Hostels and Public Transportation the Keys to Vacationing on the Cheap in LA or NYC
A few Do’s and Dont’s when planning your budget vacation:
1. Don’t be afraid to go it alone. Always wanted to see the Statue of Liberty? Dreaming of walking down Hollywood Boulevard? Need the serenity of the mountains? The truth is, you don’t need a buddy for any of these activities. In fact, you will spend, on average, about 25% more money when you travel in a group than when you go it alone. That’s because in a group, each feels pressure to do all of the things that everyone else wants to do. If you take that great vacation on your own, not only do you get to enjoy that strength and clarity of mind that comes with independence, but you save money, and get to set your own schedule. Plus, if you fly solo, you’re more likely to meet interesting people on your trip-and even make some friends-especially if you follow rule number 2.
2. Do stay in a hostel. Many people don’t realize that hostels are not only in Europe, but that most major American cities have hostels as well. In New York for instance, a night in a hostel in a great location will run you about $30-$35 whereas a hotel room-even one on the outskirts, will run you about $80-$100 each night. On a recent trip to Los Angeles, I found a nice hostel on Venice Beach for $22 a night. Hotels in the same area were pushing $150. That said, don’t expect five star service in a hostel. While they are great, fun places to stay (an party with fun Europeans that you would have otherwise never met) you will be sharing a room with at least one other person (if you’re used to staying in a college dorm, this is a familiar experience) and while breakfast is often free, you’ll have to cook it yourself. For me, these are small prices to pay for a great location and a great price.
3. Do be flexible. It’s much easier to find a good deal on a flight when you don’t have your heart set on specific dates for the trip. While it may be more convenient to leave town on a Friday, the fact of the matter is-that’s when everyone wants to leave, so naturally the transport you do find will be a bit more expensive. Airlines often offer special deal to those who don’t mind leaving in the middle of the week, so by booking the cheapest flight, rather than the most convenient date, you can save up to 25-30 % on your flight alone-money that can be spent having a good time once you arrive at your destination of choice.
4. Do use public transportation. I was shocked to find, on my first night in LA, that my 20-minute cab ride from the airport to my hostel took quite a bit of my travel budget. I was more shocked when I realized that a city bus could have taken me to the same place for a buck-fifty. Most major cities in the United States have excellent public transportation systems. Los Angeles has an intricate bus system that runs in five minute intervals, New York has the amazing subway system, and Chicago has the mother of all public transportation systems-the El. What’s more-often, fully experiencing a city in the US means fully experiencing it’s transportation. None of these cities would have the same personality without their rides, and taking a taxi is a sure sign of a tourist.
5. Don’t be unsafe. While it’s important to have a good time and experience all a city has to offer, it’s more important to maintain common sense and stay safe. No amount of money saved is worth risking your safety, so, wherever you choose to escape to, do your homework, plan ahead, and know what works for you. After all, it’s your vacation!
