The Connected Traveler Participates in the New York Travel and Adventure Show while doing New York in the Connected Traveler Style

THE CONNECTED TRAVELER PARTICIPATES IN THE NEW YORK TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE SHOW WHILE DOING NEW YORK IN THE CONNECTED TRAVELER STYLE

In a bustling metropolis like New York City, where the pulse of the world converges, the New York Travel & Adventure Show stands as a beacon for globetrotters and travel enthusiasts.

This year, The Connected Traveler boldly stepped into the limelight, and the decision to participate in the show proved to be a game-changer. Here's a closer look at why this engagement was not just beneficial but transformative. 

Global Outreach and Networking.

The New York Travel & Adventure Show is a melting pot of industry professionals, influencers, and avid travelers. By participating, The Connected Traveler seized the opportunity to expand its global outreach and establish valuable connections. Della, Scott and Sean worked the event with the amazing It’s Chris and Alex of Instagram fame, and the incredible Shirley Conner, a transformative tourism industry leader & professional.  The event served as a platform for networking with potential partners with shared goals.

Of course, we did this Connected Traveler style and taught our colleagues what a quintessential Connected Traveler New York experience is.  We wanted to show them (and you) what to expect from our New York getaways launching later this year. The experiences will come with airfare, broadway show tickets, dinner, and an amazing stay at the incomparable The Beekman Hotel.

When we arrived in New York,  Connected Traveler style required drivers to meet each of us at the airport and took us to our hotel, The Beekman.  Once there, we checked in and dropped off our bags.   Before we even got in the door,  the doorman greeted all of us by name–even though some of us did not stay there previously.  Amazing!  As we checked in, the concierge, George, saw us and came up and gave Scott and me a huge hug. They remembered us and the entire experience was like going back home.

For our friends who had not been there before, the entire staff went above and beyond to make them feel comfortable.  Greeting them all by name, welcoming them on behalf of The Connected Traveler family, and recognizing them as Virutoso travelers.

Upon arriving in our rooms, we all had personalized notes with gifts of chocolate, fruit, wine, water and/or a charcuterie!  This came in very handy with the varying arrival times of all our guests. 

For those that don’t know, the Beekman is an absolutely amazing hotel. As soon as you enter it, you can tell that they spared no expense. The lobby area has an amazing sitting area with several historical pictures of New York City.  Then, as you walk into the bar area, they have The Library, complete with books and pictures of famous writers, including Edgar Allen Poe. The Library transitions into a bar area, which includes posh couches and comfy chairs–once you get settled, you don’t want to leave.  You literally feel the hustle and bustle of the City drain from your body as you sit in ultra luxurious comfort and sip on a twist of some classic cocktails or mocktails.

As all of our rooms came with $100 of food and beverage credit, another Connected Traveler benefit, we enjoyed lunch in The Bar Room.  To say it was great is an understatement.  The food is way over the top,  from the appetizers to the desserts. You could just eat a meal here and not even want to venture out into the City.

Then, we ran to the Jacob Javits Center to check in and get our registration materials.  After a quick car ride, we arrived ready to

We went back to The Beekman to see how the rest of our crew fared.  Thankfully, Bearette Della arrived without any issues and she loved her driver so much she asked if she could have him again.  We opted to follow George the Concierge’s advice for our dinner restaurant selection, as it is always amazing!  It was on and we walked for some amazing New York Italian food, Il Brigante.

Tucked away in the lively Seaport District of Manhattan, Il Brigante offers a cozy haven for those seeking authentic Italian cuisine and wine.  Located at 214 Front Street, this family-owned restaurant promises a genuine taste of Italy without the tourist traps. 

When you step inside Il Brigante, you're greeted with a warm welcome and a relaxed atmosphere that feels like home. The décor is simple but charming, with the scent of freshly baked bread wafting from the kitchen and Italian music setting the mood.  It is a small space with lots of exposed brick that really makes the atmosphere warm and inviting.  The staff reinforced this feeling as, whether you're a regular or a first-time visitor, they treat you like family. It's a place where you can relax, enjoy good food, and make memories with friends and loved ones.

What makes Il Brigante special is its dedication to real Italian flavors and its commitment to quality as they source the freshest ingredients, which arrive at the restaurant’s doorstep every morning.. Their menu is a celebration of Italy's culinary diversity, featuring dishes from regions like Calabria and Puglia. From classic pasta dishes to seafood specialties, there's something to satisfy every craving.  We tried everything, from lasagna to seafood and pasta.   The result was a huge thumbs up.

So if you're looking for a taste of Italy in the heart of New York City, head to Il Brigante. With its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food, it's sure to become a NY favorite.

After dinner, Della, Alex and I opted to have a nightcap and wait for the King’s arrival.  While waiting in The Library, we just had to try dessert.  I mean, I think it is a law or something.  Before we could finish, The King arrived in plenty of time to participate in our taste test.

The next morning, well rested after a night in The Beekman, our focus was back to the Travel & Adventure Show, where we actively engaged with attendees through interactive workshops and presentations. These sessions not only educated the audience about the challenges faced by communities worldwide but also emphasized the role of responsible tourism in creating positive change. Participants left with a deeper understanding of how travel can be a force for positive change in the world.

After the Travel Show, we resumed The Connected Traveler Quintessential New York tour with our guests, It’s Chris and Alex, Emily, and Shirley.  Accordingly, we had a delivery service pick up our bags while we attended dinner at Oceana Restaurant.

Located at 120 W 49th Street in the heart of New York City, Oceana offers a unique dining experience. As you step inside, you're greeted by an elegant yet inviting atmosphere, with contemporary décor and soft lighting creating as the perfect backdrop for some instagram moments and you dining.

Under the guidance of Executive Chef Bill Telepan, Oceana's kitchen crafts each dish with precision and care, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients sourced from local purveyors and sustainable fisheries. Start your journey with fresh oysters or indulge in the signature Lobster Bolognese—a delightful twist on a classic favorite. For seafood enthusiasts, the Pan-Roasted Striped Bass is a must-try, perfectly complemented by sautéed greens and fingerling potatoes.

What truly sets Oceana apart is its unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. By supporting local fishermen and promoting environmentally conscious practices, Oceana isn't just a restaurant—it's a champion for the preservation of our oceans and marine ecosystems.

As you enjoy each delicious bite and sip from their extensive wine cellar, you'll be taken on a culinary journey. Every dish reflects the passion, creativity, and respect for the ocean's bounty, leaving you with a deep appreciation for Oceana's culinary craftsmanship.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a local in search of delicious cuisine, Oceana invites you to discover a culinary experience that celebrates the flavors of the sea. Come and see why Oceana is more than just a place to eat—it's an experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Then, as this was Connected Traveler style, I arranged for us to have tickets to the sold out show Gutenberg!  the Musical! on its closing night.  This hilarious musical starred Josh Gad and Andrew Rennells. It was the totally true, if made up story of Gutenberg. This two man show was one of the best shows we have seen on Broadway. Plus, that last night, there was a special guest appearance by Kathy Najimy. What a nice extra blessing!  After a full day of the conference, amazing food, incredible people, and laughing until our sides hurt at the show, we opted to go back to the hotel to prepare for the final day of conference.

 The next morning, recognizing some of us would be departing after the conference and that we had a long day ahead, we opted for a hearty breakfast at the Beekman–after all it was a Connected Traveler benefit.  There were so many options from avocado toast, a traditional breakfast, bagels and lox, fresh fruit, pancakes, eggs of all types, and of course the fresh squeezed orange juice. Yum! Before you ask, yes we got free made to order breakfasts in addition to the $100 of food and beverage credit.

We then took off for the conference where our focus was on strategic partnerships.

We actively sought new collaborations with travel suppliers, destination marketing companies, tourism boards, and other entities within the travel industry to amplify the reach of The Connected Traveler and broaden our client offerings. We succeeded and wait til you see what we have in store……from Alaska, to the arctic circles, to Thailand, and more.

We focused on immersive travel experiences, featuring once in a lifetime experiences.  This led to our sharing our own immersive experiences, allowing us to connect with individuals on a personal level. By sharing stories of resilience and hope, The Connected Traveler inspired attendees to take action, to travel, and to be a force of positive change.

We wrapped up at the Conference and bid our new friends safe travels.  We then  confirmed our follow up appointments with all our new suppliers. 

The night was still young; it was restaurant week in New York; and we had one more place we wanted to try:  Temple Court–located in Beekman Tower, the same building nin which we were staying.

Temple Court is a charming spot offering a taste of upscale dining in New York City. Under the guidance of renowned chef Tom Colicchio, this restaurant delivers a memorable culinary experience with a touch of sophistication.

During our recent visit, we had the pleasure of trying Temple Court's prix fixe menu. As we entered the dining room, we immediately felt welcomed by the cozy ambiance. It was the perfect setting for a relaxed yet refined meal.

The prix fixe menu featured a delightful array of dishes, showcasing the flavors of the season. I started with the Hamachi Crudo, a fresh and light appetizer with hints of citrus and avocado. Then, I moved on to the Butternut Squash Tortellini, a comforting dish that hit all the right notes.  Trust me when I say that between us we tried everything and loved it! Honestly, the filet, the fish, the chicken--it was all just wonderful.

Moreover, throughout the meal, the service was very attentive and friendly.   In fact, we felt like we had a new friend.  From the helpful sommelier to the accommodating waitstaff, the hospitality at Temple Court was top-notch.  We will definitely be back.

The next morning several of us had early am flights.  No issue for our Connected Family as their personal drivers picked them all up and took them on their way.  Of course, we had breakfast first!!!!

For those that didn’t have an early am flight, there was one last experience to be had–a visit to Ellen’s Stardust Diner.  So, the few of us who remained with late check out and flights, made our way and Chris and Alex experienced this New York institution for the first time.  Yes, they are now friends.

Ellen's Stardust Diner in New York City is a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique dining experience. As soon as you walk in, you're greeted by a vibrant atmosphere filled with energy and excitement. The diner is famous for its singing waitstaff, who perform classic tunes from Broadway and beyond while you dine. It's like dinner and a show all in one!

But it's not just the entertainment that makes Ellen's Stardust Diner special. The menu offers a variety of classic diner favorites, from hearty breakfasts to burgers and fries to the Mamma Mia Meatloaf. And don't forget to save room for dessert—the milkshakes are a must-try!

The diner has a rich history dating back to the 1950s, when it first opened its doors as a classic diner. Over the years, it has evolved into a beloved New York City institution, attracting locals and tourists alike with its one-of-a-kind entertainment.

The highlight of the experience is definitely the singing staff, who are all aspiring Broadway performers. Their talent and passion for music shine through in every performance, creating a truly memorable dining experience.  They say that every show on Broadway has had one of the wait staff within it.

Whether you're a theater enthusiast or just looking for a fun night out, Ellen's Stardust Diner is the perfect place to enjoy good food, great entertainment, and a taste of classic New York City charm!

Overall, participating in the New York Travel & Adventure Show was a strategic move for The Connected Traveler, aligning with its vision of a world where every individual has access to travel, to broaden their horizon, to experience new cultures, and to essential services and opportunities. We do these shows to expand our offerings for you and to make sure that we maintain connections to help you and provide you a better travel experience.

This experience not only showcased The Connected Traveler’s commitment to making a positive impact but also reinforced the idea that, in the realm of travel, the journey extends far beyond the destination.

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