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NYC Trip Planning Checklist: 8 Tips to Help You Make Your New York Vacation Amazing

New York transit

Are you getting ready for a big trip to New York City? Well, you’ve probably got a lot on your plate as you make travel arrangements, book your accommodations, and get all your luggage packed. To help make the entire process a little easier, we’ve put together a New York City planning checklist with eight tips that are sure to make you’re vacation amazing! Check it out:

New York Manhattan

  1. Choose a great hotel or AirBnB.

One of the first things you need to take care of when planning any trip is to book your accommodations. There are plenty of amazing hotels and AirBnB locations in New York City for you to choose from, so it can be a little overwhelming when making a decision. We have a couple tips you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing the right place for your stay.

First, you want to consider your budget. Paying from accommodations doesn’t have to break the bank. You don’t need to splurge on the most luxurious hotel unless you can afford it. So, make sure you’re doing your research. Find a place to stay that offers an affordable rate within your travel budget, but that also provides quality service. Staying in an AirBnB is also very popular these days, so it’s a good option to consider as well.

New York airbnb

It’s also a good idea to consider the location of the place you’ll be staying. If you want to cut down on travel time and expenses, select a hotel or AirBnB that is near most of the sights you’re planning to see while you’re in the city. It’ll definitely make your trip much more enjoyable when you have a lot of great hot spots nearby.

  1. Plan your must-see destinations.

It’s always smart to know the places you’d like to visit and things you’d like to do before you arrive. It’s an opportunity for you to plan your trip in advance so you can maximize the amount of time you have in New York City. You can plan what you’ll do on each day of the trip so you can see as many of the things as you hoped to. Don’t stress if you can’t fit everything into one trip because it’s likely to happen – remember that NYC is huge. It just means you get to plan for a future trip back to New York! If you need help figuring out what to see in NYC, definitely check out Trip Advisor. They have tons of options as well as reviews to help you weed out the good from the bad.

Metropolitan Art Museum
Metropolitan Art Museum
  1. Make reservations, buy tickets, and more.

Planning your must-see destinations in advance also serves another purpose when traveling. If you know there are certain things you’d like to do during your stay that will require reservations or tickets, you can take care of that beforehand. This comes in handy if you want tickets to see a Broadway show, tickets for sightseeing tours, and more. It’s also a good idea to make reservations at any trendy restaurants you hope to dine at because they often fill up early. So, remember to reserve your seat before you leave!

  1. Be smart with packing your bags.

Is there anything more tedious than packing your bags? Probably not! However, it’s important to be smart about packing your bags for any vacation. You want to make sure you pack all of the essentials and leave behind the things you don’t really need. In order to stash the right things in your bag, keep these tips in mind:

First, check the weather for the days you’ll be there. You will obviously want to pack your bags accordingly. Bring anything you’ll need for the impending weather. You don’t want to forget your coat, get caught in the cold weather, and ultimately end up having to buy one in order to stay warm. Nor do you want to get caught in the rain without an umbrella or your rain boots!

You’ll also want to consider what you’ll be doing during your vacation. If you’re planning to attend any fancy events or dine at some of the finest restaurants, you’ll need to dress appropriately. Don’t forget to bring those dressy outfits so you won’t stick out like a sore thumb. Another thing you absolutely must remember to bring is comfortable shoes for walking. You’ll likely be on foot during a good amount of time during your trip and you’ll want something that won’t hurt your feet.

new-york-manhattan

  1. Inform your bank of your trip.

Before you head to the city, it’s a good idea to let your bank know that you’ll be traveling. If your bank isn’t aware, they will likely flag any purchases you make with your debit card or credit card as fraudulent. Not only will it be an embarrassing snafu in the store when your card is declined, but you’ll wind up taking time out of your trip to call your bank. Let them know ahead of time so you can use your cards with ease.

  1. Find a place to store your luggage.

If you arrive to the city early or have to check out of your hotel or AirBnB long before you need to head back to the airport, you will probably wind up wondering what to do with your luggage. Should you carry it around the city with you? While that’s totally up to you, we’d advise against it. Carrying your bags around opens you up to the possibility of a bag getting stolen or going missing. Not to mention, it’s a hassle for you to carry all that stuff and it’s frustrating for those around you when your bumping into them with your bags. Instead, head into a great spot in NYC, City CoPilot luggage storage service. It’s simple to drop off your bags and start exploring the city. You might actually be lucky enough to score some really great discounts on shows and museums from them too.

  1. Familiarize yourself with NYC transit.

If you aren’t used to traveling in a city, especially New York, the thought of dealing with public transportation can be a little nerve-wracking. You are likely wondering what’s the best way to get around town without breaking the bank. Well, you have a few options when it comes to New York City.

New York transit

You can hail a taxi, which is often the most costly option. Not only do you have to pay for the ride, you’ll have to tip your driver as well. And in many cases, taking a taxi will get you stuck in city traffic, which is only going to cost you more time. You could also choose to take the bus or the subway. Many people are intimidated by the subway, but it’s not as scary as you might think. You can check out the city’s transit apps to get an idea of what it’ll be like before you even arrive.

  1. Make free time for exploring.

No matter how much planning you do, it never compares to just getting out there and exploring the city. Leave some free time in your schedule to walk around and take in the sights. You’ll get a feel for the city and you just might uncover some hidden gems to visit. Allow yourself to get lost and enjoy your time. There’s nothing better!