Pre Covid-19 we searched the internet everyday looking for the very best of What’s Happening, primarily on Manhattan’s WestSide, so that you didn’t have to.” We made it as easy as 1-2-3.

Covid-19 has required some changes for the time being. Stay Safe.

For December we are going to try a different format – “Top 10 Corona Culture” – updated info and video especially suited to these difficult times OR NYC related visual info (Instagram and YouTube) OR all the NYC news you need to start your day.

We hope you will come back often to see what’s cooking here.

Today it’s 6 Top Online Travel Forums.

Traditional travel guides and blogs, whether online or in paper format, give you a lot of content but still have their limitations. Chances are you’ll have specific questions and concerns that they didn’t cover.

Online travel forums (the original social media) are one of the best ways to find information you can’t find elsewhere, and to find answers to specific questions. These online communities of travelers are ready and willing to offer their insights and first-hand knowledge.

Which are the best travel forums – the forums with many informed and active members who will answer your questions promptly and accurately? with moderators who will ensure that discussions stay relevant and civil?

Here are my six favorites:

> Lonely Planet’s Thorn Tree An old timer (since 1996) – you can search by destination or interest, search for a travel buddy or just have a chat. 7.1M results for “everything ever.” Search here for New York City

> Trip Advisor’s Travel Board Their motto: ”Get the truth.Then go” Search by destination or interest. The New York City Travel Forum has 189K topics and the sidebar “Top questions about New York City” is very helpful. Search here for New York City

> Frommer’s Community Forums Not as active as some other forums, but archived topics can be helpful. Search by destinations, trip ideas, tips&tools. Search here for New York City

> Fodor’s Travel Talk Forums This is a big one with 2.1M posts for the USA and 3.9M posts for Europe and can be difficult to find what you are looking for. In order to use all the features of the forum, you will need to register. Search here for New York City

> Flyer Talk Forums Been around a long time. Heavy, of course, on air travel and airports. But the destinations section has a New York City forum with many posts. Unfortunately, browsing through the threads is time consuming, and the search engine is not very helpful. Search here for New York City

> Rick Steve’s Travel Forum This is a Euro-centric Forum, so much won’t be of help for NYCity. But Rick Steves and his travelers have so much good information on the site, including travel technology, I just had to list it. Be sure to use it when you travel to Europe. Search here for technology tips

Of course, your FaceBook friends and Twitter world may be helpful too.

We hope you enjoy this change of pace, then please return here January 1, and every day for our daily, hot off the presses event guide with “Only the Best” NYCity event info. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

These special interest NYC links should be helpful, too.

See the New York City Holiday Christmas Windows – The New York Times

60 Magical Things To Do In New York City This December – Secretnyc

Critic Robert Sietsema’s Top 12 Neighborhood Pizza Slices – ny.eater.com

How Covid-Safe Is Dining in a Restaurant’s Outdoor Tent? – WSJ

The Definitive Guide To The Best Tree-Lighting Ceremonies In NYC This Year – Secretnyc

Best Outdoor Art in NYC this fall and winter including sculptures – TONY

9 Must-Visit Ice Rinks In NYC That’ll Put You In The Holiday Spirit – Secretnyc

The Best Online Workout Classes, According to Strategist Writers and Editors – nymag.com

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STAY HOME FOR A BIT LONGER – MASK UP AND STAY SAFE.