New York & Las Vegas twin centre holiday ideas
Discussion
I am currently looking to book a two week holiday for late March next year which will consist of 3 days in New York and then 10 days in Las Vegas. Whilst I can find prices with BA for the flights and prices for different hotels at each location I am quite sure that the prices are much higher than if I could book everything (flights/accommodation/transfers) all in the one place.
Any help in regards to any travel agents High Street or Online that specialise in this sort of holiday would be very much appreciated.
Any help in regards to any travel agents High Street or Online that specialise in this sort of holiday would be very much appreciated.
You will get very bored after 10 days in Vegas only. I normally recommend only 4 days. Also, Vegas and NYC are not neighbors so how about doing an East coast tour first trip and a west coast tour next time?
For hotels you can use hotels.com or Jetsetter.com.
For NYC make sure you are near a subway station and you should be fine. Most people stay around time square. I prefer meat packing or Soho. Don't stay down town because there's little nightlife.
For Vegas research what you want from a hotel. I always recommend strip and to avoid the older places. Of the cheap places the Luxor cheap but hit or miss with rooms. I think some are noisy being on the casino side and others are quite. The last time I was in Vegas there were some amazing deals at the Mandalay Bay, The Hotel at the Mandalay Bay and the Four Seasons. This was 2009 but we got a great room in the Four Seasons with the best strip view for $139 a night. I doubt they will be doing that now but worth checking. But, this is not a Vegas hotel in that there is no casino to walk through. For a first te visit i would not recommend it. The suites in the Mandalay were a similar price and looked amazing.
If you still intend doing NYC and Vegas how about also going to the Californian wine country? Before I moved to the US I never touched Californian wine now I mostly drink Californian. If you are a food person doing NYC, Vegas and Yountville you will have the opportunity to eat some of the best food in the world and it may change your opinion of American cuisine. It did mine.
For hotels you can use hotels.com or Jetsetter.com.
For NYC make sure you are near a subway station and you should be fine. Most people stay around time square. I prefer meat packing or Soho. Don't stay down town because there's little nightlife.
For Vegas research what you want from a hotel. I always recommend strip and to avoid the older places. Of the cheap places the Luxor cheap but hit or miss with rooms. I think some are noisy being on the casino side and others are quite. The last time I was in Vegas there were some amazing deals at the Mandalay Bay, The Hotel at the Mandalay Bay and the Four Seasons. This was 2009 but we got a great room in the Four Seasons with the best strip view for $139 a night. I doubt they will be doing that now but worth checking. But, this is not a Vegas hotel in that there is no casino to walk through. For a first te visit i would not recommend it. The suites in the Mandalay were a similar price and looked amazing.
If you still intend doing NYC and Vegas how about also going to the Californian wine country? Before I moved to the US I never touched Californian wine now I mostly drink Californian. If you are a food person doing NYC, Vegas and Yountville you will have the opportunity to eat some of the best food in the world and it may change your opinion of American cuisine. It did mine.
10 days in Vegas is too long. What about 2 full days in Vegas and then inbetween those 2 days spend 8 days doing a driving tour of Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon, and include a 3 day houseboat tour of Lake Powell? You can still fly in and out of Vegas and car rental is from one spot.
Most places in Manhattan between downtown and the 80s are located in good spots. It is a fairly small island and easy to get around with a bit of walking and a subway. If you want nightlife then it is only a 10 minute taxi ride away (or back to the hotel). Most people like staying in Times Square/midtown for the first time as it is what they know. Then they discover how quickly you can move around town with the subway. I dont have any problems living downtown and getting around to all the places in Manhattan I go to.
Most places in Manhattan between downtown and the 80s are located in good spots. It is a fairly small island and easy to get around with a bit of walking and a subway. If you want nightlife then it is only a 10 minute taxi ride away (or back to the hotel). Most people like staying in Times Square/midtown for the first time as it is what they know. Then they discover how quickly you can move around town with the subway. I dont have any problems living downtown and getting around to all the places in Manhattan I go to.
Edited by LostCroc on Tuesday 7th August 10:32
I agree 10 days in Vegas is too long. We did 4 nights which was about right for us. We booked a multicentre trip including Vegas Hawaii and San Francisco. We booked with travel counsellors. They will tailor make your trip so it's exactly what you want, rather than just selling you a package, and have always come up cheaper than other Tavel agents.
Adam
Adam
For 10 nights in Vegas I think your money will run out before you run out of things to do and see.
5 to 7 nights is just about right for Vegas, 2 nights is way too low. You could easily spend 2 days just looking around the different hotels and then 1 full day at the grand canyon before you have even thought about doing anything else.
I do agree with keeping your twin centre holiday on the west coast rather than heading to New York, my perfect trip would be Vegas for 4 nights, 2 nights in LA and then off to Hawaii for 10 nights
5 to 7 nights is just about right for Vegas, 2 nights is way too low. You could easily spend 2 days just looking around the different hotels and then 1 full day at the grand canyon before you have even thought about doing anything else.
I do agree with keeping your twin centre holiday on the west coast rather than heading to New York, my perfect trip would be Vegas for 4 nights, 2 nights in LA and then off to Hawaii for 10 nights
Edited by ChrisBMW on Tuesday 7th August 13:03
Thanks for the advice everybody. We have been to New York twice before both times for one week and loved both times and have visited all the sights and even saw the Yankees play which was amazing even though neither of us know how baseball works!!! But we really want to go again as last time was March last year and the 9-11 memorial was almost completed so we would love to actually see the opened memorial and museum. Hence why just the short time in New York and the longer stay in Vegas.
We have just got back from Mexico (four weeks ago) and met quite a lot of couples who have been to Vegas and spent 10-14 days there. I think the main sticking point is just a few days or one week just doesn't seem long enough to see everything you would like to and the flight times from Newcastle (local airport) to New York or Vegas adds up to close to 24 hours (possibly more including transfers) there and back. I do like the idea of a fly-drive but the distance between New York and Vegas is not exactly short is it.
I am going to do a bit more research on the ideas suggested I just don't wish to turn a nice holiday into a non stop driving/travelling trip that ends in the need for another holiday just to get over the last one.
We have just got back from Mexico (four weeks ago) and met quite a lot of couples who have been to Vegas and spent 10-14 days there. I think the main sticking point is just a few days or one week just doesn't seem long enough to see everything you would like to and the flight times from Newcastle (local airport) to New York or Vegas adds up to close to 24 hours (possibly more including transfers) there and back. I do like the idea of a fly-drive but the distance between New York and Vegas is not exactly short is it.
I am going to do a bit more research on the ideas suggested I just don't wish to turn a nice holiday into a non stop driving/travelling trip that ends in the need for another holiday just to get over the last one.
Off topic here, but how did you find Mexico? we are heading there next June and I would be interested to hear from someone who has been there recently.
We are heading to Playacar, I really like to get out and about and see historic things plus a bit of shopping and watersports are great as well
We are heading to Playacar, I really like to get out and about and see historic things plus a bit of shopping and watersports are great as well
Add my 2p...
Honeymoon 2003 was:
4 nights New York
4 nights Las Vegas
10 nights Florida
If we were doing it again, we would probably like more time in NY and similar time in Vegas.
If you do the day trips (to my eternal regret, we couldn't be arsed) to Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon, I still reckon you shouldn't need more than 4 nights. Unless you're hardened gamblers, there is still only so much to do in Las Vegas itself. Although I suppose lounging around the pool in the unbearable heat could be an option.
Be aware that if you've just flown across the Atlantic (jet laggy), and spent 5-7 days wandering all round NY, you could very well be knackered by the time you hit the desert heat of Nevada, so might not want to do too much stuff. The hotels do cater for this kind of thing quite well. To back up an earlier comment, the Luxor room we stayed in was a little tired. Not what I was expecting of one of the strip hotels at all.
At the time, we got a pretty good deal with Virgin Holidays through Co-op travel.
Honeymoon 2003 was:
4 nights New York
4 nights Las Vegas
10 nights Florida
If we were doing it again, we would probably like more time in NY and similar time in Vegas.
If you do the day trips (to my eternal regret, we couldn't be arsed) to Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon, I still reckon you shouldn't need more than 4 nights. Unless you're hardened gamblers, there is still only so much to do in Las Vegas itself. Although I suppose lounging around the pool in the unbearable heat could be an option.
Be aware that if you've just flown across the Atlantic (jet laggy), and spent 5-7 days wandering all round NY, you could very well be knackered by the time you hit the desert heat of Nevada, so might not want to do too much stuff. The hotels do cater for this kind of thing quite well. To back up an earlier comment, the Luxor room we stayed in was a little tired. Not what I was expecting of one of the strip hotels at all.
At the time, we got a pretty good deal with Virgin Holidays through Co-op travel.
Might be of interest, but i stumbled across this site, it is for people who rent out their homes or rooms in their homes. I just booked a room for my son in NYC, so much cheaper than hotels.
www.airbnb.co.uk
Quick search of Vegas produced this
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/576367
www.airbnb.co.uk
Quick search of Vegas produced this
https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/576367
Edited by LC926 on Tuesday 7th August 13:22
As always there is some difference of opinions here ranging from just a day or two upwards. We are limited to just two weeks so whilst the Hawaii idea sounds great the timescale just isn't possible.
We love to go sightseeing hence the two trips to New York and the wish to visit a third time so whilst I can understand there is limited sights to see in Vegas itself there does seem to be a lot of options away from the strip itself. Personally I like the look of the helicopter trip to the grand canyon followed by the ranch visit where you meet up with a cattle trail and stop overnight in an old style western camp corralled with old style western wagons.
As for Mexico we absolutely loved it we stopped on the Mayan Riviera and found the hotel/location/staff/food excellent. We chose this area as I love scuba diving and I spent ten out of fourteen days diving and have to say Cozumel does not disappoint. It is classed as one of the top five best dive sites in the world and I have to agree the place is teeming with turtles/barracuda/sharks and much more. Plus diving in the Cenotes (cave diving) has to be one of the most amazing experiences of my life. One word of warning is the towns and ruins are very very much tourist based, within minutes of getting off the bus in Playa De Carmen both myself and my wife where offered Cocaine/Cannabis/Prostitutes/Ecstasy that was before the normal tourist tat.
We love to go sightseeing hence the two trips to New York and the wish to visit a third time so whilst I can understand there is limited sights to see in Vegas itself there does seem to be a lot of options away from the strip itself. Personally I like the look of the helicopter trip to the grand canyon followed by the ranch visit where you meet up with a cattle trail and stop overnight in an old style western camp corralled with old style western wagons.
As for Mexico we absolutely loved it we stopped on the Mayan Riviera and found the hotel/location/staff/food excellent. We chose this area as I love scuba diving and I spent ten out of fourteen days diving and have to say Cozumel does not disappoint. It is classed as one of the top five best dive sites in the world and I have to agree the place is teeming with turtles/barracuda/sharks and much more. Plus diving in the Cenotes (cave diving) has to be one of the most amazing experiences of my life. One word of warning is the towns and ruins are very very much tourist based, within minutes of getting off the bus in Playa De Carmen both myself and my wife where offered Cocaine/Cannabis/Prostitutes/Ecstasy that was before the normal tourist tat.
Make sure you book the memorial before you go. If you don't have a free ticket you will not get in.
The hotel prices in Vegas will drop as you get closer to the time but you will find less selection. March may be a high season though will people avoiding the summer heat. But, I went in March once and it was too cold to go in the pool! Also, avoid weekends and American holidays such as July 4th as the prices are double.
The hotel prices in Vegas will drop as you get closer to the time but you will find less selection. March may be a high season though will people avoiding the summer heat. But, I went in March once and it was too cold to go in the pool! Also, avoid weekends and American holidays such as July 4th as the prices are double.
Depending on where you are located Chichen Itza is without a doubt the best place to go for ruins as this is the most famous of all ruins in Mexico and is classed as one of the seven wonders of the new world. The only issue we had was once again the whole site is plagued with local sellers trying to sell you tourist ornaments and sombrero hats!!! which for me and my wife kind of ruined the experience. Although to be fair with a bit of haggling the prices you can buy their wares for was in some instances less than a quarter of the cost of our local town (Playa De Carmen) just make sure you have a good look round the ruins first as once you purchase from one it seems you are fair game to every other seller there.
Tulum is probably the second most famous ruins in Mexico and whilst not as impressive you can actually climb the Mayan pyramid here whilst you cant at Chichen Itza and there certainly weren't as many local sellers/stalls here. The added bonus of Tulum though has to be what's known as Turtle Beach and if you enjoy snorkelling you will love it here. As the name suggests this is the main beach in the area where turtles come to lay their eggs so during the day you can simply wade into the sea or better still snorkel and turtles will swim around you or on the night you can watch them come onto the beach to lay their eggs.
Tulum is probably the second most famous ruins in Mexico and whilst not as impressive you can actually climb the Mayan pyramid here whilst you cant at Chichen Itza and there certainly weren't as many local sellers/stalls here. The added bonus of Tulum though has to be what's known as Turtle Beach and if you enjoy snorkelling you will love it here. As the name suggests this is the main beach in the area where turtles come to lay their eggs so during the day you can simply wade into the sea or better still snorkel and turtles will swim around you or on the night you can watch them come onto the beach to lay their eggs.
jccs said:
As always there is some difference of opinions here ranging from just a day or two upwards. We are limited to just two weeks so whilst the Hawaii idea sounds great the timescale just isn't possible.
Our trip was 2 weeks. 4 nights Vegas, 6 nights Hawaii, 4 nights San fran. I understand if you want more time at your destination to explore, but we managed to fit lots in with time spare to relax.
To give you an idea this cost around £3600 if I remember rightly. You could swap the San fran nights for new York nights.
Adam
thehawk said:
1 night in Vegas is enough, unless you are going to see a couple of shows.
Rubbish - just walking around the Casinos is amazing, soak up the atmosphere. We did three days and could have done 10 - Freemont, The outlet malls, helicopter to GC - go and enjoy it - amazing place. (oh and don't see Kriss Angell - worst thing I have ever seen lol)Here’s my 2p.
Travelled allot around the US and have done a week in Vegas on one trip and 3 nights on another just as we were close by. 7 nights was way too much for us, on a multi centre trip to the US we expected it to be the highlight and although great was probably our least favourite place. I think you either love or hate Vegas, the first time we stayed at the Wynn and the Bellagio, both have there merits the pool area at the Wynn was really quiet and relaxing while the Bellagio was mobbed and these places are so big it’s difficult/time consuming just to nip up to your room as you might on your standard sort of beach holiday. Bellagio is a bit of a nightmare trying to book restaurants etc on spec as because it’s a Vegas landmark the footfall is huge so it’s constantly busy and difficult to get in anywhere without booking before you travel. If you think you’ll enjoy spending time wandering around the various casinos then it might be for you, when I look back I thin there are far more interesting things to do as give or take they are all pretty similar IMO. We went to see a couple of the which were awesome, I think we were expecting to get some R&R throughout the day after a hectic couple of weeks in other cities and once we hit the Bellagio didn’t get this.
This is PH so if it were me I’d look to fly from NYC into either SF or LA and drive to Vegas over 4-5 nights then spend 3 or 4 nights in Vegas. So much interesting stuff to see in that part of the world to spend the majority of it in a concrete jungle but horses for courses.
As for prices I've never found an agent to be cheaper. Ever. The beauty about Vegas and the the US in general is you can cancel without charge up until the last minute. I'd book at a price/place you're happy with then sign up for email alerts with hotels. We did this last time and got the Wynn for less than we were paying for the Flamingo.
Travelled allot around the US and have done a week in Vegas on one trip and 3 nights on another just as we were close by. 7 nights was way too much for us, on a multi centre trip to the US we expected it to be the highlight and although great was probably our least favourite place. I think you either love or hate Vegas, the first time we stayed at the Wynn and the Bellagio, both have there merits the pool area at the Wynn was really quiet and relaxing while the Bellagio was mobbed and these places are so big it’s difficult/time consuming just to nip up to your room as you might on your standard sort of beach holiday. Bellagio is a bit of a nightmare trying to book restaurants etc on spec as because it’s a Vegas landmark the footfall is huge so it’s constantly busy and difficult to get in anywhere without booking before you travel. If you think you’ll enjoy spending time wandering around the various casinos then it might be for you, when I look back I thin there are far more interesting things to do as give or take they are all pretty similar IMO. We went to see a couple of the which were awesome, I think we were expecting to get some R&R throughout the day after a hectic couple of weeks in other cities and once we hit the Bellagio didn’t get this.
This is PH so if it were me I’d look to fly from NYC into either SF or LA and drive to Vegas over 4-5 nights then spend 3 or 4 nights in Vegas. So much interesting stuff to see in that part of the world to spend the majority of it in a concrete jungle but horses for courses.
As for prices I've never found an agent to be cheaper. Ever. The beauty about Vegas and the the US in general is you can cancel without charge up until the last minute. I'd book at a price/place you're happy with then sign up for email alerts with hotels. We did this last time and got the Wynn for less than we were paying for the Flamingo.
Many thanks for the info again on Mexico JCCS, I intend to see Chichen Itza and Tulum.
In the case of Vegas try and spend your time there during the week, for a start hotel prices are much cheaper and crowds are much smaller the place really does change at the weekend in terms of visitors with a serious amonut of people arriving from Friday Afternoon and leaving from Sunday afternoon on.
I found it very easy to get into nice places to eat during the week, I would advise if you can time it arrive on a Monday and leave on a Friday morning as you will get the best of the place without the weekend crowds.
In the case of Vegas try and spend your time there during the week, for a start hotel prices are much cheaper and crowds are much smaller the place really does change at the weekend in terms of visitors with a serious amonut of people arriving from Friday Afternoon and leaving from Sunday afternoon on.
I found it very easy to get into nice places to eat during the week, I would advise if you can time it arrive on a Monday and leave on a Friday morning as you will get the best of the place without the weekend crowds.
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff