RacheyJ asked:
We're thinking of taking a city break to New York in Jan 09, maybe for 5 nights. I don't know whether to book flights and hotel separately or to go via Lastminute or a similar site to book the whole break as a package. Anybody got any advice on what is the best way to go about it or recommend any good websites? Thanks!
We don't mind flying from any London airport.
We're thinking of taking a city break to New York in Jan 09, maybe for 5 nights. I don't know whether to book flights and hotel separately or to go via Lastminute or a similar site to book the whole break as a package. Anybody got any advice on what is the best way to go about it or recommend any good websites? Thanks!
We don't mind flying from any London airport.
Compare the sites. Often packages work out cheaper.
Have fun NYC is fab!
EXPEDIA.com
Orbitz.com
Priceline.com
Yahoo travel
Great websites to visit and NYC is a great place to visit
a word of advice, plan a few places to visit beforehand as you can be overwhelmed and end up wandering, walk everywhere the first few days, lots more to see, but the subway is very reliable and fast so i'd also recommend that, once you know your way around, if you want to get anywhere fast use a taxi, although it is a bit more expensive and you have to add a 10% tip, same with restaurants altho 15% is more likely
visit the empire state building on a clear day, met museum of art is cheap and worth a look, you can look round for about half a day, lots to see, i found the ferry-past of empire state building a little dissapointing, visit pizza shops on the outskirts of manhatten for a cheap tasty meal, and visit fifth avenue at night for some great photos and interesting shops (tho the souvineer shops are v tacky) nice walk around central park is also good
If you know what you're doing, then you can save a lot by looking for a cheap but decent hotel in NYC, offering a special deal or package. Same thing for flights, if you can keep track of the fares available via farechase.yahoo.com and other price comparison sites. Maybe what you do is check out the seperate prices, and then compare that with a hotel+flight package from Priceline or Hotwire.
One additional suggestion for hotels. Many hotels participate in the City's official Sunday Stays program. You can get one night free, plus a bucketload of discount tickets and freebies. More details here -
Suggestions for after you land up. Get Metrocards and use the subway and buses, instead of spending on cabs. More details here -
See source link for list of attractions in New York.
I booked with Expedia as a package. And it still worked out at a really good price.
You also get to pick what airline you want to go with and everything else. (Virgin Atlantic i highly reccommend)
I went Feb this year for 4 nights. Also summer 07.
Both times amazing and no trouble at all booking with expedia have used Expedia three times for holidays now, 2 USA and 1 Europe.
Hope you have a great trip, NY truley is amazing and there is so much to do you will never get bored!
- Rockefeller / Empier state Centers amazing views best not to plan when you want to go up just go up on a nice day when the sun is shineing (And it does alot in Jan/Feb) But it's really cold at the top and windy, but worth it!!
-Madame Tussads / Meseams, meet the stars
- Central Park, have a wonder around ice skate on the river if it's still iced over.
- Shopping! So many places its great, Macys, Bloomingdales, Manhatten Mall, Queens Mall ...
If you go to the Grey Line Bus Tour Shop In Times Square They Have Free Brochers, Maps Booklet On Whats Going On In NYC That Month, Which Is Really Good.
x
Try both:
Try comparing the same flight and hotel both seperately and then as a package to see how much money you would save. In my experience, the package deals tend to be cheaper.
Whatever you do, do not book within the next two months as it's peak season at the moment and everything will be more expensive. January/February is actually the most cost effective time to go as many airlines such as British Airways often offer great deals on flights after the Christmas period.
Hope you have a great time if you go.
We booked expedia and stayed at Novotel which is a fab location and a good hotel for New York. My second visit I stayed in a awful hotel so u have to be careful.
Whatever u book always check the hotel out on trip advisor first which has holiday makers photos and proper reviews
The hotels in New York are v expensive..even for a 3 star