The Big Apple is a most wonderful city, and having been there 'officially' on 3 trips, I should know (though I can barely remember the first time, I was only 13 and it was a flying visit!). I returned from my last trip to New York in April this year, after spending a week there with my teenage son.
It is a must-do destination for anyone who has not yet had the pleasure of exploring this fascinating place. From the big sights such as the Empire State Building, to the lesser-visited attractions such as Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and Coney Island amusement park, New York is full of adventure.
New York is busy, bustling and packed with the most amazing scenes and smells. With people from every walk of life living in the city, you will see explosions of colour and sound wherever you are, and of course, you are always spoilt for choice with food. Eating out in New York is one of the greatest pleasures in the city - from cheap 'n' cheerful burrito joints to upscale fine dining extravaganzas.
Shopping, particularly with the weakness of the dollar at the moment, is fantastic. You can easily go with an empty case and come back with it full of great buys and beautiful boutique pieces. As well, there is nothing quite like getting up early in the morning when the sun is just appearing, getting a coffee and a bagel, then walking over the Brooklyn Bridge and taking in the Manhattan skyline from there.
And let's get one thing straight - New York is safe. Extremely safe. The clean up the city has had over the last ten years or so means its crime rate for a big city is now one of the lowest in the world. And the subway is a breeze to navigate - once you've done it a few times, you will find getting about is rather easy.
See: NYC Visit for more information.
When to go
New York is that kind of place you can visit anytime of year, but it does have its highlight months, with spring and autumn (fall) being considered some of the best times to visit. At spring, the weather is just right and the parks are gorgeous with their blossoms, whereas autumn brings the classic red and golds of foliage as known in nearby New England.
Winter can be bitingly cold, pretty much like the UK, but summer can be blistering hot and July and August sweltering. September is perfect as it is sill very warm, but there are marginally less people since school holidays are over.
Escorted, private and tailor-made tours
We work with a number of quality tour operators that offer fantastic holidays and escorted tours to New York. Of course, tailor-made options are ideal for people who prefer to be more flexible, or include different things on their itinerary that may not be offered in a tour. Escorted tours are perfect for people who want to take it easy with their planning and who prefer to let someone else take over!
To enquire about tours and holidays to New York, contact Andrea on 0845 475 0342!
Comments