06/08/2025
1st-4th August 2025
Peters surprise birthday trip to New York. Bless him, he was told less than 36 hours before flying that we were going, so after a mini meltdown, he was over the moon. We also do a bucket list on 1st January every year, and one of the things was to go to a baseball game.
We flew with Virgin Atlantic, in economy seats, like most economy seats, they are basic and not exactly roomy, however, I'm short and it doesn't make much difference to me. Staff as always on Virgin were really nice, polite and can't do enough for you. The food on offer was a good variety, and enjoyable, and the drinks trolley came round frequently, however, you can still walk up the plane and ask for whatever you want. Their entertainment system is called VERA and there is lots of choice or films, shows, games etc on there, and there is charging for mobiles onboard too, as well as WiFi.
We landed in JFK, immigration is far quicker and easier than last time I was there so that was a relief. I had booked transport through Carmellimos, but there are lots of car companies around so lots of choice. Word of warning - JFK is undergoing a major refurbishment, pick up and drop offs looks like a car park, nothing moving, and it took so long for the driver to arrive because of the chaos.
We stayed at the Hyatt Grand Central Hotel - OMG, it was sooooooo nice. Rooms were large, super king sized bed, full bathroom, walk in closet, and very modern. Also we had lounge access (which was luckily on our floor) and it was nice to be able to sit outside with a drink at the end (or beginning) of the day in peace and quiet. You CANNOT buy the lounge access, you have to book it with your room if available.
Staff at this hotel go above and beyond, I can't praise them enough.
We chose to travel the subway, everyone has always told me that its confusing, however, if you have negotiated the London Underground, this is really just the same, expect their lines have numbers instead of names.
I'll post photos of this amazing trip for your perusal and if you have any questions please ask, there is too much to list on here and you'll get bored of reading it all.
We upgraded our flight home to Virgin's premium class, and it was actually cheaper to purchase at the desk than it was to do it online, that isn't always the case, and I would always say book the best you can afford on a long haul flight, but we took a chance and it paid off.
Everything we did, was purchased through my little travel consultancy - flights, hotel, transport to and from the airport, baseball games, attractions - literally everything.
So, if this is your thing, drop me a message or call me on 07380212292, I can book anything you require from leaving your house to your return.
Watch out for my next travels in September
