New York Travel Diaries

A whirlwind week away with girlfriends in the city that never sleeps, a Brooklyn wedding and a relatively small window to pull together a plan - there’s nothing like a bit of spontaneity to make you feel extra grateful for the special humans in your life.  

Sister of INTACT, Sam Munro made a trip to New York City over Easter to celebrate the marriage of one of her oldest friends, and managed to convince not one, but four girlfriends to join in the fun (but let’s be honest… a NYC girls trip doesn’t take much convincing). 

We caught up with Sam to find out how she pulled together a girls trip to NYC, and hear how you keep everything INTACT at short notice.  

A NYC wedding with two months notice! Tell me more? 

There’s nothing like a wedding to kick people into gear. NYC is on the other side of the world and planning an overseas adventure is not something I usually do overnight, but this was (un)surprisingly easy. One of my oldest friends, marrying her stunning bride, in one of the most incredible cities in the world and the chance to be part of the celebrations - you can’t say no to that.  

But let’s put this in perspective, you’re a mumma of three, with a one year old in the mix. Life is a little wild on the homefront, talk me through the logistics of making this trip happen?   

I’m a yes person and this trip was something I was determined to make happen. There were obviously a few minor catches with little people, and sacrifices, as it probably wouldn’t make sense for both parents to go, so I ‘reluctantly’ took one for the team. (I really do have the best husband in the world). 

Also, travelling solo is great, but it really is way more fun with friends. I rallied the troops and we landed with a group of five which made the trip that extra bit special and easy to organise with travel and accommodation.

Let’s talk packing. What’s in your suitcase?

I’m a last minute packer at the best of times, but this was pretty simple. Suitcase staples included a wedding outfit - a beautiful borrowed number from my new local go-to in Wagga Wagga @thatdresshire, oversized woolly coat - my fave @friendswithfrank, lots of @INTACT layers for the northern hemisphere spring, a beanie (@INTACT of course) and sneakers. 

On the ground in NYC, limited planning and only a few days to sight see, where do you even start?

I’d been to NYC once before for my honeymoon, many moons ago, so had ticked off a number of the touristy activities. This trip I was happy to play it by ear and see what each day brings - the joys of spontaneous travel. With a wedding to plan around, we kept most of our activities local to Brooklyn and had some great local intel to narrow down the options.   

Some fave finds were Sunday in Brooklyn, a notorious brunch spot with an excellent take on the humble b&e roll. Catbird, for delightful jewels and quirky knick knacks, Levain Bakery cookies (move over donuts, cookies are in), and of course all the bagel bites. Street strolls and vintage finds down Bedford Ave and wanders through Domino Park, an industrial looking park along the Williamsburg waterfront, there’s nothing like pounding the pavement to take in the city sights.     

What’s the Brooklyn vibe?

Grungy, gentrifying and very local vibes, Brooklyn is known for its eclectic mix of shops and sights. While being in the depths of Manhattan is an experience, there is something mesmerising about taking in the towering NYC skyline from across the East River and listening to the hum of the city from afar. 

Share with us your NYC highlights, your must see / eat / do.

See: The High Line - touristy, but a fun way to see the city sights. We were treated to a crisp, sunny, blue-sky day complete with spring blooms.  

Eat: Joe’s Pizza - iconic NYC pizza, delicious at all hours of the day/night. 

Drink: Nat’s on Bank - cosy Greenwich Village bar, incredible cocktails and bathroom disco ball

Do: Marie’s Crisis Cafe - musical fans rejoice! Dive bar vibes, a piano and Broadway musical tunes all night. Singing is mandatory.   

INTACT moments

Hands down the best part of this trip was uninterrupted catch ups with old friends and new, and having minimal plans. Going from the chaos of home life to cruisey, unplanned days was a serious treat - somewhat contradictory being in one of the most bustling cities in the world.

And on a steady stroll through Central Park, turning around and realising there’s no one else within sight, a good reminder that you can find calm and quiet among the chaos, despite being in a city of 8 million people. 

Shop Sam's Style
The Uniform Merino Wool Tee
Merino Wool Everyday Long Sleeve
INTACT Merino wool beanie.