If you’re a resident or visitor to New York City, especially on a weekend, you may be walking in midtown Manhattan and all of sudden discover that the street is closed off to vehicle traffic. You find yourself suddenly in a car/truck/taxi/bike free oasis in the middle of a typically busy street. You look up the street and it there is a mass of people but no cars. Why?

It’s a New York City street fair, usually stretching 10 or more city blocks up and down both sides of the street.

I know exactly what to expect at these street fairs but I always find myself sucked in. Here’s your guide to what you’ll find at your typical Manhattan street fair.

Food
You’ll find a gyro stand on every block. Or should I say gyro, cheesesteak, Italian sausage with onions stand. Absolutely not good for you, but hot, greasy and delicious. Aperas seems to be on every block also. It’s a sweet corn mixture, grilled or fried until crispy on both sides with a layer of mozerella cheese in in the middle. I had one for the first time. Eh, I’ll pass on the next. You’d think you’d see hamburgers and french fries, maybe pizza but nope. I saw a New York City food truck stationed along the street. I think you’ll see more of those as food trucks get more and more popular. French crepes, candy apples and “homemade” lemonade also represented.

Scarves
Why scarves, I don’t know. If your neck is exposed, it won’t be after visiting a fair. Every type of scarf imaginable. I think scarves have taken the place of tube socks. New Yorkers know what I’m talking about. There was a time when tube socks were on every block during a street fair. The last few I’ve been to, I have not seen any socks. But along with scarves you’ll find all kinds of clothing from toddler onesies to t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats with the typical New York signage.

iPod Accessories
If you need a case to protect your Apple investment, an extra electrical plug for your iPhone or iPad you will find it here. From plain black to Hello Kitty and tie-dye colors you’ll find it a New York street fair. Sorry Android and Blackberry fans. The vendors don’t care for your products.

You’ll find a few fortune tellers and palm readers, who never seems to have anyone sitting in their chairs. They always seems so lonely with everyone walking right by them.

What else you say? Bonsai plants, perfumes and colognes, tools, jewelry, t-shirts that light up when you play music, mix CDs of reggae and salsa music, the list goes on and on…. it’s like Wal-Mart set up show in the middle of a Manhattan street.

MarioTravels said:
“Street fairs around the world are great for soaking up raw culture/authentic food. Also great place to mingle w/ locals.”

I don’t think that is the case with Manhattan street fairs. I’m sure if you look at the “Made In” stamp on the items sold you’ll find the usual suspects: China. India. Taiwan. Thailand. Mexico. Is Italian sauage with onion and peppers American or just co-opted from Italy. How about the gyro? The food is street food from other countries.

So is a NYC street fair is not representive of “America” and what is it. I contend it is, but not in the sense that Mario thinks about it. America is a nation of consumers. The street fair is just a microcosm of that. Nothing good or bad about that, just way it is.

America is the melting pot of consumers. Do we create? Sure we do. Just not like the Ghana making wooden tribal masks or the woman in India making scarves. Our street fair is a reality that is far different from souks of Morocco or the markets in Ghana. Is it any better or worse? That is up to your own interpretation.

The New York City Street Fair – What It Says About New York – and America is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

The good folks at On Locations Tours offered me a complimentary ride on their New York TV and Movie Sites Tour. The tour is designed to take you around to famous movie and TV sites around Manhattan.

After getting my name on the list, I got to the corner of 51st and Broadway to wait for the coach bus that would take us around town. There was a crowd of presumably out of towners milling around outside of the diner located at the corner. If I was to guess, I was the only New Yorker waiting for this tour. There is something about being a tourist in your own town, since locals are presumably “too busy” to do something like this.

After the bus arrived, our tour guide Anna checked everyone in and we all got seated. I think the final count was 40. The tone was set by the TV theme songs that played over the intercom. Magnum PI. I Love Lucy. The Munsters. The Cosby Show. A Different World. Bonanza. The songs played whenever there was some downtime to keep us all in the mood. I wish I could film and show you what happened aboard the bus, but that was one of the rules: No filming of the tour aboard the bus. We could film everywhere else.

The bus took off and because it was late Sunday morning midtown Manhattan traffic was relatively light. The first major stop was the area around Central Park South – 59th Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue. Anna went into the all the movies that were filmed in the area including Home Alone at the Plaza Hotel. The Pulitzer Fountain, opposite the Apple Store on 5th Avenue, is the one in the intro to “Friends” that they splash around in.

And the rest of tour was like this. We’d stop or go by a seemingly normal landmark, and tour guide Anna would drop a little nugget on us. This is where “Hitch” was filmed. This is the exterior shot for the Cosby Show brownstone. The Cosby Show family lived in Brooklyn, but the actual house used for the exterior in Tribeca. Law and Order’s dead bodies were found in this part of Central Park. Stopping in front of Peter Parker’s apartment from Spiderman. Gossip Girl fans, there is plenty on this tour for you. Same with fans of Friends. We rolled by Katz’s Deli and that infamous scene in When Harry Met Sally and many other films. Will and Grace. Miracle on 34th Street. Shows and movies you would know immediately. Much, much more that can’t possibly fit into this post.

We stopped in Tribeca for about 30 minutes so people could shop or grab something quick to eat. Two members of the tour decided they wanted to leave the tour to shop. We continued on, rolling on through the concrete jungle while Anna pointed out landmarks and showed clips of movies and shows that showed the landmark we just passed. I liked that as it reinforced what we were being told. We stopped a few more times. There is a famous firehouse the was the headquarters for the ghostbusters in…ummm Ghostbusters. Obvious right? We also got off the bus to take pictures at the house that was used for Will Smith’s home fortress after zombies overan the planet in I Am Legend.

If you love television and movies and pop culture references, you’ll enjoy this tour. I really got engaged and anxiously waited for the next piece of trivia about where we were and what we were looking at. Before you know it 3 1/2 hours had passed and the tour was over. But not before one last stop at the soup place that inspired Seinfeld’s SoupNazi episode. They actually make great soup. I had the lobster bisque. Delicious!

Me in front of the real Cosby Show brownstone

Ghostbusters headquarters, as well as Kevin James’ firehouse in Hitch

Look familar? It’s the exterior shot used for the apartment where the Friends lived…

Want To See A Different Side of New York? Visit the Sites of Your Favorite Movies and TV Shows is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

I’m a big meat eater. In one word I am a Carnivore.

So when my friend Jason posted on Facebook about the Brooklyn Beefsteak, I had to bite (pun intended).

The Brooklyn Beefsteak is an event with unlimited beef, beer and fun. No side dishes, no wine, no salad. Nothing but beef and beer to wash it all down. It goes back a few hundred years, when politicians would have a beefsteak to influence men to vote for them. Women are not the only ones to know the way to man’s heart is through his stomach. Politicians and anyone else trying to gain favor would have a beefsteak. The tradition died off until recently revived in Brooklyn.

I’d seen other events during the summer with unlimted clams or crabs and I considered them but I didn’t pull the trigger. As soon as I saw this, I bought my ticket for the 1PM seating and told Jason I would join him and his friends.

I got to the Bell House banquet hall about 12:30PM and glad I got there early. By the time 1PM came around the line was out the door. The burly security guard warned us twice: No throwing of food! I guess that makes sense. People get a few drinks in them and then act stupid. I don’t mind kicking out food throwers. I don’t want to see perfectly good beef wasted. It should be thrown in your mouth, not at other people.

The main hall was laid out with 12-15 long tables, which held out about 30 people each. We quickly grabbed a table strategically close to the bar and bathroom. I was driving so I wasn’t drinking, but my tablemates more than made up for me.

Here was my first misconception: I thought there would be stacks of meat, full cuts, bone-in that we would just grab off huge platters. Not quite. The portions were appetizer sized placed on a piece of hor d’oeuvre sized bread. Deliciious nonethesless, but I expected to be gnawing on a t-bone, face greasy from the beef dripping down my face. Alas, was not to be.

But that disappointment was slowly washed away by the mounds and mounds of beef coming out on platters. They would lay a silver platter on the tables and then run back to get the next batch. And now reading the history of beeksteaks, these smaller cuts are the norm. Read a History of Beeksteaks.

The Susquehanna Industrial Tool & Die Co. (yes, all of that is the name of the band) played lively hilbilly and country tunes. No dancing as I think the bellies of everyone was filled with fresh off the grill meat. Beyond that I think dancing would have been a problem considering all the alcohol consumed. Most people were content to eat whatever was put in front of them, drink pitchers of beer and happily talk with their table mates. Just like they did back in the day.

Bellies with meat and alcohol at the end of three hours. A great time had by all!

Brooklyn Beefsteak – Beef, Beer and Fun? Yep. is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

This post is sponsored by Tours4Fun.com.

One of my favorite pastimes is eating. You may not think so by looking at me, but it’ss something that I throughly enjoy. On my round the world trip, many highlights included food. Whether injera in Ethiopia or a French baguette and roasted chicken in Paris, food is not only for life, but also for living.

While I’m in New York, I’m a not a big go out and eat every night. I like the food trucks that have been come a big party of the city scene over the last few years. When I went to Governor’s Island earlier this summer, I had the pleasure of sampling many of the food trucks that crisscross the city streets. Lines were long, but I managed to get a sampling of dishes I would not normally get.

I saw a post online about New York Chinatown dumpling spots. Having driven and walked through Chinatown but not really stopping, I took this as an opportunity to travel and explore in my own town, as so many people like to do.

After taking the 6 train down to the famous Canal Street, bypassing the counterfeit Gucci bags and fruit and fish markets, I made a straight line to the first stop of the day.

The first check-in was at Fried Dumpling (pretty straight forward name, no?) at 106 Mosco Street. The lady behind the counter looked like she could be the Asian equivalent of the Soup Nazi. For a $1 you get 5 dumplings fresh from the frying pan. Tasty. But I didn’t like the fact that they water down the soy sauce and the hot sauce. No good Ms. Dumpling Lady.

I was so hungry I forgot to get a picture here. Next time, I promise.

To Eldridge Street I went next where the next two stops were – first was Prosperity Dumpling at Number 46. Personally my favorite, fried to a golden brown, so hot the scald your mouth but you can’t help it. And the condiments were not watered down thank you very much. Don’t expect to go here or Fried Dumpling with a big crowd. These are hole in the wall establishments. Delicious food, but very small seating areas. There are maybe 6 bar stools and a foood counter for you to sit at. Fortunately food tastes better when you it in in a street from a styrofoam container.

So good!

If you insist on being all uppity and need someplace to sit down, the last stop on the tour is 115 Eldridge Street, the home of Fu Zhou Cuisine. You get 12 dumplings for $3, a tremendous deal for the amount of filling dumplings you get. These are not fried, but boiled. Sit down with a group or share a plate with someone.

Pass the Huy Fong hot sauce

At the end of the day, I did 25+ dumplings in about an hour and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It’s hard to eat food when you don’t know where to go. Especially when you’re hungry, you don’t want to mess around and risk a bad meal. Next time in New York City, head for Chinatown and get a cheap meal or meals for literally pennies.

Looking for other things to while you’re in New York City? Tours4Fun is your one stop shop for guided tours in New York City, the USA and round the world. Please support NoDebtWorldTravel.com by visiting our sponsor.

A New York Chinatown Dumpling Run is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com and sponsored by Tours4Fun.com.

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

6 travel scams to avoid on your next trip

You try to be open when you’re traveling, but your openness makes you a target for scammers who will take advantage of your goodwill. How do you protect yourself without limiting your interactions with new people and cultures. There is no good answer for that. Trust your instincts and if something does not smell right to you, don’t be afraid to abruptly walk away. Don’t be afraid to be embarrassed or offend someone if you feel uncomfortable.

Americans have more restrictions removed for visits to Cuba

It really did not make as big of a splash as you thought it would because you still need to travel with a company for it to be legal. You can’t just just on plane and explore Cuba (at least not legally). But if you sign up with a group for cultural exchange, you can make Cuba your oyster.

Travel Video of the Week
Scorpion on a Plane
Passenger is on a plane to Alaska, feels something on his arm, looks down and sees a scorpion on his arm

How Could I Afford to Travel Around the World for 2 Years?

I had the pleasure of meeting Lisa a few times and her story should be an inspiration to anyone who wants to travel long term. It is possible, no matter your circumstances.

7 Frequent Flier tips that only the pros know

Business class lounges can be purchased for daily use. So if you have a long layover or just want to get into a comfortable seat with a hot buffet, the airline lounges may be the way to go for you. I never realized you can buy frequent flier miles. You may say what is the point when I earn them when I fly? Let’s say you’re about to reach a certain threshold to get more rewards. As opposed to flying to get them, plunk down your cash to get the miles and get the rewards that come with it without taking off.

10 of the World’s most thrilling airports

Thrilling…or the most panic inducing airports in the world. Be sure to bring a change of underwear.

How To Use Frequent Flyer Miles To Go Anywhere

Chris is a master of collecting and using frequent flier miles. Anything he says on the subject, you definitely want to read.

10 Ways to Survive 24+ Hours of Flying & Airports

The tips mostly talk about being on a plane, where I try to sleep as much as I can. I actually love airports. Wandering through the different restuarants, reading all the latest at Hudson News, people watching….

On Safari: If Africa’s Animals Were Motivational Speakers

I love this post because it probably repeats all the things you’ve heard from self-help speakers and books, but with African animals as the back drop.

13 of the Most Unusual Snack Foods From Around the World

I’m always willing to try anything once, but some of this stuff sound like hell in your mouth. I’ve had the durian in Thailand and the taste is nothing like the smell. I understand they have banned people from taking durian into the Bangkok train system and for good reason.

Malaysia Airlines Defends First-Class Baby Ban

Malaysia Airlines, I agree with you. Would you take a baby in a fine five star restaurant? How about to a nice theater performance? When I’m sipping my Champagne and eating my steak in first class, I don’t want to hear a screaming baby. Parents, you might have a different take on this. Tell us what you think in the comments below.

10 Fun Activities To Do When Visiting New York

Check out my New York City on a budget post where I put together all the different things on the web I’ve found on how to save money in New York City.

The Big Apple on a Budget: Discovering New York from a Different Angle

More on New York.

What You Can Do As A Solo Traveler to Save When Booking a Cruise?

Good news for solo travelers who want to cruise and but don’t want to pay the single supplement. I have to believe the solo traveler is the only demographic cruise lines have not pitched to until recently. With everyone scrambling for dollars in this economy, ignoring a subset of travelers with money to spend is leaving money on the table.

Tours4Fun is your one stop shop for guided tours in the USA and round the world. Please support NoDebtWorldTravel.com by visiting our sponsor.

Best Travel Deals and News – July 5, 2011 – How to Avoid Travel Scams, Scorpion on a Plane, Babies Banned from First Class, Travel to Cuba Saving Money in New York City is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

This post is sponsored by Tours4Fun.com.

Over the years I had accumulated a bunch of links on New York City, my hometown and one of the most popular destinations in the world. New York’s people, its energy, its culture and events, bring millions to the city every year. But how many more cut short their time here or don’t come at all because of the prices? Probably alot and probably alot more than the tourism board wants to admit to.

So I’m doing my public service and put together a list of links that show in detail how to save on everything from Broadway tickets to hotels. Click them all and read through because you never know what gem of a tip is beyond the link. And tell Mayor Bloomberg Brian sent you!

New York City attraction, museum, and city-tour prices for 2011

Summer in the City: 7 Things to Do in NYC for Free

How to visit New York on the cheap

How to Stay a Weekend in NYC and Only Spend $100

How to Explore NYC and Cut All the Lines!

Top 10 Free Things to Do in New York City

25 ways to save in New York City

9 reasons to visit New York during the holidays

Q&A: New York City on a Tight Budget

How to tour New York City by bicycle

How to Visit New York City on $99 a Day

NYC On The Cheap

20 best rooftop bars in NYC

10 Fun Activities To Do When Visiting New York

The Big Apple on a Budget: Discovering New York from a Different Angle

40 free attractions in New York

Free hours at NYC museums, zoos and gardens

15 things to do for free in New York

The Travel Apps of Our Dreams

5 Cheap Things to Do in New York City

5 Free Things to See in New York City Besides Central Park

How to do Broadway on a budget

Recommended New York City hotels and hostels that offer good value

5 places that offer free classes in New York

Top 25 Ways to Save on New York City Travel

Tours4Fun is your one stop shop for guided tours in the USA and round the world. Please support NoDebtWorldTravel.com by visiting our sponsor.

How To Save Money Visiting New York is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com and sponsored by Tours4Fun.com.

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

Spirit Airlines Introducing $5 Boarding Pass Fee

Spirit, you did it again. Glad the airlines have not decided to follow your charging for carry-on bags…at least not yet.

Plan the Perfect Staycation: 10 Easy Tips

I hate this phrase but it is an economic reality for many. If you’re going be at home make the best of it.

Travel Video of the Week
Sen. Rand Paul Questions Invasive TSA Searches – 06/22/11

The TSA has been in hot water for the last couple of years and everyone wants to get their two cents in on the matter. During this Senate hearing, the head of the TSA, John Pistole, is questioned about the way passengers are searched at US airports.

Tips for renting a car overseas

I personally don’t want to drive when I am in a foreign country. Most times they drive on the “wrong” side, the signs are in a different language and its just one more potential stressor I don’t want when I want to be enjoying myself. Now that I’ve said all of that, if you do want to rent, here are some great tips on how to do it properly with minimal aggravation.

Nope, Africa is Not Cheap for Travelers

You’d think the countries of Africa would be cheap, similar to Southeast Asia. Unfortunately that is not the case for most of the continent and that is one of the factors holding back people from visiting. Even South Africa, which was a great bargain, has seen its prices rise relative to the dollar and euro.

How Technology Changes the Way We Travel

As wiith everything else, fast moving tech is changing the way we book flights, communicate with friends and family back home and even the aircraft we are using to get to our next adventure.

8 really cool international webcams

If you can’t be there, you can at least watch it online. The African cam actually can notify you via Facebook and Twitter when an animal is taking a drink at the watering hole the camera is pointed at.

When Should You Ask Before Taking a Picture?

Some places you can take shot after shot of people and no one will blink an eye. But in many, especially in Muslim countries, you really should ask before you take pictures. That really takes away the spontaneity of a great shot, but better than being yelled at because you didn’t get permission.

20 best rooftop bars in NYC

The rooftop bar is a hot property when the weather is good during the New York City summer. Here’s a list of 20 of some of the better known. If you’re coming for a visit, this is fast becoming one of the most do things you need to check off.

Take a Tour Walking Across Rooftops in Stockholm

A very cool tour that has you doing your Spiderman impersonation by going across the roofs of Stockholm. Complete with safety harnesses, this tour truly gives a unique view of a major metropolian city. How they get approvals to walk across for all those rooftops must be an interesting story.

Ridiculous or not? Wireless hotel charges that make you want to stay home

Hotels can be just as bad as the airlines with charging extra fees. One of the most commented on is charging for wireless Internet access in hotel rooms. The contrast between hotels that charge anywhere from $10-$20 PER DAY vs. hostels that have free WiFi is even more pronounced.

Hotel housekeeping: Do you tip?

I try to tip every day a few dollars since I don’t know if the cleaner when I check out has been the same person during my entire stay at the hotel. It’s a hard and largely thankless job and I know they appreciate anything that would say thank you.

Passengers Behaving Badly! Gross! 5 things not to do on a plane

I’ve got to say I’ve never seen anyone clipping toenails on a plane, but that would not shock me. More importantly, try to keep the smelly, stinky food at the terminal and not on the plane. That means the curry, cabbage or anything else that would get you nasty looks as you eat.

Drunken sex, strip clubs, violence? Sounds about right

Thailand, you are amazing and tawdry at the same time. But anyone can make any locaion as clean or as crazy as they want it to be. The Hangover 2 is only one side of Thailand and you can completely skip that side if you wanted too.

Take A Fantastic Voyage Through the Human Body

Very cool museum in the Netherlands, all aboout the human body.

Spend a month at the museum – literally!

Contest where someone spends an entire month in a museum and get $10000 for it. You’re blogging the entire time about it and get to run the halls afterhours when no one else is there.

Top chefs share their secrets on how to eat well on planes

The phrase ‘eat well on planes’ sounds like one big contradiction, but these cooking pros have ideas on how you can do it. Don’t be stuck with an $8 box of cardboard for lunch. And remember, don’t make it smelly.

Bonus Video of the Week
Seagull stole GoPro
What happens when a bird steals someone’s video camera? A bird’s eye view (horrible, I know, could not resist) of the theft and the aftermath. The robbery victim did manage to recover his camera, after scaling the side of a building!

Tours4Fun is your one stop shop for guided tours in the USA and round the world. Please support NoDebtWorldTravel.com by visiting our sponsor.

Best Travel Deals and News – June 28, 2011 – Africa Ain’t Cheap, Technology and Travel, NYC Rooftop Bars, Bad Wireless Hotel Charges, How to Eat Well on Planes, How to Plan a Staycation is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com and sponsored by Tours4Fun.com.

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

State Department Launches iPhone Travel App

And you know what, it’s pretty good. Shocking yes I know. Try it out.

5 Tips to Avoid Flying With Kids

If you’re someone who break out in hives if a 3 year old walks do the aisle of plane and you wish for an adult only section of aircraft, this article is for you. How to get away from kids when you fly may not be politically correct, but there are plenty of people who are thinking it.

Travel Video of the Week
How to Pack for Long Term Travel
Good friend Sherry of Ottsworld gives some quick tips on how to pack for long term travel. She should know about this because she packing to race in the Mongol Rally. The Mongol Rally is a competition where teams drive from from England to Mongolia. It’s not really a race against the other teams and their vehicles but more about actually finishing the race. The cars are purposely undersized

Travel Insider: Don’t take a vacation from Internet security

Criminals don’t take a holiday when you do. In fact, they are ready to pounce because your guard is down. Not just pickpocketing you as you sightsee or robbing your unoccupied home, but stealing your passwords when using WiFi in an airport. How about double swiping your your credit card to steal information off the magnetic strip? Practical tips that can help you avoid getting taken for a ride on your trip.

Bus Tour Firm Shut Down for Transporting Passengers in Luggage Compartment

How desperate must you be to ride in the luggage compartment?!

Free Walking Tours

I did free walking tours in London, Paris and Amsterdam. They are were all great, lead by people with fun personalities and an encyclopedia’s worth of knowledge about the areas we were traveling through. The biggest tour group in Europe is the one I used and I highly recommend it to anyone. You shouldn’t feel pressured to pay, but if you enjoyed yourself, please tip well.

How to Avoid Getting Screwed When You’re a Tourist
RFID passport shields for the security conscious among you may be something to really consider. Your passport can be read by machines without you even knowing. Identify theft is not something you want to deal with, especially when you are traveling.

Airline Shoppers who Procrastinate Miss Out on Ticket Deals
You have to move fast to pick on those great deals. Many times they are there for only a few hours and then sell out fast. I like to use Travelzoo and Airfarewatchdog for their timely email and Twitter alerts. Individual airlines also use social media to get the word out on the special deals.

Flyers Must Be Quick on Their Feet for Flash Airfare Sales

Sign up on Facebook and Twitter for the best travel deals. I’ll keep repeating that until blue in the face, or the fingers as it would be.

How to take pets on road trips

Some owners can’t bear to leave Fido and Kitty at home. If you’re going to9 take them on your excursion, you must prepare to make everyone can enjoy the trip.

Pack your bags to avoid security hand inspection loss

Love this article becuase it really lays out what you need to do to pass through security quickly. What about the TSA agents who don’t change gloves after handling dozens of bags, clothing including underwear, brushes, combs, etc. Make sure your bag does not need to be opened.

Summer in the City: 7 Things to Do in NYC for Free

New York is expensive is the mantra you always hear but you just have to look around. I’m here to help with this article and some of these from the archives.
Free Local New York City Guides
New York: 7 free outdoor adventures

Tours4Fun is your one stop shop for guided tours in the USA and round the world. Please support NoDebtWorldTravel.com by visiting our sponsor.

Best Travel Deals and News – June 21, 2011 – Free Walking Tours in Europe, Traveling with Pets, How To Avoid Kids When You Fly, How to Pack for Extended Travel is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

This post is sponsored by NoDebtWorldTravel.com newest sponsor – Tours4Fun!

I had heard of Governor’s Island in New York Harbor in passing but had never been. I was hankering for a lobster roll from Luke’s Lobster and saw they were going to be on Governor’s Island with other food trucks at an event called Brewer’s Picnic NYC.

So I decided to drop by for a visit…

Governor’s Island is a 5 minute free ferry ride from lower Manhattan. The terminal is right next to the Staten Island Ferry landing. Most recently Governor’s Island was a Coast Guard station closed for budget reasons back in 1996. Before that it was an Army base. Right now the island is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public during the summer months for bike riding, free concerts and events like Brewer’s Picnic NYC. There is even a small beach on the island. Check the list of events here.

The line was long to get on the ferry but moved relatively quickly. Once I got to the island I walked a few minutes to the Brewer’s Picnic NYC.

The event was filled with delicious food trucks, running the gamut from pizza to tacos and the lobster rolls I was originally looking for. But correspondingly what I discovered was lines. Lots of long lines. I broke my cardinal rule and did not arrive as the event opened.

We are talking 45 minutes to get a cup of beer. My strategy at that point was to just get on the shortest lines, just so that I would not starve to death waiting for something to eat.

Long lines in the sun - Brewer's Picnic NYC

So first up was “TheJalapenoNYC” a Mexican food truck serving tacos, burritos and enchiladas. I had the spicy pork burrito. It was a good size and extremely filling. I saw tacos for $3 but I looked at them and knew I would be still hungry after eating it.

Burrito from TheJalapenoNYC Food Truck

Next was Rickshaw dumpling food truck. I got the chicken dumplings with a peanut based dipping sauce. I could almost taste coconut in it, but I’m not sure. A different and tasty take on traditional Chinese dumplings.

Chicken and Thai Basil from Rickshaw Dumpling Truck

There were other various food trucks, including a stand selling pickles and microbreweries with local beer. The day was warm and bright and crowds were in a good mood as it was the unofficial kickoff to summer after such a horrendously cold and snowy winter.

Beer and Cupcakes go together right? Cupcake Stop at Brewer's Picnic NYC

Didn't get into this line - Kimchi Taco at Brewer's Picnic NYC

I not only got my stomach filled with some delicious food but I discovered a small green haven in the middle of New York Harbor, accessible by a free ferry ride. Who would have thought you’d find that?

If you’re interested in more tours while you’re in New York visit our sponsor at Tours4Fun.

Oasis in the Middle of New York Harbor – Brewer’s Picnic NYC on Governor’s Island is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

The 20 Worst Travel Mistakes People Make

Overpacking is the biggest mistake you can make, whether you’re on a longer term trip, or a short weekend jaunt. You’re miserable because you’re dragging around this bag/luggage that is filled with things you won’t use. And if you overpack, where will you put the souvenirs you bought.

How to Avoid Holiday Travel Scams

The things that people will do to separate you from your money run the gamut from subtle to completely outrageous. Can you imagine walking down a street and someone throwing a BABY at you? Well it’s not a real baby, but the reflexes kick in. You drop whatever you have and catch…a stack of newspapers. Meanwhile, the team has picked up your stuff and run off. Check out some of the other things people will do.

Travel Video of the Week
A Few Days with A Mileage Runner
I mileage run is what some fliers use to get upgraded status in frequent flier programs. That can mean anything from free access to the airline lounges at airports, free tickets, and being dropped into first class on a cattle coach fare. Some see it as wasterful and harming the environment but many obviously enjoying flying, or at least the flying that leads to bigger airline rewards down the road.

Three reasons why airfares are likely to rise

The economy is recovering slowly but surely, so with more people with more disposable income, the skies are filled with full planes. The airlines are getting better at figuring where to cut seat capacity. Smaller inventory means higher prices for the smaller inventory there is. Even more reason to sign up for frequent flier programs and connecting with airlines on Facebook and Twitter. Many airlines now have iPhone apps. I have the American Airlines app which allows me to a book a ticket anywhere my iPhone gets a connection to the Internet.

Frequent travelers share tips for keeping valuables safe

You’d be surprised how often items are stolen from the security line. Your possessions are ahead of you on the screening conveyor belt and you haven’t even passed through the metal detector/full-body scanner. Always wait until the person in front of you has passed through the screener before placing your things on the conveyor belt. Ideally you and your possessions should pass at the same time and they won’t be out of your eyesight.

Five Tips to Avoid Ruining a Family Plane Trip

…and by the article what we really mean is – 5 Ways to Keep Your Kids Quiet – because all the tips deal with keeping kids calm before, during and after the flight. One of the biggest tips given the recent news is warning the kids that they might be scanned, and hopefully there won’t be any ‘invasive’ pat-downs of the little ones. Just warn them of what might be happening and you might avoid your little one having a meltdown because a strange man in uniform in asking what kind of barrettes are in her hair…

The Bathroom Diaries

12,000 bathrooms all around the world, reviewed on cleanliness, even two ply or one ply toilet paper in the stall.

Meet the world’s most travelled man: Briton clocks up 15 MILLION miles of jet-setting

We can only wish to be this guy…or maybe we pity him. So much time on planes can be grating even if the final destination is well worth it.

Top 10 Free Things to Do in New York City

25 ways to save in New York City

9 reasons to visit New York during the holidays

OK, my hometown of New York City is always a great place to visit during the holiday season. Plenty of tips from free to costly, mix and match to your heart’s content.

Best Travel Deals and News – December 14, 2010 – Avoid Travel Scams, Why Airfares are Rising, Find a Clean Bathroom Anywhere, Travel to NYC for the Holidays, What is a Mileage Run is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel