With easy onward connections from New York City to the Caribbean, a two-centre holiday blending the urban delights of one of the world’s most exciting and ever-changing cities with the tropical-island enchantments of Barbados is a winning combination. Think world-class culture and shopping followed by blissful beach life, diving and other water sports, and lots of that famous Bajan hospitality – the perfect mix!
Why we love Barbados
Idyllic-white, sugar-soft sandy beaches and a blissful tropical climate softened by the Atlantic trade winds bring visitors from around the world to this popular and hugely welcoming Caribbean island. But there’s plenty more on offer for visitors, including Harrison’s Cave which Barbadians called the eighth wonder of the world, the Flower Forest Botanical Garden located on a former sugar plantation, submarine tours to see dazzling reef life, and watching the sun set from the Barbados Boardwalk.
There is also an array of active pursuits, including catamaran cruises with snorkelling, swimming near hawksbill, leatherback, and green turtles, and scuba diving (including the chance to explore shipwrecks). If you hire a car in Barbados or hire a tour guide, you can also discover the unspoiled, more rugged East Coast at your own pace. You can stop for a beach picnic and perhaps surf in Bathsheba, home to the Soup Bowl, a world-class right-point break perfect for experienced surfers, or Sandbank, a more mellow spot for beginners.
Barbados’ famous party spirit is perhaps most beautifully on display at Oistin’s Fish Fry; a laidback weekly party where you can feast on fresh seafood cooked at stalls in front of you and dance to a mix of back-in-time hits (Jackie Opal, The Mighty Grynner), calypso, and soca music; a genre that originated in the Caribbean.
Why we love New York City
Yellow taxis, Central Park, the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Station, the Statue of Liberty, the hot-dog stands… The sheer number of icons packed together on this little piece of land make it a destination no one could ever get bored of. Add to these the wonderful shopping in boutiques and in iconic department stores such as Macys, Saks 5th Avenue, and Bloomingdales, the fabulous entertainment on Broadway and elsewhere, and the wonderful eating out, including lots of lovely alfresco dining spaces, and New York is hard to resist.
Other must-dos on our list are whale-watching boats from Manhattan, spending time on the unique Little Island park rising from the remnants of Pier 54 on the Hudson River in the Meatpacking District, and touring museums and galleries including the Guggenheim, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the American Museum of Natural History, rowing on the Lake at 72nd Street in Central Park.
Also fantastic is ambling round the New York Botanical Garden with its outdoor art installations, enjoying a day at the retro seaside paradise of Coney Island, and discovering Brooklyn’s Industry City with its hip restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and outdoor events in and around old industrial buildings.
You might also venture beyond the Big Apple to taste the delights of New York State outside its largest city, hiring a car to drive to the upscale Hamptons to discover their secluded beaches. For food lovers, why not head to the foodie mecca of the Hudson Valley and enjoy the gourmet eateries and craft breweries? Then, experience the hiking, kayaking, and fishing on the serene shores of Lake Placid in the Adirondacks.
To book your two-centre holiday in New York City and Barbados, call your Travel Counsellor today.
As we look ahead to 2026, the travel possibilities are endless. From off-the-beaten-track gems to long-standing favourites, the world is yours to explore. If you need a little inspiration or simply want help narrowing down your choices, we’ve listed our top six destinations to visit next year, whether you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes, sun-soaked beaches, or energetic cities.
There are so many great reasons to experience certain destinations in the shoulder seasons – that sweet spot between a region’s peak season and off-season. Think fewer crowds and queues for major attractions, better-value flights and other travel, and a more authentic experience of the destination. We’ve put our heads together to share a few of our favourite places that can be just as good or even better outside of high season.
Lisbon is a city bursting with charm, history, and creativity, making it an excellent destination for families seeking an unforgettable city break. From cobbled streets and panoramic views to sunny parks and cultural landmarks, there’s something for everyone in Portugal’s lively capital. And when it comes to picking the perfect base for your family adventure, ME Lisbon is a luxury lifestyle hotel that blends sophisticated comfort with family-friendly facilities. A stay at ME Lisbon ensures that every family member, from toddlers to grandparents, enjoys a warm and welcoming stay.
