My Travel Experience in the Big Apple
There are cities you visit — and then there are cities that stay with you.
For me, New York City has always been the latter.
To this day, it remains one of my favourite cities in the world. Whenever someone asks why, I struggle to give just one reason. It’s the energy. The pace. The way ambition and creativity coexist on every block. The endless museums, restaurants, events, and late-night conversations. But above all, I love that New York makes space for everyone — allowing you to show up unapologetically as yourself.
And that, for me, is powerful.
Why New York Always Calls Me Back
After a demanding but deeply fulfilling year, I decided it was time to escape the rhythm of Maseru and recharge. The trip to the United States was primarily business-focused — I was attending FinCon in New Orleans, a global conference for financial content creators — but true to my philosophy, I always mix business with pleasure.
No U.S. trip is complete without a stop in New York City.
Somewhere along the way, I’ve accepted this truth:
I’m a New Yorker at heart.
If you’re curious about how I balance travel, work, and intentional living, I unpack this further in my blog:
👉 [Why I Believe in Mixing Travel, Money & Meaning]
Touchdown in the Big Apple
I landed in New York City on Sunday, 22 October 2023, flying in from New Orleans via Newark Liberty International Airport. I’d arranged airport pickup through my travel agency and made my way to Brooklyn, where I stayed with a friend for the week — a choice I highly recommend for travellers wanting a more local experience of the city.
New York doesn’t ease you in. It throws you straight into life.
And I loved every second of it.
Roller Skates, New Connections & Childlike Joy
My first adventure kicked off unexpectedly — at United Skates of America, one of the city’s iconic roller-skating rinks. My friend’s neighbour was celebrating her birthday and chose skating as her activity of choice.
I hadn’t skated in years.
Turns out… I still got it — with a few falls in between.
That night reminded me why I travel the way I do:
to meet people, try unfamiliar things, and say yes to moments that don’t make it into guidebooks.
A Night at SoHo House New York (Dumbo)
One of the standout moments of my trip was visiting SoHo House New York in Dumbo, Brooklyn.
SoHo House is a global private members’ club with locations across Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond — originally founded in London. This particular location, overlooking Empire Fulton Ferry with the Brooklyn Bridge as its backdrop, completely stole my heart.
The energy was electric.
People dressed intentionally. Conversations flowed. And true to New York form, the night only really started around midnight.
If you’re curious about how lifestyle spaces shape creativity and community, I explore this idea further in my podcast episode:
Revisiting Old Memories, Creating New Ones
A week in New York is never enough — but I made the most of it.
Since my last visit in 2018, I wanted to reconnect with familiar places:
- Times Square
- The Empire State Building
- Coney Island at sunset
Getting back home that evening turned into its own adventure — a low phone battery, missed trains, wrong subway lines (hello J-train), and eventually finding my way back. Slightly chaotic. Very New York.
On Friday night, we slowed things down — board games, laughter, and deep conversations. Then on Saturday, my friend Ethan and I took the train via World Trade Centre, crossed the Brooklyn Bridge, and enjoyed lunch and wine at Time Out Market (the taco bowl was elite).
We wrapped the day in Prospect Heights, visiting the Brooklyn Public Library and the HOV Exhibition — a reminder that New York feeds both the mind and the soul.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors to New York City
If New York is on your travel list, here are a few lessons from my own experience:
Soak it all in — memories are worth more than perfect itineraries
Wear comfortable shoes — this city is best explored on foot
Don’t fear street food — some of the best meals happen curbside
Avoid constantly converting prices — it kills the experience (I use a USD debit card when travelling)
Ask someone to take your photo — New Yorkers are friendlier than their reputation
There is something in the New York air that makes sleep useless
by Simone de Beauvoir
New York reminds me why I do what I do — why I travel, create, and design my life intentionally.
Until my next escape to the Big Apple, let’s keep creating meaningful travel experiences together.
About Escapes with TKay
Escapes with TKay explores the intersection of finance, travel, and becoming — offering practical money insights, honest travel storytelling, and reflections on designing a life of intention, freedom, and sustainability.
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Travel gently. Spend consciously. Become deliberately.
