Planning a Trip to New York: The Holiday of a Lifetime

New York, New York. It has been, and likely always will be, one of the most visited cities on earth, and for good reason, New York City is like a beating heart, kept pumping by the lifeblood of its citizens: born and bred New Yorkers, immigrants from every corner of the map, travellers just passing through, and those hoping to start an exciting new chapter in an incredible location.

If you fall into the category of traveller, you’ll want to plan ahead to make sure that your visit is a memorable one. There are landmarks, museums, restaurants, and theatres to visit, and numerous cultural experiences all clamouring for your attention, so plan your trip carefully to ensure that you leave nothing out.

Plan Your NYC Trip

1. Begin With The End In Mind
Get all of your travel particulars out of the way before you even begin your trip so that you know you’ll be able to get to and from the airport, and have your flights and accommodation booked in good time. The end of your trip will come far more quickly than you anticipate, so you do not want to waste your New York time panicking about where you’re going to sleep or how to get around!

Reach out to an air charter provider to enquire about flights when you begin booking your New York experiences. Travelling by air charter, especially when you are part of a group, is such a wonderful experience that it’ll make your New York visit even more special, not to mention saving you a lot of time and inconvenience.

The fastest way to get around the city itself (especially if you’re visiting during a peak travel season) is likely to be the subway. You can certainly catch a taxi or Uber, or hire a car service, as all of these options are more comfortable, but it would be a good idea to learn about the NY subway system before you visit, in case you need to get around quickly.

2. Compile A List

Forewarned is forearmed, as they say, so “forewarn” yourself of all the exciting New York attractions that you want to see. A little advanced research will stand you in good stead when you arrive and the endless possibilities of the city overwhelm you so much that you don’t know what to do first! These are some of the most popular attractions in New York that you may want to experience yourself.

● Central Park. No visit to New York is complete without at least one stroll in the park. Be aware that you should steer clear of the less populated areas (particularly close to dark and in the off-season) and not spend time in the park after sundown for safety reasons. Wear comfortable walking shoes and pack a picnic lunch complete with a blanket and a book for a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
● The 9/11 Memorial. Ground zero is an incredibly emotional excursion, so prepare yourself for the experience. That said, it’s well worth taking the time to see the space and spare a thought for those who perished on that day.
● The Metropolitan Museum of Art. We suggest the same comfortable walking shoes that you wore to the park because the MOMA requires a lot of walking. Take in pieces by the masters of their style and exhibitions of contemporary art as well.
● New York Botanical Garden. You’ve never seen flora quite as beautiful as the ones in this stunning hothouse.
● The High Line. What was once a train track is now a walking park that runs from 34th Street down to the Meatpacking District. Dotted with public art, overlooks, gardens and delicious food stalls, it makes for a memorable experience.
● The Statue of Liberty. The ultimate New York landmark! She hardly needs an introduction or explanation.
● The Bronx Zoo. Visit with the animals and maybe pick up a souvenir or two. This is an especially great excursion if you are travelling with kids.
● The Cathedral of St John the Divine. On 112th and Amsterdam in Upper Manhattan’s Morningside Heights, you’ll find the largest (and one of the loveliest) cathedrals in the world.
● Grand Central Terminal. So many incredibly famous movie scenes have been shot here that almost everyone in the world would recognise it.
● Coney Island. Become a kid again for a few hours or take yours along to this seaside funfair with truly unique NYC charm.

3. Focus On The Experiences

We all love a little shopping trip now and then, and souvenirs are lovely things to bring back from your travels, but keep your focus on the experiences instead. Things are nice to look at, but experiences will live on in your memories long after t-shirts are stretched out and photo frames are broken. These quintessential New York experiences will add some extra flair to your trip.

● Eat at Balthazar. This famous NY restaurant has an incredibly diverse selection of patrons, so there are lots of people watching to be done. The lovely high ceilings and blood-red leather booths provide a beautiful place to snack on steak frites and peppercorn sauce or buttered escargot.
● Watch a movie at the Film Forum. This is the only remaining independent, nonprofit cinema in the city and it has a retro charm unlike any other place. It’s almost unchanged since the 1970s and has a classic marquee and red carpeting to match.
● Visit Chinatown. Take a walk through this vibrant Lower Manhattan neighbourhood and experience another culture in a warm, welcoming setting.
● Listen to some good music at the Blue Note Jazz Bar. This venue is one of the best jazz clubs in the world and has hosted legends like Sarah Vaughan and Dizzy Gillespie. The late-night sessions (from 12:30am) showcase up-and-coming talent.
● Spend the day at Rockaway Beach. This enormous, soft sandy beach is a short ferry ride away. Board at Wall Street and take in the city sights on your trip.

Conclusion

Leave a little room for inspiration to strike between all of these excursions and experiences, and you’ll see New York at its very best. This city is something unique and it’ll exceed all your expectations.