New York is the largest city in the United States and is renowned for business, entertainment, and culture. It houses famous buildings and various tourist attractions. What’s more? New York is an exceptional holiday spot for tourists from all walks of life. Planning a holiday in New York is the best decision that you can make. If touring with family, here’s how to plan a successful and fun trip.
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1. Choose a destination
New York is a collection of 62 cities, and you have to be sure of your destination. Think of what you want to do in the city, and use this to guide you in picking the most suitable vacation spot. While at it, consider the size of your family. It will determine the travel time, type of accommodation, places to tour, and activities to plan for.
2. Book flight tickets
You can easily book one-way or return tickets to New York from the Cathay Pacific website. But, remember, the city welcomes a steady number of tourists thought the year. So, it’s advisable to arrange for your tickets in advance. You don’t want to be caught in the last-minute rush with family, do you?
Some factors to consider when booking flight tickets are;
The cost of flights to New York keeps on fluctuating, which depends on the time and season of travel. For instance, you expect to pay more during peak seasons and holidays when almost everyone is traveling.
- Amenities
All airlines offer varying services and amenities. Some boast of luxurious recliner seats and eating trays for additional passenger comfort. Check the airline’s website for reviews on the quality of seats and the available amenities.
3. List down your preferred eateries.
New York is a busy and walking city! You may want to grab some food along the way. But the question lingers, which is the best food joint? List down a few affordable restaurants, which will help you figure out where to eat. If you plan to tour the leading attractions such as the metropolitan museum or the Empire State building, places like the City Pass would be ideal for a quick bite.
4. Plan for your accommodation
Finding the best accommodation in New York can be stressful, and this is particularly true for first-timers. Although the city brags of a wide assortment of hotels, it‘s not a cheap destination. Nevertheless, you can still get affordable hotels for your stay. Set a budget and use it to compare the different hotels in the city.
Moreover, please think of the places you plan to visit and use them to choose the best location. Book in the town center if you don’t mind the noise, and consider the outskirts if you want a more serene environment.
Some of the best places to check out are; the Whitby Hotel, The Broome, and the Ludlow Hotel. If you have a large family, it’s also wise to check into Airbnb. You may get a comfortable place to offer all your loved ones.
5. Start packing!
Come up with a list of all you need during your trip. This saves a lot of time and avoids overpacking. Research about the weather conditions in your destination and only pack the right clothes for the weather. If touring in summer, don’t forget a few heavy clothes for kids.
Weather patterns keep on changing, and they may come in handy. Invest in a carry-on bag and get on with many pockets and compartments—pack enough clothes, undergarments, and shoes for all your loved ones. Moreover, carry some toys for the kids; they will keep the babies busy and stimulated through the trip.
6. Acquire the right documents
If you’re a US citizen but touring New York City from parts outside the US, you must have a passport. But, if traveling from the US states, a valid ID is enough. Get a visa to enjoy the beautiful sites in New York. The process is simple, and you only need to enter a few personal details.
Also, get all the required vaccinations and have the documents ready. Remember, travel vaccination takes about four to six weeks to complete, hence planning this early.
These are, for example;
· Measles- Young children and adults require an additional dose before travel.
· Yellow fever
· Diphtheria
· Tetanus
· Mumps
7. Choose interesting Sites& Activities
New York offers something for everyone, and you don’t have to go for what doesn’t interest you. Brainstorm with your family members and have them share their preferences. Remember, you want everyone to enjoy the vacation, making it imperative to involve everyone in the planning process.
Some of the activities to consider are;
- Hanging with celebrities at Madame Tussauds,
- Rockefeller Center Tour
- Learn about New York history at the 9/11 Memorial
- Visit Coney Island
- Enjoy Engaging Tours
What about the tourist attractions? The list of sites in New York is endless, and you’ll be spoilt for choice. From gardens, museums, zoos, and theatres, you can always get the best spot to tour with your family members. The top sites to consider are;
Ellis Island: Ellis Island is a must-visit place in New York. It showcases an inspiring documentary to give you a hint about the immigrant experience in the US. There are also audio and guided tours. What about the kids? The grassy patches on the island are great places for a fun-filled family experience with kids.
Central Park: Central Park is a popular attraction in New York. It’s a haven that offers varied pursuits for visitors of all ages. These include; ice skating, tennis, baseball, and more.
Rockefeller Center: The Rockefeller Center is an iconic building that houses various attractions. The observatory on the 70th floor known as the Top of the Rock is a must-see for all visitors. The building offers an excellent view of the beautiful city underneath.
Final thoughts
Plan your trip and have everything ready before the travel day. Get information about the weather and the language used in your destination. Also, book the best hotels to suit your loved ones’ preferences and have the hotel name and address on a paper when going out.
