New York New York!!!!

Gang on tour!! Read more

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Trip start
December 5, 2025
New York New York!!!!
Heathrow - New York here we come!!!!
December 5, 2025 in England
Smooth journey to Heathrow, now sat at the boarding gate, let the fun begin!!! 🎉🎉🎉
TravelerGlad you're feeling better Lara. Ian wasn't looking forward to going on his own.🤣 Have a great time.
12/5/25Reply
TravelerThank you! Am so much better, thank goodness, thought Ian was going to have to leave me behind 😳😳😳 xxx
12/5/25Reply
TravelerHappy travels 😊
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TravelerThank you 🙏🏻
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New York New York!!!!
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We made it!!!
December 5, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ -1 °C
5 years later than originally planned we are in New York 🎉🎉🎉
We flew Premium Economy which was a first for Lara & Ian, it was brilliant!!
We are staying at the Riu Plaza Times Square, we wandered across to Times Square to see the famous billboards and the new New Year ball, it was very noisy & cold but great to see it🥶
We then grabbed pizzas at Don Giovannis before heading back to our hotel for a well earned rest.😋Read more
Traveler Spot the neon! 🤣
12/6/25Reply
Traveler😆
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Traveler Was that to share? 🤔
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TravelerOh gosh yes! 😆😆
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Central Park - part 1
December 6, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 2 °C
Beautiful and cold day spent at Central Park. Jono volunteered tour guide duties today, he planned a really good walking route around the park, picking out lots of places to visit.
We started the day catching the subway to the Plaza Hotel, made famous by the Home Alone 2 film, then walked around Central Park, it was busy, yet still quite peaceful. It is so much bigger than we expected!! Such a beautiful place ❤️❤️❤️Read more
Traveler Used in so many TV shows and films.
12/8/25Reply
TravelerDid you visit Strawberry Fields - the John Lennon memorial?
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Traveler What a very happy pic 😊
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Traveler So calm and beautiful in the cold
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Central Park - Part 2
December 6, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C
Pit stop at the Boathouse - the food menu was more for large meals, so we decided on a liquid lunch!! Bar men were not that friendly, they got Jo’s drink wrong and 1/2 filled Cindy’s glass with ice then filled it with half a can of coke and threw the rest away 😳
We still enjoyed ourselves and the view!
Then we had a hot nut and hot dog stand stop, both of which were so good!! 🤤
Saw lots of squirrels too!!
We stopped at Elf bridge, famous for the snowball scene in the film Elf.
We had a bit of fun by the YMCA, then on to the John Lennon memorial, Strawberry Fields, near to where he was assassinated on 8th December 1980 near the Dakota building, which is opposite the memorial. Someone was playing a guitar & singing Imagine, a lovely moment ❤️Read more
Traveler Nice job 👍
12/8/25Reply
Traveler Even better job....
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TravelerEvocative singing of Imagine. Nice 😊
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TravelerThe great thing about being in a group is all the different photos and videos! I ca’t take credit for this one!
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Central Park - part 3
December 6, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C
We ended our Central Park trip at Belvedere Castle, one of the most iconic features in Central Park, the miniature castle is located on top of a the huge rock known as Vista Rock, the second highest natural point in Central Park. Stunning views & a great final stop.
We then ventured on our first subway trip, when we eventually found the subway - which was a feat in itself! It was only eventful because of the force when the train first moves - Jo got flung halfway across the carriage & was saved by Graham, fortunately all was well and it gave us something else to laugh about!! Lesson in making sure you hold on tight before it moves!
Next stop the much anticipated Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Centre 🙌Read more
TravelerLooks like you a very comprehensive tour of Central Park. Much bigger than you think.
12/8/25Reply
TravelerWe did have a good guide in Jon, he had done his research!! Yes it’s huge, think we covered 1/2!!
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New York New York!!!!
Rockefeller Centre - part one
December 6, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 4 °C
Comedy or farce?!!!
Woah the crowds trying to get to the Rockefeller Centre were crazy! They are something else! We had booked via Viator the VIP experience and finding the VIP entrance in the crowds was almost impossible 😳😳 we finally made it, only to find that the Viator tickets hadn’t been booked through properly, so our 4.30pm booked slot wasn’t available 🤬🤬 after some arguments with the staff we were put onto the 6.30pm slot and allowed to wait it out in the VIP lounge with drinks. We heard the tour overview and safety briefings at least 5 times before hysteria set in!!! A big thank you to Joseph for looking after us and entertaining us with his increasingly higher pitched voice every time a Viator ticket holder came in!!!Read more
TravelerI feel a complaint coming on! 😠
12/9/25Reply
TravelerDefinitely when we get home!
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TravelerOh dear - not good.
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Rockefeller Centre - Part 2
December 6, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 4 °C
After the nightmare start, our tour leader Cameron did a sterling job of explaining everything about Rockefeller and expediting us through the whole experience. We had no idea that so many buildings make up the Rockefeller Centre! He also advised us that 125 million people visit in December each year, which explained the crowds of people everywhere around & inside the centre 🤯🤯 Our tickets enabled us to skip all the queues and have a brilliant experience 😍
We did the new Skylift a groundbreaking, heart-pounding 360 degree experience that takes you higher than ever before. Then we skipped the queues for the Beam experience.
Replicating the iconic 1932 photo depicting 11 ironworkers lunching precariously on a steel beam, 69 stories high, it was taken right here during the construction of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Following in their fearless footsteps we buckled up for an exhilarating ascent above the deck. They were astonishing views of NYC’s incredible night time skyline.
A brilliant end to a very long and mixed day!!! 🤩Read more
TravelerMakes the one at Battersea Power Station a bit of an anti climax although it was still good 😂
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Traveler😆
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Traveler Brilliant 😊
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Grand Central Terminal
December 7, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 4 °C
We visited Grand Central Terminal, what a beautiful place! The iconic zodiac ceiling features 12 gold-leaf constellations and 2500 stars, 59 of which are LED-illuminated. Very busy terminal.
There is a gorgeous golden clock in the centre, above the Info Booth, the clock, like all those in the terminal, is accurate to within 1 second every 20 billion years, calibrated to the atomic clock in the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, DC and is valued at $20 million or more.
The Whispering Gallery amongst the arches, creates an acoustical phenomenon. We split into 2 groups & Jo & Cindy leant their heads into opposite corners of the gallery, and we could hear them clearly from across the room — even with all Grand Central Terminal’s hustle and bustle - amazing!! 🤩
We also managed to see the Holiday Train Show, a tradition that captures the magic of miniature trains and New York City during the holidays, brilliant set up!Read more
Traveler Cheesy grin to go with it too 😊
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Traveler Love that 👍
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Grand Central Terminal ctd & Bryant Park
December 7, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C
We did have a couple of pit stops at Grand Central Terminal- be rude not too! We had a drink stop in a beautiful terrace bar at the terminal & after a wander around a lunch stop at the Shake Shack - Ian was happy as he had his favourite coffee milkshake!!!
We then had a look around outside and made our way to Bryant Park and the Christmas fair which was crazy busy 😳😳Read more
Traveler Are you the only customers?
12/10/25Reply
TravelerYes we were! Well it was quite early when we got there 😆😆
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Traveler Looks like he's got wind.....? 😜🤣
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Dinner cruise along the Hudson River
December 7, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C
We had booked a dinner cruise along the Hudson River to celebrate Cindy, Jon & Graham’s 60th birthdays & Cindy & Graham’s 40th anniversary, a 5 course dinner with a live band sounded great fun!
After a slightly stressful trip to Pier 36, (it was not the simplest location to find) and a short wait in the very cold evening air, we boarded our boat, Louisa of the seas.
It was a great evening, the food was not the best, but the band were brilliant, the atmosphere was buzzing, the staff attentive and the scenery was stunning 🤩 The band came around to our table to serenade our birthday gang to a rendition of happy birthday too 🎉🎂
New York skyline at night at its best with a ride right alongside the Statue of Liberty - perfect 👌🏻
We decided to Uber it back to the hotel, lots of fun & games with Cindy hunched up in the back one minute, then flung back like on a sun bed the next!! We got the giggles 🤭 and laughed most of the way back!
A great evening had by all!!!Read more
Traveler Wow, that's a steak!
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Traveler Great shot 😊
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Traveler 🤣🤣
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New York New York!!!!
Oculus at the World Trade Centre
December 8, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ -2 °C
Oculus is a stunning monument to the 911 victims, with white steel ribs, designed to resemble a dove in flight, symbolizing peace and resilience. It is a transportation hub connecting 12 subway lines, with over 100 shops and additional dining places.
The central skylight aligns with the sun on September 11th, creating a "Wedge of Light" that illuminates the main hall. It is a stunning building in the shadows of the World Trade Centre, next to the 911 memorial & museum.
We had a wander around the 2 large reflecting pools which mark precisely the locations of the north & south towers, they are 30 feet deep with waterfalls. It was a freezing cold day!
We also visited St Paul’s church nicknamed the “Little Chapel That Stood": Located just yards from the WTC, it was protected by a large sycamore tree that took the brunt of falling debris, leaving the chapel intact. It also has the Bell of Hope: Trinity Church rings this bell to honor victims of tragedy and promote peace. Very thought provoking.
Huge wraps for lunch!!!Read more
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New York New York!!!!
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Brooklyn Bridge walk
December 8, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ -2 °C
We joined a Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO walking tour this afternoon, the weather was freezing, with wind chill -10 degrees!! 🥶
Our guide Cherie from Brooklyn, was extremely informative and willing to take a lot of photos of us!!!
Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic hybrid suspension/cable-stayed bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn over the East River, famous for its stone towers, steel cables, and Gothic arches. Opened in 1883, it was the world's longest suspension bridge at the time and the first to use steel wire, featuring a pedestrian promenade, bike path, and vehicle lanes.
We had amazing views whilst crossing, fortunately our thermals kept us warm apart from our eyes!! 😆Read more
Traveler Send them back! 🤣
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Traveler😆😆
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New York New York!!!!
DUMBO
December 8, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ -2 °C
After a freezing cold walk across Brooklyn Bridge we walked around DUMBO - An acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.
Famous for the view of the Manhattan Bridge perfectly framing the Empire State Building from Washington Street. There are cobblestone streets, converted brick warehouses, and modern luxury buildings.
We went to Jacques Torres chocolatier to warm up with a delicious hot chocolate, then we wandered across to Empire Stores and were taken to a stunning rooftop terrace with views across both Brooklyn & Manhattan bridges.
We also went up close to Jane’s carousel, a beautifully restored, antique carousel housed in a glass pavilion with views of the Manhattan skyline. Originally built in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, it was purchased by Jane and David Walentas, who painstakingly restored it before it opened to the public in 2011.
We also had a peek at the ice rink.
We ended the day back at our hotel for food and drinks.
All in all a brilliant day - if a bit chilly!!!Read more
TravelerNicely framed photos.
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Traveler🙌
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Little Island & Chelsea Market
December 9, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ -3 °C
We caught the subway to Little Island, opened in spring 2021 at Pier 55, it is a one-of-a-kind public park seemingly "floating" on the Hudson River like a leaf. It was a cold & sunny morning, yet surprisingly warm sat in a sunny spot on the island! Beautiful scenery and a lovely quiet oasis in the city.
After, we wandered to Chelsea Market, which was constructed in the 1890s and was originally the site of the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) factory complex where the Oreo cookie was invented and produced. The complex was redeveloped in the 1990s and is now a retail area at ground level with office space above. Lots of little artisan stalls and shops and eateries, great place for a pit stop!Read more
Traveler Don’t think that bike is going very far😂
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Traveler Glad to see the lights are blue😁
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TravelerInteresting looking area.
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TravelerIt was a really lovely day x
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New York New York!!!!
The High Line
December 9, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ -1 °C
We walked the High Line from Chelsea Market to the Vessel & Hudson’s Yard.
The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long (2.33 km) elevated public park, greenway, and rail trail built on a historic, abandoned freight rail line on Manhattan’s West Side with unique views of New York City and the Hudson River.Read more
TravelerThey know how to do Christmas in NYC that's for sure. 👍
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TravelerIn parts yes, but to be honest it has generally been underwhelming to what we were expecting
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TravelerWow, I'm surprised from the pics as they looked excellent. Nice weather though! 🤗
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TravelerYes we were too, decs better in the tourist areas like Rockefeller and 5th avenue x
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TravelerSo much going on there. A real battering of the senses.
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New York New York!!!!
The Vessel by day
December 9, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ -2 °C
The Vessel is a 16-story landmark and climbable sculpture located at the heart of the Hudson Yards Public Square, it stands 150 feet tall, with a base diameter of 50 feet that expands to 150 feet at its peak. Constructed from a steel frame clad in polished, copper-colored stainless steel, which reflects the surrounding urban environment. The skeleton of the structure was manufactured in Venice, Italy, and shipped to the U.S. in several batches before being assembled on-site like a giant puzzle.
It was stunning!Read more
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New York New York!!!!
Hudson’s Yard by day
December 9, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ -1 °C
Hudson Yards a 28-acre neighborhood on Manhattan's West Side, located between 30th and 34th Streets from 10th to 12th Avenues. It is the largest private real estate development in U.S. history, with a projected total cost exceeding $25 billion. The district features high-rise office towers, luxury residences, more than 100 shops, diverse culinary experiences, and 14 acres of public open space.
It had the most beautifully decorated shopping mall & delicious food places!Read more
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The Edge by day
December 9, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 1 °C
The Edge - located in Hudson’s yard, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, with a glass floor and angled glass walls for unique photo opportunities. Breathtaking 360-degree views of the New York City skyline on floor 100 and a few scary glass platform areas!!
Fantastic views before and during sunset, and continued views at the bar!! 🙌🙌Read more
Traveler Not a bad view with a beer or two.
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TravelerMuch needed too!!!!
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Traveler Great view of the Empire State.
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New York New York!!!!
The Edge at night
December 9, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C
Views at night from the Edge, just stunning!
TravelerSome great views with a lot of lights!!
12/12/25Reply
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New York New York!!!!
The Vessel & Hudson’s yard at night
December 9, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 1 °C
The Vessel & Hudson’s yard at night was magical, more stunning views.
Ended up at Juniors for a late dinner, home to New York's most iconic Cheesecake since 1950. The food and cheesecake were incredible & huge portions!!!Read more
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New York New York!!!!
911 museum & memorial
December 10, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C
We headed back to the Oculus for our tour of the 911 memorial pools and museum. Just a few pictures taken, hard to put into words the effect it has on you.
Located at the World Trade Center 9/11, the Memorial Museum honors the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993, recognizes the courage of those who survived, and salutes those who risked their lives to help others. It tells the story of 9/11 through media, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts, lots of personal stories of loss, recovery, and hope.
Very thought provoking & interesting, the museum actually runs underneath the memorial pools, an incredible feat.Read more
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New York New York!!!!
Broadway, Rockefeller tree & SAKS lights
December 10, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 5 °C
After 3 hours at the museum, we grabbed lunch at the Oculus and went back to our hotel for a rest!
We then headed out early evening and saw a hilarious play on Broadway at New World Stages, ‘The Play that goes Wrong’ genius comedic timing, a great way to spend the evening, thoroughly recommend it! The theatre was tiny, held less than 500 people and we were sat on the front row!!! Jo accidentally got spat on by one of the actors they were so close 😆😆
After that, we wandered to Rockefeller to see the tree and angels lit up at night, then watched the SAKS light show, a magical end to another great day!Read more
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New York New York!!!!
Macy’s & Tiffany’s
December 11, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 0 °C
We had read great things about Macy’s department store and especially their Christmas displays. We made it through the crowds to the 7th floor and the Christmas floor, the whole store reminded us all of Debenhams but on a bigger scale! Jo bought a couple of snowmen & we then fought our way back out of the store & made our way to Tiffany’s flagship store on 5th Avenue, which was stunning, Jo & Cindy bought some bracelets.Read more
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New York New York!!!!
Trump Towers & St Patrick’s Cathedral
December 11, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 1 °C
We had to make a stop at Trump Towers for a look, to be fair it was pretty impressive inside with all the decorations.
We stopped for a bit of lunch then continued along 5th Avenue and came to St Patrick’s cathedral which is a masterpiece of decorated Neo-Gothic architecture, and is the largest Gothic Revival Catholic church in North America.Read more
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5th Avenue & Carlos Bake Shop
December 11, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 2 °C
We continued along 5th Avenue & then decided to split up, Jo & Jon wanted to carry on to the empire state & flat iron building (which is currently undergoing renovations), the rest of us wanted to head toward Hard Rock Cafe.
We decided to stop at Carlos bake shop, the owner is know as the Cake Boss, made famous by Buddy Valastro, an Italian-American baker who stars in the hit TLC reality show that follows him and his family at their Hoboken, NJ bakery, Carlo's Bakery, as they create elaborate, gravity-defying, custom-designed cakes for all occasions, turning a local shop into a global brand. We had cookies and hot chocolate yum!
Then onto Hard Rock Cafe so Ian & Graham could buy hats & t shirts.
Our last evening we decided to return to Don Giovanni, where we ate the first night, for a delicious meal of pasta 🤤Read more
Traveler That looks a huge lump.🤣
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Traveler😆😆😆
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TravelerI meant the tiramasu of course
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TravelerShocking comment. Disgraceful from a friend! First he's a vessel, now he's a lump 🤣🤣🤣
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Traveler😆😆😆
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Traveler😆😆
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