What's the best way to book a birthday trip to New York?

Simon Calder answers your questions on gifting a trip to th Big Apple, why Caribbean flights are being cancelled and flying back from Denmark

September is the best time for an NYC getaway – the summer heat in Manhattan will have eased, the crowds will have dissipated and airfares should be lower (Getty)

Q My son turns 18 early next year and I want to buy him a present of a trip to New York with a friend next summer. We aren’t sure who he’d want to take. Do we have to give a name for the second person, or can you buy a lead name and fill in the second one later? And do you have any recommendations of who does a good five-day NYC package?

Name supplied

A What a kind and generous present. But I strongly advise that at this stage you create a personalised gift certificate, valid for a five-day trip to New York, that he can redeem with you nearer the time.