A number of you have been asking me to do a little « recap » on booking you must do before your trip to New York.
First of all, I must say that anything besides your flight tickets and hotel room, nothing is mandatory in terms of booking.
My little website’s attempt is to give you a maximum of good tips, but there’s no obligation whatsoever to buy anything.
My thinking is simply to give you ideas and especially to help you in the quest of the “PERFECT TRAVELLING EXPERIENCE” in discovering New York City!!! I know for a fact that it’s not an easy task, but if you approach it methodically, I think that you may reach your goal.
To make this article short and clear as much as possible, I’m going to give direct links to the reservations and to my articles dealing with it.
You also need to know that you’ll save money since it’s preferable to book a maximum of tickets, events, attractions, tours, visits and more in advance, before your departure to New York. You’ll have less fees doing so with internet whether you’re paying in dollars or euros. Besides, if you choose to book months in advance, it will not change much but on the other hand you’ll be able to budget your expenses over the month and that’s always positive.
If you want to make extra savings, take a look at this article in which I indicates if there’s discount codes.
Summary
Summary of your bookings not to forget before your trip
├ Required reservations to visit New York City
├ Transportation reservations
├ Tour reservations
├ Activities reservations
└ Conclusion
Required reservations to visit New York City
Some reservations are required if not mandatory if you plan a trip to NY: flight tickets, hotels and for some of you, you will need to process a Visa or ESTA.
Flight Tickets
I strongly recommend that you book your flight first. If your dates are flexible, don’t hesitate to compare the rates. Stopover flights are generally more economical, consider it before buying!
When ? As early as possible, the more you wait, the more expensive the tickets are.
Accomodation
Unless you staying in an apartment or at a friend’s place, you have to book the accomodation in advance. There are several housing options: hotel, apartments, hostels… The rates may vary from one to another and depending on where you want to stay too.
When ? As soon as possible in order to have choices between different hotels and rooms… and the best rates!
ESTA or VISA
If you already have a Visa, you dont need to process the ESTA. Otherwise, you need the latter authorization to travel to the US. There’s a fee associated with ESTA, but be careful with scams, process it only on the official website!
When ?72 hours minimum before departure for the ESTA or more for your piece of mind. If you need a Visa (B-2 or B1)), it cant take one to six months or more depending on the conditions.
Transportation from the airport to Manhattan
This reservation is not required but will simplify your arrival to Manhattan. Compare the rates, depending on the number of people traveling with you, a limousine or a private taxi may be more affordable thant the shuttle!
Shuttle
The shuttle is a van in which you will make the transfer with other travellers to NY. You can only be dropped off in Manhattan.
When ? At least 1 day before departure.
Private taxi
If you want to have a private transportation to your hotel or apartement, I recommend that you book this service with CarmelLimo. It’s a reliable company providing an excellent service and at a good price.
When ? At least 1 day before departure.
Limousine rental
This is the perfect option to arrive in New York in style and pretend you’re a celebrity. Besides, it is not that expensive so it’s a real great tip!!!
When ? At least 1 week before departure for your commute from the airport to Manhattan and few days or last minute for a ride in NYC.
Please note that I will have soon a better option for you there 😉
Tour reservations
You can book ahead a lot of activities on the Internet. Besides, if you don’t want to blow up your budget during your trip in NY, it’s always better to pay your activities before you go and know what are you up to financially.
New York City Pass
For a first trip in New York, the New York City Pass is a great choice! Economical, practical and valid up to 9 days, the pass offers excellent attractions where you can fully enjoy your trip. It’s the only pass offering a double entry to the Empire State Building!
When ? Anytime, from few months in advance to last minute before your trip.
New York Pass
If this is not your first trip and/or you are an avid visitor the New York Pass might be more suitable for you with guaranteed satisfaction!
When ? Anytime, from few months in advance to last minute before your trip.
New York Explorer Pass
If you’re travelling to NYC for more than a week, the Explorer Pass gives you more flexibility to visit the city at your own pace.
When ? Anytime, from few months in advance to last minute before your trip.
Helicopter tour
Believe me, it’s worth every penny, you’ll remember this your whole life, it’s amazing!!!
When ? Anytime you want, but try to book early to have availability in the dates.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
They are a great option to visit NY without getting tired 🙂
When ? It’s up to you, from a few months in advance to last minute before your trip.
Central Park Bike Rental
As you approach the park, you will see that there are many sellers who are renting bikes.
Go for those who have the most attractive prices and those that are furthest from the park. If you book, ask for the address of the vendor, because the lowest prices are a 15-20 minute walk from the park and bike station. Then it’s much better to rent online and pick up your bike at a place you trust.
When ? It’s up to you, from a few months in advance to some days before your trip.
Visit the Crown of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty and its crown are the most iconic representation of New York. You can visit Liberty and Ellis Islands, but the best is to climb to the crown!
To do so you have to reserve on the official website, since there’s no Pass granting you the access to the pedestal nor the Crown.
When ? 3 to 4 months in advance, tickets sell out fast 🙂
Activities reservations
You can have so much fun in New York City!! You can pretend you’re a star with a photo session with our photographer Johhny, you can attend a large number of sport events, concerts… not to forget the shows in Broadway! Book these activities ahead!
Photo-shoot in New York with Johnny from NYCTT
You can book a high quality photo-shoot at a good price in New York with Johnny! You only find it in NYCTT 😉
When ? The reservation is required to make sure Johnny is available on the date you want.
Tickets to NBA Basket-Ball games
The New York Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets will make the show for you to have a great time! It is also a good way to get to know the American culture. I do recommend it strongly even if you’re not a sports or basket-ball fan.
When ? As soon as possible to get the best seats at the best price!
Tickets for sports games (Baseball, American Football, Hockey, Tennis, Golf and more)
Whether you’re a sports fan or not, you will have a great time cheering for your team among New Yorkers.
When ? As soon as possible to get the best seats at the best price!
Tickets to Broadway Shows
I don’t know how many musical shows are performed everyday in New York City!
When ? As soon as possible to get the best seats at the best price!
Tickets for concerts
You could easily go to the concert of your favorite artist, it’s a real opportunity since there are many venues coming at the Big Apple!
When ? As soon as possible to get tickets at the best price.
Conclusion
Voilà, here’s your recap of things you can’t forget before your trip to New York. I will end this article by saying one more time that there are things that are not mandatory when travelling to New York but are ESSENTIAL if you want to have a GREAT TIME in New York!!! 🙂
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Summary of your bookings not to forget before your trip
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