If you are an avid traveler and you ever decide to tour the states, you have more than a dozen reasons to visit New York. For starters, it is among the leading metropolises on the planet for fashion, food, art, and theatre. Whether you’re considering an extended stay or looking at a weekend vacation, you will never run out of things to see and do in New York (state and city).
It is home to scores of attractions, from the planet’s best museums to fascinating art galleries, awesome skyscrapers, concerts, parks, zoos, iconic bridges, and plenty more. This is not to mention its rich history and friendly New Yorkers living in various neighborhoods and cities across the state. Like any other place, however, you will need to adequately plan your trip beforehand to get the most out of your NY vacation. Luckily, here are some planning tips and tricks you may need to fully enjoy your New York trip.
Know Your Way Around And About
When heading for a trip to any destination, the first thing you’ll want to know is how to get there, alongside the means of transportation to use to explore the place. Depending on where they’re coming from, most travelers to New York rely on air transport to get there. Scores of airlines have direct flights to NY City, landing in major airports like Queens’ LaGuardia International Airport, JFK, and Newark Liberty International Airport. If you live in a nearby state, you may also consider taking a road trip to America’s iconic Empire State.
As for getting around and about, you have various public and private transportation options to pick from. Depending on your activities and specific destinations in NY, you can rent a car, take a cab, travel by train, or take the bus from time to time. Bus tours are particularly popular and mostly available for top destinations around the state and city. Many NY travelers love to visit Niagara Falls by bus for various reasons. One, the tours are guided, two, they are safer, and three, they are quite educational. When choosing a transportation option to explore New York, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Convenience – The best travel option should be convenient and meet your needs
- Safety – Pick an option that will guarantee your utmost safety regardless of the time you’re traveling
- Cost – In addition to fees and fares, consider other costs like parking, fuel, and so forth
- Route and specific destination – The last thing you want is to get lost
Time Your Visit Right
To get the most out of your visit to New York, you will need to figure out the best time to visit. Well, this will largely depend on what you intend to see and do while there. Like any other place, each season has its own set of perks and drawbacks when it comes to visiting New York.
Generally, winter is a high season in New York, with numerous scores of visitors in the capital and around the state. The crowds often start dwindling after New Year’s, prompting the prices to drop gradually. Fall and Spring are ideal for many people because the weather is mild and the prices aren’t as high, meaning you can take full advantage of all there is to see and do in New York. Summer, on the other hand, comes with extremely hot and humid weather, but this doesn’t stop the crowds from flocking up. Thanks to the long list of beaches, parks, and pools in and outside the capital, alongside many free events in NYC, New York is still full of fun in summer. The time you visit New York should also guide you on what to pack in terms of clothing and accessories.
Have an Activity Checklist
As already established, New York boasts a long list of things you can do and see in the capital and around the state. They range from world-class parks to astonishing museums, breathtaking monuments, beaches, art galleries, shopping centers, and much more. Before traveling to NY, make sure to have an activity checklist so you can plan your itinerary well and avoid missing some of the best things New York has to offer.
Whether you’re traveling alone or with family, in the company of friends, or with colleagues, here are a few that you shouldn’t forget to include in your list:
- Museums and galleries: – In NYC, try the 911 Memorial & Museum, Queens Hall of Science, or Brooklyn Museum. There are hundreds of them in the capital alone.
- Shows and theatres: – Try Broadway shows, music concerts in Carnegie Hall or Lincoln Center.
- Boat riding: – Explore various sites in New York City using boat tours or take a cruise.
While at it, there’s one thing you shouldn’t forget. Don’t forget to take a selfie at one of the most iconic monuments in America, the Statue of Liberty. Also, make sure to visit Times Square if you love city life or you’re an avid shopper. Central Park, Niagara Falls, Finger Lakes, Lake George, and Cooperstown are just some of the many other destinations you want to include in your checklist if you have a few days on your trip.
Know Where to Stay
Finally, always plan for accommodation when traveling to New York, especially in the holiday season. Make sure to do this in advance so you find the space that best suits your needs. You can consider hotel accommodation or rent an Airbnb if you prefer the homely feel while on vacation. Planning early for accommodation can help you save money while avoiding inconveniences.
New York is a great destination for travelers and vacationists around the world. As long as you plan well and in advance, you can make the most out of your trip there. The above few tips can help make your trip there fully enjoyable and memorable.