I hesitate to admit this but I’m currently in the Big Apple and it is my 4th time in the last 12 months. I typically save my travel dollars to see new sights but obviously I just can’t get enough of NYC. I went with the DHS Academy of Finance, then on a business trip with my hubby, then my high school graduate wanted to return last summer for his graduation trip and now…I’m with my mom and Aunt who “needed” someone to guide them. I jumped at the chance.
I could plan a trip to NYC by myself but I prefer not to. I’ve mentioned my friend Danielle before…I pretty much won’t go anywhere without her advice. Typically for places I’ve never been I hand her the planning reins, answer a few questions, then let her lead the way. For NYC, she has been on hand to help me with restaurant choices, the best time to buy flights, tips and tricks for getting tickets to live tapings like The Tonight Show and Good Morning America. Most importantly, I won’t choose a hotel without her ever again.
Typically this is how we plan NYC…we start with figuring out flights….Have you heard of skiplagged? It’s pretty cool…one of my BFF’s that lives in Hoboken and travels the world told me about it.
Back to Danielle, we chat about what I want to do/see/eat and then she helps me choose a hotel in a central location. She can help you with cheap, fancy, well-located, hip, cool, extravagant views… whatever. I kinda just give her my price range and let her decide. I’ve never been disappointed. Two of her NYC Hotel choices for me recently: Cambria Chelsea and The Marlton in Greenwich Village. Danielle can get a better deal than you (or me)…I promise.
Then we start planning our itinerary. She’s seen a lot of Broadway shows and recommended one of my favorites EVER (Beautiful). This time we are going to see Waitress (currently starring Jason Mraz) and the Rockettes. I wish like anything I knew Danielle several years ago when I wasted a small fortune on my least favorite show ever (Book of Mormon). I’ve since learned to read the story lines before purchasing show tickets.
Planning where to eat is another area of expertise for Danielle. She told me about La Esquina and I’m about to go there for my third time this year. It may be my single favorite restaurant on the east coast. Freeman’s is on my list for Saturday night thanks to Danielle…it is hidden at the end of an alley. I can’t wait to try it. The Mulberry Project...oh my…what a hip cool awesome little hidden gym in the middle of Little Italy. My hubby and I loved The Little Owl (I’m now friends with the bartender on Facebook). And finally, Burger Boy could not get enough of Katz Deli. Maybe I would have found some of these on my own? Probably not all of them and I certainly wouldn’t have known all the reservation rules that Danielle understands like the back of her hand.
I’m not getting paid to tell you about Danielle…this is NOT a paid advertisement. I simply wanted to share a few NYC travel secrets and also spread the news that if you need help planning a trip there’s nobody better than Danielle. She’s helped me plan trips to Turks and Caicos, San Diego, Ireland, Laguna Nigel, and more. I’ve heard her European trips are unbelievable…particularly Italy. Any trip would be better with Danielle helping to make the itinerary. Here’s the link to her website: http://www.planititineraries.com/
You’re welcome.
We saw Waitress over the Columbus Day long weekend. It was excellent! The music was fantastic. We went to a Saturday matinee. There were a few parts that I felt were inappropriate for kids.
I forgot to add Danielle is helping us plan our trip to Europe next July. She is excellent and very knowledgeable! I highly recommend her.