I’m super excited to be going to New York for the weekend. I absolutely love to travel, so I only felt it was right to take a quick little getaway to the big apple with the hubs. If you’re thinking of a mini vacay from Florida, it’s the perfect distance which in turn makes the flight a little less expensive than flying across country. Because we’re just getting out of a pandemic (COVID-19), the cost to fly and hotel stay are reduced until travel begins to pick up in the U.S. Here are 4 Things to Consider Planning the Perfect Weekend Trip:
- Transportation to and from the airport
Are you going to pay for overnight parking, get a ride, take the subway, train, bus, or go the ride-sharing route. Either way, it’s good to weigh out your options in terms of cost. For us, we live close to the airport, so an Uber ride isn’t too costly. However, if we’re traveling during surge hours, the price could skyrocket. Also, if we’re going to arrive home after 11pm, it’s safer to have our own vehicle. In this case, we pay the $15/day for parking since it equates to the same amount as getting a round trip Uber.
2. Flight
I always recommend signing up for rewards programs with various airlines. This way you’ll accumulate points and cash them in for future flights. I’ve done this sooooo much and it’s so worth it. Plus, you never know when you’ll have an emergency or last minute travel obligation and your short on funds. Those points can be a major benefit at the right time.
When selecting flight, it’s all about your preference. Every airline is unique and can provide some pretty cool perks. For example, I love JetBlue b/c they have unlimited snacks! Did you know that? They don’t advertise it, but the option is there if you’re a foodie like me…plus, they actually have good snacks, not just the traditional peanuts. lol
When it comes to comfort, most flights provide the option for you to purchase more room, or comfort plus seats. You can even upgrade to first class if you have the funds or the status gained through your airline miles/points.
3. Hotel
This is the fun part. There are tons and tons of hotel brands to choose from. The larger brands often have a similar points system as airlines, but specific to hotel stays. Enroll! They’re free and they only come with benefits. Also, when you’re a member, you get to set a standard for your hotels. Maybe you only like staying on high floors, you prefer special linens and lots of pillows. All of these things are stored in your membership account, so when they greet you at checking, they already know your expectations. Also, the more points you have, the more free benefits and accommodations you get over time.
I personally love the Marriott Bonvoy app and the Hilton app. Definitely worth signing up!
4. Transportation during your trip
This is always an interesting one. Depending on your destination, you may or may not need your own transportation. I try to plan strategically so that my hotel is in a centralized ‘walkable’ location, close to all of my preferred attractions. Although the cost of the hotel may be a little more, it balances the cost of getting a rental and paying for gas, tolls, and all the other fees that come along. Plus, walking is great for your health and why not explore with all 5 senses. You never know what you may stumble upon or discover.
Now that you have the 4 things to consider when planning the perfect weekend trip, be sure to check out my article about the BEST WAY TO PACK for your next trip!