Breaking out of the same ol’ NYC routine

Do you find that when you travel to New York City, you go to familiar places and do the same old thing? I visit the Big Apple several times a month for business, and I realized that it is time to break away from my familiar routines and try new things in one of the world’s greatest cities.

Just in time for New York City Pride (June 29), NYC & Company and ManAboutWorld wrote what might be the best New York City trip-planning guide. And better yet, it’s available for free this month at NYCGo.com. The New York-based ManAboutWorld is a global authority on travel and is available as an iPad subscription magazine.

Planning a trip to the city can be overwhelming, but I took to the ManAboutWorld guide to get new ideas and the up-to-the-minute recommendations for where to stay, eat, play and meet, as well as what to see and do. The free guide to New York also lets you experience the Big Apple your way, with whatever slice of the city you want: hipster, cultural, trendy or classic. So break away and try something new. I did!

Back to Broadway

It is the iconic New York City tourist experience but Broadway is always changing. So I took friend and R Family Vacations co-founder Gregg Kaminsky to Broadway to see “Rocky.” Yes, we all know the story, or at least you think you remember the entire story. I have to admit, I needed a refresher. The show is a knock-out and worth every penny. Philadelphians will be very proud to see their hometown hero take to the stage and, when you hear “Eye of the Tiger” and see Rocky Balboa run up the mock Art Museum steps, you almost have to stop yourself from yelling out, “Yo!” Playing at the Winter Garden Theater (1634 Broadway), “Rocky” is a hot ticket, especially after this month’s Tony Award win and great reviews. It is smart to book early on Ticketmaster and be sure to pick your seats wisely. Insider’s tip: Book back orchestra or side orchestra seats. I can’t tell you why but you will see at the incredible climax in the second act.

For more information, visit www.rockybroadway.com.

There are plenty of other terrific Broadway shows to choose from, including “Jersey Boys” and “Cinderella” and off –Broadway hits like “Naked Boys Singing.”

Stay somewhere new

To really experience a “new” New York, book a hotel in a different part of town. This time, I skipped the OUT NYC and choose The Quin, a new, not-to-be-missed hotel located just two blocks from Central Park, at 57th Street and Sixth Avenue. The hotel is a sanctuary in the city where incredible service reigns supreme. As more hotels claim “luxury,” it is exceptional service that defines luxury travel today — and The Quin delivers.

Almost everything is different about The Quin. No regular hotel concierge here but rather your own personal attaché — dedicated lifestyle curators empowered to offer special insider access. Each attaché is an expert in everything from fashion to culture, with access to exclusive privileges. Prior to arrival, your assigned attaché will gather information to curate an itinerary tailored to you and can do anything from arrange a private tour of Metropolitan Museum of Art’s new “PUNK: Chaos to Couture Exhibit” or coordinate a private, after-hours trunk show at Bergdorf Goodman.

In our theme of doing something different, splurge and book The Quin’s Shakespeare in New York experience package through Aug. 17. The Experience includes a three-night stay in a premier suite, two reserved seats at a performance of “Much Ado About Nothing” or “King Lear” and a complimentary Arden edition of the play to take home. Prices are $1,000 per night. Or try The Quin’s Petrossian Picnic in Central Park Experience — a two-night stay and high-end picnic foods in Central Park. Grab a bottle of wine!

Jeff Guaracino is the author of Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing.

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