Cheap car hire in New York- the Big Apple car hire

The Big Apple - The term "The Big Apple" was coined by visiting jazz musicians of the 1930s who used the slang idiom "apple" for any town or city. Therefore, to play New York City is to play the big time - The Big Apple.

Travelling to New York (or Manhattan, as that’s where everybody stays) for the first time is a very strange experience. It is the world’s most well-known metropolis and it has appeared in more films than any other city in the world. Upon first onset you have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not in one of those films.

What makes it even more surreal is the fact that it is just like it is in the movies. Steam tufts from manholes all over Manhattan, hardly a moment goes by when your eardrums don’t catch some hint of a car horn or siren, and men stand impatiently at hot dog stands which decorate every second street corner.

But something that you may expect is that Manhattan is not all skyscrapers and hectic streets. Once you make it into downtown areas such as Greenwich Village, Chinatown, Soho and the East Village you begin to notice the surprisingly high number of low-rise buildings.

Even though most people who travel to New York don’t make it past Manhattan, you have to remember that this is only one borough of five. Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island make up the rest. If you have the time, take some time out to see the sights of what some of the others have to offer.

Think Christmas shopping think New York City, to Macy's, Bloomingdales, Tiffany & Co and Saks Fifth Avenue. The seasonal sales at Lord & Taylor are great opportunities to pick up designer clothing, handbags and shoes at cut down prices. In Greenwich Village, Christmas shoppers are spoilt for choice when it comes to jewellery, accessories and vintage wear. Alternatively, head north along the US east coast to Boston, Massachusetts, America's lesser known shopping haven. The city is full of boutiques, malls, department stores and outlets where you can pick up everything from classic cutting edge fashions to boho chic bargains.

If you fancy staying in Europe and are looking for Christmas shopping -For designer bargains by the bag full jet off to Italy's most exclusive outlet shopping centre, The Mall in Florence. Hidden in the Tuscan Hills some 30 minutes drive from the city centre, here you will find Valentino, Sergio Rossi, Yves Saint Laurent, Armani and Gucci reduced by up to 60 per cent. Fly to Milan or Rome and Hire a car to get here.

New York - Kennedy Intl (JFK): Location: 21 km/13 Miles SE of Manhattan. (Most car hire originating in Ireland land here)

New York - La Guardia (LGA): Location: 11 km/7 Miles ENE of Manhattan.

Newark - Liberty Intl (EWR): Location: 26 km/16 Miles SW of Manhattan, 3 km/2 Miles S of Newark, NJ.