America - city break or winter sun?

[75Black]

Hey PH, due to a new job I have a quite a bit more savings than before and Norwegian air prices to the US around Feb/March/April are all very tempting.

However I'm torn between sightseeing in New York or some winter sun in Florida. At the moment it looks like I'd be flying solo, but in any case for those who have been to either location what would you recommend in terms of things to do/places to eat etc especially if on your own and as someone who has never been. Anything to watch out for? Thanks in advance!

[75Black]

Challo said:

If your on your own head to New York, great city and so much to see and do.

Florida is great but might get a bit boring on your own. Where would you be headed?

Orlando or Tampa are my two options for Florida.
With regards to New York I know I have more options with things to do sightseeing wise; museums, empire state building, times square etc. AirBnB not too bad price wise either compared to hotels.

[75Black]

Thanks all for the advice, New York it is! Hopefully March shouldn't be too bad weather wise, I've had a look and I'm planning to catch the St Patrick's day parade along the way, and the other touristy bits.

[75Black]

David Beer said:

How long are you going for? Been ny maybe six times, last time four years ago on NY to LA trip in the summer.
Florida for me has to be south beach Miami and the keys. In fact this Xmas a week in Miami and the keys then flying to LA for a three week motorhome road trip.

I like the sun so that’s for me, but NY is great.

Planning to go for 7 days, between the 15th-22nd March so shouldn't be too cold. Might not be going solo after all, my dad recently retired so he's thinking about coming with.

With regards to airlines, I looked on skyscanner out of curiosity and it was showing BA surprisingly enough as the cheapest at around £275 return in economy basic. I would be going with a slight upgrade to economy standard/plus or whatever it's called so I have baggage/meal included. For a long haul who would you recommend - Norwegian or British Airways? I've flown Norwegian to Croatia and had a very good experience and I'd be on the 787 Dreamliner, however BA flies with the 777 or 747 depending on which aircraft is assigned to the flight.

[75Black]

David Beer said:

I only fly Virgin to the states, I have a good deal through Amex
If you do NY you must do ground zero, but book in advance, otherwise you will wait in line for hours.

Now that you mention Virgin, flights are pretty cheap there too. Damn you cheap flights to America by multiple airlines, I can only fly with one of you!

Ground zero was on my list to do so good to know

[75Black]

seyre1972 said:

Personal choice would be Virgin over BA .... (Virgin cabin crew nickname for BA cabin crew is "Rottweillers with Lipstick") ...... Either way - enjoy - love New York/Love Orlando (have done both as a single traveller/and with family)

My choice would be New York - hire a car and drive over to Pennsylvania (always have the Sopranos Theme Tune playing when i go via the Lincoln Tunnel from Manhatten into New Jersey ..... (sad I know but always makes me smile)) were I go shooting at a range In Easton.

Either way - enjoy !!

I've pretty much decided on Virgin, they want £300 exactly return on economic classic which has bag/entertainment/food included, whereas BA and Norwegian want over £370 for the same if I upgraded from their basic no frills economy seats.

Since you mentioned a gun range, is there one in NYC where I can pay and blat at some targets as a tourist for a couple of hours?

[75Black]

seyre1972 said:

Enjoy - I do think they have a seat sale on @ the moment as well.

Unfortunately Gun laws in NYC mean there are no public ranges. New Jersey ranges however used to allow singles to visit, but that changed about 3 years ago (if you are with your father then you could find a range in New Jersey) Typically I'm out for work by myself - hence now having to drive out to just over the State border to Easton Pennsylvania.

One benefit however is that Pennsylvania allows full automatic. PM me if you need more info as I appreciate not everybody takes kindly to shooting talk on the forums.

For info - same issue if you go to Massachusets - very limited public ranges/limited to clay pigeon more or less. However go over State line to new Hampshire .......

Orlando if you change your mind has a couple of good/safe ranges (My daughter had some lessons there)

Thought that might the case, never mind. (Orlando for winter '19/20 )

[75Black]

Well, that's that. Flights booked after my dad finally made his mind up. Unfortunately missed out on virgin atlantic as they hiked their prices up this afternoon by £89 for the same seats as this morning, could have gone with them in their Economy Plus seats with extra leg room for the same price I just booked with Finnair/BA in standard economy. But for £650 I can't complain!

[75Black]

I'm back with one last ask for advice. I'm currently looking at AirBnB's..what with hotel prices being OTT, and a fair few of the cheaper AirBnB's that offer the full apartment not just the room are in Brooklyn/Astoria/Williamsburg etc area. As much as I'd love to stay in Manhattan, what its like around these areas? Connections to the touristy bits is one of the main things I'm looking at and journey times etc.

[75Black]

David Beer said:

Not much use as I have only really done the touristy bits. I see on trip advisor the hotels available, cheapest 70 odd quid, not awfull by all accounts.
I don’t think you go to NY on the cheap.
I mentioned ground zero, also a favourite is grand central station, the oyster bar is not exactly “plush” but great atmosphere and great oysters obviously!
I know Times Square is tacky but grab a hot dog from a vendor and take one bite and bin it, you did it!
Just out of interest how much are these air bnb Jobbies?

Can be as cheap as £40 a night up to 150 depending on area, however found out may be staying with a family friend