Brett Hammes

Mediterranean Cruise Travel Agent Specialist

TBA

Cinematic New York Travel Agent Expert

Visiting New York often means a trip to the city that never sleeps. While there are many things to see and do between the five boroughs that make up New York City, there is plenty more to take in by visiting the rest of New York State. In New York you can get the best of both worlds, bustling metropolis and serene nature. Allow me to break down what the state has to offer.

New York City

In New York City you can be in an urban jungle where there are always more things to do and see than you may have time for. A melting pot of cultures and cuisines, you could spend an entire trip exploring the different neighborhoods on a food tour. Or get lost in the many interactive exhibits which provide instagrammable pictures. Each season of the year brings new activities and excursions, making no repeat trip the same. 

There are many museums dotted throughout the boroughs. Most notable are the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. But you'll find other gems nestled between the skyscrapers. Ellis Island and the museum on early immigration are both accessible from Manhattan by ferry, as well as the Statue of Liberty. However, art installations can be found all over the city itself. There are many murals and statues which create their own scavenger hunt for those who attempt to locate them all. Let us not forget that architecture is considered art as well. While in the City, visit iconic buildings like the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, the New York Public Library, the Flatiron, and more.

No trip to New York City is complete without also going to a Broadway show. Come and enjoy long running hits like Wicked and Chicago, or see something new as shows are constantly opening and closing throughout the year. Of course everyone thinks of musicals when they think of Broadway, but if you're not into a chorus spontaneously breaking out into songs you'll still be able to see emotionally grabbing plays. For fans of more classical arts, there's even the MET Opera at Lincoln Center. If you're looking for something less mainstream, look no further than the plethora of Off Broadway shows. In addition to staged plays and musicals, there are many pop up performance that you could stumble upon, drag shows, and cabarets by elite artists. I could go on and on. You may even find yourself walking past a new movie or your favorite tv show being filmed. Any sports fans can experience baseball games, hockey games, and of course tennis matches depending on the time of year you visit.

I mentioned that the City was a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. Here you'll be able to sample dishes from India, Pakistan, Japan, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Egypt, Korea, and of course China. I'm sure I'm even missing some countries in my list. However, don't forget to try iconic New York foods like our own style of pizza, hot dogs, and pretzels.

I'll finish my summation of New York City by saying that within the bustle, there are also places to enjoy moments of calm and relaxation. Explore the many parks, especially Central Park, or find spas tucked away throughout Manhattan.

New York State

As a native of Central New York, let me tell you about the rest of the state outside of the city. We experience all the seasons here in New York. Come for our snowy winter wonderlands, our lush springs, hot summers, and cool autumns. I personally believe that autumn is the best time of year to visit and see town which resemble Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls shrouded in colorful foliage. 

Home to the Grand Canyon of the East, the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, the Finger Lakes, and with access to the Niagara Falls, New York is a nature lover's dream. Spend your days relaxing lakeside, hiking through state parks, or camping beneath the stars. Spread across New York is a lively population of Amish, feel free to stop by their stores to but handmade treats and products from their farms.

You'll find quaint towns that feel like they've popped out of a Hallmark movie to slow down and stay awhile in. But we also have a couple cities smaller than New York City so you won't have to feel completely cut off from civilization. 

Since New York was on of the original thirteen colonies, it has a rich history spanning the United States' 250 year lifespan. For a more activity focused vacation, visit revolutionary war forts, spend a day at one of our amusement parks, cruise the Erie canal or the St. Lawrence river, stop by the Baseball Hall of Fame or the Farmer's Museum, even explore the hometown of L. Frank Baum the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Why Choose Me?

I've lived in New York State my entire life. Growing up in central New York with parents who appreciated a good car ride, we would drive all over and I got to see almost all of the state before I turned eighteen. I even lived in New York City for five years. This is my home and I'd love nothing more than to help others see it.

Flavorful Italy

Italy, known for its rich history and amazing food, is a bucket list destination for many people. Travel from coastal towns to the mountains, or get lost in the winding streets of medieval cities. I find myself recommending a trip to Italy to everyone I know.

Where to Begin?

Located in the Mediterranean, Italy has hot summer and mild winters. No trip here is complete without stepping into a cathedral at least once and treating yourself to some gelato. Everyone is welcome to live out their own Eat, Pray, Love fantasies here.

What to Do?

I spent many hours walking through the streets of each city trying to find hidden gems in their stores and cafes. I'd recommend taking a day to get lost and see where you end up. 

Italy has no shortage of historical sites. From towering cathedrals crafted to obtain God's approval to the smallest restaurants that have been passed down from generation to generation, a trip here is like walking through a history textbook. I once went on the hunt in Ravenna to find the Dante's final resting place.

Eat lots of food! I have an entire album of photos on my phone dedicated to all of the amazing food I had when I was in Italy. Eat the pastas, the pizzas, the cannolis, the carbs, the sweets. Try it all! Each region of Italy has a dish that they originated, so be sure to try it while you're there. think of going on a hunt to try them all!

One of my favorite things to do was hop from city to city. The rail transportation is easy to navigate and can get you to almost anywhere. While staying in Trieste, I took multiple day trips by train to Venice. From Livorno you can get to both Pisa and Florence. You may not have time to pack up and move to multiple cities, so choose a homebase where you can take excursions to other cities nearby.

Why Choose Me?

You should book your trip to me because I have hands on experience traveling through Italy. I can make recommendations to you based on my own experiences and I know how to discover hidden gems that other tourists might not be aware of.

Unforgettable Japan Travel Agent Expert

Japan is a small country packed with diverse landscapes, amazing food, and cities where even adults feel can feel like kids. 

Where to begin?

Japan is known as a chain of islands found in the pacific and formed by volcanic activity. To the north they have cold winters and warm summers, and in the southern islands they have temperate winters and hot summers. Japan's popularity as a tourist destination has been steadily climbing until it recently skyrocketed. Having been there myself, I understand the hype. I was blown away by the mix of modern and traditional architectures, the kindness of the people, and the public transport alone is an epic experience. There's a charm to be felt as you walk through both the big cities and the quaint villages, akin to being in a movie.

What is there to do?

I wholeheartedly believe that you could spend a year in Japan and not see all that it has to offer. So let me give you some highlights.

There are several theme parks for families and enthusiasts to visit. From Disney to Legoland, there's even a park for fans of the Ghibli films.

You can visit gardens throughout the year kept in the traditional Edo style. The blooming flora is constantly changing, especially in the spring and autumn. Hunt for the perfect photos amongst the cherry blossoms, wisteria, baby blue eyes, and bamboo forests. 

Being an archipelago of volcanic islands, Japan's landscape is dotted with hot springs. Relax in a Japanese Onsen or see how the local people harness the steam to cook meals. For more physical activity, hike mountains and once active volcanoes or walk the Kumano Kodo trail.

The sprawling cities of Japan offer days of exploration. Go shopping (tax free options available for tourists), find holes in the wall to dine at like locals, make your own pair of chopsticks, wrestle with sumo wrestlers, and visit their many museums, shrines and temples, the list goes on.

Why choose me?

If you've attempted to make in itinerary for Japan, you know just how overwhelming it can be. I completely understand, I've been there too.  I have hands on experience booking excursions, modes of transport, and navigating around the complex subways and trains. I've wandered through the streets of Japan, finding their secrets, just like you're about to do. So let me use my knowledge and expertise to help craft the perfect vacation for you.