If someone had told me a few years ago that I’d be living in New York, running my own travel agency, and welcoming guests into my own apartments, I probably would have just smiled in disbelief. And yet—here I am, in one of the world’s most exciting cities, where every single day brings new opportunities.
But how did I get here? To understand that, we need to rewind a little. Back to military training camps, to Sicily, and eventually, across the Atlantic Ocean—all the way to New York.
The Beginning – From Military Service to Traveling the World
I joined the army in 2009, and a year later I earned the rank of sergeant. Military life was full of challenges, but it taught me invaluable lessons: discipline, perseverance, and most importantly—the ability to hold my ground, no matter where I am in the world.
During my service, I worked with people of many different nationalities. That experience gave me a new perspective on life. I saw how others thought, lived, and dreamed, and it planted a seed in me: maybe my place wasn’t confined to just one country.
As fate would have it, I met a Sicilian soldier during one of my missions. That encounter not only brought a long-term relationship, but also opened a whole new chapter in my life. I started traveling to Sicily more and more often, and with each visit, I felt increasingly at home on the island.
The Turning Point: Sicily, the Start of a New Life
In 2021, I was offered a civilian NATO position in Sicily. By then, Hungary had become a comfortable home, but I felt it was time for a change. I began working on the U.S. base in Catania, and during that time, I found myself guiding more and more Hungarian tourists through Sicily’s breathtaking sights.
That’s where the idea came: what if I organized trips professionally? So many Hungarians visited the island, and they needed someone with local knowledge to help them explore. I realized that’s exactly what I could provide.
Later, life steered me in yet another direction. At the end of my time in Sicily, I was offered a restaurant manager position, which I held for a year. It was a fascinating experience that gave me insight into the world of Italian hospitality and allowed me to build valuable connections.
And then, something happened that changed my life forever.
The Big Decision – New York
One autumn day, a man walked into the restaurant where I worked. He smiled—and I immediately felt something special. The only problem? It was his last day in Sicily.
You might think this was just a fleeting summer romance, but for some reason, I couldn’t let it go. We stayed in touch over the phone, talking endlessly, and by November I made a bold decision: I would travel to New York to see him again.
I had no idea what awaited me. I didn’t know if it would just be a short visit or the beginning of something much bigger. But as the plane touched down at JFK, I felt it in my heart—this was a new chapter in my life.
And it truly was. I stayed. We got married, and New York became my home.
From NYCTRIPTIP to VilÁGI Travel – The Birth of a New Venture
Bringing my experience as a guide in Sicily, I started building my travel agency here in New York. That’s how NYCTRIPTIP.com was born, followed by VilÁGI Travel, which not only organizes tours but also offers fully renovated apartments for visitors coming to New York.
In spring 2024, we renovated our first apartment, and today it proudly welcomes guests. New York is a massive city, and I know many people long to discover it through the eyes of a local. That’s why vilagitravel.com aims to be more than just a booking site—it’s a complete experience package that helps travelers see the city the way locals do.
What’s Next?
In 2025, we’re planning to open a very special second apartment—one inspired by the legendary TV show Friends. Our goal is to create a warm, iconic, and one-of-a-kind space where our guests can soak up New York’s vibrant energy.
At the same time, I continue exploring the city, sharing each new discovery here on the blog and on my agency’s Facebook and Instagram pages. New York always has surprises in store—and I want to share them with fellow adventurers like me.
Conclusion
New York isn’t an easy city, but it’s a magical place filled with endless opportunities. My journey here was long and adventurous—from military service, to Sicily, to finally founding my own travel agency.
If New York is your dream, or if you’re simply looking for a truly unique experience, find us at vilagitravel.com. My mission is to make every guest feel like they’ve found a second home.
See you in New York! 🗽🚕✨