So, it all started when my sister announced she wanted to celebrate her birthday with a girls’ trip. Naturally, I hit her with the only socially acceptable response: “Sure, I’m in.” Did I think she was serious? Absolutely not. I thought we were engaging in the sacred sibling tradition of talking big and doing nothing. Next thing I know, I’m transferring money like I’ve got a trust fund.
I whispered two prayers—one for my edges to survive the NYC cold, and another for my credit score, which was about to go to war.
Where did we go?
New York City. Great Choice.
Date? 10-16 January 2022
The vibe? Somewhere between "Sex and the City" and “Survivor: Times Square Edition.”
Who Went?
The Famous Five: My sister (the birthday girl, diva-in-chief), her two fabulous, always-camera-ready friends (One of them was so into herself, I swear she winked at her own reflection), one awkwardly semi-normal alcoholic in disguise, and me—visa-challenged and just trying to survive the cold.
How Did We All Get There?
RoundTrip Flight NAS-JFK-NAS with Jet Blue
This is where it gets interesting. Unlike the rest of the crew, I didn’t have a U.S. visa. Cue the international loophole: The Bahamas. Since Bahamians don’t need a visa to visit the U.S. from the Bahamas, I booked a whole' extra round-trip flight on WestJet just to travel "from the Bahamas”.
Yes, I flew to the Bahamas just to catch another flight to New York. But hey, desperate times call for tropical layovers. I had 2 days to chill and enjoy the sun, then I linked up with the rest of the crew for our flight to the Big Apple.
Why did we choose New York?
Because when your sister says, “It’s a girls' trip,” you don’t ask questions. You pack a bag, pray for good weather, and try not to lose your mind in airport security. Girls' trips aren’t planned—they’re summoned like a Taylor Swift tour. You just show up. Plus, to be honest, it's my sister's favorite playground.
What did I hope to gain while I was there?
Well, super additions to my wardrobe for one. Then I wanted to learn more about the history of New-York (a little exploring here and there, while picking up some new friends along the way.
We landed in the city that never sleeps - and so neither did we. From the moment we arrived, it was lights, honking, hustle, and at least one pigeon that side-eyed me like it knew my bank account was already trembling.
Subway confusion? Check. Suitcases on sidewalks? Double check. Getting cussed out by a taxi driver for accidentally standing too close to his car? New York, baby!
We stayed at the Courtyard New York/Manhattan Midtown West Hudson Yards on 34th St and 10th Avenue.
- Great Rates
- Great Views of the Hudson
- Great location (15- 20 mins walk to Times Square)
- Great Public Spaces
Free Wifi
Walking from the location to Times Square
What made this vacation my favorite?
Easy: We were living like celebrities.
We linked up with a popular DJ and producer, who decided we deserved the VIP treatment. Suddenly, we weren’t just going to clubs—we were walking past lines, being escorted to private tables, and living our full Hip-Hop Atlanta fantasy.
Club 48 Lounge? Yup.
Velvet ropes? Moved.
People in line giving us side-eyes? Just like the pigeons. “We be like 👀…”
You better believe I perfected my “I belong here” walk, complete with a mysterious smirk and sunglasses at night (hater-blockers mode).
The birthday Dinner was at Boucherie, a restaurant so popular that it seemed every person in Manhattan had also made a reservation for that same night. Note to self and all future girl gangs: book a week in advance or bring a folding chair for the wait.
We hit the streets of NYC every night like we had no job, no responsibilities, and no liver. It was bar-hopping madness—from rooftops to lounges to places that didn’t even have names, just secret doorbells (like no joke).
We drank, danced, and occasionally tried to remember where we were staying. And every single morning? Hangover Central.
Hangovers in the morning. Shopping in the afternoon.
We raided every store in Manhattan. Zara. Sephora. H&M. Nordstrom.Rainbow. Macy's. Forever 21. Repeat.
I was genuinely trying to be frugal, but NYC fashion has hands. The moment I realized I was broke, I developed a migraine, but I also “really needed” another pair of boots (any excuse was better than none, right? Yikes).
Why I Loved This Trip
Let’s be real—it was the energy of New York. The fact that we were partying in the same city that birthed Jay-Z and dollar pizza slices? Iconic. Every corner had a vibe, a hustle, and a potential background dancer from a Cardi B music video.
No, it was the fun, the sights, the shopping, and the midnight red carpet entrance for me.
Yet, amid the glam and the chaos, I carved out some solo time to explore. Shout-out to the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus—the unofficial Uber of tourists. For around $35, I got to see Uptown, Downtown, and everywhere in between. Stops included Times Square (chaos), the Statue of Liberty (majestic), Chinatown (cheap cheap cheap), and even The Bronx (where I made sure to act like I belonged).
Pro tip: Get there early. These buses fill up faster than your inbox after a long weekend.
Why would I recommend this sleepless city to anyone?
New York is a one-stop vacation buffet. Fashion, food, music, Broadway, hot dog carts—it’s all literally outside your door.
And speaking of those street hot dogs? Chef’s kiss. I’ll take one beef dog, hold the onions and pickles, because I came to slay, not slay my digestive system.
But listen—if you don’t like crowds, New York might not be your jam. Especially at traffic lights, where it feels like half of humanity gathers for a group therapy session while waiting for the walk sign. It’s the only place where making eye contact at a crosswalk feels like a duel.
Would I Go Back?
Absolutely.
But let’s be honest—I need to let my wallet emotionally recover first. With all the fashion, food, and new trends on every corner, I caught a headache so fast when my money ran out, I thought I was being haunted by my credit score. I almost Venmo’d the Statue of Liberty for a loan.
Final Verdict:
New York was wild, loud, expensive, chaotic, stylish, exhausting, hilarious, and unforgettable.
Basically, everything a girls' trip should be.
Cool Update: I got my U.S. visa since then—I’m not doing the Bahamas detour twice. I'm working on that credit score.
