Americas big cities

Following my recent succesful trip to Berlin (see reports below) its got me thinking about next year and where to go, thats despite still having a couple of trips already sorted later this year. I do believe its good to plan in advance especially if you can find a good price.

Berlin was a success for two reasons, first its a fantastic city and secondly another solo traveller saw my blog and joined me, it was great to have company (we hadn't met previously). Wonder if others would be interested in my ideas this time, its a good plan for experienced travellers to get together if theyfancy the same holiday.

Anyway been looking at March (possibly easter or before) and edging towards America and the big Cities. Done plenty of American Cities in the past but more recent times been doing touring holidays in the States. Flight prices if you pick the right dates are good at present.

One City I've lookead at is the Big Apple (New York) as its 10 years since i was last there and always said i'd go back one day, its a big ciy and no way can you see everything on one trip.

I've also been considering my favorite the windy city (Chicago) been a fan of blues music i like the clubs but add to that plenty to see and do during the day it always has an attraction for me. Have had a couple of nights there in recent years at the start of a couple of my Just You holidays (Route 66 & Heart & Soul) but thats not the same as you hardly get time to unpack.

Giving it lots of thought i would want to do it initially on a budet so rather than staying in a 5 star times square or magnificent mile hotel i've been costing slightly lower rated hotels but not too far from the attractions. Also reviews are important, definately looking at safe areas and hotels with good reviews. Reason i'd like to do it on a reasonable budget is like everyone else i've only so much to spend on travel and will be still doing others (at least one biggie) later in the year.
Saying all that wouldn't skimp on spending while there, would do everything i wanted, pointless going if you dont.

For sun worshipers it wont be red hot in either city in March, wont be freezing either so that would suit me, not really into sitting on a beach.

Good thing about both cities is they have excellent public transport networks so easy to get around, thats important in big cities.

Done an initial pricing up and a week (7 nights) in either city for flight & hotel can do for under £800 which is an excellent price. Only extras would be transfers but would use public transport if on my own but if could persuade others probably makes sense to share a taxi.

After doing my homework the thought crossed me about putting the cities together and wondered what it would cost so checked it out. Was pleasently surprised and can do it for less than £1200 and thats 6 nights in each city (think i paid that 10 years ago for a similar trip). Only extra is on the internal flight between cities i dont think it included hold luggage but was only around $25. Cross Atlanic it is included.

Going to give these options (and others) lots of thought over the weekend.

Anyone else interested ? be good to hear from you.

City Break - New York My first adventure

Back in June 2005 I went on my first ever holiday on my own and decided New York was a place I wanted to visit. It was my first ever trip to America and was a little nervous so decided 6 days in the City would be ideal. On the same trip I doubled it up with 5 nights in Chicago (more abot my fav city later) as it made sense to visit two places if I was going across the pond.



Wasn't confident enough to sort my own flights and hotels out so a local travel agent did it for me and he couldn't have done better with location of hotels.

On arrival I got a taxi from the airport and the driver got talking to the driver as he liked footie, he was from Ghana and went to school with a Leeds Utd legend Tony Yeboah.

In New York I stayed at the Park Central which was on 7th avenue half way between Times Square and Central Park, easily walkable to both. Added bonus was that all the contestants from a beauty competition were staying at the hotel, very nice.

Its one holiday I remember doing lots of walking in red hot tempretures and was shattered by the time I left, had done loads of research before I went and wanted to see so much. Also got a pass for the subway which proved useful.

Will admit think my lack of confidence at that time limited how far i went on a evening, would nowadays look for live music but back then it was out for a meal and a couple of beers at the hotel bar. It was mainly theatres near the hotel not what i would do on my own.

On arrival and after getting settled in my room it made sense to have a walk down to Times square which isn't really a square at all just a place where a few roads meet, plenty of bright lights though.










After a good nights rest i set off the next day to explore initially the area around my hotel and found Radio City Music Hall was cose by aswell as the Rockerfeller centre if i remember correctly. Then it was onto one of the "must do's" and went up the Empire State Bulding. The views in all directions were stunning.


Talking of big had a good look around the worlds largest department store "Macy's" where I got a bite to eat for lunch.
Next stop was the guided tour around Madison Square Garden which I really wanted to do. Always been a big sports fan and do like boxing which as so much history at this venue. While we were there New York Liberty womans basketball team were training which was interesting to watch.









Next day was put aside for central park got the subway up to the top and spent the full day wandering about exploring it all. Got some cracking photographs great to have such an area in the middle of a big city.












Following day initially I went to Ground Zero as felt it had to be do while in the City, to be fair it was just a building site not sure what I expected, just unbelievable what happend.







Then it was the subway through Brooklyn as I wanted to visit the holiday resort of Coney Island, massive beach and a good aquarium which was worth a visit. The area is a little run down since its hey day in the 50's & 60's bit like our seaside towns.
Past the famous hot dog restaurant Nathans where they have the world hot dog eating championships every year.
Had lunch at another famous bar "Rubys" on the boardwalk and had a look at the famous funfair.







On way back got talking to a
Police officer he even took my photo holding his batton.



Got back to downtown Manhatten mid-afternoon and decided to go to the Sea Air Space Museum which is basically an aircraft carrier with a number of exhibits, really interesting and worth a visit.
Even have one of the Concords there along with plenty of other aircraft.

Next day it was down to the South tip to catch the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, again must see sites in my opinion. Sadly they wouldn't allow me up the statue because security were only letting so many people up each day.

On my return i walked over to South Street Seaport on the East river and get a good look at Brooklyn Bridge. After that was Wall Street before walking the length of south Manhatten back to my hotel, was a few mile but went through some interesting areas.



On my last day caught up seeing some of the places i'd missed such as Grand Central Station, China town, Little Italy, etc.






Certainly plenty to keep you occupied in NY City, definately a full week wouldn't be too much.