New York City is one of the world’s most famed cities and hottest tourist destinations for a reason. The architecture, both historic and modern, is known for being interesting and innovative. Similarly, the food relies on both tradition and fusion to remain on the culinary destinations of the United States and beyond. The theater, as well as other entertainment, has made the city an enormous star on the map for more than 100 years. Its subway system is one-of-a-kind, and there is something to be said for the unique vibe of New York: constant parades, corner delis, and insurmountable ambition. The one real drawback to a New York City vacation is the high price tag on just about everything. Read on to find out how you can maximize your time in the Big Apple without breaking the budget.
Book Airline Tickets Wisely
Consider flying a budget airline to get to New York City. Many budget airlines utilize one of the city’s three nearby airports. Flying into an airport a little further from your accommodations may end up saving you money in the long run. Be sure to double-check the fine print of each ticket. Most budget airlines restrict the baggage allowance of each passenger considerably. Buying additional baggage in advance can help you save money. If you are flexible, try to purchase tickets on slow travel days, and try to avoid holidays, long weekends, and dates coinciding with big events in the city.
Stay Outside the City
Most travelers end up spending big bucks on a mediocre New York City hotel. You can maximize your dollar by finding accommodations outside of the city, where you will always pay a premium for the location. New Jersey is a great compromise when your goal is to experience the sights of a budget. Finding accommodations in Carlstadt, New Jersey is a good option. You can easily take a bus just a short ride to get back to Manhattan. An added perk is that your nights will be much quieter.
Use Public Transit
Renting a car in New York City is often a huge waste of not only money but time. Driving can be a real drag in the congested city, and reaching your destination is only half the battle. Finding, and paying, for parking, will drain your pocketbook and patience. Conversely, subways, trains, and buses in New York City are cheap and easy to navigate. Ferries also present a novel transport option and are great for seeing some of the most popular tourist destinations. Don’t forget: no true New Yorker is afraid to walk! In fact, walking through the famous streets is a great way to get to know the city and find unexpected treasures.
Find Free Activities
Many of New York’s most iconic experiences are completely free of charge. Stroll the Brooklyn Bridge, enjoy Central Park, visit the Main Library, and find a walking tour route that you can take on your own. Coupon sites like Groupon often offer free, or nearly free, experiences in addition to buy-one-get-one-free offers.
Don’t get bogged down in unnecessary or exorbitant expenses on your journey to the Big Apple. Savings are all around and do not result in a compromised experience.
