When it comes to the ultimate city vacation, it’s hard to beat what New York City has to offer. Dubbed the City That Never Sleeps, The Big Apple, The City of Dreams, and the Empire City, New York City has a number of different personalities making it ideal for all different types of travelers. If you’re in the middle of booking your first trip to New York City, there’s a good chance you’re feeling a tiny bit overwhelmed with the options for accommodations, attractions, dining; the list just keeps going on.
Everything is in excess in NYC, which means without a little bit of help and information, planning can be rather difficult. So, for those booking that first trip to NYC, here’s a handy collection of tips that will help ensure you have a great trip.
It’s Impossible to See and Do It All in One Trip
First things first, if you think that it’s possible to travel to NYC and see and do everything on your first trip there, you’re in for a big surprise. If you attempt to see and do it all, the result will be you rushing from one location to the next, never truly getting to enjoy the moment, and potentially missing out on some great “in the moment” experiences.
Rather than aim to see everything, pick a few things that are important and of interest to you, that are absolute must-see or do. For instance, you can decide on seeing a few famous places in New York like the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, central park, or times square; choose a few eateries or a new york city rooftop bar that you want to enjoy; and go club hunting one night. Choose activities according to your travel schedule and don’t overdo it. So, everything outside of the plan will seem like a bonus.
Pick Your Accommodations Wisely
Another area that can trip travelers up is accommodations. New York City is absolutely filled with accommodation options, but they are far from equal. It’s a good idea to set a budget, but don’t let price be the only determining factor. In big cities such as NYC, you should consider the location of the hotel, how close it is to public transit (if you plan on using it), what dining options are nearby, what amenities the room and hotel offer, and the reviews.
The New York Secret Hotels page of the Secret Hotels website is an excellent source of information regarding hotel reviews. This can help point you in the best direction.
Check Out the Events Calendar
New York City is known for its non-stop events and festivals all year-round, so it may be a good idea to check out the official events calendar before picking your dates. Perhaps you may want to schedule a visit to coincide with an event that catches your eye.
Scrap the Car Rental
While renting a car may make sense in many cities and towns, in New York City it can hinder rather than help you to get around. The streets are always incredibly busy and parking can be very difficult to find, never mind expensive. Instead, look into using the subway, buses, and taxis, as they can take you anywhere in the city.
Your Advanced Planning Will Pay Off
Taking the time to do a little research and planning is definitely well worth it for a big city like New York City. This will help ensure that you make the absolute most of your time.
