About Marybeth, National Geographic Author, Writer

Curious Explorer. Award-winning author.

Gutsy Traveler: A woman, like travel expert Marybeth Bond, stands among purple flowers, raising her arms and smiling in front of a wooden building in bright sunlight.
Polar bear tracking and snorkeling with beluga whales in the northern Canadian Arctic.

Marybeth knows travel. She has hiked, biked, dived, danced and trekked across all seven continents – from the depths of the Flores Sea near Komodo Island to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

More recently, she tracked polar bears and snorkeled with beluga whales in the Canadian Arctic, then kayaked among icebergs in Antarctica.

Somewhere in between, four years of studying in Paris earned her two degrees – and a taste for good wine and strong cheeses.

Twelve books (three with National Geographic), countless travel articles, and numerous TV and radio appearances have built her devoted fanbase. She won the esteemed Lowell Thomas, Gold Award for the Best Travel Book of the Year from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation.

Woman on cliff in front of a monastery in Bhutan
Yesterday’s Video below. A decade or more later. Is Marybeth still GUTSY? Here in Bhutan.
Marybeth in Antarctica with penguins, snowy mountains, and water—just the kind of moment travel expert Marybeth Bond would capture in a travel video.
Kayaking and camping near penguins in Antarctica.

Yesterday….

Is it possible to visit New York without breaking the bank?Here are  cheap and chic hotel suggestions and alternative sightseeing activities that are both fun and affordable!

Whether you cruise out to the Statue of Liberty, gaze at the flickering lights of lower Manhattan's skyscrapers or explore SoHo or the East Village, New York holds immense romantic appeal for everyone.
Whether you cruise out to the Statue of Liberty, gaze at the flickering lights of lower Manhattan’s skyscrapers or explore SoHo or the East Village, New York holds immense romantic appeal for everyone.

 
New York City’s average daily room rate in 2012 was a whopping $290, according to NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization. My philosophy is to save on accommodations and spend on entertainment.

Affordable Stay     Pod 51  

Save your money for entertainment. Try the Pod Hotel bunks in private rooms.
Save your money for entertainment. Try the Pod Hotel bunks in private rooms.

 

 

With a room rates starting at $89 per night, Pod 51 was one of the originators of the micro-hotel concept and accommodates the needs of today’s savvy, “young-minded” traveler. Located in Midtown East and a short walk from Central Park, this hotel offers vibrant communal spaces and amenities including a seasonal outdoor/indoor café, and a beautiful rooftop garden where you can hang out and relax after exploring the city.

 

THE OUT NYC

–          Starting a $69 per bed per night, THE OUT NYC’s ‘Shared Luxury     Accommodations’ comfortably sleep four

people, perfect for families on the go, a group of friends traveling together or the social traveler looking to make friends while traveling. The rooms are just steps from some popular destinations including Times Square and Broadway. In addition to the desirable location, guests who spend a long day on their feet can relax and enjoy amenities at The Spa at THE OUT NYC including saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and more – the facilities are complementary to guests staying at the hotel.

Find Your Style in New York City
Find Your Style in New York City Views from the roof of the Pod Hotel.
The Jane Hotel
The cozy rooms at The Jane Hotel.

–          Following a full restoration, this 1907 West Village hotel has been reincarnated as an edgy 200-room micro hotel for plucky travelers with more “dash than cash.” The Jane’s famous 50 square-foot Standard room is offered at the exceptional starting price of $99 per night. All of the rooms are designed like luxury train cabins with a single bed, built-in drawers, luggage rack, personal television, and come with river views or a balcony.

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Many of New York City’s best landmarks and attractions can cost a pretty penny. Even with a great hotel rate there are additional ways to stretch your travel budget for a splurge-worthy treat while still experiencing the best frill and thrills.

Skip the Tour Bus

–          Sightseeing bus tours cost upwards of $54 a person. New York City was made for walking and Pod Hotels now offer their guests free guided city walking tours with authentic NYC tour company, Streetwise. From exploring the immigrant and hipster neighborhoods of Lower East Side and Chinatown to discovering the artistic character of the High Line and West Village, the Pod tours will show you the neighborhoods by day before you come back to experience them at night.

–          Have a DIY attitude? Pick up a custom made guide map at The Jade Hotel and explore the windy and historic cobble stone streets of Greenwich Village; where 19th century row hoses and warehouses became the places where Jazz, art, gay rights and culture thrived.

A cool book with 14 great walks through the streets of Manhattan.
A cool book with 14 great walks through the streets of Manhattan.

Additional free activities can include…

–          Wandering around Central Park

–          Riding the Staten Island Ferry and experiencing amazing views of lower Manhattan

–          Visiting Grand Central Terminal – celebrating their 100 year anniversary

–          Reading your way through the New York Library

–          Gawking at Times Square

–          Visiting the Apple Store at 58th Street and Fifth Avenue which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year

–          Window shopping along Fifth Avenue

Marybeth Bond