Holidays in New York City: Tips and Tricks for Surviving Halloween in NYC

New York City is always filled with a lot of people and it can be difficult at times to maneuver around. On Halloween, you may wear very difficult shoes, possibly have a couple of drinks, and find yourself trying to avoid the persistent guy dressed like a 6 foot pink gorilla. Forget about hassles, the day is about having fun. With the help of some tips and tricks, you can have a memorable Halloween in New York City.

Bring Rollable Shoes

Rollable shoes are a lifesaver for those that wear high or bulky shoes as part of a costume. They roll up and fit almost anywhere from a small purse to a coat pocket. You can wear them to your location and on the way home as well and wear the cumbersome shoes in between. Choose a color that not only matches your costume, but that you can reuse many times in the future as well.

Get there Early

When going to a venue or event, some people say that arriving early is lame but it could actually be the best thing when it comes to avoiding hassles. For example, if you are going to the Village Halloween Parade and want to see everything, arriving early may get you a place up front. For going to a venue, getting there a few minutes before the start time will improve your chances of not having to wait in a long line; this is especially useful during rainy or cold weather. If the place has a limited time open bar, you also have access to it before streams of other people are fighting against you and pushing you out of the way.

Purchase Tickets Beforehand

If you try to buy tickets the day of the Halloween event either online or at the venue, you may not be able to get them. Even if you are able, getting them beforehand can help you avoid standing in line for the tickets, having to wait to be able to go in and several other delays which can cut into your Halloween fun. Getting them early is also typically cheaper.

Do Your Research

The worst thing to do, especially on an admission ticket run holiday like Halloween, is going without doing any research. Each venue and event wants your business, which means they offer everything from very cheap ticket prices to bottle service. Websites such as joonbug.com offer a list of venues holding hot Halloween parties with information on what they can offer you.

Download an App

Check for apps on your phone that offer information on travel around New York City. You can get the times for buses and the railroad which can help you decide when you need to leave. Plugging in your current location can also allow the app to show you how to get to another point even if you aren't adept with public transportation.

Leave Your Car Home

While you can take your car into the city, expect to pay for a parking garage which could cost quite a bit of money depending on how long you're in the city. Traffic in NYC is bad enough, combine that with a party holiday like Halloween and the frustration certainly increases. Your best bet is to rely on public transportation. Before going out, write down the return times. If you are taking a bus, make sure to get there way ahead of time before your bus departs. Chances are the lines will be long because of the holiday which means that even if you are on line in time for your bus, you may not get on it and will have to wait for the next one.

Spending Halloween in New York City is an incredible experience as long as you do a little preparation. It can help you avoid all the hassles other party goers may have to deal with from long lines to walking around in your costume not knowing where to go. Make it a night to remember instead of one you would rather forget.