There's no better time
to travel than during a global financial meltdown. Price wars between airlines
have led to plummeting ticket prices, and posh hotels are practically giving
away their beds. Promotions on all kinds of products – ranging from hot
chocolate to haute couture - make it possible for even unemployed bankers to get
a taste of the good life. We asked our local bloggers to uncover the best deals,
and to tell us about the simple and inexpensive pleasures that can always be
found in their cities. With cheap tickets and insider advice, there's no reason
why a shrinking economy should stop you from expanding your
horizons.
New York
Photo: David Boyle
I felt like a little piece of me died the day the UK government announced that they were cracking down on Happy Hours. All of a sudden, everything from teen-pregnancy to the obesity epidemic was being blamed on my beloved two-for-one drink specials and cut-price cocktails. Could anything be more wrong-headed?
Imagine my delight when I moved to New York and discovered a brave new world of weekly discounts and recession-friendly deals. In this city the Happy Hours can last all evening – and that’s just the half of it. With a little homework, a thrifty soul can score themselves free entertainment, free food and even (my heart jumps giddily at the prospect) free beer. The only thing to remember is that no matter how cheap your pint is, always tip the barman at least a dollar a drink, or terrible karma will ensue.
Beers of Brooklyn Brewery Photo: Post406
On Friday nights I usually follow the trail of hipsters leaving Manhattan for the Brooklyn Brewery where until 11pm you can tank up on $4 pints, or else I go to Black Betty's for cut-price mojitos and a cool retro vibe. When the hunger starts to kick in I head for Billyburg favourite, Alligator Lounge, where you get a free pizza with every drink. Words cannot express how happy this makes me.
Brunchtime at Hare Field Road
Don’t worry if you wake up with a hangover; weekends in New York are all about the liquid brunch. I either go for eggs, coffee and a Bloody Mary for $12 at cosy Hare Field Road or join the Upper West Siders at the upscale Arte Cafe, just steps from Central Park, where $12 gets you bottomless bellinis. Magic.
Finally, I’ll let you into a little secret: the Bible for every thirsty recessionista is myopenbar.com, where you’ll find the week’s cheapest deals and most crashable parties. See you at the bar...
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