If you’re going to New York for the food and vibes, but you also have kids and you’re not trying to run a military operation, this is the itinerary I use. In this video I map out a “best of both worlds” approach: still doing the iconic NYC stuff, but building in more space, fewer hard commitments, and a pace that doesn’t melt down your entire family by 2pm. Think: simple daily anchors, lots of walking-friendly plans, and leaving room for snacks, playground energy, and spontaneous detours. I also share the behind-the-scenes of how I plan trips so they feel chill (not chaotic): I keep everything in a ClickUp dashboard so reservations, neighborhoods, and backup options are all in one place. On the points side, I talk through the cards I use (Amex Platinum + Hilton Aspire) to make the “more space” part financially tolerable—because yes, NYC can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to wreck your FIRE math. The takeaway is basically: pick the vibe, pick the constraints (kids, naps, weather), and then build a flexible system that lets you enjoy New York without feeling like you’re sprinting through it.