CHICAGO, Ill. — We all work hard, and sometimes it’s important to take a break and unwind. For some people, relaxation involves binge-watching their favorite TV shows or indulging in a shopping spree. As for me, traveling is my ultimate passion. I’ve always dreamt of experiencing the hustle and bustle of New York City in the morning, followed by a leisurely afternoon in Los Angeles, perhaps lounging on the beach or treating myself to a rejuvenating massage.
This morning, I made the spontaneous decision to embark on a journey to New York. My plan is to immerse myself in the vibrant fall atmosphere of the city and indulge in some seasonal shopping. Later in the day, I aim to catch a flight to Los Angeles, where I can unwind with a relaxing pedicure and enjoy a delightful dinner. This is a completely new adventure for me, and I’m excited to see where it takes me!
Before we embark on our journey, you might be curious about the expenses. I’m happy to share that the total cost didn’t surpass $320, encompassing both travel expenses and food. However, it’s important to note that this amount could fluctuate based on the activities you choose to pursue in these two cities or any other excursions. It’s always wise to budget for unforeseen expenses. I’m a very simple person, so I don’t mind going out of town and eating at a place like Olive Garden or TGI Fridays. However, you may want to try a special restaurant that’s unique to a city, so keep that in mind when you’re budgeting for your two-city adventure.
Now, let’s gear up for an exciting day ahead!
Chicago, Illinois at 2:45 a.m.
I woke up at 2:45 a.m., feeling a mix of excitement and grogginess as I prepared to catch an early flight from Chicago O’Hare to New York LaGuardia. My flight was scheduled to depart at 6 a.m., so I made sure to leave my place with plenty of time to spare. Despite the early hour, the journey to the airport was surprisingly smooth, and I found myself at the terminal with time to spare.
Traveling light, I had only my trusty backpack containing my Apple MacBook Air, iPad, and all the necessary chargers. As I navigated through the security lines, I was relieved to find that they were moving swiftly, allowing me to reach my gate in good time. Boarding for my flight was already underway when I arrived, so I quickly settled into my window seat, looking forward to catching a few winks once we were airborne.
New York City, New York – LaGuardia Airport at 9 a.m.
Upon touching down in New York at 9 a.m., I realized that I had a brief window of time to make the most of my layover before my next flight, scheduled to depart from JFK at 1 p.m.
Eager to make the most of my time in the city, I decided to do some impromptu exploring. My first stop was Macy’s, where I perused the aisles, followed by a quick visit to Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods. I couldn’t resist picking up some New York Mets apparel to show my support for the team, especially with Francisco Lindor now on the roster.
I had to make my way down to JFK Airport, and I thought it would be easier to navigate the city by getting a rental car. Despite my initial nervousness about driving in New York, I managed to cruise through Queens and Nassau County without any issues. However, it was quite strange that the electric car I got from Alamo Rental Car kept braking and stopping on the expressway. Despite this, I eventually made it to the airport.
Upon arriving at JFK, I noticed that the airport is currently undergoing construction. Despite the construction, the AirTrain proved to be a convenient and quick mode of transportation. I also found that my TSA PreCheck status made getting through security a breeze. I decided to grab a meal at Bobby’s Van Grill, and since it was well past breakfast time, I indulged in a burger and some fries, which were very satisfying.
My flight to Southern California involves a layover at Phoenix Sky Harbor before continuing on to Burbank. I chose this route to avoid the notorious LA traffic, and also because Burbank is conveniently located near my favorite spot, the Glendale Galleria.
As I’m about to board my flight to Phoenix, I can’t help but feel a bit anxious. Long-haul flights have never been my favorite, which is why I’ve never ventured across the Atlantic. However, I realize that in order to explore the world, I need to overcome this fear and learn to appreciate the journey.
The flight from New York to Phoenix is expected to be around five hours. To make the trip more enjoyable, I downloaded “Starting 5” from Netflix last night, and it turned out to be a great decision. Having some entertainment available offline definitely enhances the travel experience.
I ended up with a window seat, sandwiched between two other passengers, and while the legroom was standard, I wish I had opted for more space, perhaps in first class. Next time, I’ll definitely consider paying extra for the comfort and extra legroom.
Despite the air conditioning not being quite up to my liking, the overall travel experience wasn’t too bad. I managed to watch nearly five episodes of “Starting 5” and even caught a brief nap. After dosing off, now I’m on the ground in Phoenix.
Phoenix, Arizona, Sky Harbor International Airport, 3 p.m.
Upon landing in Phoenix for my layover, I eagerly anticipated the chance to disembark the plane, stretch my legs, and recharge before the next leg of my journey.
As someone who is still adjusting to the experience of flying across the country, I appreciated this brief respite. The airport, however, struck me as outdated and lacking a modern aesthetic, at least in the terminal where I found myself.
Despite the airport’s appearance, I was able to find a seat with a functional power outlet, allowing me to charge my phone. As I waited, I noticed a few dining options, including a Panda Express that piqued my interest. However, I decided to hold off on eating until I reached Southern California.
With about an hour and a half to spare during my layover, time seemed to pass quickly. During this layover, I realized the importance of packing travel-size toiletries such as wipes, Lysol, and hand sanitizer. These items proved to be essential, especially when navigating public spaces and using restroom facilities that may not be as clean as one would hope.
My excitement for the next leg of my journey grew as I prepared to board my flight to Burbank, California. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I had been upgraded to first class, which meant ample legroom and enough space to enjoy a restful nap.
Burbank, California – Bob Hope International Airport at 6:30 p.m.
While flying over to Burbank, I looked out the window and saw the sun setting behind the beautiful mountain range. It was a breathtaking sight that made me take a moment to reflect on life and express gratitude for my blessings. The flight was swift, and we landed in Burbank in approximately 90 minutes.
Upon arrival, I noticed that the airport layout resembled that of Palm Springs’ airport, with an open ramp for boarding, which was quite enjoyable given the pleasant weather.
After what felt like a lengthy walk, I reached the rental car area inside a parking garage and encountered an issue with Alamo Rent A Car. The rental car contract from New York hadn’t been properly closed, causing a delay in obtaining a car in Burbank. After resolving the matter, I opted for an Uber ride to the Glendale Galleria. I had a pedicure appointment scheduled at 7:45 at Luxury Nail & Brow Bar, an establishment I highly recommend for its comfortable ambiance and excellent service.
Following my appointment, I indulged in some leisurely window shopping at Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s, taking in the variety of stores, including Target, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s, at the galleria.
As the evening progressed past 9 p.m., I decided to stroll over to Buffalo Wild Wings to catch the ninth inning of the New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Guardians game. Downtown Glendale captivated me with its abundance of shops and dining options. The experience inspired me to consider writing a comprehensive piece about things to do in Glendale. After savoring a meal comprising six honey buffalo wings and French fries, I arranged for a Lyft to LAX and prepared for my return flight to Chicago.
I will bring the story to a close at this point. In upcoming posts this week, I plan to share insights on how to enhance the experience of traveling to two cities in a single day. I will cover essential items to pack for such trips and provide tips on saving money while undertaking a double trip in one day.
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