The greater NYC area has three major airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark International Airport (EWR). Although newcomers might mistakenly ask for a cab to "the airport," you should state which airport. If you're traveling for a particular purpose, like a convention or a trade show, fly into the airport closest to your destination hotel or convention center.
New York City is made up of boroughs. The five major boroughs are the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island and Manhattan. If you're visiting NYC, get out of the downtown Manhattan core (but of course you'll want to see the Statue of Liberty, City Hall, the harbor, the 9/11 Memorial and Times Square) and visit NYC neighborhoods located in the boroughs. Explore history in the Bronx, enjoy some fine Italian fare in Queens, listen to great jazz in Brooklyn and take the Staten Island ferry for a photo-worthy shot of NYC from across the bay.
If you're travelling to NYC from a smaller area or if you're simply not that experienced with the traffic of a major metropolis, beware that peak traffic times are mornings and the 5:00 p.m. rush. Use the city transit system and avoid the traffic or take a cab to your destination. Walk for a few blocks and you'll not only avoid the tight traffic but get some exercise and see sights you might not see from the subway or a cab.
NYC, like other major cities, is expensive. Make your trip affordable by visiting during the off-season of January and February. The trade-off, however, is this is the cold season in New York. Summer is warmer (sometimes too warm for locals) but prices will be higher. Audience tickets for shows such as "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" (thedailyshow.com) and "Live with Regis and Kelly" (dadt.com/live) are complimentary but you must book far in advance.
Although visiting the well-photographed McDonald's in Times Squares might be on the top of your to-eat list, don't forget to add local ethnic restaurants to your menu. Experiment with traditional Chinese food in Chinatown or savor Italian delicacies in Little Italy. The boroughs also offer family restaurants with authentic food.
