Five go to the USA

pavlovs_dog

if you have the time and resources its also possible to get from NYC to niagra falls, if thats the kind of thing that would interest you.

Savvy_Sue

Yes, but a) I'm told it's better from the other side, and I decided that was too complicated, and b) Niagara Falls is "rubbish", according to DS3. Not that I put a lot of weight on his opinions in these matters, but I'm thinking the whale watching will have to do this time ...

duchy

Random tips....
Buy Metro passes for NYC they are valid on both buses and the subway. The subway is safe, cleaner than the London underground. We rarely bothered with cabs as traffic usually meant it was quicker to walk or hop on the subway. There are two types of pass-the unlimited (have to have one per person)-or the PAYG type which you can share between several people (legally) and top up as needed. useful when you're not sure how much you'll be using it.
Consider priceline-I've got some brilliant prices from them for NYC-well for everywhere in the US really . On our next trip we have 5 hotels booked in total 4 with priceline name your own price as the rates were unbeatable and the trip advisor reviews on all of them are fab.
Most hotels will provide a rollaway bed for either free or $10-20 a night-might cut down on the battles
Niagara is fab-it's a casino town as well as having the falls -but yes the Canadian side is more spectacular.
Top of the Rock has views equal to the Empire State building and shorter queues (actually as you can see the ESB it's arguably a BETTER view !
New Yorkers are lovely-friendly and chatty on the whole -stop with a map in your hand for more than 10 seconds andsomeone will offer directions (works on the subway too) and tell you that you have a cute accent LOL
Take an empty suitcase (or two) the shopping is irresistable.
OK I'll stop now could go on all night

Savvy_Sue

I had already thought of the suitcase plan. One or two of the boys will have to get the coach home if it doesn't all fit in the car! :rotfl:

Savvy_Sue

Just to say that it's finally nearly all coming together, I have now booked the hotel in NY, the car hire, the hotel in Wildwood which really does sound wild, and a final hotel for our last night which has a sauna (DH find this very helpful for keeping his eczema under control).

Still have two nights yet to book / think about where we're going, but if necessary we will drive off into the sunset and see where we end up. If they don't like it it's their own fault for not helping plan it!

It's all gone a bit mad at the beginning and end, because we are going to stay with DH's family for two nights before we fly out, and having a family day out on the Saturday. These occasions can be a bit fraught, so hoping for the best. But we do get a lift to Gatwick out of it, so possibly a small price to pay!

Then when we come back we spend another night with DH's family, have one night at home and then two of the boys head off to a programming event in Southport! I did think of going with them (to see my sis, not do programming! :rotfl:) but thought better of it.

Anyway, thanks for all tips, all been very helpful.

pavlovs_dog

good hear its all shaping up :j

Savvy_Sue

Something made me dig this thread up and say we had a WONDERFUL time, although nothing would induce me to return to Wildwood ... :rotfl: