New York

The City that Never Sleeps is the very capital of the modern world – an ethnic and cultural melting pot and legendary cinematic backdrop that almost defies description, it offers an unrivalled fusion of people, cuisine, culture and experiences, 24 hours a day.

Must See:
Travel to the top of the Statue of Liberty and nearby Ellis Island for an immigrant’s eye view of the New World.

Must eat at:
Put the city’s 20,000 other eateries to one side and head for the Empire Diner on 10th Avenue in Chelsea (in a restored Pullman car, no less) for good, honest, New York grub. And lots of it.

Must be there for:
St Patrick’s Day on 17 March brings New York’s burgeoning Irish (and wannabe Irish) population out on to the streets for a festival of green, white and gold, a huge parade... and just a touch of the blarney. 

Well-travelled tips:
· If you’re staying for any length of time, rent an apartment on a short let, rather than pay for hotels... and get a taste of the Big Apple as the locals do.
· If you haven’t got $20 left to pay for entry into MOMA – you can spend the day gallery-hopping in Chelsea... and it’s free!

Visa:
British citizens can normally enter the US for business, pleasure or transit using the US Government’s Visa Waiver Program. A range of very specific conditions apply to this programme, and you can find out more here http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/vwp.html

If you intend to travel to the US using the Visa Waiver Program from 12th January 2009, you’ll need to get an electronic travel authorisation before you go. The US Embassy website has more information
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/niv/esta.html