Across the Pond

If the purpose of modern transportation is to make the world smaller than in many ways it has succeeded. Travelling to the US was once a far away dream for the many and a significant undertaking for the few. Spending days on a boat or paying top dollar for an airline ticket was at one time the only way to get across the Atlantic. But in the last 30 years transatlantic air travel has become almost universally accessible.

Cheaper fares and more competition in the sector have meant that more people than ever can now make the trip across the pond. Despite the slump in the aftermath of September 11th, passenger numbers have now returned to their previous levels, as price reductions and special offers encourage holidaymakers to think more ambitiously when planning their next trip.

In many ways there has never been a better time to the visit America's top tourist destinations like New York, Washington, Boston and San Francisco. The Big Apple is a favourite for Britons ahead of the Christmas period. The world's capital of shopping attracts tourists in their droves during the festive period. The city, famous for its big name stores, will also throw in some festive weather.

Airlines often run special deals during this period meaning that shoppers can get themselves a cheap flight to the US and accommodation for some major retail therapy. With the relative weakness of the dollar you should also be able to find some real bargains on the shelves.

Just two years ago, £10 would by you around $15, now you could expect to get closer to $20 meaning that everything, from Levis jeans to the latest wares from Abercrombie & Fitch, is more affordable than ever. New York, like any big city, is not cheap, but taking advantage of the exchange rate and choosing where you spend your money will help you keep the cost of your trip down.

The biggest challenge for tourists in New York is probably fitting everything in. Seeing just one of the five boroughs could take an entire long weekend, while must-sees like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty attract big crowds during peak months.

Central Park, perhaps just as famous for its starring role in the television show, Friends, than for anything else, is also a major draw for visitors and New Yorkers alike. If you're a fan of amusements and freak shows then Coney Island is worth a visit.

If you're more of a culture vulture then one of the city's many museums will be top of your list. The Jewish Ceremony is testament to the contribution of the Jewish community, which has strong routes in New York.

The Museum of Modern Art, the New Museum of Contemporary Art and the American Museum of Natural History are also worth a visit.

Flights to New York operate from Heathrow, Manchester and Gatwick with both US and UK-based airlines serving the city. Flying time is around six hours, but this is usually cut down by wind assistance on the return leg.