Need one more reason to love New York City (or Chicago)? Check out SideTour – an online marketplace for experiences that help you explore your city (or one you are visiting – so far just NYC and Chicago). They offer “handpicked activities, tours, and memorable things to do, all hosted by talented local people.” Options are grouped into categories:
> Meet (i.e., in NYC “Dine with a Banker-Turned-Monk at an East Village Monastery”)
> Eat (i.e., in Chicago “Create a Six-Course Indian Dinner Paired with Indian Beers”)
> Drink (i.e., in Chicago, “Capture the Craft of Classic Cocktails with a Modern Twist”)
> Explore (i.e., in NYC “Discover the City’s Secret Codes and Hidden Infrastructure”)
> Learn (i.e., in NYC “Roll Your Own Cigar at a Rolling Factory on Arthur Ave”)
> Move (i.e., in NYC “See What It’s Like to Train for the NFL Combine”)
I can’t wait to try one of these! They also have group events and corporate offerings. How cool is this?
Not to get the husband nervous (especially because today is his birthday!) but I read about another awesome dating website that I think is really cool. Have you seen How About We…? You pick a date. Then find a date! This innovative dating site matches people based on what they like to do and actually helps to coordinate / match dates based on shared interests. (Seems like a helpful – and objective – matchmaker!) There are some free features and some paid ones. Like Project Fix Up – it seems worth a shot to me! (There is also “How About We for couples” to meet other couples with similar interests for monthly meet ups. That seems cool if you move to a new city or are trying to expand your social circle. It did make me chuckle at first and think some couples may get the wrong idea ;))
Links I Like – More Travel!
The husband and I are heading out for a BIG trip to South Africa for our 10th wedding anniversary, so I especially loved National Geographic Traveler’s “Travel Intelligence 2013” section in the November issue. (Click here to get National Geographic for $10/year – it is a great magazine and you get the tablet version free!)
Here is a sample of the dozen or so pieces in this series by Chris Elliott (@elliottdotorg) and a few other good online pieces:
> Solve Every Crisis – They suggest a decoy wallet in cities where there are many pickpockets – has anyone tried this??
> Travel Well – great stuff on precautions and what to take with you in the “Ultimate Travel Kit”
> 10 Rules of Packing (I like Rule #1 but the husband won’t “The Golden Rule: Take half of the clothes you were planning to bring and twice the money. I cannot stress how true this is.”)
> How to be a Good Traveler in 10 Easy Steps – “Tap your friends (and friends of friends) for advice. Ask people what you should go see. I found all the highlights of this road trip by following suggestions from locals (some of them strangers, but now friends).”
There is a ton of good stuff in this issue – I will write about some cool apps that are recommended next week. Check out these links and the magazine – it is awesome!
Ready for Some Deals? (Warning: No particular rhyme or reason today – just good stuff!)
> A friend’s find from Andrea in NYC- check out 25% off friends and family deal at Fresh Pair (on undies for men and women) this weekend with the code FFSALE through Sunday. She says they have great prices!
> Did you miss the KlutchClub deals I have been writing about? You are in luck! Daily Candy has one month plus a “member’s favorite” box for $20 (50% off) so you can give it a try! (Try it – you’ll like it!)
> Get 30% off online orders at CafePress where they have “the world’s largest selection” of artist-designed t-shirts, clothing, accessories, housewares and gifts. Use coupon code RUNNER30.
> Want to check out Zeel.com? It is a new directory of vetted local health & wellness providers where you can compare profiles and prices and book appointments online. Get $50 off the first visit when you use the code [KlutchClub50] at checkout.
> Ruelala has a smoking deal at the Venetian in Las Vegas (hello – Canyon Ranch gym is there!) so if you have to go to Vegas soon, check it out!
Travelzoo has some awesome deals in Chicago right now (and I am assuming in cities near you, too, so check out “Local Deals” all over the country here):
> $17 (50% off) for a Fast Pass to the 103rd floor of the Sears (I mean Willis) Tower: Take a step out onto the world-famous “Ledge”. Extra Travelzoo Tip: After descending from the 103rd floor, toast your experience with this deal from Rittergut Wine Bar & Social Club, less than a five-minute walk away.
> $99 for spa experience at Soulistic Spa in River West. It includes a customized 60 minute facial, a 45 minute massage and a visit to their “Sunlighten Sauna”, which uses infrared technology to help heat and relax the muscles (recommended by Dr Oz to lower blood pressure and increase circulation!)
> Did you miss the Flip Crepes deal? Click HERE to read about Rachel’s experience and if you like what you read, you can get a crepe making class for only $29 (a $70 value!)
(I also have to mention there is a $49 hot stone massage in NYC which seems impossible! – check out what Travelzoo has near you!)
That’s all for now! Have a great weekend! Let me know what you find (or what you are looking for…)