New York State flights and travel guide

From upstate in Albany to the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York State offers something for everyone. While its main draw is the urban culture of Manhattan, some travellers booking flights to New York state know of a few hidden treasures far away from the yellow cabs and mobs of people in New York City.

Just a short distance from Manhattan is Long Island where New York visitors can take in the beaches and boardwalks that make this island ideal. Home to the Hamptons – made famous by hobnobbing socialites and Hollywood superstars – Long Island is appealing to anyone’s taste.

While native New Yorkers have discovered (and rediscovered) the peacefulness of the Catskill and Adirondack mountains, visitors booking flights to New York State are finding their way to “upstate,” too. Known as upstate New York, the area is perfect for outdoor adventures. Skiers, snowboarders and nature-lovers will enjoy the fresh air of the mountains and the small-town feeling of the country that is often forgotten in urban New York.

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New York State Climate

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When to Fly to New York State

Peak season:

New York City’s peak season is October through December, which is the beginning of the cultural season. New Year’s Eve is a big draw and many travellers booking New York flights and accommodations need to plan ahead. Spring and summer are also busy, but reduced rates on flights to New York and hotel rooms can be found.

Peak season in the Hamptons is the summer months. Visitors planning holidays in the Hamptons need to book New York flights and rental homes at least six months in advance.

Off Season:

Except for Valentine’s Day, the best time to find cheap flights to New York and discounted hotel rates is January through March.

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Getting Around New York State

New York City has a great subway and bus system and taxis are fairly easy to hail. Although it may appear to be straightforward, this is one place where driving is best left to the professionals.

Most of Philadelphia’s sights are within walking distance of each other or a short bus ride. Renting a car here typically costs less than in other cities, but finding parking downtown can be a problem. Taxis are plentiful around tourist destinations, and SEPTA's commuter trains service most attractions in Philadelphia’s suburbs.

The Atlantic City casinos are on a one-mile stretch of the Boardwalk, along which you can either walk or catch a ride in an old-fashioned rolling chair. The Atlantic City Jitney covers the city’s landmarks. Driving is also an option in this area.

For Buffalo and Albany it’s a good idea to rent a car. Downtown Albany is easy enough to get around on foot or by bus or trolley, but you may find that driving is better, especially outside the city centre.

Depending on the distance you’re covering, the number of airports in the Mid-Atlantic area make flying an option and catching a discount flight fairly easy.

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New York State Insider Information

• There’s no mistaking that New York City is one of the most exciting places to be. This island has some of the best performing arts, museums, galleries, and shopping in the country. You can find nearly everything from exclusive stores, funky Village shops, and hard-bargaining street vendors. The best part is that the city accommodates any budget from splashy to frugal.
• Buffalo was once a millionaire’s city. Although not true today, the Frank Lloyd Wright houses, H. H. Sullivan and E. B. Green buildings, and Olmsted’s Delaware Park all speak of an affluent past. The city is also home to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, world-famous for its collections of modern works, particularly recent American and European works.
• First settled by the Dutch as a trading post, Albany is the oldest continuous settlement of the original 13 colonies. Well-known for Nelson Rockefeller’s Empire State Plaza, modeled on Brasilia, the city also bills itself as a weekend getaway, offering visitors early American architecture, historical homes, museums, music halls, art galleries, skiing, hiking, canoeing, and fishing.
• The Jersey shore is populated with summer rentals, holiday towns, and Atlantic City. Originally an affluent resort, the city went downhill after World War II. In the late 1970s many casinos were built and today the city attracts casual to high-profile gamblers. Yet some of the old charm can still be seen on the Boardwalk and Steel Pier amusement park.
• The Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were written, signed, and first publicly read in Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love lives up to its name as one of the most ethnically diverse American cities. A centre for new ideas and contrasts, Philly offers historic sights and skyscrapers, haute cuisine and cheesesteaks, main line society and the grit of Rocky Balboa.

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New York State Airports

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