In a New York Minute: My $175 Weekend in NYC

One of my best friends has a place in NYC that she was gracious enough to lend me for the weekend while she was out of town. I always stay with her when I'm in the city, so her place feels like home.

I arrived late on Friday, and changed into some sweats. It was a cold and rainy night in the city, and my dog, nor me, were any mood to leave the 20 something floor. I went on a quick run to #WholeFoods - who would have thought that Whole Foods was POPPING on a Friday night? I picked up some flowers and kitchen necessities for her as a little hostess gift (#FageYogurt, Fresh Salsa, Chips, Fruit, Sparkling Water, Juice, etc.) and a few things for me ($60 total). Notably, I was in such a rush leaving PHL that I forgot to pack my dog's food, so had to grill up some chicken and broccoli. She loved the chicken, and I learned she only likes raw broccoli. I guess dogs can be divas too. This was followed by my pup's refusal to stand while waiting for the elevator. And these were fast elevators folks.

Friday night at "home" was perfect. Sweats, fancy Whole Foods cheese, olives, crostini, and my trusty electronics.

Tip #1: I brought dinner from home, and stocked the fridge, so I wouldn't feel like I needed to eat out every meal. Cheap alert over here. I brought burritos, two bananas, a leftover scone (love my PHL scones from #BakeShopon20th), and a few other goodies in a cooler. It was a pain, but it was really nice to not have to cook Friday night, or leave the apartment. Some people do GrubHub, I do leftovers :)

I was in bed by 10:30 on the couch, and it was lovely. Awoke early Saturday morning to some sunshine. I've been sleeping with the blinds half open lately, and actually enjoy being woken up (as long as I went to bed at a decent hour) by the rays. Made myself some delicious coffee (Tip #2: make coffee at your home or hotel), heated up my leftover scone, and scarfed down a banana. Caught up on some stuff, watched a few shows on my #iPad, took my pup for a walk through the city, and treated myself to a long run. There is nothing better than a spring day in NYC!!

Tip #3: Do free things! Like walk, run, or spend a morning in. I used to live in the city, and head up there about once a month, so I do not feel the need to pack my day.

Around 1:30pm (yes, 1:30), I headed downtown for brunch to #ABCKitchen. A fancy place, but $60 dollars for a three course meal, and a drink isn't terrible in the city as awful as it sounds. And plus, since it was more of a "linner" than a "brunch" I didn't really need to eat anything until dinner. Around 4pm, we headed to a friends rooftop for wine. Tip #4: BYOB - its much cheaper (and the views are better too).

I ended up walking from Tribeca to Flatiron enjoying the beautiful weather, and hopped on the subway ($2.75). Tip #5: Live Like a local - take public transit, explore neighborhoods and stop for wine along the way!

I headed home to the pup, freshened up, and walked to dinner - a quick stroll from the apartment! Enjoyed the evening at one of my favorite wine bars for $48!

My beautiful Saturday morning run through the Park!

Sunday morning, the dog and I relaxed, booked some travel, and went for a walk through Central Park. We trekked over to #Brooklyn to drive home with some friends ($2.75 Subway + $3 Coffee Thank You for the driver), and back to Philly we went!

What are your favorite budget travel tips?

Until Next Time,

AA

Note: The ideas above are strictly my own, and should not be taken as any sort of financial or investment advice. I am not a licensed financial planner, and these ideas do not guarantee any sort of return (or loss) in today's marketplace. Thank you!