“You will never have enough money, nor enough time,” I said the words right after he muttered something about never having enough money to travel. His eyes met mine and my lips broke into a grin. “Sometimes, you just know that you need to go,”
Not everyone will agree with that mentality– and that’s perfectly okay. When it’s all said and done, I never want money or time to be a reason why I don’t do something. Saving for things is important, and so is the responsibility of bills, provision, and student loans… but when it’s all said and done I think the MAIN reason why we don’t do certain things is fear.
I’d much rather make memories over making excuses.
And you can. In fact- I was able to go to New York City for a little over $500…. airfare included.
1. Connect- This is the ultimate tip for going anywhere new: Have the mentality that you’re there to connect to someone. Honestly, I think we spend way too much time in life striving, and not enough time simplifying! Look around and see the people that surround you. Connect with them! One of the BIGGEST blessings of NYC was connecting with people and watching strangers become friends. We’re all out there in the big, wide open world, just trying to survive and make the most of it- we might as well do it together!
2. Pick your “must sees” & your “maybes”- Amelia and I had a few “must sees” and a few “maybes” on our list. I am THRILLED to say we saw almost ALL of our “must sees” except for one! Our “maybes” list was super convenient as well and helped us fill time in-between visiting the major landmarks that we adventured to!
Must See’s Maybe’s
Statue of Liberty (free) A broadway show ($80+)
Carlo’s Bakery (free + pastry) Central Park (free)
Times Square (free) Fall Festivals (free)
9/11 Memorial (free) 5th Avenue (free)
Chelsea Market (free)
3. Stay at an Air B & B- Ever heard of such a thing? No?! Then, by all means, let me introduce you to your new favorite travel secret!! If you want to travel and save money while you do it, check out this fabulous website: https://www.airbnb.com ! Stay ANYWHERE you want in to world– for CHEAP! (Our stay was $40 a NIGHT! The going rate for a hotel in NYC is over $400 a night!!!!)
4. Yelp is Your Friend – I’ve traveled a LOT and the one app that always pulls through for me is YELP. Restaurant ratings, addresses, events, — you name it. Anything you want to know about a place, all in ONE place! It’s the best, especially if you’re trying somewhere new for the first time!
5. Taxi’s Aren’t BAE, Busses are & the Subway! : But really. I’m not saying skip the NYC taxi experience, but I AM saying don’t go very far in one. Your cheapest option is the Subway! $30 for 5 days and unlimited rides?! You can’t beat that!
6. Split Your Food- One of the things Amelia and I wanted to do was try as many different flavors and foods as possible. Pastry, food truck cuisine, fine dining– we wanted a little bit of everything! We were able to try SO many different things by splitting our meals! The most amazing part? NYC didn’t seem to care! I’d order a cheap appetizer, and she ordered an entrée and both of us walked away most days without paying more than $10– tip included! You can’t beat that!
7. Spend a day in New Jersey- If you have the time, spend the day in NJ. It’s SO much cheaper than the ever fabulous NYC and cities like Hoboken have so much to offer! The historic streets of this small city had me swooning! Not only were Amelia and I able to visit the infamous Carlo’s Bakery, but we also had a picnic with a absolutely gorgeous view of the Manhattan Skyline! 
8. Take the Picture- You know those annoying tourists that stop every other block and snap a photo? That was me in NYC. Don’t be afraid to capture the moment, especially if you’re on a tight budget with no room in your carry on for a souvenir! And don’t feel like you need a fancy camera to do it! A lot of my favorite images were photographed via my iPhone!
With the skyline at our backs, and Amelia’s radiance at my front, a mini photoshoot was a MUST!
So dreamy and full of wonder– SO grateful for this shot!
9. Find the FREE- The Staten Island Ferry is FREE! So, of course, Amelia and I ventured on it to see Lady Liberty! Along with that, so were a lot of Fall/Art festivals, Chelsea Market, The High Line, shows in Central Park and MORE!
So thankful to have talented friends… Amelia is a magician with a camera!!!
Of course, that beautiful red hair had to be photographed — I nearly died!
She is such a timeless beauty…
Simply in awe of this woman’s grace…
And then, to top the evening off, lady liberty greeted us from her post…. so stunning!
Ohhhh I’m in LOVE! NYC, you’re stunning….absolutely, stunning!
xo
AnnaFilly
Goodness! This was the best of times. ♡
Wasn’t it? Miss you, friend!