Bath is the largest city in Somerset, England, known for and named after its Roman-built baths. Fun fact, It is said that Jane Austen lived in Bath in the early 19th century, and used the city as a setting for some of her novels. Bath has also been home to many more impressive residents over its long history and has over 6 million yearly visitors, making it one of ten English cities visited most by overseas tourists. Attractions include the spas, canal boat tours, museums, galleries and Royal Victoria Park which hosts carnival and seasonal events. It’s such a quick and easy journey to Bath, it took us less than 2 hours from London by train.
We stayed at the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel that sits on 7 acres of private grounds. If you’re looking to unwind or just enjoy a few days of peace and quiet then this is the ultimate destination. The rooms are so cosy and the facilities include an award winning restaurant, breathtaking landscaped gardens, leisure club, hydrotherapy pool, and thermal spa. A lot of our time was well spent relaxing in the sauna’s and steam room. There’s also an ice room where we smothered our bodies with the crunchy ice, it was of course freezing, but always good to do as it closes the pores and cools you down after a steam. One of our evenings was spent out in the hydrotherapy pool which was so calming. It was absolutely freezing outside but the hydro pool was so warm. It was great to just lie back and watch the stars in the nights sky.
Bath is a city where you can relax and discover new things. We took a long winters stroll, taking in the scenery and getting lost in the surroundings and came across a very interesting building called Victoria Art Gallery, which is a public art museum. We walked up a spiral staircase and viewed the galleries collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts. The Gallery was named to celebrate Queen Victoria’s sixty years on the throne. It includes over 1,500 decorative arts treasures, including a display of British oil paintings from 17th century to the present day.
If you decide to visit Bath you must try Hudson Steak house. It’s one of the best steaks we have ever eaten! The gravy and mash was so tasty. Hudson steak house specialises in prime dry aged steaks, and some mouth watering classic dishes.
Brighton is famous for its seaside resort and Palace Pier. It is one of the two main areas of the City of Brighton and Hove in the country of East Sussex, England. Its location has made it a popular destination for tourists. Known for its diverse communities, music and arts scene and shopping areas. Brighton has been called the UK’s “hippest city” and “the happiest place to live in the UK”.
We stayed at The Grand Hotel, that stands on Brighton’s iconic seafront. The location was perfect, it’s a stone’s throw from the famous West Pier and the i360, and a 10-minute walk from the Royal Pavilion, the lanes, and all the fun of Brighton Pier. If you’re a fan of afternoon tea like us then this hotel is one for you. Their award-winning afternoon tea includes 3 tiers of sweet and savoury delights that include freshly made sandwiches, pastries, scones, cakes, they have over 30 teas to choose from, and we of course washed this down nicely with a glass of Moet.
The Brighton Zip was a great experience and a way to conquer any fear you may have with heights. Before being fully kitted out in safety gear you are given a briefing by the instructor. You will climb a spiral staircase which takes you 32m above sea level. And then set off flying 300m across Brighton beach down the longest zip wire on the south coast. It was brilliant! The adrenaline is on another level, and is an experience not to be missed.
Ghost Walk Of The Lanes was something different to what we would usually do but we enjoyed every minute. It took place on a cold winters night which made the ghost walk extra spooky. Usually there is a group of people on the walk but we had the tour all to ourselves which was really nice. We joined ghost walker Jasper for a 70 minute walk around Brighton’s famous Lanes visiting eight haunted sites. Alongside the chilling tales, the walk takes in much of the area’s rich and varied history. It includes eight macabre tales of brutal murders, hideous apparitions, wandering nuns and Brighton’s infamous Jack-the-Ripper connection.
We spent our last night in Brighton dining at The Ivy which is located in the lanes. We toasted to an incredible couple of days and with more memories made.
We spent a couple days in Cardiff recently, which was lovely. A friend invited us to her wedding and we thought why not turn this into a mini break. We’ve started to explore the UK a bit more, and really enjoy learning and discovering new places a little closer to home. Especially when we find those hidden gems.
Just a few minute walk from Cardiff City Centre, we stayed at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel & Spa which was very comfy and cosy. It offers a great spa if you fancy a day, or a few hours of relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle.
Cardiff is the capital and largest city of Wales, it’s the eleventh-largest city in the UK. One of the main tourist attractions is Cardiff Castle. When Queen Elizabeth II passed away a 96-round gun salute was fired on the castle grounds to mark every year of the Queen’s life. A 21-gun salute was also held to mark the proclamation of King Charles III.
Packed with so much history which spans around 2000 years. The castle has secret underground tunnels which were used as air-raid shelters during World War II, with room to protect well over 1,000 people. This part of the tour was our favourite. We walked the tunnel grounds whilst an audio played of air-raid sirens. It really made us feel as though we were taken back in time.
Inside the castle was just spectacular. With grande rooms, Victorian interiors and the best home library we’ve ever seen! It is said that the castle underwent a transformation carried out in the late 19th century, with some of the most lavish interiors in Britain, inspired by Gothic, Mediterranean and Arabian styles.
It also has nearly 150 acres of green space that surrounds the castle, and trees from all around the world.
We had the shortest but best time spent celebrating, eating, drinking and exploring. And we’ll definitely be back, hopefully for a longer stay next time.
Happy Sunday everyone, we hope that you are all keeping well. Like many, we are missing travelling. Scrolling through old travel pics, and reminiscing is making it even harder! We came across pictures from our Antigua holiday back in 2016 and thought to share our experience with you.
With over 365 beaches, rum punch and good food, we were certainly looking forward to our stay. So if you want a chill break and a slower pace of life, Antigua is the holiday destination for you.
Where to stay
We arranged our trip through Travel Counsellors who are absolutely fantastic. They specialise in bespoke luxury travel and tailor everything around your needs to make it a worthwhile trip. We stayed at the Verandah Resort and Spa, which is an all-inclusive resort with spacious villas that offer sea views. It is an eco-friendly resort, that boasts a spa, all-inclusive water sports and a variety of food options. The hotel also has two pools and two beaches. It definitely is a resort that attracts honeymooners and wedding parties. The resort itself, is a great place to stay but is a little bit out of the way if you want to explore the island.
Where to go
Shirley Heights: If you want to see spectacular views and stunning landscapes, then you must visit Shirley Heights. Overlooking the English Harbour and Falmouth, the views are absolutely breathtaking. If you love photography and capturing nature, Shirley Heights is the place to snap the perfect sunset. We recommended visiting Shirley Heights from 4pm on a Sunday because, once the sun goes down the music turns up! Shirley Heights is a favourite spot for both locals and tourists. The local steel band provides Caribbean music and not long after that the DJ set begins. You can party up until 10pm (a little early for us) but the atmosphere and vibe is so good . Also, we have to mention the BBQ which offers everything from fried fish to jerk chicken and of course washing it down with a glass or two of rum punch. Trust us, when we say, you will not be disappointed.
There are other activities that you can do while holidaying in sunny Antigua. For the adrenaline junkies out there, you can try diving, snorkeling, zipline through the rainforest or sail out on the calm Caribbean waters.
Where to eat
There are some great places to eat that serves the most delicious Caribbean classic dishes. The quality of foods is amazing from curried goat to fish dishes. You can try Papa Zouk where there’s a great selection of tasty seafood, or Trappas Bar & Restaurant, a casual restaurant near the English Harbour and the cocktails are pretty strong which is always a good thing! One of our favourite restaurants was Nicole’s at The Verandah Resort & Spa. An a la carte restaurant that served up some of the tastiest seafood and steaks that we have ever eaten.
Useful Tips
We recommend using US dollars, although the official currency is EC dollars. You can take both currencies but we found that things are lot easier to pay for using US dollars, especially when tipping vendors. Always check the exchange rate before travelling and go for the better rate.
We hope you enjoyed our short but sweet travel guide. When things get back to some normality and you want to spend time in paradise as well as enjoying a bit of luxury at the same time, look no further than Antigua.
We have combined the ultimate list of travel quotes to inspire you to get out and explore the world in 2021. Whether you feel stuck in a rut, demotivated or you’re simply bored and have a thirst for change and adventure then look no further!
It’s amazing how reading inspirational quotes can change your whole mood and push you to get started on your travel goals. They help you to feel inspired and encourage you to take action.
So take a scroll through our epic list of travel quotes that will surely encourage your thirst for wanderlust.
#1 ‘The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.’ Saint Augustine
#2 “If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine; it is lethal.’ Paulo Coelho
#3 ‘Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.’ Mark Twain
#4 ‘Don’t count the days. Make the days count.’ Muhammed Ali
#5 ‘I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.’ Susan Sontag
#6 ‘It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.’ Ernest Hemingway
#7 ‘Because in the end, you won’t remember the time spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.’ Jack Kerouac
#8 ‘What you have to decide… is how you want your life to be. If your ending was ending tomorrow, would this be how you’d want to have spent it? Listen, the truth is, nothing is guaranteed. So don’t be afraid, be alive.’ Sarah Desson
#9 ‘A mind that is stretched by a new experience, can never go back to its old dimensions.’ Oliver Wendell Holmes
#10 ‘Wherever you go, go with all your heart.’ Confucius
Travel has always been one of our favourite ways to not only explore the world but as a way to detox from our busy lifestyles. While travel is considered a privilege it doesn’t mean you have to be rich to enjoy the benefits a holiday destination can afford you.
We have been fortunate to explore various parts of the world while working full-time. But this wasn’t without forward planning to dip into our travel savings which helped to fund our trips.
Saving doesn’t always come naturally for many of us and it can be struggle to get the cash together for a big trip if you’re not used to being careful with your money. While we don’t suggest you have to be overly frugal we have listed our best tips and tricks to get closer to your travel savings goal!
So get out your pen and pad and jot down our savings hacks which will get you closer to your holiday destination and on the next flight out.
Set up a separate bank account
First thing first! Set yourself up a savings account that is separate from all of your other accounts. It is easy to set up an account online with pretty much any and every bank provider. This way your travel fund is totally separate from your regular money and you’ll be less inclined to dip into your travel pot. Many banks will give you rewards for opening a new account, which can include a monthly bonus or you could receive a gadget for showing loyalty. In addition, we would recommend an account which limits the number of withdrawals you can make throughout the year so you’re not tempted to touch your savings.
Set up automatic transfers
To build up your travel savings faster it would be a good idea to set up a standard order into your new account. Put a set amount from your monthly pay cheque into your new savings account. The easiest way to do this is to have cash automatically transferred from your ‘regular’ checking account each payday. For example, you could set up a £50 standard order (depending on your budget) to set aside for your travel goals. It is also a good idea to boost your savings fund with any extra cash you have leftover – whether daily, weekly or monthly – rather than buy that latte put that extra £5 into your travel account.
Get a money jar
Why not go old school and put your loose change into a money jar. We love doing this. It’s always a surprise to see how much you have accumulated over a few months. We both used to put £5 aside and saved over £150 between us in just a couple of months. Setting up a savings jar is an easy way to put money aside.
Use budgeting apps
A great way to keep your expenses low and see how much extra money you have available to boost your savings is to download a budget app. They allow you to keep track of your spending habits which can you give a clue of where to cut back on your spending. Apps like Mint are perfect to use for this. Mint allows you to keep track of and categorise your expenses, as well as set maximum spending limits for yourself.
Remember that gym membership you started in January but have yet to step inside – cancel it. Or that magazine subscription you probably don’t need, cancel that too.
Now, take a closer a look at areas that you can negotiate a better deal and pay a lower rate. For instance, do you pay a monthly fee for your bank account? Think about switching to another provider and earning a cash bonus of up to £100. Or you can check what upgrades your current provider offers and decide whether you actually need it. For example, if they offer mobile and travel insurance this can be a great asset for when you’re ready to travel. If you’re paying too much shop around and compare prices on comparison websites.
What about your Netflix account? Check out how much you’re paying each month and if you’re paying for premium consider going back to the basic plan which costs about £5.99 per month.
Don’t Give Up
While it may seem like a challenge it doesn’t have to be a struggle. Travel is one of the most rewarding experiences life has to offer and we should all get a chance to get a discover the world. Whether you’re craving new experiences or challenges by following these easy steps you’ll be on your next flight in no time!
While much of the globe is currently on hold with travel restrictions being imposed following the coronavirus pandemic there has been no better time for us to make some personal finance changes so we can get back to globetrotting!
Are you planning a dream getaway, package holiday, a solo trip or a budget trip and are stuck on ways to save for your epic journey?
In this guide, you’ll find our simple and most effective tips to save for money and embark on your latest travel adventure.
By making small changes today, before you know it you’ll be on your next flight out on a dream holiday.
Before we get started there are a few things you must consider before you begin saving money for travel.
How much are you looking to save and what is your travel budget?
Do you have any outstanding debts?
Are you currently sticking to a budget?
Do you have any ways to make some extra money?
Paying off debt
Paying off any loans or credit cards are one of the first steps you can take to make your travel goals. By freeing yourself of debts gives you more control over your money. While it can be a long journey to be completely debt-free, once you reach that goal it will give you peace of mind.
One option for borrowers is to transfer your credit card debt to a 0% balance transfer credit card where you will not be charged any interest. For example, if you owe £2,000 on your card you’ll only have to pay off the balance only. It’s important to note that some providers charge a fee on balance transfers.
If you have debt on more than one credit card it is worth paying off the most expensive card first. If, for example, you owe £1,000 on a card charging 15% interest and another £1,000 on one charging 30% concentrate on the card charging 30% and pay as much as you can. But make sure you continue to pay the minimum amounts on both credit cards because any missed payments can negatively impact your credit score.
We would also recommend that you set up a direct debit payment for all your credit cards so that you never miss a payment.
Before you begin stashing away cash for your dream destination, it is important to set yourself a savings goal. Think about your budget and how much you will need for the trip and how much money you need to save.
Have a look at your finances by creating a spreadsheet where you can clearly see how much you earn each month and the amount you spend. Or you can download a free monthly budget app onto your phone which can track your spending habits. There are also various online calculators that can help you plan a budget.
Are there any areas where you can cut back spending or subscriptions you can cancel like your current gym membership?
Once you have decided how much you need to save set up a limited access savings account and automate payments into your holiday fund each month. This way you can commit to saving for your dream trip and by using a limited savings account you’ll be less tempted to dip into your travel fund.
Let’s imagine that your budget for your trip is £1,000 and you want to save up for your dream getaway in the next four, six or 12 months. Over the next four months you’ll need to save £250, over six months roughly around £167 and in 12 months £83.
By setting realistic money saving goals you will get closer to reaching your target.
Sell your stuff
It’s amazing the amount of things we accumulate over the years that we no longer use but hold on to for whatever reason. Unless it holds sentimental value to you just get rid of it!
There are numerous websites online where you can sell unwanted clothes, furniture or sports equipment online – pretty much anything! With sites like Ebay to Amazon and Depop there are easy ways to sell your old items and make some extra cash along the way.
If you have creative talents you could even turn your handcrafted unique pieces into cash by selling on Etsy. It’s a great way to turn your hobby into something profitable and have some extra funds to add to your travel account.
Start a side hustle
Being in lockdown has given many of us a lot of time on our hands to start being a bit more creative. Maybe you wanted to start a blog or write a book but there are many different opportunities to earn extra money if you have a full-time job.
Find a side hustle that could be working from home or a second job as an Uber or Amazon driver or you could set up an online business. It doesn’t have to be something that makes you loads of money. Just something to help boost your income.
Do some research and find something which matches your talents or skill set. By doing this it will be easier for you to reach your goals and make some extra money.
Watch your savings grow
It is not an easy task but with determination and discipline you can reach your travel savings goal in no time. Check your account every couple of months to see how you’re doing.
Set yourself small targets and treat yourself as you hit each milestone.
When you reach your goal for this year’s holiday, set a new higher target for next year – maybe you could increase the number of destinations that you visit and more holidays.
Do you have any other tips to help others save for travel. Let us know in the comments!
Amsterdam, The Netherlands capital and one of the world’s most multicultural cities. Home to painter Van Gogh and Anne Frank. Known for its historic canals, museums, coffee shops, narrow houses, cyclists, bike paths and not forgetting the red-light district. We have to say one of our favourite long weekends away was spent in this city. There is so much history in Amsterdam with the most stunning buildings.
Where to stay
We stayed at the Corendon Vitality Hotel which has easy transport links and is very handy when exploring Amsterdam. The rooms are small, cosy and chic, the hotel restaurant is based on the ground floor and serves a breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner with the chefs cooking in your eye view. Our favourite part of the Corendon is the spa. We enjoyed a 60-minute hot stone massage side by side which was so relaxing! We then took advantage of the sauna and steam room after our massage. The spa also has a chill out area that comes with cushioned lounge beds where you can enjoy a quick nap. To add the extra zen there’s mood lighting that creates a soothing tranquility effect. We honestly didn’t want to leave!
Things to do
Canal Cruise: We boarded the boat in the heart of the city and chose the cruise as it’s a nice way to see Amsterdam from the water. You are given disposable earphones when seated where you then sit back and listen to a recorded tour guide. Amsterdam is so picturesque the canals and bridges are so beautiful. We chose a great day for the cruise, the sun was shining which made the cruise that extra special. The cruise is a great way to learn about Amsterdam’s history. Some of the houses built alongside the canal were built during the Dutch Golden Age and there are different stop off points. We exited the boat outside Anne Frank’s house.
Anne Frank House: Located on the Prinsengracht canal in central Amsterdam stands the house of Anne Frank along with her family and four people who hid from the Nazi persecution during World War II. We booked tickets to visit Anne Frank’s House before we left London and highly recommend booking this way to prevent queuing for ages and to avoid disappointment. Anne Frank’s House should definitely be on your to do list. The museum is full of pictures of Anne, her family and the people who lived with them. You see quotations from Anne’s diary, family photographs and film images. It’s as if you’re stepping into her mind, everything she wrote, her thought’s and how she felt at that time was quoted in the museum. You will also see original objects belonging to those in hiding. It truly was a memorable part of our trip.
Ice Bar: We wanted to experience something a little different and one evening while walking along the streets of Amsterdam we came across Amsterdam’s Ice Bar. On arrival you are given three tokens where you can treat yourself to free drinks. There are two bars, the first bar called ‘the lounge’ where you sit and enjoy some music (in the warmth) whilst sipping on a cocktail. The Ice bar is located at the back of the lounge. Before entering the -10 degree bar you are given a thermal coat and gloves. It was all fun and games before we entered lol! The Ice bar is colourfully lit with an amazing ice sculptured bar made up of 60 tons of natural ice. Even the walls were made out of ice. When ordering your drink at the bar the glasses you drink out of are also made up of ice. Even down to the seats!
Dining Experience
Supperclub: If you want a night out combined with good cuisine then look no further than Supperclub. When you arrive at the low-key venue be prepared to enter a night filled with magical festivities. It’s more than a restaurant but a place that will blow your mind from beginning until the end. On arrival guests have the option to dine at a table or can lounge on a crisp white bed and we opted for the latter. Kicking off your shoes you can lay back and await your seven-course meal before the entertainment begins. Another twist to the evening was all the dishes were a surprise, so you didn’t actually know what was on the menu. You have no idea what you are about to eat until you are served your meal. Be sure to wear your favourite socks when sat on the beds as you will be asked to remove your shoes. When booking the experience they do ask for your dietary requirements and allergies beforehand and will make a note on your reservation. The entertainment was stellar – from acrobats, to ballerinas and people in drag singing and dancing. To wrap up the evening there is an in-house DJ who keeps the night going well into the early hours.
A few days spent in the city of Las Vegas (pre-lockdown) was breathtaking. The city honestly felt like a different world! From bright lights, to fine dining, night life and great entertainment. We guarantee that there is never a dull moment when spent in Sin City.
So if you’re looking for some adventure where no two days are the same… look no further than Vegas baby!
Some people may believe that Las Vegas is just partying and gambling but this little Nevada city has so much more to offer.
Here’s our top places to visit for the ultimate girls trip to Las Vegas.
Welcome to Vegas!
You can’t start your trip without checking out the Welcome to Las Vegas sign. It’s the perfect selfie opportunity but be prepared to be met with crowds so get there early to get the best shot.
The sign is at the start of the 4.2 mile strip so be sure to get a drink, preferably a tequila cocktail and start exploring.
There is so much to see and do on the Las Vegas strip. We do recommend that you wear your comfy shoes before you begin sightseeing as it’s one heck of a trek! From gambling hotels to a variety of different restaurants and shops, the strip is lined with something different for everyone. Vegas is a great place to watch your favourite artists in concert – Caesars Palace and the MGM Grand are Vegas’ concert hotspots. You may even fancy seeing a circus act and we also recommend seeing the Bellagio fountains.
Where to stay
Las Vegas strip is known for providing a host of unique hotels, from Wynn, Excalibur Hotel and Casino and many more. We stayed at the Luxor Hotel and Casino which is shaped as an Egyptian pyramid. The hotel is named for the city of Luxor (ancient Thebes) in Egypt. It felt so surreal walking around the hotel, which is buzzing 24/7. If gambling’s your thing the Luxor has a 120,000-square-foot casino with over 2,000 slot machines and 87 table games. Luxor LasVegas includes bars, clubs, spas and restaurants. We had so much fun lounging at the outside pool which has four swimming pools and whirlpools and also has one of the largest pools in Las Vegas. The Luxor is so easy to get around and is connected to the Mandalay Bay hotel to the south and the Excalibur hotel to the north. All three hotels are connected by free express and local trams as well as walkways to get around.
Dining Experience
The two of us love to eat out at restaurants and are keen dining-enthusiasts. We were only in Vegas for three days so we didn’t get to experience all the restaurants, but have picked out a couple of our favourites.
TAO: We are massive fans of TAO and was lucky enough to experience dining at TAO in Uptown New York City. TAO Las Vegas is just as good and is known for its unique ”fine dining” experience. If you enjoy Pan-Asian food then TAO is the restaurant for you. Located inside The Venetian hotel, Tao also has its own nightclub next door if you fancy it.
Hakkasan: This restaurant is an all time favourite of ours. The whole experience from when you enter Hakkasan is five-star, the whole vibe is just perfect. The lighting is dim which creates a peaceful atmosphere and when the smell of good food hits you, you know you are in for a great time. The different courses were so mouth-watering whilst washed down with great cocktails. We recommend Jasmine tea after your meal which is so refreshing and really helps the digestive system.
Things to do:
Bus Tour: There isn’t anything better than to spend the day sightseeing in Las Vegas. We did just that on the hop-on hop-off bus tour. We traveled through Downtown Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Strip, enjoying views from the upper deck of the open-top bus. We saw the iconic ‘A Little White Chapel’ that is famously known to be the site of many quick celebrity weddings. We saw the Harley Davidson Parking Lot, Circus Circus Hotel and decided to jump off at the Mob Museum.
The Mob Museum: We love museums and thought why not visit The Mob Museum when in Vegas. A historic museum located in Downtown Las Vegas, dedicated to featuring the artifacts, stories and history of organised crime in the United States.
The Chandelier Bar: This beautiful three-floor bar is surrounded by shimmering strands of around two million beaded crystals. We sat on the top floor taking in the scenery whilst enjoying a cocktail or two. The bar is located in the centre of The Cosmopolitan Hotel. If you are looking for a sophisticated evening decorated by shimmering lights then The Chandelier Bar should be on the top of your list.
New York is a city you have to visit at least once in your lifetime. We decided to spend a long weekend in style and thought what better way to do so than in the city that never sleeps!
NYC has one of the highest rates of any tourist attraction in the world, with around 60 million people visiting each year. There are around 800 different languages spoken in New York making it the most diverse city in the world.
We had the best time and have made so many memories, there was only one issue though and that was the weather. It was absolutely freezing! The coldest we’ve ever felt in our lives. We highly recommend layering up if travelling during the winter months, we’re talking thermals lol!
We decided to spend a long weekend in NYC but we will definitely stay longer next time. There was so much to do and see with such little time, so if you’re travelling to New York for the first time we suggest writing up an itinerary before you travel with the places you want to see and eat. It really does help organize your day ahead.
This is the second trip we arranged through Travel Counsellors (here) who specialise in luxury travel and really look after you, making sure you have a trip to remember. We stayed at the Roosevelt Hotel (here) situated in the best part of town! The hotel is located at Madison Avenue in the centre of Midtown Manhattan which is great as it is a short walk from Times Square and very close to Grand Central station. We were taken aback by the decor of the hotel which is very grand and looks more old school glamour which is so nice to see as hotels are a lot more modern nowadays. We fell in love with the chandeliers but The Roosevelt’s is on another level.
Times Square
It is actually a crime to visit New York and not see Times Square (just joking). During Times Square’s busiest time around 460,000 people walk through the iconic streets. Known for the massive billboards, sparkly advertisements and not forgetting the yellow taxis which constantly drive through the busy New York traffic. The home to many great Broadway shows Times Square has so much to offer. From loads of clothes shops, the M&M store, Mac make up, sweets and milkshake shops, Disney stores and loads of bars and restaurants, there is definitely something for everyone.
Grand Central Station
Grand Central Station is the most beautiful and picturesque stations we have ever visited. Located at Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, Grand Central opened in 1913 and is one of the busiest stations in the world. We loved the turquoise decor to the ceiling.
It was great to experience travelling on the subway as we’ve seen the Subway featured in so many films and music videos. Shout out to Jlo ‘On The 6’ album lol.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is the 28th tallest building in the world, standing at 1,454 metres tall.
We took a lift to the top of the building and as it was so cold, being on top of a tall building…the wind was ridiculous! It was a struggle trying to take pictures battling the wind and cold, but being up there made up for it. The views are just breathtaking, we could see the whole of NYC!
NYC Sightseeing Cruise
A fantastic way to explore New York is by taking a boat trip. We took a ferry cruise from Midtown Manhattan on the Hudson River and it travels to the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. We were lucky that it was a very sunny day, so although we had to brave the cold it was a really lovely way to see New York on water.
TAO
If you fancy a spot of fine dining, we highly recommend TAO restaurant. The Pan-Asian dim lit restaurant was full of the most delicious food and cocktails. We dined at the TAO Uptown which has a ‘Sex and the City’ vibe to it. It is known not only for its amazing food and cocktails but the giant Buddha centerpiece in the middle of the restaurant. Once you have finished your meal, why not head downstairs to the main bar area, for some more cocktails and good music that has a club like ambiance.
Ellen’s Stardust Diner
If you want to experience a unique dining experience, you have to visit Ellen’s Stardust Diner. You can enjoy your food with singing waiters/waitresses. It is not that cheesy stuff either, the staff are true performers that will blow you away. It is a family friendly restaurant and is worth a visit if you are ever in NYC. Also, the cocktails are so good!
Sylvia’s
We could not go to to New York and not visit the ‘Queen of Soul Food’ Sylvia’s restaurant in Harlem. It is truly Southern home made comfort food and is a place you have to experience. The restaurant has a home like feel and the walls are filled with the likes of Barack Obama, Whoopi Goldberg and Nelson Mandela who are few of the famous faces who have eaten at this famous restaurant. From warm biscuit, chicken wings, ribs, macaroni and cheese to peach cobbler, there is something to suit your taste buds. Sylvia’s is a place not to miss!
Shelley&Michelle 