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Holiday Travel Tips for Visiting NYC: Thanksgiving, Christmas & Beyond

The holiday season is a wonderful time to visit New York City. But it’s also one of the busiest times of the year. Visitors come from all over the world to experience NYC during the holidays. This means bigger crowds and increased travel times in the most congested areas.

Here are some helpful travel tips to make your NYC holiday visit as smooth, enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

1. Plan ahead & and book early
NYC is always buzzing, but it reaches another level of excitement during the holidays. (As a leading car service in NYC and Hamptons, we see this excitement firsthand!) With more tourists coming to the city, you can expect a higher demand for flights, accommodations and tickets to popular attractions.
Our tip: book your flights, hotel accommodations and car service as early as possible. This ensures availability and helps you get the best deals. If you’re planning to see a Broadway show or visit popular attractions like the Empire State Building, definitely consider purchasing tickets in advance.
2. Flying? Choose your airport carefully
There are three main airports in the NYC area: John F. Kennedy (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark (EWR). JFK in Queens has a wider range of flights, including more international connections. LaGuardia is a bit closer to Manhattan, generally making it more convenient in terms of travel time. Newark is another good option for both international and domestic flights. It’s across the river in New Jersey, but still well-connected to Manhattan.
3. Consider how you’ll get around
There’s no shortage of public transportation in NYC, including subways and commuter trains. But these options can get busy and crowded, especially during peak holiday travel times. If you prefer to avoid public transportation, you may want to consider a chauffeured NYC car service like Jackrabbit Limo. This provides more comfort and convenience, because it eliminates the stress of navigating the city yourself. Plus, if you’re traveling as a group, larger vehicles are available, such as sprinter vans, to accommodate more passengers (and luggage).
4. Navigate the crowds
Heading into Midtown? To avoid the thickest holiday crowds at popular destinations, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening. This applies to attractions like Rockefeller Center, Times Square and Central Park. Also, don’t be afraid to venture beyond midtown to the city’s outer boroughs or slightly less touristy neighborhoods like the West Village (downtown), Upper West Side and so on.
5. Dress warm and layer up
If you’re planning to do a lot of walking, be prepared for the chilly gusts of wind on city streets. If you’re not dressed appropriately, the only memory you’ll have from your NYC trip is how cold you were! So be sure to check the weather forecast and layer up as needed. A good strategy is to start with a thermal base layer, then add a sweater or fleece, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof coat. (Don’t forget a warm hat, gloves and a scarf.)
6. Embrace the festivities
Don’t let travel anxiety ruin the magic of your trip! NYC offers tons of festive activities to make your trip unforgettable. Consider visiting the holiday markets at Bryant Park, Union Square and Columbus Circle for unique gifts and delicious seasonal treats. Stroll along Fifth Avenue to see the elaborate holiday window displays. Catch a dazzling light display at Lincoln Center, Dyker Heights or Brooklyn Botanic Garden. There’s so much to see and do, so don’t limit yourself!

Need transportation in NYC? We’re on call, 24/7

Make your NYC holiday travel so much easier. Call Jackrabbit Limo at (631) 600-7700 or reserve a vehicle online to enjoy reliable, chauffeured transportation anywhere in NYC, including airport transfers, hourly car service and on-demand pickups through the city and beyond.

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