Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Another terrific source for travelers with disabilities who are com-
ing to New York City is
Big Apple Greeter
(
&
212/669-8159;
www.
bigapplegreeter.org). All of its employees are well versed in accessi-
bility issues. They can provide a resource list of city agencies that
serve those with disabilities, and they sometimes have discounts
available to theater and music performances. Big Apple Greeter even
offers one-to-one tours that pair volunteers with visitors with dis-
abilities; they can even introduce you to the public transportation
system if you like. Reserve at least 1 week ahead.
FOR SENIOR TRAVELERS
New York subway and bus fares are half-price ($1) for people 65 and
older. Many museums and sights (and some theaters and perform-
ance halls) offer discounted admittance and tickets to seniors, so
don't be shy about asking. Always bring an ID card.
Many hotels offer senior discounts;
Choice Hotels
(which
include Comfort Inns, some of my favorite affordable Midtown
hotels), for example, gives 30% off their published rates to anyone
over 50, if you book your room through their nationwide toll-free
reservations number (not directly with the hotels or through a travel
agent). For a list of Choice Hotels, visit
www.hotelchoice.com
.
Many reliable agencies and organizations target the 50-plus mar-
ket.
Elderhostel
(
&
800/454-5768;
www.elderhostel.org) arranges
worldwide study programs (including some in New York City) for
those ages 55 and over.
FOR GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELERS
Gay and lesbian culture is as much a part of New York's identity as
yellow cabs, high-rises, and Broadway theater. Indeed, in a city with
one of the world's largest, loudest, and most powerful GLBT popu-
lations, homosexuality is squarely in the mainstream.
The
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Cen-
ter,
known as “The Center,” is at 208 W. 13th St., between Seventh
and Eighth avenues (
&
212/620-7310;
www.gaycenter.org). The
center is the meeting place for more than 400 LGBT organizations.
The online calendar lists hundreds of happenings—lectures, dances,
concerts, readings, films—or call for the latest. Their site offers links
to gay-friendly hotels and guesthouses in and around New York, plus
tons of other information; the staff is friendly and helpful in person
or over the phone.
Other good sources for lesbian and gay events are the two free
weekly newspapers,
Gay City News
(www.gaycitynews.com) and the
