Give to Gain: An All-Female NYC Journey for International Women’s Day 2026

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026’s Give to Gain theme, all-female staff from Brightsun travelled on a familiarisation trip, championing the power of female support and empowerment.

There are trips that entertain, and then there are trips that transform. In honour of International Women’s Day 2026, a group of women from Brightsun Travel were selected for an all-female trip to New York City - a destination that is bold, energetic, and inspiring. With the 2026 theme, Give to Gain, none of us quite realised just how meaningful the experience would be - not just as a reward, but as a reminder of what happens when women are supported, celebrated, and given opportunities to grow. What made the trip even more special was it coincided with Brightsun Travel’s 40th anniversary, a milestone that reflects the company’s long-standing support for women. From its inception, with a female co-founder helping shape its vision, to today’s all-female familiarisation trip for International Women’s Day, the trip embodied the company’s true commitment to equality and empowerment.

Our journey started bright and early at Heathrow Airport. After breakfast at the lounge and a relaxing and comfortable flight courtesy of United Airlines, we took a taxi from the airport into Manhattan and it suddenly felt surreal - the skyline, the yellow cabs, the energy. We checked into the Hilton New York Times Square, and the location couldn’t have been better. Being right in the heart of the action meant everything was within walking distance - from iconic landmarks to great restaurants, coffee shops and shopping spots.

Over the next few days, the tours and attractions were genuinely fantastic. Out first stop was a VIP hosted tour of the iconic Empire State Building. Walking through such a legendary landmark together was one of those experiences where you just stop, take a breath, and feel incredibly grateful to be there. Another of our collective highlights was the New York City bus tour, which gave us the chance to see so much of the city in a short space of time while learning fascinating stories along the way. Passing through Midtown, stopping off to see the Rockefeller Center and the stunning St. Patrick's Cathedral along glamorous Fifth Avenue felt like stepping into scenes we’d only ever seen on screen. As we headed Downtown, the atmosphere shifted - seeing the moving 9/11 Memorial, crossing views of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, and the financial buzz of Wall Street. A short stop for an NYC boat cruise was exhilarating, taking us to view the Manhattan skyline and up close for great views of the Statue of Liberty. Then Uptown brought a completely different energy again, with the calm beauty of Central Park and the cultural stretch of Museum Mile. It really helped bring the city to life and gave us a deeper appreciation for everything New York represents - diversity, resilience, and endless opportunity.

Another huge highlight for all of us was experiencing the buzz of Times Square. Seeing the bright lights, the crowds, and the sheer energy of that space was unforgettable - but what made it even more special was taking time for a mini photoshoot with our company branding to mark IWD and our 40th anniversary which was an emotional moment reflecting on its history and achievements over four decades. It reminded us just how fortunate we were to be given this opportunity and how powerful it is when a company truly invests in women and their visibility on a global stage. For that, we are sincerely grateful.

We also loved the variety of shopping available throughout the trip. Whether it was high-end stores like Bloomingdale's and Macy's, well-known brands like Target and Trader Joe's, or more budget-friendly finds like T.J. Maxx, there really was something for everyone. It meant each of us could enjoy the experience in our own way, which made it feel inclusive and accessible for all budgets - another thing that made New York stand out as a destination.

And then there was the food… which quickly became one of our favourite parts of the trip! The variety of cuisine on offer was incredible. From classic American diners to Italian favourites and quick bites during sightseeing stops, every meal felt like part of the adventure. Sharing those moments around the table, laughing about the day and swapping stories, really strengthened the bond between us.

As our trip came to an end and we headed back to the airport, we reflected on everything we’d experienced together. The idea behind Give to Gain is simple but powerful: when organisations like Brightsun Travel give generously, through opportunities, visibility and support, women grow in confidence and capability. And when women thrive, everyone benefits. This trip was a perfect example of that in action. We returned feeling valued, empowered, and motivated to keep supporting one another and encouraging more women to seize opportunities like this. So, from all of us who were lucky enough to be part of this incredible experience - thank you for investing in women and Happy 40th Anniversary!