A fortnight in New York: planning a family getaway
Taking your family on holiday abroad can be fun, but it can also require a lot of forethought. Therefore, you may want to leave some time between planning and taking your trip, so that you can try to encompass everything. This can not only allow you to save up those funds, but also help you to consider how to make the trip less stressful for yourselves and your children.
Book ahead of time
It may be tempting to hold out on booking anything to do with your holiday to see if the prices drop. While this might occur, you may also find that your chosen flight, accommodation, or activity is no longer available. Should you wish to buy New York theatre tickets to see different shows, you may want to do your research as soon as possible. Not only could this be important should some events be on for only a few nights, you might find that, for newer shows, tickets sell out quickly due to high demand. Getting yourself onto a notification list, and making those bookings as soon as tickets become available, could help you to avoid disappointment.
Learn to save money
Being able to go on holidays, particularly abroad, may depend entirely on your finances. You may need to set a budget that is both realistic and feasible. This means that your destination and activities might need to differ, especially if you want your holiday to take place in the near future. To maximise the money you have for your travels, you might want to consider taking it out of your current account and storing it in a high interest savings account. This could help to avoid the temptation to spend it on other things, and help that money to grow in the meantime.
Keep your children in mind
While you might have been on many holidays abroad in your lifetime, this could be a completely new experience for your children. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the things they would like to do, as well as for yourselves. At the same time, you might also want to think about a few practicalities that might make your holiday, particularly the travelling aspect, a bit simpler. Young children may get upset due to pressure changes when flying, or even bored during lengthy times spent on a plane. Due to this, it could be a good idea to take on some tips from other parents about how best to keep children happy and entertained. This may not only allow you to relax a bit more, but can also make the flight a little more pleasant for others sitting around you.
Plan travel logistics
If you’re located in the south of Essex, London Southend Airport may be your closest travel option. This airport offers flights to a variety of destinations, including some major European cities as well as a few locations in the US. However, as of 2023, there are no direct flights from Southend to New York, so you may need to connect through another airport.
If you’re based in the north or west of Essex, London Stansted Airport is another option to consider. This airport offers direct flights to several major US cities, including New York, as well as a wide range of European destinations.
Alternatively, if you live in the east of the county, you might consider flying out of London City Airport. While this airport doesn’t offer as many flights as some of the larger London airports, it does have direct flights to New York, as well as some other international destinations.
Get your travel documents in order
Passports can take several weeks to process, so it’s important to apply well in advance of your travel dates. You can apply for a passport online or through the post. Make sure to check the expiration date of your passport as well, as some countries may require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
Visa requirements for the United States vary depending on your country of citizenship. If you’re from the UK or another country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you may be eligible to travel to the US without a visa for up to 90 days. However, you’ll still need to apply for authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) at least 72 hours before your trip.
In conclusion, planning a family getaway to New York requires careful consideration and preparation, particularly when it comes to travel, accommodations, and activities. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, such as booking ahead of time, saving money, and keeping your children in mind, you can help ensure that your trip is enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.
