New York - Passport Mommy

Luxurious Bus Travel

October 20, 2013 by Michelle

Inside the limoliner

Do you travel between NYC and Boston or Framingham for business or to see friends and family? You can take Amtrak, which adds up in price, or you can fly, but I think for trips under five hours, it never really pays to fly – the time it takes you to get to the airport, the fact that you have to get there at least an hour before your flight, and add in the possible delay factor. So what options are left? Taking the bus, which can be economical, but you never know how cramped it will be, as the seats are usually narrow with little legroom, and if that person next to you brings on board some smelly food or talks on their cell really loudly, you’re stuck being miserable for the duration of the trip. That’s where the perfect compromise comes into play…it’s called the limoliner. It’s a bus, but one with big leather seats, either next to the window or aisle, and carries under 30 people per trip. It will make your ride to and from Boston a very comfortable, stress-free one.

The service onboard is terrific. They serve one meal and unlimited soft drinks and snacks. The bus also has wifi, which works well. I’ve been on buses before that promote wifi service, but you’re lucky if a site loads within 10 minutes. I was able to work the entire trip. At one point, there was a woman talking really loudly on her cellphone and the gentleman working for limoliner politely went over to her and let her know she was a bit loud, as to not make it an uncomfortable ride for everyone else on board. However, you do get great reception and can make business calls while onboard. In the back of the bus, there is a cell-free zone, so if you prefer complete silence, you can opt for one of those seats, some of which have a table as well for your laptop.

limoliner

They also play a movie, have a television channel, and SiriusXM radio on board. Since the bus is so small, you can see the tv screens from anywhere on the bus and you can control whether you want to listen to the radio or movie/tv from your seat. It feels just like a flight, but without all the airport hassle.

The bus conveniently travels between the Hilton in midtown on 53rd street and 6^th avenue in NYC, the Sheraton Back Bay in Boston, and the Mass Pike Framingham Park and Ride. There are a few departures throughout the day, and the price starts at just $69 one way. To book your next trip to or from Boston, just click here.

Filed Under: Destinations, United States Tagged With: Boston, Framingham, Limoliner, New York

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New Years in Times Square

January 3, 2012 by Michelle

Happy New Year! How did you end up spending your New Years Eve? I thought mine would be low key, which it pretty much was for my standards…dinner, a friend’s apartment party in Times Square and then we walked around the city for awhile before settling into a diner at 3am. However, being that the apartment was on 47th street right off of Broadway, we were able to get close to all the action at around 11:45pm, which was pretty sweet. In all these years living in the New York area, I had never seen the ball drop because I never wanted to wait outside beginning at two in the afternoon. Last year, I went to the same party and it was awesome being in the middle of it all, so I decided to do it again this year.

The energy of Times Square was truly amazing, with people gathered in one place from all around the world. The countdown, the confetti, the billboards, and the music pumping through the streets was just incredible. I think the best part was just a few minutes after midnight when everyone cleared out and I stood there looking up and around. It’s not often I stand in the middle of Times Square and take it all in.

And to top the night off, there were fireworks in Central Park and as I turned around towards the park, I saw the finale. Definitely a memorable way to start off the New Year, but what’s most important is that I was with friends and that’s what it’s all about. How have you spent the new year so far? We all make resolutions, but what is the one promise you have made to yourself that you will most definitely keep? I think the new year is a time for inspiration and motivation to change whatever it is you’d like to do differently and if you want it, only you can make it happen!! Here’s to health and happiness in the new year!

Filed Under: Destinations, United States Tagged With: New Years, New York, Times Square

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Fly Like A Bird!

July 21, 2011 by Michelle

A few months back a friend was telling me I should go skydiving and I never thought I’d be able to do it, but when I was in Fiji I decided to take the plunge, and was I glad I did…so exhilarating! So when this same friend told me he was going hang gliding, I ‘you tubed’ it and figured, why not go with him. He was going to be moving for a job in a few days and I thought it would be a fun activity to do before he left. He had told me about it in the past, and as much as I loved scuba diving, the thought of going up in the air and then having someone snap a cable connecting you to the plane was not something I thought I could do. However, after looking it up, I tried to compare it to parasailing in which you are up in the sky and feel like you’re floating while enjoying the scenery around you. I tried to forget the fact that for this, I’d be at least 2500 feet in the air and not attached to a boat.

When I told my friends I had done this, they remarked how adventurous I am. Maybe so, but I believe everything can be done if you are in the right frame of mind. Just because I did it, does not mean I was not initially nervous and scared. I was petrified, but also excited at the same time. My friend let me go first because he knew if I watched it, I’d probably freak myself out even more. He was right. However, as soon as I met Tom Atkins, the guy to whom I’d be tied, I knew I was in good hands. Tom has over 20 years of hang gliding experience and can land the glider on a dime if he had to (at least that’s what he told me!)

The process was very easy. I climbed into my pouch on the glider, which was tied to Tom’s and we tipped forward, getting ourselves to face the ground. The plane took off and we followed, slowly lifting into the air. After a gradual ascend, we were 3500 feet in the air. While climbing, Tom turned and chatted a bit with me which helped me feel very much at ease. There were handles on the side of him to hold onto. Then when we were at a height where we could play around, he separated us from the plane, which at first was a bit scary, but then it just felt as though we were floating, taking in all the scenery below. It was fun to see planes flying and landing below us, as well as the trees, birds, and highway. I can’t imagine how many car accidents have occurred with people looking up into the sky at the hang gliders! Once in the air, it was so peaceful. You have the opportunity to fly the glider yourself by pulling the bar closer to you and shifting your body weight. Then after a bit, Tom takes over, and does some fun tricks like a fast drop and a quick turn. Felt like I was at an amusement park in the sky!

When it was time to come in for a landing, we descended slowly as he monitored the drop rate. Then as we got closer to the ground, we felt the speed and hit the ground smoothly. Since there are wheels on the glider, you don’t have to worry about landing on your feet like in skydiving. What a rush and such a cool experience!! There is no reason to be scared and I think everyone should try it at least once! He was telling us he has taken people in the 70s and 80s hang gliding, so if they can do it, you definitely can! Check out the videos here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xatSxY5F0c4