour was about two and a half hours. Covid notes: Masks are required. Pre-book tours. 

The Empire State Building-This iconic landmark in the city is rich in history and deserves at least one stop when coming to New York. Be sure to go all the way up for the best views of the city. I highly recommend reserving the sunrise or sunset times. Covid notes: You must pre-book and purchase tickets. Masks are required. 

The Museums-We hit a bunch of the majors this trip. Most asked you to reserve your time slot and or reserve and purchase a ticket ahead of time. The great thing is crowds were down with everything not yet back to the total capacity. Highly recommend visiting The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Arts and Design, The Museum of Modern Art, and The Museum of Natural History. You can get a city pass, but be sure to check which pass you buy as not all the museums are on all the city passes. 

The Food Scene-With both indoor and outdoor dining again, you can pass up on New York’s food scene. I highly recommend finding a diner for your morning breakfast. You know how they say eat where the locals eat. Consider something with outdoor views for lunch and dinner. Rooftop dining and street dining is excellent with the warmer temperatures arriving. And you can genuinely find something to suit any budget. In New York, it is always wise, especially for dinner, to make a reservation. Covid notes: Masks required in public areas, but not at tables. At least one member of the party will have to sign in for tracing. Expect to have your temperature taken at some locations. 

There is always so much to do in New York. I can tell you the tourism workers are pleased to see people again. There is most definitely excitement in the air now and always when visiting. New York is a city you likely want to visit again and again. Truly with so many things to do, you will need more than one visit. For advice, arrangements, and recommendations, be sure to reach out to a travel advisor when planning your city escapes. 



Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI. 

She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds.  Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind.  She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember.  With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.

Lisa RossmeisslThings to See & Do in NYC Right Now
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