New York Short Breaks
Bright Lights, Small City – enjoy a New York short break
Shopping can be a chore at the best of times. So if you're compelled to go on a festive bargain hunt, but fancy an exciting change away from your local high street, how about a New York short break?
Manhattan is a Mecca for the serious shopper, and luckily, in recognition of that fact, customs has recently upped the value of goods you can import into the UK from a paltry £145 to £340.
And with so much more than designer labels and department stores to offer, New York is the ideal choice for all.
That's where an AA Citypack Guide, (£5.59*) becomes essential reading. It's the next best thing to knowing a local who can let you in on all the secrets.
The handy top-25 sights lists all the key activities, which is perfect if you're on a tight schedule, plus there's a two-day planner to help you make the most of a New York short break.
And here are some tips to make the most of your break while you're there.
Get to grips with the grid system
Unless you've been to Milton Keynes, regimented roads may be a revelation. But once you get your bearings, the New York City roads are simple to navigate, which saves a lot of stress.
Actually Manhattan isn't that big, and if you stay midtown (around Macy's, the Rockerfeller Center or Times Square) or upper-west or east (sandwiching Central Park) then most things are within walking distance.
But if you want to head down to board the Staten Island ferry to see the Statue of Liberty, then you might want to hail a cab or head for the subway.
A choice of travel
The mean streets are not for the fainthearted. Traffic is intense and often gridlocked, with taxis swarming the roads like yellow locusts.
As a result, the horn is a permanent sound effect no matter what time of day. And beware those who are caught jaywalking.
Alternatively there's the subway (the New York version of the London Underground), which can get equally busy. A Metrocard (like London's Oyster card) can be topped up allowing money to be deducted every time you swipe in. You can check which ticket suits you best online.
Just the ticket
If you're after cheap tickets of the Broadway variety for your New York short break, and you haven't booked a theatre trip in advance, you can queue for same-day tickets. There's a booth on Broadway in the heart of Times Square. It opens at 3pm for evening performances, but, be warned, it's popular and the queues start from about 2pm.
Talking of Times Square, from Thanksgiving through to the New Year especially, this iconic site hosts a plethora of planned events.
Of course, the prospect of live bands should be a seminal, traffic-stopping moment in anyone's lives. Sadly, not even the A-list likes of Beyoncé or Justin Timberlake will bring the taxis to a standstill, but the events are often free and the buzz of lining the pavements, listening to live music in freezing conditions is definitely one to savour.
If you're a fan of sub-zero past-times, slide on down to the Rockerfeller Center, or Central Park for ice skating. But you'll need to book tickets ahead.
Of course, if you get time to explore more, there's always Brooklyn, Bronx and Queens….
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*Price correct as at June 2009