New York break at xmas for wife's 40th

mikeopvc

It's my wife's 40th birthday on December 30th and I was thinking of doing something special for her, someone suggested a New York break but I'm a bit sceptical (not sure why)

Just thought to post on here for any advice and possibly any suggestions as to where I might get the best deal.
I want it to be special but on the other hand don't want to spend a fortune (I'm tight honest just an MSE fan):D

Do's and don'ts welcome please and if anyone has any tips on restaurants, shows etc that would be great.

phatbear

My first tip is to visit the NY section of this forum:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2230655

my 2nd suggestion is if you dont want to spend a fortune dont go!! The two most expensive times to go to NY are christmas and new year, which you would appear to be there for both.

Of course a fortune depends on your finances but it will be silly money.

Edit: I stand corrected just priced a trip up and its not a lot more than our summer holidays in NY hmmmm Im tempted now.

Voyager2002

Bear in mind that New York is VERY cold at that time of year. Why not consider Rome?

mikeopvc

phatbear wrote: »

My first tip is to visit the NY section of this forum:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2230655

my 2nd suggestion is if you dont want to spend a fortune dont go!! The two most expensive times to go to NY are christmas and new year, which you would appear to be there for both.

Of course a fortune depends on your finances but it will be silly money.

Edit: I stand corrected just priced a trip up and its not a lot more than our summer holidays in NY hmmmm Im tempted now.

a fortune would be anything over £3k

mikeopvc

Voyager2002 wrote: »

Bear in mind that New York is VERY cold at that time of year. Why not consider Rome?

Don't mind the cold really, more of a sweater & jeans person to t-shirt & shorts.
Besides I hear New York is a great place to be at xmas time.
Might even try the outdoor ice skating thing

davetrousers

Very cold means colder than sweater and jeans.

Is this to be a surprise for your missus?

phatbear

the other variables are do you want to be there for xmas and new year or just xmas, or just new year etc etc.

To do both you will be staying for approx a week and then the price will shoot up.

I personally book everything through expedia why not price the holiday up and then see if anyone can get it any cheaper for you

mikeopvc

davetrousers wrote: »

Very cold means colder than sweater and jeans.

Is this to be a surprise for your missus?

Yes it will be a suprise, (if we go)
we have big coats, hats & scarfs, hmm sounds like an adventure already!

davetrousers

How late a surprise will it be? On the day, the day before, or months before? Bear in mind she may arrange things herself over the festive period; visiting or having visit relatives, friends etc.

Does SHE actually want to go to New York, is it somewhere she has said she'd like to go?

Remember to sort out Visa Waivers (ESTA) in good time if you do go to NY.

mikeopvc

phatbear wrote: »

the other variables are do you want to be there for xmas and new year or just xmas, or just new year etc etc.

To do both you will be staying for approx a week and then the price will shoot up.

I personally book everything through expedia why not price the holiday up and then see if anyone can get it any cheaper for you

Well her birthday is December 30th, we have 2 children so don't want to leave them home alone for xmas or new year, hence we need to go in-between both.

Ideally fly out on Monday 27th or Tuesday 28th and return Friday 31st:eek:

Just got a price on expedia (28th - 31st) of £1,552 inc flight, hotel, taxes & fees which is I suppose a good starting point.

mikeopvc

davetrousers wrote: »

How late a surprise will it be? On the day, the day before, or months before? Bear in mind she may arrange things herself over the festive period; visiting or having visit relatives, friends etc.

Does SHE actually want to go to New York, is it somewhere she has said she'd like to go?

Remember to sort out Visa Waivers (ESTA) in good time if you do go to NY.

I'd probably be a bit cheeky and let her open the tickets on xmas morning as her xmas gift:p

We already know this Is to be a stay at home xmas as we had her family over last year.

I think she would love to be whisked away for a short break in New York (I hope), No way of actually finding out without spoiling the suprise so I suppose it's a risk I'll have to take.
One thing I am sure of is that she doesn't want a suprise party or anything like that.

Visa waivers? what's required please?