A woman has shared how she flew over 3,400 miles for a 24-hour “dream trip” – squeezing in sightseeing, a Broadway show and pancakes before flying home the next day.
Julia Lynn jetted off solo from London to The Big Apple for a whirlwind one-night getaway – flying across the Atlantic simply for the thrill of the adventure.
Despite the short stay, the 56-year-old managed to cram in Times Square, the Rockefeller Centre and a cheeseburger at Junior’s.
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Julia, from Bedforshire, admits that some people were shocked by her extreme day trip.
“People called it mad, crazy, bonkers – but always followed it with, ‘We’re not surprised’,” she told What’s The Jam.
“I’m always off on some kind of adventure.
“I spent years of my life sitting at home wondering about what could have been and things I’d missed out on.
“It’s a cliché but I think you really can only regret the things you haven’t done.
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“What’s the worst that could have happened?
“I wish people were more adventurous – why not just go for it?”
After finding a cheap return flight with Delta for £510, Julia set off on 19 July with just hand luggage and her travel companion, Nigel – a plush sushi toy.
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She flew from Heathrow to JFK in the afternoon with her return flight around the same time the following day.
And she planned the entire trip around one thing – seeing the final performance of Sunset Boulevard on Broadway, starring Nicole Scherzinger.
Julia said: “I whizzed through immigration in five minutes and was in my hotel around 75 minutes after landing.
“I couldn’t stop smiling as soon as I stepped out of the subway.
“The buzz, the lights, the energy – it was like stepping into a movie.
“As well as being obsessed with travel, I also love musical theatre, so really this was the perfect combo.
“I’m a massive musical theatre fan – I’ve seen nearly 200 shows – so this felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“The ticket cost £200, but it was worth every penny.”
Julia, who works as head of business development at a training company, says she spent £180 on a hotel and around £60 on food, drink and a few treats.
She calls the super-quick holiday a “bucket list trip” and “super indulgent”.
Julia, who once flew to Buenos Aires for two days, says this was her most daring travel stunt yet – but she’s already planning the next one.
She added: “I’m already thinking about where I could go next.
“I’d love to try Tokyo for a weekend or maybe a day in Dubai.
“I’ve realised you don’t need loads of time – just the will to go.
“If I’ve inspired even one person to follow a dream or travel solo, I’ll be very happy.
“Travel opens your mind and your heart.
“You don’t have to wait for someone else to go with you – just book the trip.
“You’ll never regret going, you’ll only regret not going.”
She also took to Facebook to share details of her journey.
The post has racked up hundreds of likes and comments, with people asking for tips on how to pull off a 24-hour adventure.
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