Until the end of October, Delta Air Lines is now offering discounted US Helicopter Service between JFK airport and Manhattan for its travelers traveling in economy class on domestic and overseas flights.
The 8-minute helicopter service costs $45 one-way, which is about the cost of a 30-60 minute cab ride from JFK to midtown Manhattan. In comparison, the cost for the ride at other times of year is $159 one-way.
The catch: You have to have bought your ticket since Sept. 1, 2008 for travel through Oct. 31, 2008. If you bought a ticket for travel months ago for travel during this period, you don't qualify.
The service also includes speedy check-in and baggage check to final destinations and expedited TSA screening. US Helicopter operates 27 daily flights, Monday through Friday, via a heliport near Wall Street and the East 34th St. in midtown. Book via delta.com or via 800/221-1212 or through a travel agent.
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GoCar: Sightseeing tours with you in the driver's seat while the car talks
There are a few things I'm a little obsessed with. Some that fall in the travel category are sightseeing tours, GPS devices (oooo, gadgets!), and those cute Smart Cars. So imagine my delight when I found GoCar, which sort of combines all three. The company hawks GPS-guided tours in San Francisco, Miami, San Diego, Barcelona, and just recently, Lisbon. The bright yellow, three-wheeled cars are available for rent. Start driving, and the GPS device kicks in automatically. The fun comes when the device starts "talking" to you—not only giving directions but also providing a running commentary on the sights that you're passing. Think of it as an overly chatty but very informed local giving you directions and a tour—only you're in the drivers seat. The brand-new Lisbon operation has 10 cars in its fleet, with four available tours. On the East City Center tour, you'll quickly circuit the city, passing such important sites as St. George's Castle. There's also an optional detour into Lisbon's more secluded neighborhoods. And with those painfully cute, two-passenger, open-air cars, there's no telling what conversations you can start with the locals. You can reserve a GoCar in the U.S. in advance on the website or by calling 800/914-6227. For Lisbon, email reservation-pt@gocartours.com or call 011-351/210-965-030. Rates are 25 euros ($35) for the first hour, 20 euros ($28) for the second, and 18 euros ($25) per hour after that. Or, rent a car for the whole day for 89 euros ($126). Rentals are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This Weekend: Santa Fe has transformed an old railyard into a fantastic park
Santa Fe, N.M., was a critical railroad junction during the late 1800s and early 1900s. But in recent decades, its 50-acre railyard fell into disuse. Officials wondered what to do with the railyard. In 1995, the city bought the 50-acre site with a plan to revitalize it. This weekend, the city is celebrating the grand opening of the Santa Fe Railyard Park and Plaza, 10 acres of which are a revitalized park, two more acres of which are a plaza and a trail system for bikes and jogging, and the rest of which is a set of local art galleries and residences. The former railyard is now the center of the city's new arts-and-culture corridor. It'll also be the permanent home of the Santa Fe Farmers Market. As for this weekend's festivities, there are loads of free things to see and do: park tours, a model train display, hands-on chalk drawing for kids, a tree-planting ceremony, movie screenings (including The Wizard of Oz), live music, a Corvette show, a time capsule burial, and free ice cream samples (see the full schedule here). You can also get a little nostalgic for the good ol' days and—at a depot a short walk away—take a short train ride on the Santa Fe Southern Railway. Guadalupe and Paseo de Peralta streets. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free.