Every year from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Hamptons become a notoriously see-and-be-seen summer getaway for wealthy New Yorkers, celebrities and those who want to be in close proximity to the aforementioned groups. Yes, the beaches are beautiful and so are the homes, but traffic is bad, restaurant reservations are hard to come by and crowds are at their peak. Simply put, it can feel like a hectic Saturday night in Manhattan rather than a relaxed beach vacation.
That all changes in the off-season (September through May), when the Hamptons—Westhampton, Bridgehampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, Amagansett, East Hampton, Water Mill and Montauk—empty out and it becomes possible to enjoy the unique charms of this collection of seaside communities. There are plenty of year-round activities to enjoy, the weather can be quite pleasant depending on the month and hotel rates drop dramatically. It may seem counterintuitive to visit a summer resort area when it’s not summer, but rest assured that, aside from the very dead of winter, the Hamptons are a worthwhile destination. Here are five of the best reasons to head to Long Island’s East End in the off-season.
A light jet is a category of small jets seating anywhere from 4 to 8 people (depending on configuration) and often with a maximum takeoff weight of under 10,000 pounds. Light jets are considered the lightest business jets and are approved for single pilot operation. Light jets are ideal for shorter trips for business meetings or family getaways.
Midsized jets – also referred to as mid-sized jets, are great for long distance travel such as transcontinental flights or trips requiring larger passenger capacity (depending on configuration). Unlike a light jet rental, Mid-size private jets are incredibly versatile private aircraft, combining the comfort and space of larger personal planes, with the speed and agility of small private jets. Private jet speeds help the aircraft travel a range of over 5,000 nautical miles and typically seats 7 to 10 passengers.
Super mid-sized jets are designed to comfortably accommodate from 8 to 16 passengers (depending on configuration) - with substantial baggage space. Super mids can be chartered for international, non-stop transcontinental or mid-range travel with an average flight range of up to 9 hours of flight time - or 4,500 miles - in optimum conditions.
Large cabin jets have a cabin height of over six feet. Cabin width varies from nearly seven to over eight feet, while cabin length can range from 28 feet to nearly 50 feet. With endurance of 8 to 10 hours, many large cabin jets - like the Falcon 900 - are also designed for longer range flights such as New York to Paris. Large cabin jet cabin amenities can include WiFi, private lavatory, PlayStation video games, satellite phone, cabin attendant and a full galley.
What sets turbo props apart is their versatility. Unlike other private jets, planes with a turbo prop engine don’t need a full runway for landing and take off; a short grass airstrip is more than enough. Which makes them perfect for taking the route less traveled. Made for short to medium journeys, turbo prop planes can land on grass airstrips and short runways. Turboprops are an economical way to fly, with room for eight to ten passengers.
While there are many reasons to take a chartered helicopter flight - the fact that for most it is a once in a lifetime experience is probably the most prominent. Helicopter flight in itself is an adventure that most people find thrilling. Making use of helicopter flights is also a great way to mark a special occasion and create new memories that will make a special day even more special.