We spent last weekend at the New York Times Travel Show at the Javits Convention Center in New York City.
The show’s exhibit hall offers a terrific way to meet with travel companies from allover the world, and is especially useful if you are planning a trip to a new destination, or if you want to get ideas for your next vacation.
It’s easy to quickly overload your bag with destination brochures.
We have two trips planned this year that involve visiting new parts of the world, so we focused on visiting booths related to those destinations at the show.
Our 6 Fun Finds at the New York Times Travel Show:
1. Air China’s ‘Hidden Pavilion’ First Class Servie
In less than a month we will be traveling to Singapore via Air China’s first class service known as the “Hidden Pavilion.” with a flatbed seat that extends to 82 inches and is 26.5 inches wide. The “Hidden Pavilion” also features a self-serve central bar area for easy access to food and drinks throughout the entire flight in addition to regular meal service. Luckily, we will be experiencing this service from Houston to Singapore (via United frequent flier miles) in the next few weeks.
While visiting with the airlines representatives, we learned that Air China is growing its U.S. non-stop to Beijing with two daily flights from JFK beginning on March 30th, 2014. Starting June 10th, 2014 this carrier will add four weekly non-stops each week between Washington-Dulles and Beijing.
We also picked up information about Beijing’s 72-hour visa-free stay policy that allows many to visit Beijing while on a long layover in the airport.
2. Myanmar Luxury Vacations
In December, 2014 we plan to spend two days in Myanmar (often still called Burma) during a Holland America cruise. Even though we won’t be able to use their services on this trip, the folks at Myanmar Luxury Vacations in Mineola, New York were incredibly gracious and informative about our upcoming visit to Myanmar.
We are looking forward to visiting the local people in this land of beauty, mystery, history and culture.
3. EVA Air’s Hello Kitty Plane from Los Angeles to Taipei
When we travel to Asia for our December cruise, we will be traveling part of the way of EVA Air (thanks again to United Frequent Flier miles.) The Hello Kitty plane flies on this route, which looks fun, if a bit over the top with “Hello Kitty” everywhere throughout the plane from the pillow covers to the vegetables. We are also excited about the choices of adult beverages in business class. Definitely something that will make the flight interesting.
4. Malaysia Tourism
On this same December Asia cruise, we will visit four different ports in Malaysia. The folks at the Malaysia Tourism booth at the New York Times Travel Show were terrific. They were charming, informative and ever-so-helpful – we are truly looking forward to exploring the port cities of this country.
5. G Adventures to Machu Picchu, Peru
A trip to Machu Picchu is high on our bucket list. A small group trip there with G Adventures just might be the ticket. We were delighted to learn more about the various types of trips offered through G Adventures.
6. Visit Anchorage and the Alaska Tourism Industry Association
It’s always fun to catch up with the always-fun folks that work the Visit Anchorage and Alaska Tourism booths at the New York Times Travel Show. They are a long way from home but full on energy to promote the great state of Alaska, and Mr. Jones’ hometown of Anchorage.
Did you attend the New York Times Travel Show this year? If so, what were some of your favorite travel finds? Please share in comments below.
Other posts on New York you might enjoy reading”;.
- Views Flying Into New York-LaGuardia On Southwest Airlines
- Exploring New York City – Eataly
- Sailing Away to Bermuda on the ms Veendam
- Exploring New York City – the High Line
- Nothing but Blue Skies and Blue Seas
- A Peek Inside New York City’s Hilton Times Square Hotel
- A Peek Inside the Hilton New York Fashion District Hotel