The Big Apple - A NYC Fam Trip with Brightsun Travel

Some of the Brightsun team recently enjoyed a familiarisation trip to New York City with United Airlines. This incredible journey involved exploring iconic landmarks, indulging in local cuisine, and experiencing the city’s unmatched energy.

Day 1: Touchdown in NYC

We flew directly with United Airlines from London Heathrow to Newark Liberty International Airport, enjoying a smooth 8-hour journey. The cabin was modern and comfortable, with excellent in-flight entertainment and attentive service. Both before departure and on our return, we relaxed in the United Club Lounge, which offered delicious food and excellent facilities. On our outbound trip, the lounge’s festive Halloween theme set the tone for our adventure, while on the return, we enjoyed iconic New York treats which was a memorable way to end the trip.

From Newark Airport, New York City is easily reachable via taxi or public transport; we took an uber which took under an hour. Arriving on Halloween added an extra layer of excitement. Times Square was alive with Día de los Muertos installations, people dressed in eye-catching costumes, and an electrifying atmosphere. The city’s energy was truly unmatched.

We checked into the Holiday Inn in Times Square, a centrally located hotel perfect for first-time visitors eager to explore the city. The hotel provided a comfortable stay and was an ideal base for experiencing the vibrant energy of Midtown Manhattan. That evening, we headed to Carmine’s Italian Restaurant for a hearty dinner. I’ve never seen such massive portions - definitely great value for money, especially for larger groups. Later, we strolled through Times Square, soaking in the dazzling lights and the lively buzz of Manhattan at night.

Day 2: Museums and Midtown Magic

We started our day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the American Museum of Natural History. This vast museum captivated us with its towering dinosaur skeletons and immersive exhibits – a must-visit for any NYC trip. One thing that surprised me was learning that most of the movies we associate with this museum weren’t filmed there! It’s still an extraordinary place that everyone should add to their itinerary.

For lunch, we treated ourselves to Dave’s Hot Chicken, which was as spicy as it was delicious.

It felt exciting to be in the city during voting season, which added an extra layer of fun and buzz to our experience.

In the afternoon, we ventured to the Rockefeller Center. The art-deco architecture and holiday vibes of this landmark made it feel quintessentially New York. The highlight of the day was watching the sunset from the Top of the Rock observation deck. The panoramic views of the city were breathtaking, offering a perspective that words can hardly do justice.

Day 3: Central Park and Sightseeing Adventures

We were lucky to have spectacular sunny weather on our third day in NYC as we strolled through Central Park. Seeing the iconic ice rink felt like stepping into a movie scene – a surreal and magical moment.

Later, we embarked on the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise. This tour offers a unique perspective of New York, showcasing every monument and building while providing fascinating insights. Seeing the city from the water gave it an entirely different charm. As the cherry on top, we got up close to the Statue of Liberty; though she’s smaller in real life than I imagined, it was still a special moment.

During our free time, I explored every corner of the city. Shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue was a dream come true, and a bucket-list moment I’ll never forget. Later, I grabbed a classic NYC 1$ pizza slice before ending my exploration at Target. If you know anything about America, you know a Target visit is a must!

Day 4: A Day of Reflection and Views

Our morning began in the Financial District with a visit to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. As someone with an architectural background, I was fascinated by the design of the space. The interplay of light, water, and structure created an atmosphere that deeply moved me. It’s a powerful testament to resilience and remembrance.

After the 9/11 Memorial, we took the New York subway to DUMBO and began walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. From there, we explored Little Italy, Chinatown, and finally Soho, where I got to try the famous Levain Bakery cookies. I’ve attempted to recreate them a few times at home, but now that I’ve tried the real thing, I realise none of my recipes were a success – lol.

In the evening, we visited Summit One Vanderbilt. This immersive observation experience was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. My favourite artist, Yayoi Kusama, had an installation on display, which was an absolute highlight for me. The combination of art, innovation, and jaw-dropping views made this visit unforgettable.

Day 5: Empire State Grandeur and Farewell

We ended our trip with a visit to the iconic Empire State Building. Learning that it was constructed in just 410 days during the 1920s was astonishing. The building is a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of its time, and its art-deco style is simply stunning. Standing at the top, I couldn’t help but reflect on the city’s vast variety of architecture. As Alicia Keys famously sang, New York truly is a concrete jungle where dreams are made of.

Before heading to the airport, we had time for some final exploration, soaking in the last moments of the city’s energy. I went and grabbed myself a famous New York bagel and went to my favourite spot for an XXL cup of iced Americano coffee with a splash of hazelnut milk.

Reflections and Gratitude

Our NYC fam trip was a journey filled with unforgettable moments and experiences. We’re incredibly grateful to United Airlines for making this trip possible and for the warm hospitality throughout. The trip gave us all a fantastic insight into the latest features and facilities on the airline’s aircraft, cabins, and lounge offerings. We highly recommend choosing United Airlines for your travel, and as a preferred partner, we have access to excellent fares, availability, and connectivity throughout the US.

New York City is a destination that everyone should experience at least once. From its rich history to its melting pot of culture, the city offers something for everyone. Whether you’re walking through Central Park, marvelling at architectural wonders, or indulging in local flavours, NYC has a way of leaving its mark on you. Until next time, New York – you’ll always have a piece of my heart.