I have planned some spectacular holiday vacations over the years. A chance to step away from the daily routine whether it be to a dude ranch in Arizona, a boutique hotel on an Amsterdam canal or a snowed-in cabin in the Sierras. These were special moments for making memories to last a lifetime.
A vacation allows us to be in the moment and gives us a unique opportunity to discover new choices beyond our normal routine and to experience new ways of being. Maybe even some ways of being that one never may have imagined. Being somewhere new is an invitation to live creatively in a universe of possibility without the constraints of daily obligations. Perhaps it’s a time to write poetry or take surfing lessons, float in the ocean all morning or dance late into the night. It’s a chance to expand your mind and listen to your heart.
This year I decided to spend some time during the holidays in the spot I consider one of the most intriguing places on Earth- New York City. There is no city more magical in December than the Big Apple. Know your happy place and go there. After traveling around the world, I still get excited every time I plan a trip to NYC.
With so many great neighborhoods to choose from, I look for an interesting hotel somewhere different each visit. We chose the NoMo SoHo for our stay this year and we were not disappointed. Located on Crosby Street, the SoHo location is perfect for walking all over downtown Manhattan. And look at that entrance:
Our hotel room was very comfy and had a great view. That Manhattan skyline is a real treat. Our room had a huge bathtub which is always my preference and a total perk for me after a long day of walking the city. The hotel also has a lovely bar and restaurant which is a nice convenience on an early morning or cold night.
A big part of a successful get-away is anticipating and accommodating everyone’s travel needs before arrival. Completely leaving all your responsibilities behind for a few days is a true accomplishment. The challenge is to fully relax and enjoy the precious down time instead of managing daily logistics. The no-hassle trip happens when you plan accordingly beforehand. Picking the right place to stay, deciding on what are the must-haves and knowing what everyone requires to be happy before you step out the door is the recipe for a great time.
The Christmas markets in Manhattan make for days filled with fun holiday shopping. Add fabulous restaurants, beautiful museum exhibits, a good jazz club and at least one night at the theaters on Broadway makes for another perfect visit to NYC. Here’s a peak of one of the dishes at my favorite Italian restaurant, Rezdora
Two travel objectives for me are a great location and maximum creature comforts. When I am on vacation, I want luxurious bedding, great hotel service and easy access to where I want to be. That means a lot of different things depending on where you go. In a city, it’s walking distance to great restaurants and sites. At a beach resort, it may mean beachfront cabanas, adult pools, morning yoga or an onsite Spa. Indulge yourself in whatever is important to you.
The joy of experiencing a new place and sharing it with friends or family is one of my favorite past times. What do you want to discover this New Year?
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