How to Plan a Summer Vacation in New York City

If you plan a summer vacation in New York City, you will never run out of things to see or do in the Big Apple. From museums to restaurants to theaters and shops, New York has more of what makes city great than almost any place in the world, which is what makes it a great vacation spot for summer.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• imternet access
• computer

1. Choose how you are going to get to New York City. Planes, trains, buses and automobiles can all make the trip, and each has advantages and disadvantages in cost and convenience. Buy tickets and keep them in a safe place.

2. Make arrangements for pet sitting if needed. Also get some one to check your mail and stop by the home from time to time and make sure everything is okay while you are gone. Make sure they have emergency contact numbers for you.

3. Pick and choose your wardrobe. Plan for the weather and for special events. If you're not hitting a Broadway show you probably don't need a tuxedo.

4. Pick a hotel that is as close to the majority of your sightseeing destinations and other activities as possible. Taxi fares and subway passes will eat into your vacation budget. Make reservations and keep a receipt handy.

5. Get maps of the city and study them in preparation for your trip. You'll need a working knowledge of the major avenues and streets around your hotel and in the neighborhood of any attractions that you will be visiting.

6. Decide what you want to do in New York City. Are you checking out the landmarks? Which ones? You need to make tough decisions about what you can do and see while in the city that never sleeps.

7. Consider taking a thematic tour of the Big Apple. Specialized tours focusing on food, ethnic neighborhoods and museums along with other themes are available; the downside of these tours is that you only see a narrow slice of the city.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan for transportation costs. A taxi from JFK Airport into the city costs 45 bucks, not including tolls and tip. Make sure that your budget includes money to get around the city.

• You have to check out Central Park in summer. Central Park has free walking tours year-round, and if you are a flower fanatic, you can use the Central Park website to find out what will be blooming during your visit.

• Use traveler's checks and a credit card rather than cash for most purchases. However, you will need some petty cash for taxi fares and other transportation costs.