New York with Naomi Welch

27/08/2025

The sun doesn’t just rise over New York-it ignites the skyline, casting golden light across towering skyscrapers, leafy parks, and streets pulsing with energy. From the quiet charm of a Brooklyn brownstone to the electric buzz of Times Square, New York is a living mosaic of ambition, culture, and soul.It’s a city of contrasts-where jazz drifts through Harlem nights, and waves lap gently at the shores of Staten Island. It’s history etched into every brick, and innovation bursting from every borough. New York isn’t just a place-it’s a feeling that stays with you. The rhythm of footsteps on Fifth Avenue, the aroma of a fresh bagel from a corner deli, the hum of life on the subway-it all lingers, calling you back with every memory of discovery, connection, and awe.

Meet our Travel Consultant Naomi!

Say hello to travel expert Naomi Welch!

🧡 Location: Virtual Call Centre

🧡 Title: Virtual Travel Consultant

🧡 Email: naomi.welch@hays-travel.co.uk

🧡 Phone: 08000983584

Hello, my name is Naomi.

I’ve worked in travel for nearly a decade, helping countless clients turn their bucket-list dreams into reality. Travel isn’t just a job for me - it’s a passion. I love exploring destinations firsthand so I can share personal insights and expert advice with every customer.Some of my favourite trips include a festive Christmas in New York, a honeymoon safari in South Africa. I specialise in creating holidays that are seamless, stress-free, and tailored to you.Whether it’s picking the best hotels, planning the perfect itinerary, or finding the hidden gems that make a trip unforgettable, I make sure every journey is memorable. My goal is to turn your travel dreams into reality- and help you come home with stories to last a lifetime.

Arriving in New York City feels like stepping into the heartbeat of the world. The energy hits you instantly - a vibrant mix of honking taxis, towering skyscrapers, and people from every corner of the globe. Whether you’re gazing up at the Empire State Building, strolling through Central Park, or catching your breath in Times Square, the city pulses with possibility. Every street tells a story, every neighborhood has its own rhythm, and every moment feels cinematic. From art and fashion to food and culture, New York doesn’t just welcome you - it challenges you to keep up, to explore, to dream bigger. It’s a place that stays with you, long after you’ve left, buzzing in your memory.

Ever since watching Home Alone at Christmas as a child, I dreamed of visiting New York. After nearly a decade in travel, booking countless NYC holidays for clients, it was finally my turn - and it was everything I hoped for and more. We travelled at the end of November, a time I often recommend to clients. The city sparkles with festive magic, but you avoid the busiest December crowds. We stayed at The Sanctuary Hotel, just steps from the famous red steps in Times Square. It’s a boutique property I regularly suggest because the location makes it easy to walk to Rockefeller Center, Grand Central, Central Park, and Radio City Music Hall. Honestly, it felt like stepping into a film set.

New York: A city that delivers on every level.

New York’s skyline is unforgettable, and two experiences stood out. First, One World Observatory - offering breathtaking panoramic views stretching across Manhattan all the way to the Statue of Liberty. Located beside the 9/11 Memorial, it’s not only visually stunning but also deeply moving. I recommend it to every visitor for both the view and the emotional impact. Then there’s The Edge, where you step onto a glass platform suspended high above the city. The feeling is surreal - like floating in the sky, surrounded by skyscrapers. It’s thrilling, slightly nerve-wracking, and completely unforgettable. Both spots offer unique perspectives of the city and are must-visits for anyone wanting to experience New York from above.

New York City is a paradise for food lovers, and we made sure to sample a mix of iconic and fun spots. Crumbl Cookies was perfect for sweet treats - warm, gooey, and packed with flavour. For casual dining, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. offered a playful, movie-themed experience, while Raising Cane’s served up crispy chicken with addictive dipping sauce. And of course, no trip to NYC is complete without a slice from Joe’s Pizza - thin, cheesy, and absolutely classic. Each stop brought something different, from indulgent desserts to laid-back comfort food. Whether you’re after something quick or craving a New York staple, the city’s food scene delivers on every level.