Me on the Brooklyn Bridge in NYC
by Sunny
Let’s face it: traveling can be expensive. The cost of transportation and lodging are necessary, but add the cost of meals, sightseeing activities, and souvenirs and the expenses add up quickly. Here are some ways that my family keeps expenses low while traveling to our favorite cities.
Lodging: Stay Near the Airport
Hotels are plentiful and airport shuttles, light rail/subways are close by. Many of these hotels cater to weekday business travelers so look for weekend deals. Other perks include larger rooms, ample parking, and indoor pools all of which are harder to find for a budget price in the city. For a quick trip to NYC, we stay in Newark, NJ at the Crowne Plaza near the airport – spacious rooms and great breakfast!
Transportation – Know the Public System
In my hometown, there is no light rail or subway, and very few people use taxis to get around daily. However, if I am traveling to a big city, we always take advantage of public transportation to keep our budget in check. Plus, riding a subway or train is an adventure in itself for younger travelers! This also allows us to fly into a city for a day trip and take the light rail into the downtown area. It generally takes 20-40 minutes to get from the airport to the heart of the city you are visiting, but the cost is minimal, with Newark, NJ to Penn Station NYC being the most expensive we have used at $25 round trip. Most routes that we have used (St. Louis, Baltimore, and Chicago) are less than $10. I like not having to worry about parking a rental car and navigating traffic. Plus, being dropped off in the middle of a big city and getting a feel for the atmosphere by walking on foot is the way to go for me. I could wander around NYC aimlessly all day and never be bored taking in all of the sights. However, if you like to plan activities…
Activities – Do What You Like, Like What You Do
When it comes to trying new things on vacay, it is sometimes easier to put inhibitions aside and just jump right in. If you are on a budget, this might not be the best idea. We know that it is often not worth our precious vacation time and money to visit an art or history museum with our 5-year-old unless there are specific exhibits that appeal to kids. Check the museum’s website before your visit to know what will be offered when you are there. If it has always been your dream to ice skate at Rockefeller Center, but you have never ice skated before, it may come as a (disappointing and expensive) shock to your system if you can’t stand up on the ice. Similarly, when planning our trip to DC last December, we thought it would be cool to ice skate on the National Mall. A few weeks before our trip, MJ and I went ice-skating for a fraction of the cost at our local rink. Once I was convinced that we had enough stamina and skill, we added ice-skating to our DC itinerary. Also, don’t forget to look for free activities. My favorites include walking the Brooklyn Bridge and taking the Staten Island Ferry for great views of the Statue of Liberty. We also love to stop by the public beach near Navy Pier to cool off on a hot summer day in Chicago.
The beach near Navy Pier in Chicago, IL
Do you have budget tips for traveling in the city? Share them with me in the comments section!