New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [308]
The U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division’s online publication New Horizons: Information for the Air Traveler with a Disability offers advice for travelers with a disability, and outlines basic rights. Visit Disability.gov for general information.
Information and Complaints U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division (airconsumer.dot.gov/publications/horizons.xhtml.
GAY AND LESBIAN TRAVEL
Attitudes toward same-sex couples are very tolerant in Manhattan and many parts of Brooklyn. Chelsea, Greenwich Village, and Hell’s Kitchen are the most prominently gay neighborhoods, but gay men and lesbians feel right at home almost everywhere. The world’s oldest gay-pride parade takes place on 5th Avenue the last Sunday in June.
PUBLICATIONS
For listings of gay events and places, check out Next and the Gay City News, both distributed free on the street and in many bars and shops throughout Manhattan. Magazines Paper and Time Out New York have a gay-friendly take on what’s happening in the city.
Local Information Gay & Lesbian Switchboard of NY (212/989–0999 or 888/843–4564 | www.glnh.org). Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (208 W. 13th St., between 7th and 8th Aves., Greenwich Village | 10011 | 212/620–7310 | www.gaycenter.org).
Gay Publications Gay City News (www.gaycitynews.com). Next (www.nextmagazine.net).
Gay- and Lesbian-Friendly Travel Agencies Different Roads Travel (760/325–6964 or 800/429–8747 Ext. 14 | lgernert@tzell.com). Skylink Travel and Tour/Flying Dutchmen Travel (707/546–9888 or 800/225–5759), serving lesbian travelers.
KIDS IN NEW YORK
For listings of children’s events, consult New York magazine. The Friday New York Times Arts section also includes children’s activities. Other good sources on happenings for youngsters are the monthly magazines New York Family and NY Metro Parents, both available free at toy stores, children’s museums, and other places where parents and children are found. The Web site Parents Connect includes listings of what’s going on. If you have access to cable television, check the local all-news channel New York 1, where you’ll find a spot aired several times daily that covers current and noteworthy children’s events. Fodor’s New York City with Kids (available in bookstores everywhere) can help you plan your days together.
Publications and Web Sites NY Metro Parents (www.nymetroparents.com). Parents Connect (www.parentsconnect.com).
Lodging
Before you consider using a cot or foldout couch for your child, ask just how large your hotel room is—New York City rooms tend to be small. Most hotels in New York allow children under a certain age to stay in their parents’ room at no extra charge, but others charge for them as extra adults; be sure to find out the cutoff age for children’s discounts.
Public Transportation
Children shorter than 44 inches ride for free on MTA buses and subways. If you’re pushing a stroller, don’t struggle through a subway turnstile; ask the station agent to buzz you through the gate (the attendant will ask you to swipe your MetroCard through the turnstile nearest the gate). Keep a sharp eye on your young ones while on the subway. At some stations there is a gap between the train doors and the platform. Unfortunately, New York riders are not known to give up their seats for children, for someone carrying a child, or for anyone else.
MEDIA
NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES
The major daily newspapers in New York are the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, both broadsheets, and the Daily News and the New York Post, which are tabloids. The Village Voice and the New York Press are both free weeklies. Local magazines include the New Yorker and New York. All of these are widely available at newsstands and shops around town.
RADIO AND TELEVISION
Some of the major radio stations are WBGO-FM (88.3; jazz),