New York

        New York was such a lovely city to visit! My mum and I had been planning it for ages, trying to find the best places to go and the best location to stay, and we were so thrilled when everything worked out well.

        Our hotel was in the most perfect location, right in the middle of Manhattan, perfect for getting around to all the sights. The hotel was also really great, with amazingly friendly staff, an awesome breakfast buffet and free cookies in the afternoon (nothing beats waffles and free cookies). Our room was located on the 17th floor and had a gorgeous view of the surrounding area, and enormous beds that were so comfortable!

        Being complete tourists we visited all the main sights, including, the Empire State, Rockefeller Centre, Central Park, 5th Avenue, Grand Central Station, the Statue of Liberty and the 9/11 Memorial - which truly took my breath away, it was so moving and such a fitting tribute.

They represent so much spirit and peace in the busy surroundings.

        I now know that if I ever go back, I can visit these places again and discover new places, because there is so much change and so many little back streets that secretly store hidden gems and quaint places.

      Another thing that surprised me was the phrase 'the city that never sleeps' - I never realised how true that would be; people, cars, sirens, alarms, music, shows and street performers go on all day and throughout the night, I mean you'd never get bored!

View from Top of the Rock

        I'd definitely recommend New York to anybody travelling, as I'm not the most adventurous or spontaneous, but it is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you can truly make your own, by following a guide or discovering a little bit of New York in your own time.