Traveling is an incredibly relaxing experience that takes you out of your everyday life and shows you new cultures and lifestyles. However, it is not possible on every budget – or is it? If you have always wanted to see New York City but don’t think that you can afford it, think again. Even students who are studying while traveling can afford to see NYC. With a bit of careful planning, you can visit the Big Apple and make memories to last a lifetime.
Drive or Find a Budget Airline
If you live in the Northeast, it may be just a half day’s drive to New York City. A road trip is a great way to spare the largest travel expense and make a few memories along the way. However, you may require a flight into the city, which can cost an arm and a leg if you aren’t careful. Check out online deals and sign up for price changes as they come up.
Finding a Room
While there are a multitude of incredible and luxurious hotels around New York City, you will want to stay away from them if you are traveling on a budget. Be careful with the super-budget hotels. Instead, search online for deals that will help land you a decent hotel at a better rate. Travel websites also provide bundles which can dramatically cut costs if you book both a flight and a hotel in the same go.
Students can also utilize youth hostels in NYC, which include private rooms and dorms, as well as renting apartments through Airbnb and other companies. Apartment and home rentals through Airbnb usually come with the added benefit of kitchenettes, or entire kitchens, and an eating area. This is a great benefit as it can help save money eating out in the city.
Getting Around
Once you have an affordable place to stay, you’ll begin to wonder how you’ll get around the city. Taxis are a popular way for many tourists to travel around the five boroughs, but there are more frugal options. These include bike rentals, which can be sold by the hour or by day. Bike tours are a great way to get around the city and see all it has to offer for tourists and locals alike. You can also take the Subway, but be careful if you are traveling alone.
Budget Attractions
New York City is the city that never sleeps: with Broadway shows and posh night clubs, you may think to save for years before visiting. However, there are a great many affordable – and even free – attractions throughout. Skip the harbor cruise and take the Staten Island Ferry for free and see the breathtaking skyline, including a view of the Statue of Liberty. Don’t forget your camera!
There are also a multitude of museums in the area, so take advantage of free nights at local treasures such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (every Friday and Saturday). Ride around Central Park or Times Square, and see something truly wacky and authentic. Take a guided bicycle tour of the city and see what few other tourists dare to: the real New York City.
Traveling is at the top of the bucket list for most of us. We often feel as if we cannot visit new places because of work, our budget or our inability to save. However, with a little bit of planning and a frugal attitude, it is possible to see new things, new people, and broaden our minds to the rest of the world. Save your pennies and visit NYC – it will be worth every frugal decision.
