Tag Archives: Services

Ditch Your Luggage and Go Have Fun in NYC: LuggageHero

Curiosities City Secrets LuggageHero NYC

Having long hours between connecting flights or arrive hours prior to check-in in your hotel, is surely a hassle! Plus, carrying your luggage around NYC is certainly a challenge, but LuggageHero is the perfect solution to all your problems!

Curiosities City Secrets LuggageHero NYC Girls Walking

Having long wait hours between flights during a trip is certainly annoying, but having to carry your luggage with you everywhere go is even worse, right?

Plus, the best way to commute in New York City is on the subway, but these massive stairs are a challenge on their own…imagine with your heavy bags.

So, we have the perfect, safe and convenient solution for all your problems: LuggageHero! And the name says it all!

Jannik Lawaetz founded the company in Copenhagen, back in 2016. From there, he quickly expanded in 2017 to London and, lucky us, to New York City!

The idea was to use local stores, pubs, coffee shops, dry cleaners and even hotels as a temporary storage place for people with long connecting flights or even for those who have arrived earlier than the check-in time or were “kicked out” of the hotel long before the flight home.

So, how it works? Easy!

  • Check in when arriving at the shop
  • Attach security seal that is provided for free, found in the shop, through the zippers of your bag
  • Check-out upon pick-up

And voilá! You’re ready to adventure yourself for a few hours in our beautiful concrete jungle!

BOOK NOW!

Curiosities City Secrets LuggageHero NYC Janni Copenhagen
Janni Lawaetz, Founder of LuggageHero.

“I founded LuggageHero as I got tired of not having enough convenient places to store my luggage. As I am a frequent traveler, I couldn’t believe that anyone had not solved a problem so obvious to many people.

I decided to create a concept that was simple to use, trustworthy and where you would always only pay for the hours you spend.” ~ Jannik Lawaetz, Creator & CEO

Everything is stored far from any public access in safe locations, that are also inspected by the team at Luggage Hero. So, don’t worry. It’ll be safe when you go out to have fun!

Oh, it is good to say that the location you’re dropping your back at might request to open your luggage before storing, to guarantee you don’t have any illegal item in it like weapons, etc.

Curiosities City Secrets LuggageHero NYC Girl Subway

They offer over 250 super convenient locations and are spread across Manhattan and Brooklyn, making it quite easy for you, regardless of where you’re at or where you want to spend your time exploring.

The cost in New York?

Amazingly reasonable! It’s only $2/hour per bag and the price already includes insurance with coverage up to $3,000 for each bag, against damage, loss, and theft.

But wait! You don’t pay more than $12 per bag for the first 24 hours, so don’t worry.

They do not accept money, which is actually more convenient since you don’t need to worry with having the right currency!

So, just submit your credit card information for swift drop-off and pick-up at a LuggageHero location.

If you decide along to way, not to drop it off, don’t worry! You’re only charged when you actually drop off your bags, so you won’t be charged if you changed your mind.

And last, another great thing is that you don’t need to download any app for this. You can just go online and book everything through their website.

Seamless, fast and safe, the way New Yorkers like it!

If you’re not sure what to do in NYC while you wait for your connecting flight, or to check into you hotel, take a look at all of our amazing BTSNYC Experiences! We’re sure you’ll have a great time!

Book luggage storage in New York.

Curiosities City Secrets LuggageHero NYC Yellow Cab


Photo Credit: Courtesy of LuggageHero.com

10 Lifesaving Hacks to Travel Around NYC

Curiosities Our Bucket List 10 Life Saving Hacks To Travel Around NYC

There is just so much we want to do and explore when we come to New York, right? Check out these 10 lifesaving hacks to travel around NYC!

Curiosities Our Bucket List 10 Life Saving Hacks To Travel Around NYC Uber

These 10 lifesaving hacks to travel around NYC will help you better navigate the city and make your visit memorable!

Check them out below and keep them in mind when you get here!


#1 Drop your luggage off, so you can focus on having fun

Curiosities Our Bucket List 10 Life Saving Hacks To Travel Around NYC Steven Meisel Vogue 1999
Photo Credit: Winona Ryder by Steven Meisel, Vogue 1999.

For only $6/day you can drop off your bags at over 50+ locations in the city so you can free your arms and not worry about dragging your luggage around during the day.

Book here for a 10% discount or use code “BEHINDTHESCENES”.

https://usebounce.com


#2 Screenshot the subway map before you get onto the subway

Curiosities Our Bucket List 10 Life Saving Hacks To Travel Around NYC Subway APP Joshua Newton
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Joshua Newton

Some subway cars aren’t yet updated to show the next upcoming stops/transfers so use your phone to navigate where to get off.

You can catch a cellphone signal in between some stops, but play it safe with having it already on your phone. This way, you don’t get lost or have to hover over someone to check the subway car map.

And still, if you’re more into tech-hacks, just download an APP called “New York Subway MTA MAP”. It’s works with no wifi too!


#3 Bring a selfie stick

Curiosities Our Bucket List 10 Life Saving Hacks To Travel Around NYC DJI Osmo Mobile

It may seem like such a tourist thing to do, but if you don’t want to bother a busy New Yorker to take your picture, then this is the best way to snap a quick pic!

Which one we recommend? Try the one from DJI, named Osmo Mobile 2.

Also, for inspiration, follow Fomofeed to find all the cool free NYC instagram-worthy shots.


#4 Pack comfortable walking shoes

10 Life Saving Hacks To Travel Around NYC Fort Tyron Park

With so many great walking spots in NYC, you will need a good pair of shoes that won’t hurt your feet after a few miles.

Some favorite (and free) walking spots include Fort Tyron Park, FDR Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island, and the gorgeous pink Williamsburg Bridge, that has been featured in countless movies!

If you’re into adventure, you might want to explore the beauty of an upstate New York day trip or our NYC’s Maritime History Tour. So scary and curious!


#5 Use travel APPs to make your life easier and save some cash

Curiosities Our Bucket List 10 Life Saving Hacks To Travel Around NYC Bike Chris Barbalis
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chris Barbalis

Here’s a list that may come in handy when traveling around NYC.

  1. Check out Yelp for check in discounts to restaurants around the city and Open Table to make a quick reservation.
  2. Use Lyft or Uber to share rides and get around the city, or the Citibike APP if you prefer biking around.
  3. Download Splitwise to make it easier to track and split expenses amongst your travel party.
  4. Check out the HotelTonight APP for exclusive hotel deals.

#6 Carry a portable phone charger

10 Life Saving Hacks To Travel Around NYC Mophie External Battery

This is crucial, especially because with pictures and social media, your battery will drain in no time. You’ll be out and about all day in New York, so be sure you buy a phone charger so you stay plugged in all day – most will be under $30 and well worth it!

But we love the Mophie products, even though they are a bit more expensive. They have a (RED) Collection where “a portion of the proceeds from every (PRODUCT)RED™ purchase will go to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa”.


#7 Beware of street food

10 Life Saving Hacks To Travel Around NYC The Halal Guys
Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Halal Guys

NYC is well-known for their delicious hot dog stands and roasted peanuts, but be careful with where you choose to eat! You might have a bad time during your trip if you pick the wrong one!

Find a food cart that has a long line or keep an eye out for the most trusted food cart, like the traditional “The Halal Guys”. We love them, and so does every other New Yorker in town.

You can find them at West 53rd Street corner with 6th Avenue, and a few other spots in the city!


#8 Save money on Broadway tickets

Curiosities Our Bucket List 10 Life Saving Hacks To Travel Around NYC Hamilton Broadway

If you have time to spare, you can find steeply discounted Broadway show tickets the day of at the big red TKTS booth in Times Square, South Street Seaport, Lincoln Center and Downtown Brooklyn. Check their website for queue hours.

Want another secret to the currently most coveted show on Broadway: Hamilton!? They have an APP called “Hamilton – The Official App” where, twice a day, they have a lottery giving out tickets for $10/each and you can buy up to 2! Note: Tickets for the show starts at $199, and skyrocket to over $800 for the premium seats.

Oh! And if you want the true “behind the scenes experience”, you might want to have dinner with 2 cast members from Hamilton before the show, watch the show from the best seats, then go back stage to meet the entire cast! How? Contact us!

Not a fan of Hamilton? Don’t worry! We have this experience for all Broadway show!


#9 – Don’t fall for street scammers/hustlers

Curiosities Our Bucket List 10 Life Saving Hacks To Travel Around NYC Matteo Catanese

NYC will always have people hustling outside on the streets so beware of the scam! You may wind up with fake tickets, blank DVDS or something else counterfeit that you just paid for.

Just go straight to the official website or authorized resellers to purchase and be safe.


#10 Research pay what you wish museum days

Curiosities Our Bucket List 10 Life Saving Hacks To Travel Around NYC Free Museums Frick Collection

Some of the major museums in NYC have donation based nights that can save you some serious cash!

The 9/11 Museum, Bronx Zoo, New Museum, and the Frick Collection all have weekly donation based entrance fee hours to name a few.

Plus, many have specific days/hours with FREE entrance.


The list can go on, but these are probably the top 10 lifesaving hacks to travel around NYC!

If you are looking for any type of help during your travel, let us help you out. But, if you’re a company looking for assistance for your team or your valuable clients, contact our experts.

Have fun and welcome to our Behind the Scenes NYC world!


Text Credit: In collaboration with UseBounce
Photo Credit
: Courtesy of Joan Marcus, © flickr user Gorbould. Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, Pexels, Joshua Newton, Chris Barbalis and Matteo Catanese.

*Last Update on March/2020.*

Behind The Scenes NYC On ExportHub: Live Your Dream

About BTSNYC What The Press Says Export Hub

Once again, Behind the Scenes NYC (BTSNYC) is featured in the press! This time, ExportHub talks about what BTSNYC is and how we are disrupting the travel industry in New York.

About BTSNYC What The Press Says Export Hub

With a fantastic journey from Brazil to New York, Fernanda Paronetto (a.k.a. Our Founder), started Behind the Scenes NYC back in April of 2014.

Today, the company is considered one of the top platforms for visitors and locals that want to explore New York off-the-beaten-path. In addition, Fernanda was also featured as one of New York’s top travel entrepreneurs, on the Huffington Post.

ExportHub posted a great article about what Behind the Scenes NYC is really up to and how we are disrupting the travel industry in New York!

See below a small excerpt:


Recently, I read an inspiring story about Fernanda Paronetto and her struggle to get an American visa and live in New York City for good. Her passions to live in the city and chase your dreams are something we all think about, but only a few individuals dare to achieve it.

Keeping that in mind, Behind the Scene NYC (BTSNYC) is a website providing professional concierge services to the locals and visitors to have a remarkable experience. Being a corporate planning and management boutique firm which specializes in providing unique and non-touristic experiences to the people, the website truly offers something intriguing.

Many of you would be asking how does this work? With more than a million followers from all over the world, BTSNYC focuses on some of the most exotic and economical hot-spots for the people, providing with inclusive and unique events which fascinate your clients, your company, or your friends and family members. This type of service might be referred as a fresh approach towards event management and travel planning.

…to be continued…


Did you enjoy it?! Continue reading.

If you want to see more about Fernanda’s journey and how she actually made it in New York, see this amazing post featured on GoalCast.

Exclusive Art Tours in New York City

BTSNYC Experiences On Going Art Tours in New York City

Come explore our exclusive Art Tours in New York City! The city that never sleeps had endless option for the art connoisseurs and aspiring artists and fans!


BOOK NOW!

BTSNYC Experiences On Going Art Tours in New York City

We know that New York City is considered one of the best places in the planet for the art lovers! There is just so much to see that it can get quite overwhelming, especially when you have so little time in the city.

We offer some exclusive art tours in New York City that will blow your mind!

BOOK NOW!

Having a Masters degree at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, in addition to being an art historian and educator, our partner and art expert offers guided tours through the best contemporary art galleries in Chelsea.

But wait! This is not all!

Why we love it? Many of the places explored are completely off-the-beaten-path and unknown by the touristy crowd! Just how we like it!

The tours have the duration of 2 hours and usually covers from 6 – 7 exhibitions during the walk.

At each exhibition, our expert gives an in depth presentation on the artists and their work, using an iPad for additional visual references.

In case you can’t attend the scheduled tours, private tours are also available on the day and time of your choice. Our clients and readers have greatly enjoyed them, so contact us to book your experience.

In addition, our art expert can be booked for guided tours of specific museums, as well as for visits to the gorgeous outdoor museums upstate for an exclusive and super fun day trip!

TOUR DETAILS:

  • Price: Scheduled tours are US$100/person
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Payment Method: You can pay on the day of the tour with cash, credit card or via Venmo or PayPal, directly to our partner.

BOOK NOW!

Are you a company looking for Corporate experiences for your team? Or do you need to put together a priceless and memorable experience for your clients? Our team of experts can cater to your needs and create customized experiences!

If you’re in other tours, take a look at our BTSNYC Experiences!


Photo Credit: Courtesy of our partner
*Last Update on Feb/2020.*

Exploring A Bit Of New York: 3 NYC Hidden Gems

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists 3 NYC Hidden Gems Roosevelt Island Tram by NoelYC

In New York City, overcrowding is just something to get used to. However, with a bit of insider information, it’s easier to find a place shrouded in a bit of obscurity. Check out 3 NYC hidden gems!

We love New York City (dur, obviously…), and exploring the behind the scenes NYC secrets gems is what keep our eternal curiosity going and fiercely alive!

Every door you open can take you into an entire new universe and experience.

You’ll feel like you’re in on some kind of secret when you head to one of these destinations below.

Here are three NYC hidden gems, part of the best spots in New York City!


The Garret West

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists 3 NYC Hidden Gems The Garret West Bar

The Garret West is a bar hidden on top of Five Guy’s, over on Bleecker Street, in the West Village.

A white, rustic atmosphere with tons of artwork welcomes you to this speakeasy-style bar.

The craft cocktails have unique names and flavors such as the “Hey Girl” accented by mezcal, elderflower liqueur, Prosecco and strawberries. The intimate atmosphere will make this place one of your go-to bars.

Hours:
Monday – Wednesday: 5pm – 1am
Thursday & Friday: 5pm – 2am
Saturday: 2pm – 2am
Sunday: 2pm – 1am

Location: 296 Bleecker Street

www.thegarretwest.com


La Plaza Cultural de Armando Perez Community Garden

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists 3 NYC Hidden Gems La Plaza Cultural de Armando Perez Community Garden

Located in the East Village, La Plaza Cultural de Armando Perez Community Garden community garden is the perfect spot to unwind and take a deep breath.

Whether you’re a tourist or a local, this is a fantastic destination or meeting spot. They partake in urban agriculture like composting and rain water collection, which is great to see.

There are even a few events held here, and the vibrancy is sure to guarantee your return.

Hours: Public hours are 10am – 7pm, Saturdays & Sundays, April 1st – October 31st, and when the gate is open and members are present.

Location: 9th Street & Avenue C

http://laplazacultural.com


Roosevelt Island Aerial Tram

Curiosities Our Bucket Lists 3 NYC Hidden Gems Roosevelt Island Tram by NoelYC
By: Courtesy of Noel Y. C.

Since the Roosevelt Island Aerial Tram services is mostly for residential area, it isn’t super popular with tourists. However, it offers a great view of the Manhattan’s breathtaking skyline, and a bit of a thrill at the same time.

It uses the MetroCard system and has a comparable fare to the subway at around $2.75 per ride.

Have a bit of fun 3,100 feet above the city! Oh, and be sure to have you iPhone or cameras ready!

Location: East 59th Street & 2nd Avenue

https://rioc.ny.gov


Moreover, transportation in the city can be chaotic. That goes without saying, right?!

You can flag down a taxi, try your luck with ride share services or do the smart thing and reserve a form of professional transportation when you’re planning out your adventure.

With a limousine, party bus, or car service, you aren’t going to have to worry about finding a designated driver or navigating the streets. One of the services you can hire is the NYC Party Bus, which will make a big difference!

Elevating your experience in the city is easy to do when you keep this arsenal of tips handy, so enjoy!

Finally, if you’re coming to NYC and you’re looking for Concierge Services, see how our we can help you out! Now, if you’re a company looking for Corporate Concierge Services, contact our experts to assist you.


Photo Credit: Courtesy of Noel. Y. C. and the venues
*Last Update on March/2020.*

Luxe APP: Parking In NYC Has Never Been So Easy

Curiosities City Secrets Luxe App Parking in NYC

Parking in NYC is one of the biggest hassles and only if you drive, you’ll know what we mean. Besides the astronomic prices, the time spent is irreparable. Luxe APP can be the solution to all your problems!

Curiosities City Secrets Luxe App Parking in NYC

We all know how hard it can be to find a spot to park your car in New York City, right? It can be very challenging and stressful, specially because New Yorkers are always on the rush!

In addition, the prices of parking in NYC can be, literally, ridiculously high!

In this overwhelming technological world, with so many apps being launched daily, we may have found the perfect solution for all your parking problems.

The team at Luxe APP has been doing a great job creating an extremely convenient solution for car parking in NYC and other main cities in the US!

Have you ever imagined having a Valet Service wherever you’re at? Sound like paradise, right?

It’s pretty simple: you just book through the app the location and time you’ll be at, and one of the valets from their team will be on spot waiting for you.

They park in the secured lots around the city. Plus, you can ask them to fuel it up and even wash it for you!

Just perfect and super convenient, right? When you’re ready to get your car back, just schedule the return 15 minutes in advance and, violá! They’ll be there in a few minutes and you’ll be able to head off to your next appointment.

This will certainly help us all be less stressed and in time for every single meeting and commitment we have for that day.

You can download the Luxe APP on the website below.

If you don’t have a car, but you’re looking for chauffeur services, contact our experts. Our partners have multilingual driver, armored cars, bodyguard services, or simply, a great driver to talk you to your destination.

For Corporate requests for an executive, or even minibus and bus rentals for a bigger team, we have it all!

http://luxe.com


Photo Credit: Courtesy of Luxe App
*Last Update on March/2020.*

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