Where to go if not New York?

[LancreWowhawk]

I have a special birthday coming up next year. For many months now, the plan has been for me, DH and DD (who'll then be 11) to visit New York for a city break.

For various reasons, I'm not sure the US is now the right choice, but I'm stumped for what to do instead, and I'm really interested on opinions on what we could consider.

The parameters:

Easter 2027
Not Europe - I want to go further afield
Not a beach holiday - this is our standard and I'd like something different
7 nights max
Max time zone difference of 6 hours, less is preferable
Weather doesn't have to be brilliant, but I don't want non-stop rain either!
It's a celebration, so I'd prefer luxury to roughing it.

Budget is healthy - let's say up to $10k (though we'd of course like less!), not including flights, as we'll be using airmiles.

If you were me - what would you do?

Wow! I really wasn't expecting so many responses, thank you SO much, everyone! I am so glad I asked, there are some fantastic suggestions here.

Yes, I agree that the timezone/not Europe criteria is restrictive, which is why I was really stumped.

I think my favourite suggestions are Iceland, South Africa or just stick with New York ( @Newgirls and @BasiliskStare raise very good points!), but plenty of food for thought.

Thank you again, everyone!

Why not?

A big plus point for SA is no change in time zones - so no jet lag.

True, why not! But I don’t think you can fly direct from LHR, it’s going to remove 2 days for travel, the time difference isn’t bad, but bloody hell the flight. Perhaps I’m just not hardy enough! …. I have done Japan in 8 days, but about 15 years ago so perhaps I’m just getting too tired.

@thedevilinablackdress The flight is at least 16 -17 hours each way. If the OP only has 7 days then that’s a big chunk of the holiday to spend on planes.

I live in New York and it’s fine at the moment. We have a decent governor and a new mayor. Don’t be concerned about immigration -nothing has changed. I would personally be more worried about travelling to the Middle East, though probably that is safe too to the people who live there.

BA is a long flight, but I guess similar to some of the other suggestions (Japan, Singapore). On the plus side the time difference is only about 3 hours.

The Middle East is a huge place and perfectly safe in the majority of places.

Having flown back from Singapore this week, there is no way I’d do that for 7 nights either. 2 full
nights on a plane, and the OP has a 11 DC. Agree about the time difference though.

Canada - similar flight time to NY

I would consider Toronto instead!

In a similar situation about Disney Florida!!

Montreal/Quebec city for me, but not sure how warm it would be at Easter!

Copenhagen and Scandinavia

Canada

Istanbul

If you wanted to go to New York, I think you’ll be fine to stick with that plan for your short trip.

Tokyo

Exactly. New York is the same. Obviously there are the usual big city issues but in my 2 decades here, it has never felt as safe as now (except during Covid when there was no one about). I think potential visitors are put off by the misreported immigration issues and Trump. New York is as anti-Trump as it gets.

We went for 6 days in September and it was fantastic. Easter will definitely be chillier!

Within those parameters, probably Jordan for Petra, Wadi Rum etc. Or safari somewhere like Botswana.

I'd go the NYC while it's still a option. I was just saying to dh maybe we need to go asap or hope it gets better after Trumps term which might not end as soon as we think.

If I had the cash I'd try Japan or my favorite Hong Kong. I have stayed on Hsmilton Islsnd, all over Oz but if someone said where was the best place I have been? Hong Kong. Not everyone's cup of tea but if you like the bustle of NYC you'd be OK. I couldn't get past how vastly different Asia is. Much more so in Hong Kong than Singapore which was amazing ( extremely hot and humid)

If I was you I’d still go to NY. It’s incredible.

I agree Toronto shopping is good not far to Niagara Falls and lots of other sites

Namibia - just wonderful.

Istanbul or Costa Rico.