Shopping Tips To Remember While Vacationing In New York City

When you travel anywhere anymore, the first thing you should do in advance is research motel deals. It can save you big bucks to set up your reservations over the internet at some of the travel-related websites. Always print out your receipt and confirmation number to prove your transaction. After all, computers do have a tendency to err or freeze up at an inconvenient time. If you don't get a chance to book your stay online, there are often free travel magazines at newsstands and truck stops or welcome centers with coupons for certain motels.

If it's possible to plan your vacation to exclude holidays, you may get better deals just before or just after major booking dates that often make the prices rise for those unfortunate enough to miss the opportunity to plan ahead. If you can't book online, at least call ahead to ensure that you will get the proper accommodations.

Besides the irritation of losing out on a good motel deal, some of the best attractions may be closed over the holidays. Make sure you check into that when planning your itinerary.

Bed and breakfast establishments are often cheaper and are located in most all the New York City neighborhoods.

Sales tax in New York City is 8.65% except on clothing and footwear under $110, but you can have your purchases shipped home to avoid the tax.

Store hours can vary greatly from store to store and day to day. The bigger department stores are open 7 days a week. Avoid lunch hour shopping to miss the native New Yorkers trying to get errands done during a hectic lunch break.

Check out sale dates. Discounts increase during the last day, but your purchases may be non-returnable if they're on sale or on clearance. You'll want to make sure you check for any signs of weakness, scratching, chips, etc. before you buy anything on sale or clearance. Some discount stores may offer great deals on designer items, but there may be a button missing, tear in the seam, and so on. Also, do your research so you know how to spot a fake designer item. It's no fun to pay high prices for a stand-in wannabe.

The Garment District is the area of town between 34th and 40th streets and between 5th and 9th avenues. City magazines and newspapers will have the locations and dates, which can vary.

Consider the cost of transportation while you are in the city. It may be well worth it to leave your car behind and buy a package deal on bus tickets or subway tickets while you're there. The stress relieved by trying to park your vehicle in one of the busiest cities in the United States may be deserved and welcomed. Fighting traffic while on vacation takes away a great deal of fun.

A Metro Card, which costs $7 a day, $24 for a week, is an unlimited pass for all subways and busses within the city, and includes a transfer from subway to bus. An individual bus or subway ticket would cost $2 each time, so weigh your options to decide which would be the best. A cab ride costs around $5 from one midtown location to another, plus the tip if you get help unloading or loading packages.

Souvenir shops around Times Square are tourist traps. It would be best to shop there only for small trinkets. Department stores or neighborhood shops offer better prices.