New York Travel Hacks

Let’s talk New York travel!! For the last month, I have had to make several trips to New York. In the past, traveling to New York would give me a little anxiety. I would have to mentally prepare myself for spending more money than I wanted to, but it doesn’t have to be that way!

Here are a few New York travel, parking and lodging hacks that will help cut your cost tremendously.

Travel 

The best/cheapest way to get in the city is by bus. Megabus is my favorite option and if you book a little early (at least 5-10 days) you could score a round trip for 30 bucks.

If you know you are going to be traveling months in advance, take the Amtrak Train. Train travel from Baltimore is the best way to travel if you ask me, but rates can get high if you try to book late. Book 1 month in advance and you could cut the cost in half!

Traveling more than a couple states away, taking a flight will be your best option. Taking a taxi from the airport to Manhattan will cost you $53.44 verses $3.75 ride on the Metro. If you are not comfortable taking the metro train, taking an Uber is another option. Taking an Uber could cost you about the same as a taxi, but if it is your first time using Uber you could get your ride for free (try this code I found:M6B94UE)!

Parking

If you drive into the city, know that parking is going to cost you a pretty penny! But, I am here to give you a silver lining if you are doing a weekend trip — You can find free parking on the street in some of the best places.

My Parking Hack — Go to 7th Ave on Saturday after 6pm and you will find free parking. You can leave you car there until Sunday and you won’t have to worry about it!!! This has been such a lifesaver for me. I am usually parked on 7th between 39th and 38th. For me, if it is my first time parking in a certain place I will try to find a cop to make sure I can park somewhere because those signs can get a little tricky.

Hotel

This is where the bulk of your money will be spent if you are not savvy about it. The average cost for a hotel in Manhattan is about $250, but you don’t have to pay that!

My Hotel Hack — I love to travel, but I have standards. Being budget conscious the one thing that doesn’t fail me is Priceline‘s Express Deals! But here is the thing, if you can, wait to book 24 hours before your trip. I have been able to 4 star hotel rooms that advertise for $250- $350 a night on its’ website for $90 – $110 a night!

I hope this post is helpful for those who want to explore New York a little more. I will be sharing some amazing places to visit this week, so stay tuned!