(I moved the original post to Travel-logs. Seemed more appropriate)

The New York Explorer tour is a very short tour (only 4 days). It's meant to be an add-on to some of the longer tours, I think, but I only wanted a short vacation.


THE HOTEL:

The Milford Plaza was a really nice place to stay. It was conveniently located to Times Square (about 5 min walk) and the major subway terminal. The hotel staff were really helpful, and it was nice that security checked your room keycard before you were allowed on the elevator (and speaking of, the elevators were SO FAST. Practically no wait time).

TOUR MANAGER:

She was nice, but she was late an awful lot, which was funny considering that she made a pretty big deal about US potentially being late for things. And I didn't appreciate the constant harping about tipping ("Tipping makes the States go `round!"). So rude.

THE FOOD:

I wasn't impressed with the included meals. We were given vouchers for Applebee's, which I will never eat at again. Since when does "a side of bacon" equate to two strips? I actually skipped the last diner and got takeout instead, and then spent the evening completing whatever was on my list of things to do/see.

THE OPTIONALS:

The only optional I did was the Big Apple helicopter ride. It was kinda scary, so I'm not sure yet whether I actually enjoyed myself, but at least now I can say I rode in a helicopter and lived. Hehehe. But anyway, as a result of not filling up my time with Optionals, I had two days of completely free time to myself.

MY OVERALL EXPERIENCE:

I had an awesome time. After the first day, which included a bus tour and a (very rushed) trip to the Statue of Liberty, I ditched the rest of the group and did my own thing. I can say with certainty that I saw everything that I planned on seeing.

SUGGESTIONS:

- Use the Super Shuttle to get from the hotel to the airport, and vise versa. It's cheap, and drops you off/picks you up directly from the hotel. BUT, you have to call them yourself.

-Get the NYC Explorer Pass It gives you discounted access to a LOT of things in the city, and even lets you skip the long lines to some attractions. (I went to the MOMA, Madame Toussaud's wax museum, and the Rockefeller Center Observation Deck with this pass)

-See a Broadway show. Doesn't matter which one, just make sure you don't leave New York without experiencing Broadway. The concierge at the hotel can order tickets for you at a good price.

-Know where you want to go. This may seem like a no-brainer, but there were a couple people who were relying on the tour to show them everything in New York, and that just isn't the case with this tour. Do your research before you arrive!

and finally....

-Enjoy yourself! Seriously, no one likes a complainer. Nine times out of ten it's your bad attitude that's ruining your vacation.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rezuri,