Very often I find myself on opposite travel schedules as the masses. While of course there are ideal times to visit a destination, I’m of the mindset that with an extra jacket, the rest of the year can often result in more rewarding travel. My best trips to Venice were in October and February, when the crowds were long gone. Visiting the South of France in early April allowed me to enjoy the first hints of spring.
The same concept applies to American travel. So this summer, as everyone fled cities to go to the beach or take a quick trip to Europe, I decided to see what two American cities have to offer in the summer. Spending time in New York City and Washington DC showed me that these cities too, are wonderful even when they aren’t ‘supposed’ to be.
An article for Luxury Travel Magazine about my recent summer getaway to New York City has just been published. Here’s a sneak peak:
Tucked away in an oasis on the Upper East Side, I was far from the vast, impersonal hotels that sometimes pass for luxury in New York City. During this trip, I wanted to discover a different side of the Big Apple. For one weekend I became a resident of East 63rd Street between Park and Madison. This fashionable residence is surrounded by boutiques, award-winning restaurants and the expanse of Central Park. For my immersion into the timeless Upper East Side, the choice was simple: The Lowell New York.
To read about my cultural weekend in the city and for full details on the timeless hotel that is the Lowell, click here.
In my experience, sometimes the best time to get under the skin of a destination is the off season. This is when restaurant owners, museum tour guides, and local people are less busy and more open for a chat. This year, consider skipping the traditional seasonal traveling, and seeing what it’s like to travel against the grain.
