(FEB2026) Who would’ve thought that I’ll be travelling to America during Winter?! Although I didn’t expect that I’d be going literally after that historical blizzard in New York which cancelled me and my brother’s initial flights then had them rebooked to a much adventurous itinerary 🙈 Indeed, it was truly a jetlag holiday. However, it was fun touring around the Big Apple this time with my sibling plus a side trip to Massachusetts.
Here’s to share our sibling goal itinerary to NYC with 1 full day in Boston. This blog went long and overdue but you can save these tips later for the next Winter season! Alternatively, you can also read my previous NY blog entries here.
FLIGHT
I flew with premium economy seats via British Airways and I have rated this as 5/10 this time because of the entertainment system issue and meal options I’ve had with them.
I mean I get the idea that they serve British meals but how I wished that they offer food options besides a shepherd’s pie and a vegetarian pasta. Plus, a chicken samosa for midnight snack?! Well it’s certainly a first that I just snoozed off during meal service. Although I really can’t be bothered to eat as I had an 8hr overnight layover to Boston before landing in New York!
Apparently, this transit layover in America has absolutely taught me how to check-out then check-in again for the next leg of my flight. At this point, I can technically explore the city as I’m outside their immigration border however, it was midnight and Boston airport has no 24hr airport lounge nor the airport hotel was very expensive. Hence, I ended up wasting my time at the airport benches. And since it was a local airport, it was quiet and passengers who mostly come for transit were only sleeping at the waiting area. It was uncomfortable like I cannot fully sleep because I need to stay vigilant with my bags.
Thanks to Dunkin airport branches for keeping me awake by having 3 drinks and 2 meals even when I landed in New York! And I had another long haul wait there for my brother to arrive. God knows how I survived another 8hrs of just wasting time around the local side of JFK. Though I somehow came prepared by playing on my Nintendo Switch, reading or writing which kind of helped to keep me going. This sleepless moment made me feel like I was doing a 12-16hr shift at work. Likewise, my brother also had the same drastic flight experience that’s why both of us were really knackered. I just don’t want to think that we’ve been awake for almost 48 hours during that time. Nonetheless, the flight was fine but I hope these local US airports should be considered to be more passenger-friendly next time especially to those who are there for a long layover.
HOTEL
We stayed at the Moxy Hotel which is located near Garment District. I love how the room and the whole interior of the hotel is very hip and modern. Staying here provided us with various perks such as free grab & go meals and unlimited coffee in the morning, a $20 credit every day at the bar and free NYC tours!
The bar is too perfect to chill, socialize (the bartenders are really kind!) or plainly watch sport with those fancy cocktails. I’m glad that I got to taste Kendall Jenner’s Tequila 808 here.
ITINERARY
Basically, me and my brother mostly did the same itinerary that I had in New York last October 2024 since this was his first time in America. Though I have to say, travelling here in this season was truly cold and quiet. For someone who prefers the chilly weather, I’d recommend that this could be the perfect time to go despite that there will be moments of extreme icy temperature.
These were the few instances that I’ve seen a lot of people enjoyed playing in the snow and making the best snowmen ☃️ It was an authentic winter wonderland ⛄️
Of course, the best scenic snowy place to walk along is at Central Park. It’s like the American winter/Christmas shows that I watch came to life ♡ Plus, you can never miss seeing the popular skating rink at Rockefeller Plaza.
I will never get tired strolling around this area as it still feels surreal to be in a place where you only used to see it on TV!♡ I still tried to score some last minute passes to watch a show and luckily, I made it to the Kelly Clarkson Show again--literally on the morning of my flight! You watch the episode where I joined the taping here.
Being part of the audience also entitles you to have a 10% discount at the NBC shop. Although I'm now keeping this as one of my souvenirs since this is the last season for TKCS. I'm forever grateful that I got to be there twice(supposed to be three) and most of, to see my OG Kelly ♡ Check out my first blog of "My New York Times" if you'd like to know more about becoming an audience in an NBC show!
In terms of food, the most staple thing we've had besides our usual run to Joe's Pizza are burgers from 7th Street Burger and Chick-fil-A! I'm still waiting for the latter to branch out in the UK soon! I love the waffle fries and the chicken burger so much. Whilst 7th Street Burger is similar to Junk Burger in London. I like how the beef gets thinly smashed which somehow makes it tastier.
And when we get tired of American food, there's always room for comfort Chinese meals. 😝 Without a bias, these are better and flavorful than the restaurants here in Europe.
Apart from that, most places and attractions were less busier than expected. Additionally, since it was the last week of February that we came, there were shops that have started their end of season sale.🛍
Now lets talk about our full day trip to Boston which at first was a bit of a mishap because we got mixed on a Spanish-guided tour. It was crazy even if we can understand the gist of their words but fortunately, the tour guide was kind enough to translate some of the important facts of the tour.
The drive from New York to Boston roughly takes about 3hrs with a stopover to Connecticut.
Boston, Massachusetts is known as “The Spirit of America” as the city plays a major role during the American Revolution. It is halved into the whole Harvard campus while the other is the main city side. For someone who comes from the UK, Boston has a remarkable resemblance with England from the street names up to its gloomy vibe (it was snowing heavily when we came). And compared to New York, this city is quieter and more organized.
The very highlight of this tour was our visit to Harvard Campus. It definitely took half a day to look at all the institutional buildings and schools per course. I was blown away on how it appeared which felt like a modern Hogwarts! I can’t help but to admire how students are able to study here for such a calm, peaceful and educational area. Our tour guide briefly explained how one could be able to study here and how much it cost. It’s certainly lucky to be part of the scholar here!
That mandatory pic of the Medicine building (as a nurse). I even joked to my mom that I’ll only go to Med school if I get to study in Harvard.
Whilst, this is real big chunk of snow which definitely will take days to melt!
The city side of Boston situates its commercial and financial structures. In a glance, it really creates an ambiance similar to London as the English has colonized the place back then.
Like this area brings a similar view to London’s Chelsea borough and so as the rate of these properties that costs a whopping $12M! How I wish there’s an available single man there…loljkkk!
Some tourist attractions include Fenway Park where most games of the Boston Red Sox were held and the Boston Custom House where the Boston Massacre happened. I believe that you will know more about the latter when you join the Freedom Trail Tour.
If London has Borough Market, Boston has Quincy Market where we spent lunch and bought souvenirs. Without an exaggeration, I have eaten the best lobster roll here which is in Boston Chowda.
You can either choose to have all 4 samplers or just try the original one but don’t also forget to try literally, the Boston chowder! It was really delicious and fresh. 💯
As much as we wanted to walk around further the city, it was snowing hard that time (which eventually turned into rain) so we just stay put in to the Market. Nevertheless, Boston is incredibly pleasant and a state that I’d like to go again if I want to unwind from loud, bustling areas. ☺️
And overall, it’s been a great bonding time with my brother and I look forward with what’s more to come despite the little bumps on our trip. I hope this helps if these 2 states from the East are on your list and I can’t wait to go back soon! 🙏🏻 As I’ve said before, New York has a special place in my heart and I’m grateful to experience Winter here. ♡
‘til then!
