As we wrap up 2021, we look back at a year full of challenges, but also a time with many green shoots of growth—the return of Broadway, the return of international travelers, the return of New York City tourism. Even in the context of the Omicron variant, there remains plenty of supporting data indicating an ongoing return for New York City. Despite the high-profile Broadway cancellations of the last few days, and the early end of the Rockettes's run, a look at the Broadway League's new resource for schedules shows the majority of shows going forward as planned. (And grosses have been up, while capacity holds steady.)

Although the Delta variant's impact on the economy is drawing most of the headlines, it's worth noting the good news for New York that's out there as well. The city will not be competing with European destinations in light of new international restrictions. On the domestic front, the number one fall destination for Airbnb searchers? That would be New York City. NYC will be ready to greet these visitors—many coming for longer stretches than usual—as reopening news continues to post.

The Governor is gone and the auto show is canceled. Again, lots of changes in a short span of time. Neither will have much downward drag on tourism's gradual return, with reports from malls and a major retailer that traffic has been ticking up in the last week. As the Delta variant intensifies in unvaccinated parts of the country, the reopening of international borders will be pushed back, increasing the opportunities for domestic travel. We do need to get through this period of hesitation, but on the other side there will be more and more draws for visitors to NYC.

If you're planning a trip to New York, you'll need to think about how you're going to get around. Many people bring their own cars if visiting from nearby areas or choose to rent a car from the airport when they arrive, and cars give you a lot of freedom for getting around the way you want. However, if you don't have much experience of driving in New York, especially in New York City, you could find yourself in some tricky situations along the way, so it's wise to prepare properly before you go. This guide will go over some simple but effective tips for safe driving around New York.

Given there’s such a long and traditional history associated with thoroughbred horse racing in the state of New York, it’s hardly surprising that the ‘Sport of Kings’ remains hugely popular here; albeit with the irony that the two most famous tracks are actually located within the vicinity of the Queens borough of New York City.

Perhaps soon we could see a Foxwoods Lounge within the city limits, but until then there are options for the discerning traveler.