4 days of Halloween in New York

by Jessica Festa on

Wondering when and where to go this Halloween to get the most out of your costume? In New York, there are events for every night you want to go out.

Friday, October 28, 2011, 9PM-3AM
Nightmare Between 17th and 18th Streets
Union Bar, 204 Park Ave. S., between 17th and 18th

After years of successful event planning, David Shapiro, who owns the leading social networking company in New York City, hosts his annual Halloween bash again this year. Union bar will be closed to the public as 300 plus party-goers come together for a night of scary fun. Guests are encouraged to get as creative as they can with their costumes, as the best will win prizes. The event is co-sponsored with Party With Shari and will include a DJ, Dancing, and 2-for1 drinks from 9PM-11PM.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Click here to purchase.Saturday, October 29, 2011, 12PM-9PM
NYC’s Official Halloween Bar Crawl
Begins at McFadden’s Saloon, 800 Second Ave. at 42nd St.

Get ready for some hardcore day drinking. Hop from bar to bar in full costume and dance like crazy in front of those sober folks who’ve decided to wait until the sun goes down to begin getting inebriated. Tickets include a wristband, cup, and drink specials at each bar.

Tickets are $10. Click here to purchase.

Sunday, October 30, 2011, 10:30PM-4AM
5th Annual Halloween Masquerade Midnight Cruise
Ship leaves from Pier 10, Emmons Ave. at E. 21st

Rest up during the day, because on Sunday night you better be ready to dance all night aboard the Amberjack V Yacht. On the fully-heated charter boat guests will party to music by MGM Squad, Supa Don, Mr. Goggles, and Supa Sound while pigging out on a complimentary buffet. Just make sure you don’t eat so much that your costume doesn’t fit. Dressing up is mandatory, and prizes will be awarded to the best get-ups.

Tickets are $40. Click here to purchase.

Monday, October 31, 2011, 9PM-4AM
NYC’s Official 10th Annual Halloween Masquerade Ball
Capitale, 130 Bowery, at Bowery and Grand

After the Village parade, head over to Capitale for their annual masquerade bash to continue the festivities. Arrive by 9PM to enjoy a full hour of free vodka. Costume prizes, giveaways, and a variety of music from hip hop to rock to dance to 80’s will be blasting all night long. This event is so huge there have even been celebrity attendees in the past years, including Heidi Klum, Jay Z., Sean Diddy Combs, and Nicki Hilton, to name a few.

General admission is $15, but there are a ton of high end package choices if you want. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

ProjectExplorer’s Thailand Launch Party raises $8,500 for global education

by Jessica Festa on

ProjectExplorer held their Thailand Launch Party on October 17, 2011, at the Tribeca Grand Hotel in New York. The event featured an auction, cocktail hour and after party, hors d’oeuvres, and the premier of the company’s new Thailand video series, “Sawasdee, Thailand!”.

The Thailand series has 50 videos total which are all free for students, as the mission of the organization is to “foster the next generation of global citizens by encouraging awareness of the world beyond a student’s own community through the creation and distribution of engaging and free multimedia educational materials”.

Andrew McCarthy, actor, director, and travel writer, spoke at the VIP screening of the event, which was followed by mingling, drinking, and eating. Tote bags filled with magazines (which included many destination travel articles) and a baked good were given to attendees.

With 200 in attendance at the event, ProjectExplorer was able to raise $8,500 toward their next educational series.

Check out the launch video for yourself:


Introduction to ProjectExplorer.org’s Sawasdee, Thailand! series from Jenny M. Buccos on Vimeo.

Be a part of Christmas history in Weimar, Germany

by Jessica Festa on

Did you know that the first Christmas tree was erected in Weimar, Germany? Or, that one of the most famous Christmas carols, “O, Du Fröhliche” was composed there, as well? If you’re looking to have a traditional Christmas as well as be a part of the holiday’s past, then Weimar may be the perfect place for you.

In the early 1800’s, on the night before Christmas, a man named Johann Wilhelm Hoffmann decided to do something special to cheer up the poor children of the town. So, he erected a Christmas tree outside his shop in the market square for the town to enjoy.

To celebrate Hoffmann’s gesture and the holiday, the Weimar Christmas Market will take place from November 24 to December 22, 2011. During this time, the town center is illuminated by tiny lights, the air smells of roasted nuts and just-baked Stollen cake, and carolers create the background music for the cozy scene. Visitors to the market can purchase items from craftsmen and traders, such as traditional pyramids and nutcrackers, glassware, and wooden toys from different parts of Germany. An ice skating rink, mulled wine, Santa Claus and, of course, a Christmas tree, are other things to look forward to at the event.

3 “glamping” accommodations for the luxury camper

by Jessica Festa on

For those who are unfamiliar with the term, “glamping” is a way for travelers to experience the outdoors, like camping, but with more luxury amenities, like electricity, running water, and sometimes even modern architecture. Check out this list of stylish canvas accommodations from around the world, perfect for those who want to get closer to nature…but not too close.

Wildman Wilderness Lodge
Australia

Recently opened in April, 2011, this small, luxurious safari lodge features wildlife tours, hiking, biking, and culture in Australia’s Norther Territory while still providing the comforts of home. Made of recycled building materials, these free-standing cabins are surrounded by trees and grassland yet include air-conditioning, luxury bedding, upscale furnishings, and an en suite bathroom. Prices range from $285-$505 per person, per night.

For those who want to rough-it just a bit more, Wildman Wilderness Lodge also offers safari tents that are spacious and fan-cooled withwood floors, beds, and en suite bathrooms. Prices range from $215-$375 per person, per night.Valle de Uco
Argentina

This new wine-and-golf resort being built in Mendoza is the latest in glamping sophistication. Canopies furnished by 5-star hotel designers include four-poster beds, roll top baths, indoor and outdoor showers, and fire pits. Don’t spend too much time inside, though, because there are many different nature experiences to be had. Because the arid region has its own natural spring, the landscape is a combination of lakes, rivers, forests, and meadows, making it perfect for nature strolls. Horseback riding, hiking, and star-gazing at the observatory deck are also available.

The first phase of the project should be finished by the end of the year, with rates beginning at $300 per night.

Rasa Resorts
India

This 500 square foot tent will have you forgetting that you’re not at an extravagant hotel. Each of the 40 structures include large bay windows, curtains, and a high roof that slopes down to form a canopy over the beds. A contemporary atmosphere is created through color schemes of concrete, wood, and red stone. You’re not too far from nature, however, as private outdoor gardens are right at your backdoor. Moreover, the rocky terrain and nearby sanctuary offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and bird-watching. Prices begin at $148, which includes breakfast.

Affinia Hotels launches Tender Loving Comfort movement

by Jessica Festa on

This week, Affinia Hotels launched their new Tender Loving Comfort movement in New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago. The program is based on deep-customer service as well as the body language of guests. In fact, earlier this year the company partnered with body language expert Patti Wood to train hotel staff to know how to respond to body language cues.

Tender Loving Comfort staff and hotel managers will be interacting with guests during their new Comfort Hour, where guests will get the opportunity to sample snacks, test out new items like tech gear and pillows, and give feedback on what makes them most comfortable when staying at a hotel.

Some interesting findings of the studies so far include:

  • For 68.5% of travelers, little extras at check-in make a big impact
  • 75% of travelers have lied to get a better room or free amenity
  • 43% of travelers say that a warm and friendly hotel staff that anticipates everyday needs is important

Click here to learn more about the Tender Loving Comfort program or to book a hotel room with Affinia.