I have always dreamed of going to New York….the thought of walking around one of the most famous cities in the world and seeing where my favouite series ‘Friends’ was filmed is just a dream come true.

When I managed to find cheap flights to New York, I obviously jumped at the chance and booked straight away….and so I was halfway to fulfilling my dream. The time went by and I found myself at the airport waiting to board my United Airlines flight to New York JFK. I don’t like flying very much and it was my first long haul journey, but it wasn‘t that bad. The flight took about 8 hours and I was impressed with the service. I wore flight socks and went well prepared with earplugs and a sleeping mask…so I managed to sleep during the whole trip. Arrival at JFK International Airport was quite daunting, but after all the immigration procedures I was loose in New York. Yellow cabs, bright lights and skyscrapers surrounded me. I loved it. It was just like what you see at the cinema.

I stayed in a hostel, Hotel The Pod, and it wasn’t bad at all. The location is excellent and I had my own private room, but had to share a bathroom. I would highly recommend it to anyone travelling to New York on a budget. The rooms are spotless, comfortable and the hostel is within walking distance of the Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Central Park, Madison Avenue Shops and the Empire State Building.

I had planned my trip well and read up on the city, transport, restaurants and nightlife before I left. I think that it is really important because it helped me make best use of my time in the city. Some of the highlights during my stay in New York were taking a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry and seeing the Statue of Liberty, and going for an early morning run around Central Park.