A wedding invitation presented me with a compelling reason to spend 10 days in The Big Apple.

New York has been a dream destination of mine so, of course, I jumped at the opportunity.

It has been seven years since my last overseas adventure and had almost forgotten the prep work that goes into planning a trip like this.

First up, I needed a new passport since mine had expired.

Luckily, the process is much easier now as most of it is done online; I just had to print the renewal document, gather my ID, get a new passport photo and head to Australia Post with no appointment needed.

The staff there were fantastic – super efficient and very helpful.

My only hiccup was my passport photo was taken elsewhere and did not meet the required standards, which meant I had paid $25 for nothing.

Thankfully, Australia Post took a new one on the spot and after paying the $346 passport fee (ouch!), I moved on to booking flights.

I’m travelling with a friend for the wedding and because my friend isn’t a fan of flying, we opted for the most direct route possible with no overnight stops.

Qantas had the best deal: Brisbane to Auckland to New York (JFK) with a three-hour layover in Auckland. We’re taking the same route on the way back.

The total cost for the return trip was $3,453.76.

Next on the list was accommodation.

With New York’s new short-term rental laws, Airbnb was a hassle, so we took up the bride and groom’s offer of a reduced rate at the wedding hotel for three nights.

For the rest of our stay, we booked a spot that was close to all the main attractions.

It was a bit over budget, but we will save on transport costs and precious time.

We will be just a nine-minute walk from Broadway, 11 minutes from Times Squar, a stone’s throw from Central Park, and – most importantly – right around the corner from Joe’s Pizza!

Since we’re staying in the US for less than 90 days, we needed an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which cost $31.67.

And let’s not forget travel insurance – RACQ Premium Travel Insurance.

Before even boarding the plane, the total cost hit $6,097.56.

But, honestly, this adventure and the memories we will make is absolutely priceless.

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