Planning a trip to New York City? If so, the Big Apple offers tons of things to do. To make the most of your trip, here are four must-have tips.
Plan Ahead and Include Kid-Friendly Attractions
Image via Flickr by Project 1080
You can find a lot of suggestions for things to see and do via an Internet search. The trick is to browse some of these sites and determine the attractions you really want to visit. Make a list of your must-sees. Although, there are many websites that offer “see New York City in # of days,” that sort of trip can be exhausting.
If traveling with children, make sure you include stops they will enjoy like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Central Park.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim and the American Museum of Natural History are all in walking distance from Central Park. It’s not just the kids who will enjoy Central Park—the 843-acre park offers dining, the zoo, 21 playgrounds, 48 fountains and 36 bridges.
Consider Driving If You Live Close Enough
If the distance between your home and New York City is not far, consider making the vacation a road trip. Armed with a vehicle from Hoffman Auto, driving allows you to skip airport lines, parking and baggage fees.
Parking is not as expensive in the Big Apple as you think. Look for garages that offer long-term parking that are near to where you’ll be staying. Some offer secured parking for as low as $14 for ten hours. Driving also affords you time to bond and enjoy a scenic drive.
Visit During the Holidays for Added Fun
New York City is famous for its New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square and its Thanksgiving Day Parades.
Find out which hotels offer the lowest fares during these times and if you book far enough in advance, you’ll get a cheaper price and an awesome adventure. Spending New Year’s Eve in Times Square might be best for adults but parades are great family attractions.
Christmas in New York City is full of decorated department store windows the entire group will enjoy. Or, catch the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular or embark on a visit to FAO Schwarz on Fifth Avenue.
Partake in Day Trip Getaways
There are many day trips from the Big Apple that are less than two hours away—most are very close. Take a trip to City Island and charter a boat and fish. Hop on the ferry to Governor’s Island for a bike riding and a picnic.
Or, swim in the ocean at Rockaway Beach in Queens which is so popular it now has a ferry that departs right from Manhattan. Take a drive to New Haven, Connecticut (only 90 minutes away)—a must do is Captain Bob’s Thimble Islands cruise.
There’s plenty to do in New York City but to make the most of your trip, plan ahead, consider driving instead of flying or choose a holiday for your vacation trek to the Big Apple. Above all, don’t forget the great day trips available. Some are just a boat ride away where others will take you through glorious scenery with amazing attractions people of all ages will enjoy.
Guest Contributor Amanda Brown is a freelance writer whom enjoys playing and coaching volleyball. She loves her friends and family including her dog, Charlie; as well as traveling all around the world
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love love love New York. We lived in upstate NY when I was in graduate school. Upstate is wonderful too. We tried to make it to the city at least one a month. So much fun stuff to do there!