New York is Always New

I’ve been to New York countless times. I’ve seen dozens of shows on Broadway. I’ve people watched in Times Square more times than I can remember. I’ve eaten the famous pizza. I’ve drunk cider in many Irish Pubs between 1st and 6th. No matter what I do in New York, it always feels new and fresh.

The Chaos of Time Square

Image provided by Ai Long via Trover.com.

When it comes to a New York hotel, you have tons of options. There are over 75,000 rooms in Manhattan. When I plan a trip to New York, I have been known to stay at two or three on one trip. Some hotels take on their neighborhood’s personality; you expect that. I discovered the Hilton Times Square Hotel offers a respite from the chaos of the area surrounding it. The hotel has recently been renovated and offers amenities that create a quiet and comfortable hotel. When the city calls you, you only have to walk outside and find yourself in the center of the city’s most active neighborhood.

Midtown East with Character

For the typical tourist, staying in Midtown means the west side and Broadway, but Midtown East and The Lexington New York City, Autograph Collection offer a new perspective on the other side of New York, literally and figuratively. Think New York style with a side of laid back ease. The newly renovated Lexington pays homage to the jazz greats of the past and present. The art deco lobby reminds you of the old New York, but with the modern convenience of a big city hotel. Shop on Madison Avenue just a block away, and continue another block and enjoy 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Center.

Chelsea Charm and Flair

Image provided by Alouise Dittrick via Trover.com.

Larger than most boutique New York Hotels, the Chelsea Savoy is a reasonably priced alternative in a unique area of New York. Make sure to take part in the complimentary breakfast before you head out each day. Chelsea Pier, the massive sports complex overlooking the Hudson River, sits a few blocks away from the Savoy. I’ve always wanted to hit a few balls at the driving range or take a class at the gym with other New Yorkers. New York does some amazing things with parks in the cement city, so checking out the HighLine Park is a new experience to enjoy as I explore the neighborhood.

34th Street Entertainment

The 34th Street area of New York is shopping and dining central. While the tourists flock to the area, the locals enjoy the convenience and options as well. Dumont NYC – An Affinia Hotel fits perfectly in the neighborhood. It offers some of the most spacious rooms in Manhattan while providing fantastic views at a reasonable price for the quality and the area. You’re just south of the famed Murray Hill area of New York and close to Macy’s flagship store, as well as other shopping and entertainment venues on the surrounding blocks of the hotel.

It doesn’t matter how many trips I take to New York or where I stay — it’s always new and exciting.

What city can you visit over and over again? 

This article is part of a Hipmunk Travel Series.

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Hipmunk Hotels: Affordable luxury hotels in West Hollywood, Pismo Beach and Dana Point

This post was originally published on Savored Journeys by Laura Lynch.

If you’re seen popular towns like West Hollywood and Pismo Beach on television shows, you already know how swanky and luxurious these areas are. As a traveler, you have many options for affordable luxury hotels in the midst of some of the best shopping, dining, nightlife and beaches the west has to offer. You can’t go wrong with a stay at any of these affordable luxury hotels right in the heart of the action.

West Hollywood, California

Hollywood, CaliforniaHollywood, California (Photo: CC0 Public Domain/Pixabay)

Consider staying in West Hollywood for affordable luxury. It’s right in the heart of Los Angeles, with swanky bars, restaurants, and nightlife, right outside your door. This area is home to high-end shopping outlets and celebrity restaurants. You might even spot a celebrity, if you’re lucky. The Andaz West Hollywood Hotel is in the center of the action on Sunset Strip. It has a rooftop pool and is within walking distance of some of the hottest nightclubs on the strip.

Pismo Beach, California

Pismo BeachPismo Beach (Photo: Laura Lynch/SavoredJourneys)

As far as beach locations go, you can’t do any better than the small, quaint town of Pismo Beach, located just a few minutes from the college town of San Luis Obispo. The pristine beach stretches for miles, which is perfect for a long stroll in the sand or a day of relaxing in the sun. You’ll also find incredible views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic sunsets, and dozens of wine tasting rooms nearby. There are many beachfront hotels to choose from, and most come with incredible views.

Dana Point, California

Dana Point, CaliforniaDana Point, California (Photo: CC0 Public Domain/Pixabay)

Another great beachfront town is Dana Point, in southern California. Dana Point is a surfer and paddleboarder’s paradise, with over seven miles of coastline to enjoy and great weather year round. If you’re not out participating in water sports, hiking, or admiring the views, you can relax at one of Dana Point’s extraordinary hotels, like the St. Regis Monarch Beach or the Laguna Cliffs Marriott, both of which have a high standard of luxury.

Fullerton, California

Disneyland, CaliforniaDisneyland, California (Photo: CC0 Public Domain/Pixabay)

When visiting Disneyland or one of Northern Orange County’s other amusement parks, Fullerton offers affordable luxury accommodations in a quiet and charming historic town. Three of the Disney hotels are in Fullerton – Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier, and Disney’s Grand California Hotel and Spa. All of these luxury options have a pool and give early access to the park.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, New MexicoSanta Fe, New Mexico (Photo: CC0 Public Domain/Pixabay)

While California is a great location for affordable luxury stays, don’t underestimate other trendy places in the West, like Santa Fe. With a rich Native American history and evidence of early Spanish settlers still visible in the architecture, Santa Fe has a distinct appeal. There is a vibrant art and music scene, as well. Stay at the Hacienda & Spa at Hotel Santa Fe or La Fonda on the Plaza for an affordable luxury stay with many great amenities and a truly local feel.

Hotels in Austin for Every Type of Traveler

For a seasoned traveler like myself, I can appreciate a hotel that caters to all types of travelers. Brands of hotels have spent millions creating the perfect hotel stay, a home away from home. In Austin, they do things differently. These hotels offer unique experiences for a particular type of traveler, but all have one thing in common: great locations and great rates for a trip to this hip Texas town.

Image provided by Leanna Miller via Trover.com.

Environmentally Friendly Traveler

Located north of Austin, Habitat Suites Hotel is a wholly sustainable, family-friendly hotel. A former apartment complex, the hotel suites offer spacious rooms with a kitchen in each unit. Lush local foliage surrounds the beautifully maintained paths that carve through the green. It’s an oasis in the center of Austin. They use solar power and serve clean organic foods in the on-site restaurant. A saltwater pool gives you that beach feels without the sand.  It’s the perfect place to enjoy all that Austin has to offer and respect Mother Earth at the same time.

Fun Time in the City Traveler

If you are a country dweller and want to experience a city vacation, Austin has a great urban life. A perfect pedestrian city, Austin also offers reliable public transportation to all local monuments and attractions no matter where you stay in the city. For a proper city vacation, and to get the full Austin experience, you need to stay in the city as well. Hampton Inn & Suites Austin is a budget friendly, family friendly hotel in the center of Austin. The all-suite hotel offers great amenities, spacious, comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast, and a rooftop pool to stay cool on those warm Austin days.

Family Road Trip Traveler

Image provided by Phil Ostroff via Trover.com.

For a road trip veteran, you know the most important part of the journey besides having gas in the tank is where to sleep. Nothing beats an off the highway hotel with free breakfast and great amenities. Crowne Plaza Austin Hotel, located off Highway 35 just south of the city, offers easy access to the highway and downtown Austin. After being cramped in the confines of a car, you can enjoy the spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and the hotel pool and fitness center. Another important feature for the road trip traveler, the hotel offers free self-parking.

In and Out Traveler

I know what you’re going to say — an airport hotel — but you haven’t seen the Hilton Austin Airport Hotel. If the unique shape doesn’t spark your curiosity (it’s a perfect circle), the airport on Austin Bergstrom International Airport Campus is not your typical airport hotel. The rooms are impeccable and luxurious on a budget. Plus, they are sound proof. No jet engines waking you up at six a.m. The hotel offers a Starbucks (you had me at Starbucks), and the Creeks Restaurant offers full breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus with a mix of local dishes and traditional American fare. I stayed here the first time because of the great rate but have returned because of the experience.

What type of traveler are you?  

How to Enjoy Miami if you Don’t like the Beach?

I love Miami, but I’m not a fan of the beach. Too much sand in strange places and it’s hot. So, what’s the point? Well, it’s Miami. They call South Beach an adult playground and the hotels cater to that way of thinking. These hotels are special because they offer experiences beyond the beach.

Image provided by Al Stanford via Trover.com

Stay in Your Room

The best way to avoid the beach is to stay in your room. Well, staying in your room at the South Seas Hotel is easy to do. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. They offer amazing views of the ocean or Miami Beach city views through large windows. The decor is clean and crisp. Absorb the inspiration and get some work done with the free wireless service. Each room offers spa-like bathrooms with large tubs and rain showers. Book an in-room massage to help you relax, and when you get hungry, order from the award-winning restaurant with the hotel’s 24-hour room service.

Image provided by Phu Phu via Trover.com

The Nightlife

South Beach is synonymous with night life. The beautiful people of Miami love to hang out, dance, party, and be seen. The Clevelander is the hotel to stay in if you want to party where you stay. It’s an adult-only hotel, so leave the kids at home and come hang out with Miami’s finest. The POOL+PATIO has been an entertainment mecca for locals and tourists for over 75 years. Arrive early to get the nightly drink special and then enjoy the salsa dancing or fire dancers as they put on a show. At the end of the night, the club opens up into the best dance party on the beach.

The Spa

If you are a spa person, check out the Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach and book a treatment package at the Blue Spa. The nature-inspired spa matches harmony and bliss in equal measure. While South Beach can be busy, you won’t feel any of the hustle and bustle inside the walls of this luxurious spa. They offer traditional spa treatments such as massages and facials, but with a South Beach twist like a Jamaican Rum Body Scrub and a Mojito Mani-Pedi.

The Food

For the foodie vacationers, book a room at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. This South Beach hotel offers not one, but two world-renowned restaurants. You don’t have to step on the beach to enjoy them — the restaurant does it for you. New York chef Josh Capon brings his vision of the perfect seafood restaurant to Lure Fishbar. With its nautical theme, you know what the place is known for, but they have steak and pasta, too. For breakfast and lunch, try the Preston Market. It uses locally grown meat and produce to bring you farm-to-table classic dishes such as shrimp and grits, signature burgers, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.

If you’re averse to the beach, go ahead and book a trip to Miami with these hotels and have the perfect anti-beach vacation.

Have you been on an anti-beach, beach vacation? 

Millennials Share Their Tips for Working While Traveling the Globe

This post was originally published on Tailwind by Hipmunk on April 11, 2016.

When you’re still new to a career and trying to make a name for yourself on the job, it can be stressful to take vacation time.

Heck, forget traveling for pleasure—even business travel can feel stressful. When you’re juggling delayed flights or bad cell service with the desire to make a good impression on your clients and coworkers, travel can feel anything but relaxing.

But take a deep breath, because we’ve got some good news for you: You can travel the globe and continue to rock out at your job. Here’s how four hard-working millennials make it happen.

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Jenn Hirsch. Photo credit Brandon Smith

Draw work inspiration from your travels.

As a surf retreat leader and a storyteller through (and founder of) Swell Story, Jenn Hirsch has learned firsthand that her travels can inform her work in big ways.

“My rule has always been to find inspiration from where you travel for whatever venture you have at present,” she says. “[My] work is highly creative yet grounded in the present—kind of like traveling to foreign countries and surfing in general.”

Communicate with your team before you leave.

Make sure your colleagues and clients have a sense of where you’ll be and what your availability will be like before you leave the office.

“Before a trip, I think it is important to meet with your team and third-party partners to make sure all bases are covered,” says Nolan Walsh, CEO of Thursday Boot Company.

Let folks know when you’ll be out of touch, and also aim to make yourself available at times when they’ll be working.

“I usually create a block of 3-5 hours that overlap with my work day back home,” says Hirsch. “This is a great tool to find overlapping time when you travel. Share your travel itinerary with your close team members, and let them know when you likely won’t be able to take calls. With advance communication, anything is possible.”

Use long transit times for work.

Instead of bemoaning the time you spend in transit, put it to productive use.

“You’re already stuck in a chair, and you’ll feel better getting work done than watching the in-flight movie you never really wanted to see,” says Walsh.

Bonus: Get work done on the plane or train, and you’ll have more free time to explore your destination.

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Nolan Walsh at home in NYC

Stay charged.

The best hot spots and data plans won’t help you get work done if you can’t turn your devices on in the first place. Never underestimate the value of keeping your work gadgets fully juiced.

“I’d stress the importance of simply keeping your devices charged,” says Charlie Ellis, founder and managing partner of Oxford Consulting Group. “I always travel with two hefty battery packs, a power strip, and a ten-port USB hub.”

Embrace free time whenever it arises.

While business travel can take you to all corners of the globe, it can be tough to actually see those places when you’re sitting in meetings all day.

The solution? Go exploring whenever down time presents itself, says Hirsch, whether that’s during a midday lunch break or at the wee hours of the morning. Especially in major metropolitan areas (think LondonTokyo, or New York), there’s something to see no matter when you get a free moment. Don’t miss it.

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Ricky Joshi (foreground) whitewater rafting in Tennessee 

Mix business with pleasure.

“I really enjoy visiting places for business where I can add on a couple of extra days to explore an area,” says Ricky Joshi, co-founder and CMO of Saatva Mattress. “Los AngelesMiami, and Chicago are great for this… I [also] really enjoy Central and South America, where I can go on a more adventurous trip. The Caribbean Island of St. Kitts and the Portland area of Jamaica are also personal favorites.”

It’s also smart to plan trips around your personal preferences.

“I’ve never fully adjusted to New York winters, so in Q1 and Q4 I’ll jump at any excuse to take a meeting or contract in Southern California,” says Ellis.

You’ll improve your mental state and your productivity if you go somewhere that inspires and uplifts you.

Roll with the punches.

It’s unavoidable: When you’re traveling the world, sometimes things go wrong.

Try discovering that your airline lost your luggage after you’ve touched down in Bolivia, as Joshi did. “Because I was so “off the grid,” it was so difficult finding a place to even try to call them to track it,” he says. “I finally gave into my fate and bought essentially a new, very light, wardrobe.”

It may not have been ideal, but Joshi made it work. When fate hands you lemons, go find yourself an orange.

Bonus: Practicing adaptability and efficient problem solving will serve you well on the job.

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Charlie Ellis in Montana

Unplug every once in awhile.

It’s not a good idea to go MIA without letting clients and coworkers know you’ll be off the grid. But everyone—everyone—needs to unplug once in awhile, and that includes you. Do it responsibly by setting clear expectations before your digital detox, setting up an out-of-office email reply, and then committing yourself to not checking your email or phone, says Hirsch. Your mind will thank you for it.

Far from being a hassle, traveling as a millennial—for work or pleasure—doesn’t have to be a career killer. Communicate with your team, be open to expanding your horizons, and don’t forget to enjoy yourself. After all, there’s more to life than work.