$500 B&H Gift Card Giveaway

By Suz Pathmanathan

Fend off those winter blues in style. Everyone who places an order between 00.01 Monday 23 December to 23.59 on Wednesday 1st January will have the chance to win a $500 gift voucher from New York’s leading electronics store B&H electronics.

If you’re not from New York, you may not have heard of B&H. With over 40 years’ experience, B&H is an iconic electronics retailer, teaming state-of-the-art technology with expo-style displays and incredible customer service. So, if you love to get hands-on with the newest innovations and enjoy talking to staff who are as passionate about technology as you are, you’re in the right place.

Unrivalled selection

So, what’ll it be? Are you looking for a new, professional-grade camera to better document your trip? How about a drone to take exciting images of New York’s sweeping panoramas? B&H stock nearly half a million items, daily. Its incredible range of products (11+ football fields’ worth) is what has made it such a trusted resource for photographers, musicians and creative professionals around the world for decades.

Get inspired

If you’re struggling to think of things to do with a $500 technology voucher, B&H has a few stories to give you some inspiration (which could perhaps last a lifetime). Their latest campaign, For the Love of the Craft, follows incredible musicians, artists and photographers who have found an outlet for their passions through B&H’s unbelievable selection of tech.

*Terms and conditions apply. Orders between 00.01 Monday 23 December to 23.59 on Wednesday 1st January on Wednesday 1st January will qualify for entry into the draw.

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Things To Do In NYC With Teenagers On Vacation

Top 10 Things to Do in NYC With Teenagers on Vacation When you are traveling with teenagers on a vacation to NYC, you'll probably have to make some concessions to a typical itinerary; teens are natural thrill seekers with age-related interests that are beyond understanding to most adults. That being said, there are plenty of things to do with teens in New York City without hearing, “I’m bored” a thousand times a day. To help you out, we have created a top 10 list of the most amazing, teen-friendly things to do when vacationing in the Big Red Apple (that you'll enjoy doing, too). Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. On Location Tours If your teen goes crazy for celebrities the On Location Tour should be at the top of your list. New York City is the filming location for hundreds of movies and television shows. As a result, there are ample opportunities to run into celebs for photo ops. Better yet, take the On Location Tour to hit up the most sought-after filming sites. There is a stop for Gossip Girls, Amazing Spider-Man, Glee, and Friends, plus dozens more. Admission: On Location Tours: Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass. Madame Tussauds Wax museums have this way of bringing out the inner child in everyone. Give your teen a ticket to Madame Tussauds New York and watch them go gaga after the faux celebs. The museum is constantly updating exhibits, so there will certainly be recognizable and relevant figures. Plus, Madame Tussauds is keeping things lively. For example, at the Project Runway Fashion Experience teens can create their own fashion line and walk the runway. Admission: Madame Tussauds tickets are included with the New York Pass. Luna Park in Coney Island Coney Island is one of the coolest places to hang out in New York City. Teens will love the endless thrills and things to do at Coney Island. Tack on the thrills of Luna Park for an all-around great way to entertain even the moodiest teen for a day. Located in the Brooklyn borough, Luna Park is home to rides like the Sling Shot and Steeplechase. The park also plays host to live entertainment throughout the year, so check it out before you visit to see what’s happening when you are in town. Admission: Luna Park at Coney Island tickets are included with the New York Pass. Times Square Any teen who travels to NYC will want to say they’ve been to Times Square. This is, after all, the most iconic spot on the NYC map. Bring your teen to the crossroads of the bright lights of this big city before you end your trip. While in Times Square, take a ride on the subway, catch a hip Broadway show, or shop until your teen is ready to drop. Times Square is also one of the best places to grab a bite to eat, whether your teen is a McDonald’s fanatic or into something more sophisticated like sushi. One World Observatory Take your teenager to the top of the world at the One World Observatory. This is one place where most teens haven’t been, giving your teen some serious travel cred. There’s a glass elevator that takes you to the top of the 1,776-foot tall skyscraper. From there you can see every bit of New York City for some sweet selfie moments. While the Foundations room is neat, the real treat for teenagers is the Skyportal that dangles you over the ground on a disc made of glass. Admission: One World Observatory tickets are not included with the New York Pass. Pump Track Teens who are into rollerblading, skateboarding, or trick bike riding are in luck. At the Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track, teens can test their skills on this blacktop playground. If your teen is interested in actually getting out there make sure they pack their wheels. While you sit and gawk awestruck at the serious tricks taking place, you can also enjoy the scenic Manhattan views. Empire State Building As one of the most well-known landmarks of New York City teenagers on vacation needs to pencil the Empire State Building into their schedule. However, you want to make it exciting so they are interested in seeing this historic building. Consider going at midnight, as the building is open until 2 am so that you can see NYC in all of its illuminated glory. You can also get the teen to download the trendy, and free, Empire State Building Experience app on their smartphone for a more relevant encounter with this wondrous site. Admission: Empire State Building tickets are included with the New York Pass. Museum of Modern Art Andy Warhol, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso...if your teen is into art, then, by all means, make a beeline to the Museum of Modern Art. At MoMA, the most famous and highly prized modern sculpture, photography, and paintings are on display. If you need a break from all the activity, rest your laurels in the luxurious Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden in the museum. Before you leave the museum, treat your teenager to a fine dining experience in the mod landscape. The Modern is a two Michelin star restaurant that offers a modern take on some of the best food in the city. Admission: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are included with the New York Pass. Bronx Zoo Zip Line Yes, that’s correct, there is a zip line in NYC and it takes you over the top of Bronx Zoo. For teenagers who need an adrenaline rush, this is the perfect place to combine a love for animals with high-line speed. They will be thrilled at the prospect of telling friends they went zip lining over a zoo while traveling to NYC. Fly over the Bronx River for 400 feet at a staggering 50 feet off the ground. If your teen backs out at the last minute, no worries. They can save face by enjoying the aerial adventure course at the zoo. Plus, it’s a zoo, after all, where any teen can visit the World of Reptiles, the Congo Gorilla Forest, and Sea Lion Pool. Tip: The Bronx Zoo is free to the public on Wednesdays. Remember To Save On Admission Attractions New York is the perfect city for teenagers to get out and have fun while trying new things. There are tons of activities across the 5 boroughs including museums, guided tours, zoos, and sightseeing. With so much to do during your trip to NYC, you can easily find yourself paying a lot of money on general admission at attractions. However, if you use the New York Pass you'll gain free access to over 90 attractions in New York City. That way, you'll be able to see more attractions and experience more things to do with teens in NYC on vacation--all, while saving more money. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.

new york

New York Itinerary - 2 Days In New York

2 Days In New York Planning on spending two days in New York City, but not sure what to do? We've put together the perfect New York itinerary to help you with your trip planning. You'll get a real feel for the city, from cruises and tours to museums and the famous skyline. This itinerary will not only save you time, it’ll also save you money on your two days in New York. To make sure this itinerary works for you, we’ve included both walking and public transportation options to ensure you don't miss any of NYC’s highlights. This 2-day New York itinerary includes... Big Bus Hop on Hop off: 1-Day Classic Ticket Empire State Building Observatory Food On Foot Tours Madame Tussauds 9/11 Memorial & Museum Liberty Super Express Cruise Whitney Museum of American art Edge If you’re planning on spending more days in NYC or you’re taking a whistle-stop one-day trip, we’ve also put together a 1 day in New York, a 3 day in New York, a weekend in New York, and a full week in New York itinerary. DAY 1 Stop #1: Big Bus Hop on Hop off: 1-Day Classic Ticket Hop on and hop off this double-decker bus sightseeing tour to explore most of the city! You’ll be guided through New York’s sights and sounds with the help of an informative narrator. You won’t miss a thing! A few of the top sites you'll see include the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, Madison Square Garden, and many more. You’ll get an excellent overview of the city's historical sites and landmarks while you hop on or off at any of the stops, making it an ideal option for you if you like a bit of flexibility. Stop #2: Empire State Building Observatory After seeing the Empire State building from the top of a bus, you’ll be eager to ride the elevator to the 86th floor and explore one of the most iconic buildings in all of New York. You’ll get the chance to snap plenty of Instagram-worthy pics 381 meters in the air, so don’t forget your camera! Aside from its spectacular views, the Empire State Building has a lot of historical significance. Its art deco décor is an appealing feature for architecture enthusiasts. Check out the 24-karat gold, aluminum leaf mural on the ceiling! We recommend you reserve at least two hours for this attraction. Keep in mind that elevator lines will add to your overall time spent at the attraction but you won’t regret it! Read all of our tips for visiting the Empire State Building before you go to make the most of your visit. Stop #3: Food On Foot Tours Work up an appetite? Experience New York’s diverse culture by tasting a vast array of cuisines on The Food on Foot Walking Tour. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the NYC neighborhoods, highlighting the best restaurants and food stops to explore. You won’t be left hungry as there are several different tours available. So don’t worry, there’ll be a tour that caters to everyone's food desires. If you do plan on heading out for a lunchtime bite, the Midtown Mix tour might be the right option for you as it’ll give you the chance to try multiple cuisines . Take a bite out of New York's streets. Stop #4: Madame Tussauds If you have time for one last stop... Make your day memorable with some iconic faces! Sip tea with the Royal Family, start an election with Joe Biden, save the world with Spiderman, or get a rare selfie with both Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. If none of these take your fancy, there are plenty more celebrities and experiences you’ll love! Madame Tussauds is one of the top attractions in New York, combining both celeb-spotting opportunities and interactive experiences. These include: Suit Up with the Marvel Superheroes, Sit in the Oval Office, Join the Ghostbusters, Be a Tonight Show Guest, Star on Broadway, Face Off with King Kong, Walk the Runway. Make your friends jealous with a photo of you kissing your favorite celebrity. DAY 2 Stop #1: 9/11 Memorial & Museum Starting the day at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is an opportunity to avoid the crowds and pay your respects in silence. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum honors nearly 3,000 victims of these attacks and all those who risked their lives to save others. Located in the footprint of the Twin Towers, the Memorial's twin reflecting pools are a must-see. With two enormous pools and trees surrounding them, it's a very moving place. A feeling of sadness is especially prevalent in the dark. Both North Pool and South Pool were constructed on the same spots as the twin towers, creating a place of solemn reflection and remembrance.These pools are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest manmade waterfalls in North America. The names of every person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks are inscribed into the bronze panels edging the pools. It’s a place of deep emotion and great beauty. Stop #2: Liberty Super Express Cruise All aboard the big yellow boat! From Downtown New York City, it's the fastest way to see Lady Liberty! You’ll see New York’s skyline from all angles while zooming across the seas to the Statue of Liberty. You’ll experience the magic of Lady Liberty in all her glory in just 45 minutes. Millions of tourists visit her monument every day as it serves as a symbol of hope for all who are fortunate to see its magnificence. Feel the wind blow through your hair as you hear some of New York's most recognizable sights described in a brilliant guided narration. When you reach the majestic Lady Liberty, the boat will slow down for you to capture some memorable snaps while you get a detailed description of its history and significance. No trip to New York City is complete without visiting the famous landmark, and the cruise is the best way to get up close and personal. You can't beat the view from the water. But expect a new hair-do by the end of the super fast cruise! Stop #3: Whitney Museum of American art Do you have an eye for art? The artistic genius in you will love The Whitney Museum of American Art. The Museum is home to modern and contemporary art of the United States, storing artwork from living artists and notorious favorites. Lose yourself in the abstract strokes of O’Keeffe’s Music Pink and Blue No.2 (1918) piece. This is one of the many iconic artworks to explore from Whitney’s collection. You’ll be amazed by the collection which holds over 25,000 works, created by more than 3,700 American artists during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. You’ll get the chance to get up close and personal with upcoming artists, especially if you attend one of their exhibitions. The exhibitions often focus on socio-political and economic themes. The Museum’s flagship exhibition is the Biennial, which has been surveyed as the country’s leading recent developments in American art. Name the artist before anyone else can! Stop #4: Edge If you have time for one last stop... Take in the city views from the angled glass walls while sipping champagne in the sky to top off the perfect two-day trip. You’ll have perfect unobstructed 360-degree views of the sunset from the 100th floor. The 360-degree view includes the glass floor, where you can see the streets illuminated by the sun from beneath your feet. Not only will you be thrilled by the panoramic view, but also the design of the building. You’ll question the safety of the dramatic observation deck that extends out of the building. It’s a masterpiece of architecture. End your day on the Edge of New York City. It’s a sky-high experience! There are endless things to see and do in the Big Apple. From unparalleled viewing platforms to unique dining spots and entertainment options, it’s nearly impossible to take it all in in just one visit. Whatever you choose to do, you won’t be disappointed; rather, you’ll struggle to fit it all in. Make the best out of your travel experience with this helpful itinerary. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

Evangeline Leeder

Things To Do In New York Indoors For Tourists

While NYC is well known for its majestic skyline and landscaped parks, the city’s indoor treasures can actually rival its outdoor ones. Here’s a roundup of 10 great ways to spend your time indoors when in the Big Apple. Free Entry with The New York Pass® Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions. 1. A Broadway Show Take in a high-kicking Broadway show. There’s always a great lineup of popular shows. See the new Cirque du Soleil Paramour, the Lion King, Chicago, Waitress, Cats and much more. You won’t mind being indoors when at a terrific Broadway show. You can easily purchase tickets online. Tip: New York Pass holders can save 10% off Broadway tickets when purchasing through the New York Pass Concierge 2. Museum of Modern Art Explore the Museum of art. It’s one of the world’s largest collections of modern art and showcases the timeline of art history. See masters like Monet, Manet, Pollock and Warhol. Plus, you can dine, drink and watch a movie all under the same roof. Films range from art flicks to indie foreign movies. Visit the bookstore and its gift shop for some cool souvenirs. Dine at Terrace 5 for some yummy dessert and indulge in some gourmet French-inspired fare at the Modern. A day at the Museum of Modern Art is just plain fun and cool. Admission: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) tickets are included with the New York Pass. 3. Chelsea Piers You can golf, rock climb and play ice hockey, all indoors at Chelsea Piers. There’s even batting cages. This 28-acre waterfront complex stands over the Hudson River. It’s the ideal place to have some indoor fun and stay fit. Get your exercise on at Chelsea Piers. Admission: Chelsea Piers activities are not included with the New York Pass. 4. Madame Tussauds Take a stroll through the bright lights of Times Square and head to the famous wax museum Madame Tussauds on 42nd Street. It’s an entertaining afternoon, and you snap some selfies with famous celebs like Obama and Justin Timberlake. It’s both spooky and exciting. Plus, it has the exhibit Ghostbuster’s Experience. It’s a truly virtual ghostbusting reality experience and one of its newer additions. Admission: Madame Tussauds tickets are included with the New York Pass. 5. Bowlmor Lanes Bowlmor is not yesteryear’s bowling alley. It’s got a cool soundtrack, shiny lanes and a full cocktail menu. And with its New York style comfort food, you can enjoy a two-foot-long hotdog-the Coney Mega Dog. There’s also a very large entertainment space with a video arcade, laser tag and a ropes course. Let the good times roll at Bowlmor. Bowlmor is a day of indoor adventure. It’s definitely a very distinct New York place. 6. American Museum of Natural History Dart over to the American Museum of Natural History and explore nature indoors. There’s a massive underwater world in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life where you gaze up at a 94-foot blue whale. Discover the fauna and flora of the Big Apple. Meet the giant dinosaurs of yesterday and watch the solar system come to life in the Hayden Planetarium. It’s a walk on the wild side at the American Museum of Natural History. Admission: American Museum of Natural History tickets are included with the New York Pass. 7. Grand Central Terminal Grand Central Terminal is a great indoor escape. It features classic architecture, many boutiques, a gourmet market and upend cocktails. See the famous astrological ceiling and take a detailed audio tour. You can even hop on a train or subway. If you’re feeling some hunger pangs, pick up some gourmet sandwiches at the Grand Central Market or some fresh seafood at Grand Central Oyster Bar. Enjoy a picnic on the grass at Central Park. It’s right nearby. Admission: Grand Central Terminal Audio-Tour tickets are included with the New York Pass. 8. Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool The Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool is the ideal indoor rooftop retreat. Take in sweeping vistas of Central Park through its floor-to-ceiling windows. You can also relax in its 40-foot long pool with its soothing waters. Get poolside room service, eat at the hotel’s famous Burger Joint and get access to the Gravity Fitness Center. There are basketball courts, racquetball courts and cardio machines. It’s more than just swimming indoors at the Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool. Admission: Le Parker Meridien Indoor Pool is not included with the New York Pass. 9. La Mano Pottery Feel like getting your hands dirty? Head for La Mano Pottery. Take a pottery workshop in this large studio, which has electric kilns, throw wheels and pottery tools. You don’t have to be experienced. The workshops are for beginners too.There’s also a gallery of fine art exhibitions of pottery. Admission: La Mano Pottery is not included with the New York Pass. 10. Modern Pinball Indoors According to CNN, this unique pinball parlor it totally retro. Play pinball on machines that date back to the 1970s while listening to retro tunes. You can get a pass for the day or purchase playing time by the hour. Who knows? Maybe you’re a pinball wizard. It doesn’t even have to be a rainy day to enjoy the city’s indoor treasures. You’ll want to be a part of it even if the sun is out. From indoor activities to outdoor activities, the Big Apple serves it all for tourists. And that’s one of the reasons why millions of folks around the globe take a trip to New York City. There’s just no other place like it on the planet. Admission: Modern Pinball is not included with the New York Pass. Remember To Save on Attraction Admission Paying admission to all of these attractions in New York City can certainly put a dent in your pocket. However, the New York Pass grants you free entry to over 90 attractions in New York so that you can enjoy more and save more during your trip. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.

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