Family vacations are important milestones. In the midst of work, school, and other obligations, it is a great way to get away from the stress of everyday life, and family trips create lasting memories well into adulthood. However, it can be difficult to save enough money for a proper family trip. One of the most impressive and popular cities to visit is New York City, although it can be expensive. Luckily, with a little planning and a solid budget, you and your family can enjoy New York City year after year.
Affordable Accommodations
First and foremost, you’ll need a place to stay if you do not have friends or family in the area. There are several nice hotels in New York City, but many of them simply cost too much to be budget-friendly. Airbnb can provide lodging for you and your family for much less than a skyscraper hotel, and you have the option of choosing a house or apartment if you need the room. It is possible to make your family comfortable while not going over your budget.
Getting Around the City
Big yellow taxis are a classic image of New York City: this mode of transportation, however, is the most expensive and can still get you stuck for hours in traffic or pay an exuberant of money. Rent a bicycle to take around the city on specialized tours, or familiarize yourself with the Subway (remember to be safe on NYC’s public transportation) and the bus system. You can also take bus tours around the city if you need a guide to the best attractions throughout the five boroughs.
Eating on a Budget
While you’re staying in New York City, you may be worried that you’ll go over your budget on food and eating out. However, there are ways around this, and first being that you can make sure there is a kitchen area within your lodgings. A stay with Airbnb can even be a home rented for just a few days, including access to a kitchen. If you have this option, it can help to dramatically cut down on how much you spend on food in NYC.
As well, you can skip the luxurious restaurants and choose more down-to-earth, mom and pop joints. These unique restaurants are budget-friendly and offer a true taste of this city’s various cultures. New York City is also famous for its $1 pizza slices – now that’s a delicious and affordable lunch for the kids.
Cheap to Free Attractions
New York City is famous for its iconic sites: the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the skyline. However, you don’t always need a pricey tour guide in order walk in awe across the incredible Brooklyn Bridge and experience its true beauty. The history museums around the city are often free, and the Museum of Modern Art has a few free days a month as well as a few hidden surprises that are free with museum admission. There ever several children’s museums in the area.
Famously free, the Staten Island Ferry takes you and your family across the Hudson for no charge and gives incredibly views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. If you are paying anything for a boat tour, you are paying too much. Check out NYC’s public art displays, picnic in Central Park, or cycle around the city, taking it all in.
New York City is truly the city that never sleeps. There is so much to do, so much that is always changing, that you can visit again and again without seeing the same thing twice – and often for cheap. People-watch, enjoy a cheap slice of pizza, and make fond memories that you and your family will cherish for a lifetime.
