New Kimpton secret password to unlock bonus treats at hotels this winter

There’s no question the holidays in New York City are a magical time. And one of the most popular places for tourists and locals alike to visit is the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Now, in its 22nd season, the beloved seasonal attraction in Midtown Manhattan is known for its ice-skating rink and a holiday market. But, did you know it’s also home to some hidden gems that you probably never knew about? Here are five secret hacks for experiencing Winter Village at Bryant Park like never before.

Although it has been years since I’ve traveled in mesmerizing Tokyo, my memories are as vivid as though they had been sparked yesterday—pleasures aswirl in unique flavors and noises, creativity and ingenuity. So when luxury publisher Assouline released the new book Tokyo Chic, I dove into its 312 lush-paper-stock pages, with more than 200 photographs and illustrations, which are bound in an outsize (10-by-13-inches, 6.4-pound) format—a hefty hardcover wrapped in silk. The brainchild of Andrea Fazzari, whose deft imagery and words are love letters to the inimitable capital, Tokyo Chic showcases a massively enthralling—yet strikingly intimate—city. Currently based in Tokyo, Fazzari is a James Beard Award-winning photographer, author and restaurant maven with notable backgrounds in fashion and film. Born in New York City, she has lived in France, Hong Kong, Italy, Spain and Thailand—and speaks four languages. What a sophisticated guide to have at your armchair traveler’s fingertips! Indeed, this coffee table tome would make a treasured holiday gift for those who have already vacationed in Japan or simply dream of doing so.

Travelers who are already looking ahead to spring break are in luck: There's a promotion going on from Marriott Bonvoy that's ideal for those trying to book an all-inclusive vacation in 2024.

There's no denying it — when it comes to skiing in the U.S., there's nothing like skiing out west. But, for those closer to the East Coast, it's oftentimes significantly easier to jump in the car and drive to your favorite ski resort, which might be located in a charming New England ski town with some top-tier lodging and dining options.

Winter brings plenty of holiday travel experiences, stocking stuffer ideas and travel contests to get you going, but there is other news in hospitality. These hotels and hospitality groups are adding promotions, upgrading their offerings and redesigning their look to encourage future bookings in 2024. Here’s what you need to know to get the year off to a great start.

For most New Yorkers, Times Square is a place to be avoided at all times—especially and unequivocally on New Year’s Eve. The Ball Drop looks fun and exciting when watched from the warmth and privacy of your couch but in real life, it looks like a million people packed between police barricades and squished up against each other in the cold for way too many hours, waiting for a 10-second countdown. And there are no public restrooms.

The season of mittens and hot chocolate is upon us and if you’d rather spend a tranquil afternoon beside a fire than brave the crowds at a big ski resort, these snowy getaways are for you. Picture yourself in a luxury treehouse in the woodlands of Vermont, or a quiet cottage in the Catskills, or a retro motor lodge near Grand Teton National Park. Consider a new boutique hotel in Rhode Island from which you can tour Gilded Age mansions trimmed for the holidays. Or check into a statelynewcomer in Germany and browse Christmas markets in places you thought existed only in fairy tales. From Bavaria to Wyoming, winter wonderlands await.

While recently planning a trip to Aspen, which is going through its biggest winter expansion in half a century (read more here), I was chatting with a local tourism representative and told her I was going to look into flights. Her response? “You want to fly United.” When I checked, United was indeed the easiest and most affordable way for me to fly to Aspen.

‘Tis the season for planning an epic winter getaway and Southwest is helping by offering one-way flights starting at just $39.

Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or carving fresh tracks in powder, each place holds its unique charm.

I professed my love for Carnegie Diner in this column more than two years ago. Today, my fondness for the restaurant is as strong as ever and perhaps even more.

There’s no bad time to visit the Big Apple — but when winter takes hold, the city has an extra sheen of glitter. Department stores are brightened with kaleidoscopic light shows; a large ice rink springs up in Central Park; and the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree sits pretty in the plaza. If you’re lucky, the streets might even be blanketed in white, catapulting visitors into a scene of a festive Hollywood film.