Eula Haier: Good Morning, Tom
I look forward to and enjoy your travel stories in the Post. Makes me want to pack up and go!
Me, my three daughters and six grandkids (ages 12 to 23) are planning to visit New York City over the 4th of July weekend. We want to sight see, see a couple of Broadway shows, shop and do the usual tourist things. Where in the city would be the best place to look for a hotel? Are the bus tours the best way to see the City? Do you have any other suggestions for us? We are all excited about the trip, and I want it to be something the grandkids will have good memories of. |
Tom Uhlenbrock: Wow. That's quite a crew you're traveling with. Because there are so many, I definitely would advise the bus tours. That way you can keep an eye on all the grandkids and still see the sights. Also, you will get a feel for the city and see those things that you will want to return to for a longer visit. As for where to stay, anything between Rockefeller Center and the park will be premium priced. And stay away from Broadway,for the same reason. If you want more economical, look at the Upper West Side, around Lincoln Center. Then you can take the subway, or a cab, to Columbus Circle, and the other entertainment areas. For Broadway tickets, try tkts.com. Also, the kids might love to go to a taping of a television show. If you don't want to work with the Internet to answer your questions, you might consider consulting a travel agent. Most agencies have someone who is familiar with New York and can book rooms, shows, etc. Have fun. TU
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Ed Farrel: Tom,
What is your opinion on purchasing time shares?
Thank you,
Global Resorts Network
membership has it's privileges
www.timesharesarehistory.net |
| Tom Uhlenbrock: The time share industry has changed radically. You used to buy a share in a condo at one specific site, say Sanibel, and that was it. You went there for your vacation. Now, you buy a share that you can trade for sites all around the world. My neighbor does it, and loves it. You have to remember in trading, the most desirable spots sometimes are the hardest to trade for. Your options may be limited, according to what you have as trade bait. Personally, I have never considered a time share because I prefer to have the whole world as my option. I am not tied to one spot, or to the spots that are listed as trading options. And I don't have any annual fee for upkeep of my property. |
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| Dianne Wagner: My husband and I have 2 girls age 6 & 10 (both of who are hardy athletic girls). We typically vacation in Northern Wisconsin as we like to bike, canoe and hike. We thought we'd try a different place this summer. We considered YMCA of the Rockies, but you cannot make reservation there until 4/21 and I'm worried that we won't be able to get reservations for the week we need (around the 4th of July). We typically get a cabin somewhere, but are not adverse to camping. Any other suggestion for our family who likes to be outdoors? PS - I read your column every week - I told my husband that you are my virtual husband as you go to all the places I want to go!! |
| Tom Uhlenbrock: Virtual husband? Hope that doesn't come with any chores. You are right on two counts. The YMCA of the Rockies is a great place for the active family, but Fourth of July may be a tough time to get a reservation. If you want to stay closer to home, River's Edge at Eminence, Mo., has cabins, is on the Jacks Fork River and there are plenty of mills and other spots to explore. Check out Rocky Falls. Also, Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca, Ark., has wonderful, mountain-view cabins with hiking and floating on the Buffalo River nearby. I could recommend a ton of national parks out West, but the summer holidays are a tough time to get in. On last suggestion, I did the Black Hills of South Dakota a couple of years ago, and it was great. Custer State Park is fabulous, and a short, scenic drive to Mount Rushmore. I would love to take my family there. Good luck. TU |
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