The majority of US airports – and the airlines which service them – are expected to resume near normal service today although there are still many cancelled flights, including at LaGuardia which was the worst airport hit by flooding.

All of the airlines, including BA, are obliged to reimburse passengers stranded in New York for overnight accommodation and food and drink under EC law.

Clean-up operations under way in New York and New Jersey after storm ‘Sandy’
Major clean-up operations are under way in New York and New Jersey after storm Sandy ripped through the east coast of America – leaving large areas of Queens and Staten and Coney Islands without power and in complete darkness.

As the authorities work round the clock to get the two states up and running again, the New York subway is slowly re-opening, taxis are increasing their capacities, the Broadway lights have been re-lit, buses are operating a limited free service and the metropolitan area is gradually coming back to life.

Brit to travel the world in search of weird and wonderful showering experiences
A Lancashire man has been chosen to travel the world on an all expenses paid trip in search of the world’s most weird and wonderful bathing and showering experiences.

Gary Knox, 32, has been chosen by Mira Showers to become its official Phileas Fogg and will embark on an Around the World in 80 Showers trip.

His journey will be documented on Facebook and Twitter and will help to raise awareness of the world’s population without basic running water.

Advertising Standards Authority slams BA Barbados ad
The Advertising Standards Authority has stepped in and forced British Airways to withdraw a TV ad showcasing holidays to Barbados from £549.

It claims that the holiday advertised was not available and has banned the airline from broadcasting the ad again in its current form.

The governing body has also requested that future offers should be clearly labelled as extremely limited.

The post Travel news stories of the week appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.

1) Central Park Inn & Private Room, near Central Park

This hostel, which is pretty close to Central Park, is a little gem in a big city. It’s just two minutes’ walk from the subway and is on a prime street for access to Manhattan and most major New York attractions, including the best museums and the largest cathedral in America. You can’t go wrong at $20 a night.

2) St Marks Place Private Room Studios, Manhattan

For an edgy stay in the centre of Manhattan, this hostel is your best bet. It’s a typical New York apartment block, which is the spitting image of the one used by Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. Expect to pay around $25 a night but, believe us, it’s worth every dime for the film feel alone. You can check out it’s reviews here on Lonely Planet.

3) South of Houston Apartment, Lower East Side

For easy access to some of New York’s most happening nightlife, get along to the Lower East Side. It’s cheap, cheerful and there are plenty of one-off boutiques in which to spend all the cash you’ve saved on accommodation. A stay in a typical dorm here starts from $25.

4) AAE Super Eight Hostel, close to Central Park

This hostel is great value for money and even offers a shuttle service to and from JFK Airport for a small, extra charge. It’s within easy commuting distance to Manhattan and is only a block from the subway. Dorm accommodation starts from $15 a night and, for a little extra again, breakfast and a number of extras can be thrown in.

5) Jazz On The Park Hostel, Upper West Side

Great name – great hostel! Jazz On The Park is on the Upper West Side – also close to Central Park, the subway and lots of great New York City attractions. It has its own ‘Basement Lounge’, complete with a pool table for when you just want to chillax and get yourself acquainted with some of the other guests. Up-to-the-minute rates, special offers and availability change daily and are featured on the website.

The post The Backpacker’s Guide To New York: The 5 Top Digs appeared first on MyTravelMoney.co.uk.