Ah, New York City and your Besties!

How do you plan a trip that keeps everyone smiling from Central Park down to Broadway? 

Let's break it down, shall we?

What's the purpose of the trip?

Sounds obvious, like doh, to have fun of course. Yeah but… Having an anchor as in our trip is anchored on seeing a bunch of broadway shows. 

Crafting the Perfect Plan that isn't too "Planny"

Mixing personalities can be trickier than mixing a Manhattan cocktail.

When it comes to deciding what to see and do, start with a group chat weeks before your trip.

Share ideas about what everyone absolutely must see or do. Is it non-negotiable to have brunch at Tiffany’s?

Does the thought of missing 'The Lion King' on Broadway bring on a case of the sads? Pop these into a shared Google Doc.

From there we build out other activities that some or all of us want to do...

But equally leave some flexibility so that not every day/hour or meal is planned out to the nth degree.

You don't have to do EVERYTHING together!

Of course you want to have fun and you want to spend as much time together without spouses and kids but…

Depending on how many of you are traveling together having activities that some not all of you want to do is a good thing.

Remember, the goal is not just to take a trip, but to create cherished memories together.

Who's on first?

First thing's first—who's in charge?

Now, before you all pull out your boss hats (we know you've got them)...

My mantra is play to everyone's strengths and yes we all have leadership strengths but go with the flow.

Here’s how our trip went last year and is shaping up for this year.

We had our friend who is the theatre buff so she took on selecting shows and booking tickets.

I’m the google sheet geek, plotting out days and times for shows and anything else we really want to do. Friend No. 3 is our go with the flow friend.

As long as she can sleep without a 4 year old demanding all her time and we have the odd adult beverage built into the plan she is good to go.

Be loud and clear but polite about budget

Talking money can be as delicate as handling those tiny dogs you see in designer purses around Manhattan.

Be upfront about budgets.

Not everyone may want to splurge on a five-star hotel or that fancy steak dinner. How this plays out on our trip is we are not afraid to speak up.

When it comes to theatre tickets everyone has their budget.

That can mean we all get to sit together or sometimes we are totally cool with sitting apart at the same show so that we accommodate everyone’s budget needs.

After all you’re not exactly chitty chatting through the show and you can always meet at the bar during intermission.

When it comes to sharing the costs of meals etc. be clear about whether you are going to pay separately or take turns.

If you do take turns its handy to use and apps like Splitwise or Settleup to track and split out the costs. 

Where to stay

While the city that never sleeps is a great place, lets face it we're over 50 and like to have a bit of shut eye between all the hustle and bustle.

Choosing where to stay is a mix of budget and what kind of accommodation you want and where in the city you want to stay.

Does ambience trump convenience?

Do you want to be able to come back, put your feet up in your jammies and crack open a bottle of wine.

So is it a hotel, is it a 5-star hotel, an AirBNB or VRO or do one of you have a Timeshare you can use.

And ladies make sure to have the conversation you know you want to have.

Are you willing to share a bathroom or even a bed?

Who snores especially after a drink or two lol?

Dining Delights

You will never be short of eating options in NYC.

If there are places you really want to go to check out if you need reservations.

Also note it is quite common now to have to pay a deposit for your reservation i.e., if you want a table on a rooftop sky bar etc.

We mix it up from the nice bar on a rooftop to the cosy hole in the wall empanada and pina coloda place to even a food truck. 

The Unwritten Rule: No Drama Allowed

Remember, this trip is about fun and friendship.

Leave room for downtime—some folks recharge with a nap, others with a solo stroll. Respect these needs, and you’ll all be happier together.

If a disagreement pops up, channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw: take a deep breath, grab a cosmopolitan, and talk it out like the fabulous, mature women you are.

Cherish Every Moment

Lastly, don't forget why you’re doing this.

Whether it's to celebrate a milestone, recover from a life change, or just because you all desperately needed a break from the daily grind, keep the focus on enjoying each other's company and making memories.

Take lots of photos, laugh until it hurts, and maybe buy that slightly overpriced souvenir to remind you of the adventure.

A girls' weekend in New York City promises excitement, bonding, and maybe a little bit of that delightful NYC chaos.

With a little planning, a lot of communicating, and heaps of flexibility, you'll not only survive NYC but absolutely thrive.

Here’s to you and your crew conquering the Big Apple, one fabulous step at a time! 🍎✨

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Female Travelers Over 50 By Raewyn Crist: @FemaleTravelers50Plus

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So cheers to wheels up to winging your way to your long dreamed of destination.