The lights of Broadway and the beauty of the Statue of Liberty are just some of the reasons why New York City is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Are you thinking about planning a trip to the Big Apple? Before embarking on this once in a lifetime journey, you need to work hard to plan out every detail of this vacation.

Some people fly by the seat of their pants when it comes to going on vacation. While this may provide more freedom, it can also lead to a bad experience. Here are just some of the mistakes you need to avoid when traveling to New York City.

Trying to Book a Chain Hotel in Manhattan

Some people feel a sense of safety when booking a room at a chain hotel they have stayed in on previous occasions. While finding a deal on a chain hotel in the heart of Manhattan is possible, it will require a great deal of time and research on your behalf. The so-called brand name hotels in this area can cost you anywhere from $300 to $600 a night. Luckily, there are some cost-effective alternatives you can take advantage of.

There are a number of smaller budget hotels in other desirable areas like the Upper East Side. Some of the hotels offered in this area are actually converted apartment houses. Generally, you will pay far less for these accommodations.

Completely Ignoring the Off-Season

For travelers looking for great deals on their New York City vacation, going during the off season is a great option. Typically, January is the slowest month for tourism in this city. Planning your trip during this time of year will allow you to save money on your accommodations and avoid long lines for the TopView Sightseeing trips.

Some of the hotels in New York City participate in what is known as Hotel Week during this time of year. During this special event, there will be fixed price room rates. January is also a great time to save money on airfares to the Big Apple. Being flexible on your vacation dates is a fantastic way to get a luxurious travel experience without breaking the bank in the process.

Avoiding the Subways

Some newcomers to the New York City sightseeing experience have the misconception that the subway system needs to be avoided. The fact is that there is no better way to get around this city in a hurry than by using this form of public transportation. If you are going to be staying in New York for a few days, you may want to entertain the idea of investing in a subway day pass.

Paying Top Dollar For Broadway Tickets

Going to a Broadway show is something most people view as essential when taking a trip to New York City. While buying tickets to one of these shows in advance will ensure you have a seat, you may end up overpaying. It is well-known to New York locals that the theaters on Broadway deeply discount tickets at the last minute to ensure the shows are full. Waiting to buy your tickets can help you save a lot of money on this attraction.

With a bit of research, planning out a cost-effective and fun trip to New York City will be easy. Rushing through this planning process will only lead to mistakes being made and money being wasted.