You may have also been one of those who heard conversations and stories from family members and friends visiting New York but find it too expensive. New York is notoriously known for having a high cost and standard of living; this notion is a shame to generalize. However, it may not necessarily always be true. There are so many things to do in New York – even for the traveler on a student budget.

All you need to do is be more strategic with your travel plans and itinerary, and it’s certainly doable. And don’t worry, it’s not going to be any less fun. From taking more affordable tours to finding hole-in-the-wall restaurants, every day in New York can be an exciting escapade for you and your travel group. After all, it’s also still one of the top places to visit in the USA. 

You can start getting those travel plans in motion with these tips.

Choose The Cheapest Way To Get Into New York

The cheapest way to get into New York will depend on where you travel from. For instance, if you’re from a nearby state (or the neighboring country of Canada), you can always drive or take the bus. When those options are available, they can be cheaper than flying. So, if you’re up for a road trip and are from Canada, you can then opt to take the Montreal to New York bus.

However, when traveling far, flying may be your only option. That’s when you have to book your flights strategically to get the best rates. Generally, the cheapest rates for airfare and accommodation in New York are between January to March. If you’re on a budget, you may want to consider traveling during those months.

It can be frigid in the winter season in New York. But if you’re not bothered by the cold and dress appropriately, the climate shouldn’t bother you.

Get Around New York Through The Subway

Getting around New York is perhaps the easiest part of planning your budget trip. The cheapest way to get around New York is by taking the subway. Skip the taxis and car hail apps, as those can take a toll on your budget.  

The New York subway stations are open 24/7 and can take you everywhere. Moreover, many subway stations have an elevator, making them very accessible, especially when traveling with children and family members in wheelchairs.

Opt For Free (Or Cheaper) Museums And Other Attractions

While sightseeing is a prime component of traveling, this doesn’t necessarily have to cause a large chunk of money in your travel budget. There are so many attractions to keep you busy while in New York, without it being too expensive.

Before you pay for anything, do a thorough search first for any discounted activities that may be going on in New York during the time you visit. To help you start planning your itinerary or schedule, here are some free activities to enjoy in New York:

• Walk around the New York Public Library Tour;
• Stroll through Central Park;
• Visit the Museum of the City of New York;
• Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge;
• Take a free ferry ride from Manhattan to Staten Island;
• Visit the National Museum of the American Indian;
• Visit the 9/11 Memorial;
• See the Grand Central Station;
• See the bright lights of Times Square.

Find Cheap Accommodation

Hotel and apartment accommodations in New York are known to be expensive. So, when you’re looking for cheap accommodation, this would mean finding relatively reasonably-priced accommodation. Don’t be too ridiculously cheap. Otherwise, you may have to prepare for the absolute worst.  

The key is for you to search thoroughly and compare the various rates. Make sure you also check the photos and reviews to know what the price you’re paying will get you. You may have to spend a little more than you’re used to – but remember, this is NYC!

Here’s a bonus perk: if you have friends or family in New York, why not try asking if they’d be willing to host you for a couple of days? Of course, you’ll have to, at least, give your share of the utilities for the days you’re in their home, but that’ll still be a lot cheaper than paying for a hotel or apartment.

Conclusion

While there may be a bit of truth to the notion that New York City isn’t cheap, this doesn’t mean you always need to have a huge budget to spend. And yes, you’ll have to cut down on shopping and other higher-cost expenses, but doing so won’t make your trip any less memorable. If you plan accordingly, you can still make your New York travel plans a reality, even within a budget. Follow the tips above, and you’ll see that New York can be a fun place to visit, whether you’ve got a big or low budget.