'Round 'Round Get Around I Get Around...NYC Edition

One of the most nerve-wracking things about traveling to a new place is figuring out how to get around.  Whether it's by car, walking, bus, subway, or taxi you need to know how you are going to get from point A to point B.  I personally enjoy NYC because I don't have to drive at all.  Usually when you drive you can miss simple things, but walking and taking public transportation you get to see more of the city...and NYC is definitely the perfect place for it.  Here are a few tricks I have learned to save some money and make you feel a little better about using their system:

Apps are amazing...check out a few before you go

• Instead of taking a taxi from the airport (which will run around $45 into Manhattan) follow the signs to AirTrain and take it for only about $7 to the nearest Subway station
• Get a Subway pass for more than one day if you are planning on being there more than one day, the Subway will get you almost anywhere
• On the subway you will either be heading uptown or downtown, even if you are going sideways at some points of your ride
• Check for closings at certain times of the night on certain Subway lines, I learned this one the hard way and ended up walking almost 1 mile in Queens back to my hotel around midnight...it was FANTASTIC
• If you take a wrong line or go the wrong direction don't panic...just take another look at your map, double check, and back-track or find a new route
• If you have plans at a certain time (Broadway Plays, Dinner Reservations, etc.) try and head out a little early...there can always be hold-ups when in NYC
• If you have a smartphone, try to download an App for the Subway system, they are a lifesaver (I recommend the New York Subway App by Presselite)
• Find a map with your destinations on it and find the stops closest to it, there is usually more than one option
• Check out their website and pre-plan what you are going to do for your trip here

Overall the best advice is to go with the flow and know that everything won't go perfect, but you also won't be stranded forever.  Don't be afraid to ask someone either, a lot of people will be new there just like you, but many of the locals use the public transportation regularly and will be able to send you in the right direction.  New York City is amazing and probably my favorite city in the U.S. enjoy the ride.