is simply fantastic and fabulous. New York has been the US' number one gay travel destination - as voted in 2006 in the PlanetOut Travel Awards. The bars and pubs of areas like Greenwich village continue to attract an eclectic crowd from all over the world. Gay hotels in New York, along with Pubs, bars and Sauna, make New York number one Travel Destination for all the right reasons.
There is so much to do in New York - museums and art galleries abound and whether you love the opera, pop music or late night dancing you will find something to appeal in this vibrant city.
Gays are accepted, welcomed and positively embraced in New York.
Note to HIV+ Individuals:
As a New Yorker and a U.S. Citizen, it hurts me to have to add this, but visitors to the U.S. should be aware that U.S. Immigration law prohibits HIV+ non-citizens from entry to the country (with a few exceptions). The U.S. is one of only a handful of nations that does this. Citizens of nations, which require a tourist visa will be asked questions about their health when applying for a visa.
Citizens of Visa Waiver Nations (including most Western European nations) are generally not required to obtain visas for short tourist trips to the U.S. However travelers should be aware that under the law, HIV+ individuals are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and are legally required to obtain a visa (which because of the HIV status is unlikely to be issued). While I have no doubt that many HIV+ travelers do enter the U.S. successfully under the Visa Waiver Program, they should be aware that attempting to do so is at their own risk. Carrying HIV medications through customs (if the person is searched) can and has resulted in a denial of landing.
New York City is a very accessible city and is easy to travel in. I
f you are arriving by plane then you will come into one of three airports: JFK (30 to 45 mins by car from Downtown), Newark (16 miles southwest of midtown Manhattan), La Guardia (9 miles from midtown Manhattan).
Driving in New York is not recommended - the pace is fast and parking is difficult at best. As New York is an island the only access to the city is by tunnel or bridge and these can get very busy during peak hours. If you do drive then leave your car at the hotel and take a taxi around the city. Hailing a yellow cab is easy - just stand on the corner, hold up your hand and a taxi will generally appear. Service is quite reasonable and although their knowledge of the more obscure streets is questionable they are generally efficient and since all taxis are metered you can watch the price
