Hudson Yards mall · 15 min · then 7 train → Times Sq (5 min)
5:50 PM
Hotel — rest, pack for May 6 Niagara · departs 8:30 AM
Together
Until 5:15
Subway
2 + 1
Walking
~3 mi
Opt A
~6:30 PM
Opt B
~7:00 PM
Opt C
~5:50 PM
CityPASS covers: AMNH (included) · Edge, Vessel, stores are separate Option A (Edge): Book on Klook (~$40) to save vs official ($44) Tomorrow (May 6): Depart NYC 8:30 AM for Niagara Falls — pack tonight
🧥 Coldest day of the trip - feels like Gujarat January night at Niagara. Warm jacket essential. Pack waterproof jacket/poncho for falls mist tomorrow. 🧃 Carry snacks, water, chai thermos for the drive. 👦 Kids: extra layer + entertainment for 4.5 hr stretch
1. Depart NYCCheckout by 8:30 AM
8:00 AM
Checkout from The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
Load car · settle hotel bill · fill water bottles, pack snacks
8:30 AM
Drive north: I-87 N (NY State Thruway)
NYC → Albany · ~150 miles · ~2.5 hrs · toll road (E-ZPass or pay at booth)
2. Lunch near Albany (~11:00–11:30 AM arrival)Choose one option
Option A
Dosa Grill — South Indian · Buffet $13.99 · ⭐ 4.6 (1,167 reviews)
Morning is better: sunlight creates rainbows in mist, warmer, full energy
Driving
~7 hrs
Distance
~440 mi
Lunch
~45 min
Rest stops
1–2
Check-in
~5 PM
Evening
Optional
E-ZPass: NY Thruway is toll road — E-ZPass saves time, or pay cash/card at booths Kids: Download shows/movies on tablet before departure for 4.5 hr Albany→Niagara stretch Fuel: Fill up in NYC or at Albany lunch stop · service areas on I-90 have gas Tomorrow: Niagara Falls morning (9 AM–12 PM) then drive to Hershey via Vraj Temple
May 7 (Thursday) - Niagara Falls morning → Vraj Temple → Hershey
Falls experience 9 AM–12 PM · drive ~375 miles · Vraj Temple stop · Hershey check-in by evening
🧥 Morning at falls: 11°C + mist = feels like 7-8°C. 🌧 Waterproof jacket/poncho required for Maid of the Mist (free poncho provided but bring your own waterproof layer). 🧦 Extra socks in backpack. 📱 Phone waterproof pouch recommended. Hershey evening warmer (~17°C)
1. Niagara Falls State Park — morning experienceMaid of Mist: $30.25/$19.75 · Park: Free
8:30 AM
Breakfast at hotel · check out · load car
Pack waterproof poncho, extra socks, phone pouch
9:00 AM
Drive to Niagara Falls State Park · Parking Lot #1
Maid of the Mist: Tickets at Observation Tower — no reservation needed. Boats every 15 min. Season opens early May — confirm at maidofthemist.com Vraj darshan: Check vraj.org for exact Sandhya Aarti timing on Thu Tomorrow (May 8): Hershey's Chocolate World → drive to Washington D.C.
💰 Trip Cost Summary
Each group pays for their own tickets. Shared attractions split by headcount.
Group A - Kevin's Family 7 Adults
Attraction
Day
Per person
7 Adults
May 3 - Group A only
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
May 3
~$52
$364
Parking NYC (~3 nights)
May 3-6
~$40/day
~$120
May 4-7 - Shared attractions (Group A share)
Statue of Liberty ferry
May 4
$25.50
$178.50
Empire State Building
May 4
$42
$294
AMNH
May 5
$28
$196
The Vessel
May 5
$10
$70
Edge NYC (optional)
May 5
~$40
~$280
Maid of the Mist
May 7
$30.25
$211.75
OMNY subway (est. 8 rides/pp)
May 4-5
$2.90/ride
~$162
Kevin's family total (without Edge)
~$1,597
Kevin's family total (with Edge)
~$1,877
Group B - Prakash's Family 2 Adults + 2 Kids (10 & 8)
Attraction
Day
Adult / Child
Family of 4
May 3 - Group B only
Uber Secaucus → Manhattan
May 3
Flat fare
~$70
Intrepid Museum
May 3
$36 / $26
$124
May 4-7 - Shared attractions (Group B share)
Statue of Liberty ferry
May 4
$25.50 / $16.50
$84
Empire State Building
May 4
$42 / $38
$160
AMNH
May 5
$28 / $16.50
$89
The Vessel
May 5
$10 / $10
$40
Edge NYC (optional)
May 5
~$40 / ~$40
~$160
Maid of the Mist
May 7
$30.25 / $19.75
$100
OMNY subway (est. 8 rides/pp)
May 4-5
$2.90/ride
~$93
Prakash's family total (without Edge)
~$760
Prakash's family total (with Edge)
~$920
Trip Total May 3-7
Group
People
Without Edge
With Edge
Kevin's family
7 adults
~$1,597
~$1,877
Prakash's family
2A + 2K
~$760
~$920
Grand Total (11 people)
~$2,357
~$2,797
🆓 Free Attractions (no tickets needed)
BAPS Akshardham9/11 MemorialCentral ParkBrooklyn Bridge + DUMBOBryant ParkNY Public LibraryLittle IslandThe High LineTimes SquareNiagara Falls State ParkVraj Hindu TempleJane's Carousel ($2)
