experiences

The “City That Never Sleeps” is definitely worth exploring, and there is a lot to explore! From New LaGuardia Airport to the new Virgin Hotel, with a sweeping view of Nubeluz by Jose Andres Lounge to the Above the Cloud Observatory on Summit 1, NYC’s hospitality real estate continues to raise the bar and bring in new types of visitors to indulge in unique experiences. NYC’s landscape is changing, but its allure remains the same. Do you feel its pull?   Here are 6 experiences to incorporate during your next visit to NYC! 1. Rooftop Bars and Club Lounges New York City is known for its vibrant nightlife with an extensive array of rooftop bars, club lounges, and happy-hour hot spots. These establishments offer a unique blend of breathtaking views, signature cocktails, and electric atmospheres. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual happy hour or a lively night of dancing, NYC’s rooftop bars and club lounges have something for everyone (everyone over 21, that is!). Recommended Rooftop Bars and Lounges: 2. Museums and the Arts Immersing yourself in the world of art in New York City is easy to do, as there are museums and performing arts venues aplenty. Two exceptional places to visit are the United Nations (UN) and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). These iconic institutions offer distinct but equally fascinating ways to connect with history and creativity. United Nations (UN): The United Nations, headquartered in New York City, is not only a beacon of international diplomacy, but it’s also a unique gateway to artistic and cultural expression. The UN boasts a rich history of global cooperation, and this is reflected in the art within its premises. Here, you can explore a vast collection of sculptures, murals, and artworks gifted by member states from around the world. The showcased pieces symbolize the cultural diversity and shared values of the United Nations. Works from renowned artists like Marc Chagall and Norman Rockwell adorn the halls, making it a place where history and creativity intertwine. The UN’s art collection is a testament to the power of culture to bridge gaps and promote harmony among nations. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): MoMA is a world-renowned institution dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It’s treasure trove of creativity spans the late 19th century to the present day. When you visit MoMA, you embark on a journey through the evolution of artistic expression, from avant-garde movements to contemporary masterpieces. Explore iconic works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, Salvador Dalí, and Andy Warhol. These pieces are not just art; they are windows into the socio-political, cultural, and personal contexts in which they were created. MoMA’s exhibitions and collections tell the story of how artists have responded to history and shaped it through their creativity. The best way to connect with history and creativity in these institutions is to immerse yourself in the art, to ask questions, and to explore the narratives woven into each piece. Consider taking guided tours or participating in workshops and discussions to gain deeper insights. Both the UN and MoMA offer a profound appreciation of history and creativity, albeit through different lenses. One is focused on international cooperation, and the other is focused on artistic innovation. In the vibrant artistic landscape of New York City, the UN and MoMA stand as beacons of history and creativity, inviting visitors to explore the boundless possibilities of human expression and the profound impact of art on our understanding of the world.   3. Dine at a Chef’s Table In the bustling metropolis that is New York City, several high-end restaurants offer the opportunity to dine at their chef’s table. These tables are often strategically placed within the kitchen, allowing guests to witness the culinary magic as it unfolds. The atmosphere is electric, with chefs deftly working their craft, orchestrating a symphony of flavors, and creating culinary masterpieces. This is a culinary adventure like no other, and in New York City, this experience takes on an extra layer of excitement. Picture an intimate setting within a renowned restaurant, where you’re seated right in the heart of the action, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and tantalizing aromas of a bustling kitchen. Now, add the exquisite touch of handcrafted pasta to the equation, and you have the makings of a truly unforgettable dining experience. Whether it’s delicate lemon ravioli filled with ricotta and truffle at Bar Milano or silky fettuccine with a rich Bolognese sauce at Cacio e Pepe, or simple yet exquisite aglio e olio, handcrafted pasta at any chef’s table is a celebration of flavors, textures, and attention to detail. The pasta is often paired with complementary ingredients, resulting in dishes that are both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.   4. Events and Cultural Festivals New York City is not only a hub of cultural diversity and activity, but it’s also a fantastic place to meet new people through a wide range of exciting events. These gatherings offer fun, engaging, and sometimes unconventional ways to connect with others, whether you’re a local or just passing through. NYC hosts a plethora of cultural festivals throughout the year, celebrating various traditions and art forms. From the vibrant parades during Pride Month to the immersive experiences at the Diwali Festival, from ManhattanWest food festivals to fitness events like sky-high yoga at Edge NYC, these events provide an excellent opportunity to mingle with people who share your interests and values. 5. Comedy Nights Comedy nights are a cherished tradition in the Big Apple, and what’s even more exciting is that many hotels have begun hosting these events. Comedy nights have become a staple of New York City’s entertainment scene, with hotels joining in on the fun. These hotel-hosted comedy nights bring the laughter to more intimate settings, often accompanied by a curated menu of food and drinks. The combination of humor, hospitality, and a cozy environment makes these events a favorite among both tourists and residents. Hotels across the city, from

The Traveler’s Dilemma: “Why Americans Gain Weight on the Road” where on the other side, the world is moving towards neo-ecology, localization, individualization, health, and wellness. Traveling frequently for business + leisure has been an enlightening experience for me, sparking a heightened awareness of my dietary choices and a commitment to staying healthy while on the road and returning home in shape. Throughout the post-pandemic years, my work in travel and hospitality consulting, along with a recent hospitality research project in 2023, has taken me to diverse and captivating destinations across several continents. With over 51 overnight stays at Marriott properties in the USA, Canada, Singapore (for HSMAI conferences and events), and my home country India, I’ve come to realize the importance of prioritizing health, enjoying fresh meals, and maintaining a vegetarian lifestyle wherever I go. This personal discovery underscores the potential for a positive impact within the travel and hospitality industry, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for all. Explore the reasons behind the tendency for Americans to pack on the pounds while traveling, including factors such as limited healthy food options, sedentary behaviors during transit, and the challenges of maintaining a regular exercise routine on the road. 1. Navigating Airport Dining: Tips for Healthy Eating on the Fly Make healthier food choices at airports, research the healthier dining options alternatives to typical fast-food options, suggest eating portable snacks, and look for restaurants that prioritize fresh ingredients, grilled proteins, and whole grains. Also try to practice moderation as I do all the time craving for like sweets, fried foods, and high-calorie snacks but I enjoy these treats in small portions and balance them out with healthier choices. 2. Fit in Flight: Staying Active While Traveling Staying active while traveling is important for both physical and mental well-being. Some light exercises that travelers can incorporate into their journeys. This can include in-flight exercises such as seated leg lifts, ankle circles, and shoulder rolls, hotel room workouts such as resistance band workouts, yoga, and pilates, or simple Peloton ride bike strategies for increasing physical activity during the trip if you stay at any of Hilton Hotels in the United States or United Kingdom or select hotels across Canada and Germany. 3. Cuisines Exploration Without the Weight Gain: Smart Eating Abroad or in your Locale Here are my 5 favorite cuisines that help Americans avoid packing pounds regardless of where you are traveling. Explore these cuisines to enjoy their local authentic flavor without overindulging, practice portion control, make mindful food choices, and seek out healthier dining options while still savoring the flavors of the destination. 4. Balancing Business Travel: A Guide to Health on Work Trips Business travelers face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle on the road, including long hours, frequent dining out for business meetings, and the impact of jet lag on health. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, whether in your hotel gym or fitness facility or by going for a walk or exploring the local area on foot, can help increase your daily activity levels. Combatting jet lag effectively involves spending time outdoors during daylight hours to help regulate your body’s internal clock and combat fatigue. It’s essential to address aspects such as sleep, nutrition, and exercise to maintain overall health during travel. My goal is to support your well-being and joy during travels by sharing my lifestyle choices on this platform. Whether you’re exploring your hometown or venturing into exotic destinations, the objective is to achieve sustainable, long-lasting health without relying on costly medications. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter – for more inspirations, destination attractions and hospitality updates. If you like what you read here on this post, you can feel free to share it online and on your social media pages with photos.

Whether you’re traveling on your employer’s dime or self-sponsored, you should not limit yourself to just going from the airport to the conference room and then heading back home. According to the 2023 Global Meetings and Events Forecast report by American Express Global Business Travel lists the top conference destinations in North America have the capacity to host some of the largest conferences in the world that appeal particularly to the bleisure travelers: Toronto, OntarioNashville, TennesseeNew York, New YorkMiami, FloridaWashington, D.C. These destinations have the perfect hosting capacity, allowing you to explore various places where at least one site can enhance your leisure travel experience. Now, let’s consider a different perspective: Do you believe attending events these days is worth the time, considering that gloves and masks are no longer necessary and people are returning to normalcy? The events in 2023/24 differ significantly from pre-pandemic times. They feature large speaker line-ups that offer valuable insights, and we listen to them carefully. However, we often limit ourselves and prioritize speed networking, where we can only spend one minute talking to a stranger attendee or an online connection that we happen to meet in person. That’s my point of view. Events should prioritize spending more time connecting people, considering the prevailing mindset of short interactions like ‘speed networking.’ Exhibitors and organizers could allocate more time for fostering connections, arranging fun activities, and reducing the duration of speaking arrangements. The best way to engage with others is to step off the stage and have meaningful conversations. As an independent consultant who isn’t traveling on the employer’s dime or with co-workers, I enjoy connecting with people to establish reciprocal relationships and support rather than spending hours in a closed room listening. If you’re attending upcoming events this year and in 2024, here are some tips to combine memorable events with bleisure travel or work trips. I traveled from New York City to Washington, D.C., where I explored numerous historic sites and immersed myself in the political and historical hub of the nation’s capital. The easiest and quickest way I found to travel was by taking Amtrak, avoiding the need to spend hours at the airport. A journey from New York Penn Station to Washington Union Station was a breeze, and I was able to reach D.C. in no time. Luckily, D.C.’s metro system is highly convenient, allowing easy access to downtown, Dupont Circle, and even the neighboring town of Bethesda. I found the D.C. Metro to be clean, and I managed to take around 20,000 steps each day while exploring the city. As soon as I arrived in Washington, D.C., I knew I couldn’t miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant and charming neighborhood of Bethesda in Montgomery County. With its unique blend of urban sophistication and suburban tranquility, Bethesda promised a delightful experience that would leave me with lasting memories. Stepping into Bethesda, I found myself surrounded by tree-lined streets, upscale boutiques, and an eclectic mix of restaurants, including vegan and vegetarian cuisine offering an array of international cuisines. The atmosphere was bustling yet relaxed, with locals and visitors alike strolling along the sidewalks, enjoying the lively energy of the area. Downtown D.C. As I concluded my exploration of Downtown D.C., I couldn’t help but be amazed by the sheer diversity of experiences it had to offer. From its historical landmarks and world-class museums to its vibrant neighborhoods and culinary delights, Washington, D.C.’s downtown area truly exemplified the essence of a dynamic and captivating capital city. Capitol Hill Daytime Exploring Capitol Hill during the daytime is a fascinating experience; the iconic dome of the United States Capitol building stands proudly against the sky, serving as a symbol of the nation’s governance. It was the perfect weather to explore the art and architecture of the Capitol and the stories of the leaders who have shaped the nation. Strolling through the Capitol Hill neighborhood, I admired the beautifully preserved row houses that line the tree-lined streets. The charming senate buildings offered a glimpse into the local community and showcased the unique architectural character of the district. After satisfying my intellectual curiosity, I ventured to the nearby Eastern Market, a vibrant community hub and historic marketplace. The bustling market showcased an array of fresh produce, local artwork, and artisanal crafts. I indulged in delicious bites from food vendors and gained a sense of the community spirit that permeates the area. Hotel near Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. Capitol Hill at Night Visiting Capitol Hill at night is a truly magical experience as the iconic landmarks and historic buildings are bathed in the soft glow of beautiful, radiant lights. The atmosphere takes on a different charm, and the neighborhood exudes an enchanting ambiance that is both awe-inspiring and captivating. The surrounding grounds of the Capitol were illuminated, creating a picturesque landscape that was perfect for an evening stroll. The pathways and gardens were gently illuminated, guiding my way and highlighting the beauty of the landscape design. I found myself mesmerized by the reflection of the lights in the nearby fountains, adding an extra touch of elegance to the surroundings. To truly really capture the stunning beauty of Capitol Hill, I highly recommend visiting both during the day and in the late evening hours; you’ll be able to fully appreciate the transformation that occurs as the radiant lights envelop this iconic neighborhood. Beautiful Government Buildings – Senate Buildings Visiting the Senate Building in Washington, D.C. is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the heart of American democracy and witness the inner workings of the United States Senate. As I stepped foot into this historic institution, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverence and admiration for the important decisions made within its walls. The Senate Building, also known as the United States Capitol’s north wing, stands as a symbol of the nation’s legislative branch. Its impressive architecture and grandeur reflect the significance of the Senate’s role in shaping the country’s laws and policies. As I approached the