Darley Newman on NY1: The Ultimate Guide to NYC Staycations & Local Getaways
If travel feels more complicated than usual - between rising costs, delays, and busy schedules - there’s a growing trend offering the perfect solution: staycations. In a recent appearance on NY1’s News All Day, Emmy Award-winning travel expert and host of Travels with Darley, Darley Newman, shared her insider tips on how to plan a meaningful, exciting getaway - without ever leaving New York City. Watch the full segment here.
Darley Newman with Rocco Vertuccio on NY1 . Staycations in and around New York City.
Why Staycations Are Trending Right Now
“You could travel the world in New York. You don’t have to leave.” New York City offers unmatched diversity, culture, and experiences across its boroughs and surrounding regions. With the right mindset, your own city can feel like an entirely new destination.
How to Make a Staycation Feel Like a Real Vacation
Before diving into where to go, Darley emphasizes that how you approach your staycation matters just as much as where you go.
Key mindset shifts:
Get out of your comfort zone
Try something new or unexpected
Book a hotel or plan a structured itinerary
Take a digital detox
Embrace the trend of slow travel
“Slow travel is really taking it easy… take a step back, breathe in your surroundings, look around, chill.”
@darleynewman Airport travel stressful? NYC Staycation ideas! Watch the full segment on Spectrum News @ny1 (NY1.com and link in profile) What do you suggest in the NYC area!?!? ⬇️ Newark – For Foodies 🍦 - Sweet corn ice cream at Nasto’s (family-owned since 1939) - Dine around the world in the Ironbound: Portuguese, Brazilian, Ecuadorian, Spanish—Casa de Paco is a foodie anchor. - Cherry blossoms at Branch Brook Park New York City – Global bites & vibes 🇬🇷 - Travel the world in one city: Greece vibes in Astoria, Queens. - Greek night: cocktails at The Bonnie, dinner at Ambrosia Garden. Head Upstate to Saratoga and more! Thanks, Rocco Vertuccio for having me on! #ny1 #travelexpert #nyctravel #tsa #staycations @NY1 ♬ Spirit In The Sky - Deluxe Edition - Norman Greenbaum
Brooklyn Staycation Guide: Williamsburg & Beyond
Brooklyn offers one of the easiest ways to instantly shift your perspective and Williamsburg is a perfect place to start.
Things to Do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Walk or bike across the Brooklyn Bridge
Spend time at Domino Park (free events + waterfront views)
Explore local shops and boutiques
Grab baked goods at Martha’s Country Bakery
Where to Stay
The William Vale – a boutique hotel with rooftop pool and skyline views. With balcony upgrades for a true getaway feel…“it feels very resort-y… look at the view of New York.”
Queens Staycation Guide: Travel the World Without Leaving NYC
Queens is one of the most diverse places in the world and Darley highlights it as a staycation must. “You could go to Queens and travel the world.”
Astoria (Greek-Inspired Escape)
Dinner in Astoria for authentic Greek cuisine
Cocktails at The Bonnie
Ambrosia Garden – a Mediterranean-inspired experience with whitewashed interiors
Roosevelt Island
Take the Roosevelt Island Tram
Walk along the waterfront
Enjoy skyline views from a completely different vantage point
Flushing (Asian Culinary Destination)
Visit Asian Jewels (Michelin Guide-recognized dim sum)
Experience authentic, bustling dining with traditional carts
“You’ve really taken a trip there.”
Beyond NYC: Easy Getaways Near the City
If you’re open to leaving the five boroughs, but still want something close, Darley recommends several underrated destinations.
Newark, New Jersey: A Hidden Gem
“People don’t think about Newark… but there are really cool hidden gems.”
What to Do in Newark:
Explore the Ironbound District (Portuguese, Spanish, Brazilian cuisine)
Dine at Casa d’Paco
Grab dessert at Nasto’s Ice Cream (a local institution)
Seasonal Highlight:
Branch Brook Park
Largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the U.S.
A springtime must-see
Asbury Park, New Jersey: Beach Getaway
Classic Jersey Shore destination is Asbury Park
Perfect for a relaxed beach day
Great for spring and summer staycations
Saratoga Springs, New York: Upstate Escape
Charming town with culture and history - meet Saratoga Springs, New York
Ideal for a weekend getaway
Great for nature, dining, and relaxation
Staycation Tips That Make All the Difference
Darley’s biggest takeaway? You don’t need to go far, you just need to be intentional. “Try something new… and that makes it your own vacation right here in New York.”
Quick Staycation Checklist:
Choose a new neighborhood
Book at least one experience
Plan meals ahead of time
Limit work and distractions
Build in time to relax
Ready to Plan Your NYC Staycation?
Whether you’re exploring Brooklyn, dining your way through Queens, or discovering hidden gems just outside the city, your next getaway might be closer than you think. Learn more about vacation ideas in and around New York and New Jersey. Start small. Stay local. Think like a traveler.
