Ten Must-See Highlights in New York City
From the vibrant atmosphere of the High Line to the serene beauty of Central Park, New York City is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. In this blog post, we’re going to highlight ten must-do activities and attractions that capture the very essence of this incredible metropolis. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy! 1. Visit the High Line First up on our list is the High Line, an elevated park built on a disused railway line that stretches over a mile along Manhattan’s West Side. It begins at Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District and continues north to 34th Street at Hudson Yards. This unique park offers a fresh perspective of the city, featuring beautiful gardens, fascinating art installations, and inviting seating areas along its path. My wife Mardi and I often take a stroll here, enjoying sweet treats from nearby vendors as we soak in the views. Expect to spend about one to two hours wandering this urban oasis! 2. Explore Greenwich Village Next, make your way to Greenwich Village, a neighborhood renowned for its bohemian vibe and historic charm. Begin your adventure at Washington Square Park and admire the iconic arch, where 5th Avenue commences. Grab a coffee at one of the many quaint cafés and meander through the picturesque streets lined with charming brownstones. It’s a haven for architecture and art enthusiasts. Don’t forget to check out the striking Picasso statue located on the grounds of NYU! 3. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum At number three, we have the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, a poignant tribute to the lives lost on September 11, 2001. The twin reflecting pools are thoughtfully positioned where the Twin Towers once stood, creating a profound sense of remembrance. Inside the museum, visitors can delve into the events of that tragic day and learn about the resilience of the human spirit. The surrounding area has been beautifully restored and is worth exploring, featuring architectural marvels like One World Trade Center and the striking Oculus. Designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, the Oculus symbolizes peace and hope while serving as a transportation hub and shopping center. 4. Take a Ferry to Staten Island Next, let’s take a ride on the Staten Island Ferry! This free ferry offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline, providing an excellent way to experience the harbor without spending a dime. Don’t forget to pack your camera for incredible photo opportunities! The ferry departs from the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan near Battery Park and arrives at the Staten Island terminal at St. George. 5. Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art Our fifth destination is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, better known simply as The Met. Home to over two million works of art, it ranks among the largest and most prestigious museums in the world. You can spend an entire day exploring its vast collections, which include everything from Ancient Egyptian artifacts to masterpieces by iconic artists like Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh. 6. Explore Central Park You can’t visit New York City without spending some time in Central Park, the world’s largest outdoor museum, featuring 141 statues across a sprawling 843 acres. This iconic green oasis is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or even renting a bike to explore. Be sure to check out the Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Belvedere Castle, and the Sheep Meadow, which was famously depicted in “Wall Street.” One of our favorites is the elusive Still Hunt—see if you can find him! 7. Hamilton Sights For history buffs, particularly fans of Alexander Hamilton, there are several sights worth visiting. Begin with the Hamilton Grange National Memorial in Saint Nicholas Park, where Hamilton’s beautifully restored home allows you to learn about his life and legacy. Next, visit the stunning Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House located in lower Manhattan, which houses the National Museum of the American Indian. Then, explore Wall Street—the financial heart of America, where Hamilton established the nation’s financial system. Don’t miss Trinity Church, where Hamilton is buried, and Hamilton Park in Weehawken, New Jersey, commemorates the duel between Hamilton and Aaron Burr, offering picturesque views of the New York City skyline. 8. Enjoy a Broadway Show No visit to New York is complete without experiencing the magic of a Broadway show! From timeless musicals to captivating dramas, there’s something to suit every taste. Be sure to book your tickets in advance for an unforgettable night of theatre. Rather than relying on the TKTS booth, we find it enjoyable to keep an eye on newsletters and wander the theater district in search of unique shows. Remember, there’s more to Broadway than just the performances—explore the Broadway Museum, too! 9. Visit the Tenement Museum At number nine, we recommend venturing off the beaten path to the Tenement Museum located at 109 Orchard Street on the Lower East Side. This museum provides a fascinating look into the lives of immigrants who resided in historic tenement buildings during the 19th and 20th centuries. The guided tours immerse you in the authentic experiences of the past, revealing how ordinary people shaped the city. Don’t forget to stop by Katz’s Delicatessen just three blocks away—it’s open 24 hours, so you can savor a delicious pastrami sandwich whenever you’re hungry! 10. Explore the American Museum of Natural History Lastly, make sure to visit the American Museum of Natural History, home to over 33 million specimens. If you have a passion for dinosaurs, the cosmos, or the ocean, this museum is a must-see. With one of the most impressive collections of dinosaur fossils in the world, you’ll be awestruck standing beneath the towering T. rex skeleton and exploring exhibits that span millions of years. The butterfly exhibit is also a beloved highlight! Plan your visit, as it can get crowded and there’s a lot to take in. There you have it—ten remarkable experiences in New York City, each offering a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of this dynamic city. Whether you’re exploring the rich history, immersing yourself in the arts, or simply enjoying the
Discovering My Long Flight Essentials: A Comprehensive Guide
Find out what’s in my bag when I pack my long flight essentials. A deep dive into travel gear for 2024. Travel gear essentials brought to you by an experienced traveller! The Importance of Planning for Long-Haul Flights Long-haul flights can range from seven hours to over 17 hours, so having the right onboard kit can greatly enhance your comfort and entertainment during such journeys. I typically categorise my in-flight essentials into six groups, which I’ll cover in detail, and stick around until the end to see how I organise everything at home between trips. This post will delve into everything I bring onboard that I use during the flight. Items I pack for my destination will be saved for another discussion, so if that interests you, let me know in the comments! I’ve written an ebook on long flight essentials – click this image to get your free copy! Travel Outfit Strategy Choosing the right travel outfit is crucial for comfort throughout the journey. My go-to attire consists of merino wool leggings, a merino wool long-sleeved t-shirt, a loose, lightweight dress, a snug cashmere cardigan, and a serape—a versatile garment that’s part scarf, part cape. I complete the outfit with no-show socks and comfortable sneakers, usually my reliable black Nike Air Force Ones. Given that we frequently travel between the southern and northern hemispheres, I find myself adapting to dramatically different climates. While I typically board the plane in the dress, I arrive at my destination dressed in the full outfit, especially if I land in a wintery location like New York. I also keep my winter coat and gloves in my carry-on for easy access. For the flight, I switch into relaxed tracky pants and an oversized t-shirt, ensuring maximum comfort. Before we land, I change back into my travel outfit, helping to prevent any spills or signs of discomfort from remaining on my clothes. During the flight, I prefer to go barefoot and wear thongs (flip-flops) for visits to the toilet, storing them in a separate shoe bag to keep everything else tidy. Health and Comfort Essentials Let’s explore my health and comfort items. I store my prescription medication in a contact lens case for convenience. One side holds a gel I apply nightly, while the other contains my pills. My “just-in-case” medications encompass paracetamol, ibuprofen, a non-drowsy antihistamine, nasal decongestant spray, chewable antacids, and saline nasal spray—essential for combatting dry cabin air that often leads to headaches. Additionally, I carry a small pack of tissues, Hydralyte sachets for hydration, and melatonin gummies and Tylenol PM for sleep. To maintain freshness, I take anti-perspirant deodorant wipes and hand sanitising wipes, which are more compact than liquids. Regarding dental care, I usually rely on Qantas to provide toothbrushes and toothpaste but will pack a travel-sized version if flying with other airlines. I also take compression stockings, though I seldom wear them, as they can sometimes make my feet uncomfortably hot. Watch my ultimate long-haul flight comfort video if you’re interested in more tips to stay comfortable during long travels. Skincare and Beauty Routine Onboard You may have seen in that video that I like to do skincare routines on flights, and I can attest to how refreshing they can be for combating dry air while signalling to my brain that it’s almost sleep time. Before landing, I repeat my morning skincare routine as well. I have a scrunchie handy for my hair, and I use a handheld mirror for quick checks. My nighttime skincare pack includes an oil-based makeup removing wipe, cleansing wipes, hydrating mist, eye cream, and a nourishing moisturiser. For daytime, I use a tinted moisturiser, some blush, an eyebrow pencil, and a subtle lip colour for a fresh appearance upon landing. Given the sensitivities of fellow travellers, I choose to forgo strong perfumes, opting instead for a rollerball when necessary. Tech Essentials for Travel No long haul is complete without technology. My iPad is essential, along with my phone, AirPods, and Bose QuietComfort noise-cancelling headphones for entertainment. I also pack charging gear, including a compact plug-in charger, USB-C cables, and a robust power bank, ensuring that my devices stay powered throughout the journey. I have a silicone neck cord for the AirPods so I don’t lose them in the seat if I fall asleep, and take an Airfly so I can watch the inflight movies using Bluetooth. Miscellaneous Travel Items My miscellaneous essentials include a nail file, glasses cleaning cloth, a pen for immigration documents, and a small jewellery pouch to keep my accessories safe while I sleep. A handheld fan is also a great addition if the cabin gets stuffy. Finally, my passport and wallet are always on the packing list! Packing Strategies for a Long Flight Now, let’s explore how I pack all these essentials. My travel strategy is tailored based on the storage available in the cabin. In economy or premium economy, a spacious sling bag forms my personal item, containing most of my essentials. When I have more space, I utilise four distinct bags to organise my gear efficiently. My first bag is a packing cube for my change of clothes (tracky pants, t-shirt, slippers, compression stockings, etc.), while the second holds my skincare and beauty supplies in a clear liquids bag. For my essential medications and personal items, a small pouch keeps everything handy, and my tech gear fits neatly into another designated tech bag. [soliloquy id=”18222″] Organising Between Trips When I’m not travelling, I maintain an organised system for all my items. Skincare, makeup, and tech gear are stored in boxes specifically designated for travel items, while consumables are rotated in and out as needed. This well-structured organisation ensures that everything stays in order and is ready for the next adventure. Conclusion I hope this detailed guide on my long-haul flight essentials provides you with valuable insights for your future travels. If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the
