New York is a great place to visit, but life in the big city is hectic, even on a short term scale. Ensure a smooth, relaxing trip by taking into account the city and its unique circumstance as a global city, cultural mecca and thriving metropolis.
Know how you are arriving and know your transportation plans. This means, for one thing, designing a budget. If your going to travel to New York by plane offset the cost by navigating the city by subway, much more affordable than the taxi cab alternative and just as efficient.
If you are especially brave or have navigated heavy traffic before, rent a zip car at zipcar.com, these are compact fuel efficient vehicles rented per day or based on mileage.
Know your budget and plan your travel accordingly. A week long metro card is just shy of 50 dollars, but will allow you access to the subway at any time with unlimited transfers.
Knowing where to stay is another essential element of any trip, but in a big city with so many options you should research carefully everything that is available. Many visitors to New York opt to stay with friends or family members. This is convenient but not always the best option. If you plan to stay with a friend or relative, arrange the visit at least a week in advance, ensure you are not intruding on holidays or special events and have a back up plan.
If you are browsing through hotels and hostels, keep track of rates for different parts of town. Outer borough housing will likely be significantly more affordable than that in the city, and hostels will be much cheaper than hotels or motels.
Know what you'd like to see of the big city well before you arrive. That could mean landmarks or museums, but remember to give yourself more time than you feel you will need. It always takes longer than expected to navigate the busy streets. Check out myopenbar.com for free drink options, and keep in mind walking around the city and finding your own fun is part of the wonderful legacy that makes New York City unforgettable.
