Turning 33 was an unforgettable experience this year, and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to celebrate than in the vibrant and electrifying city of New York. From July 16th to 21st, I embarked on a trip that combined adventure, luxury, and a bit of personal indulgence—all thanks to an incredible deal from Costco Travel.
First things first—Costco Travel truly made this trip seamless and affordable. Their package included direct flights from Vancouver to Newark Airport with Air Canada and comfortable accommodations at the Martinique New York on Broadway, Curio Collection by Hilton. We started off with a standard room, but the moment we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised that we got upgraded to a Queen Delux room with a stunning view. This was my first time booking through Costco Travel and honestly, the convenience of booking through Costco Travel meant that I could focus on enjoying my trip rather than stressing over the details.
I had planned this for month and one of the absolute highlights of my birthday trip was crafting my own signature fragrance at Olfactory in New York. This unique experience allowed me to blend various scents to create a personalized perfume and by doing this, I had to smell 10 different scents to find my main scent and once I discovered that, we build onto it. This made for a truly memorable souvenir. Every time I wear it, I’ll be reminded of my favourite place in the work – New York City.
Another standout moment was walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. A New York City trip really isn’t complete without walking the Brooklyn Bridge. The panoramic views of the city skyline were simply breathtaking and even though that day, we had a heat wave hitting the big apple, it was still absolutely worth it. Central Park was another gem—strolling through its lush landscapes provided a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. This is perfect if you are wanting to take a break from the busy NY street, but still enjoy the constant movement and noise. Its probably one of my favourite things to do midway through a New York City trip.
One of the first stops when we arrived was to visit the Spyglass Rooftop Bar, where the views of the city were as sparkling as the champagne in my glass. There really is nothing quite like having a glass of champagne, watching the sun go down and watching the Empire State Building light up. The atmosphere was perfect for celebrating my big 33rd birthday.
No trip to New York would be complete without catching a game, so we headed to Yankees Stadium to watch the Yankees in action. The energy in the stadium was electric, and it was a fantastic way to immerse myself in the local sports culture. I am also a huge Yankees fan and my husband is a huge Detroit Tigers fan, so he took one for the team, and did not complain Yankees game.
For a touch of magic, I explored the Harry Potter Exhibit and store. Anybody that is as obsessed with Harry Potter as I am would absolutely love this experience. The Exhibit held authentic movie props, costumes worn by actors and recreations of iconic scenes which really allowed for an interactive journey.
The cherry on top was dinner at Mercury Bar in Hell’s Kitchen. Personally, this is one of my absolute favourite bars in New York City. Located in the heart of Hells Kitchen, they serve amazing food, half price drinks and vibrant atmosphere that really make you feel like you live in the city. This was my spot in 2019 and it was my spot in 2024.
Returning to New York for my 33rd birthday was like revisiting an old friend who’s always up for an adventure. My previous trip to the city was unforgettable, but celebrating a birthday there felt like a magical achievement. If you’re thinking about making your birthday special or simply want to experience the thrill of NYC, take this as a sign—go for it!
Until next time, New York.
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