Navigating New York- A Guide For Business Travelers

Roughly 12 million people visit New York each year on business trips. Being one of the major commercial capitals of the world, it’s an excellent place to meet up with clients, find investors, or simply get advice and inspiration.

Many people visiting NYC for the first time are very excited, but also a little intimidated by the prospect. It’s a very fast-paced and expensive city - certain mistakes could cost you a lot of time and money. To help you get the best out of your business trip, here are some useful tips for corporate travel in New York.

Booking flights

Let’s start by considering your flights. It’s a good idea to book early as flights to New York can be popular and seats can fill up fast. Aim to arrive a day before any business events so that you have time to settle in (and just in case there is a delay).

Most international flights will go into either JFK Airport or Newark Airport. There is another option, LaGuardia Airport, which is closer to Manhattan resulting in quicker taxi rides, however flights into this airport are more limited.

Choosing The Right Neighborhood

Next, think about which neighborhood you will stay in. This will help you narrow down your accommodation options. There are three main locations where business travelers tend to stay:

Midtown Manhattan

All the major offices and conference venues are located here, making it potentially a good practical choice. This is also where all the landmarks are - so expect accommodation options to be a bit pricier. Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station are also located here, providing key subway lines to all the other boroughs if you need to travel elsewhere.

Lower Manhattan

This is where Wall Street and all the financial institutions are based - if you’re on an important finance-oriented trip, you might want to stay here. Hotel prices can be quite high here too; however, the bonus is that the area is much quieter, which could make it easier to focus on work after hours.

Brooklyn

A lot of tech startups and marketing agencies now operate out of Brooklyn. It has a more relaxed vibe than Manhattan and you’ll find much cheaper hotels, AirBnBs, and corporate housing here. You’ll also find luggage storage services here such as Brooklyn lockers and plenty of great cafes to work from.

Even cheaper accommodation may be possible to find in The Bronx and Queens; however, business meetings and events are less commonly held in these areas.

Picking Accommodation that Works for Work

Once you’ve chosen where in New York you will stay you need to consider the type of accommodation you will stay in. A few options to consider include:

• Hostels: This is a very low-cost option for those on a very tight budget, but you may not get a private room, making it unsuitable if you need space to work or relax.
• Hotels: Hotels across NYC can vary in quality from basic to luxurious. They are the most popular choice for business travelers.
• AirBnBs: Need your very own space for a few days? AirBnBs are a good solution. You’ll also get your own kitchen, allowing you to cook and save money eating out. Be wary of illegal rentals.
• Corporate housing: For long stays of several weeks or months, look into the option of corporate housing.

Make sure that accommodation has high-quality Wi-Fi if you think you may need to work there. Consider also looking into cancellation policies - if schedules change, it can be useful having the option to get a refund or reschedule your stay.

Getting Around the City

Being able to find your way around is important for making sure you don’t arrive late to a meeting or presentation. There are three main ways to get around: taxi, subway, and walking.

Choose a taxi when traveling late at night or if you’re carrying a suitcase from the airport. Taxis can get you door to door, but are expensive, so you don’t want to rely on them too much if you’ve got a tight budget.

The subway is cheap and convenient - you can use a contactless card or phone to tap and open the turnstile, and then take it all around the city. Be sure to carefully plan your route though so as not to get the wrong train.

For short distances it can sometimes be easier to walk. This is also the cheapest option. Pack an umbrella in case of a surprise shower so that you don’t get drenched on your way to an important meeting.

Scheduling Meetings Like a Local

If you’re in charge of scheduling a meeting, make sure to do your research into suitable locations. Some of the most popular places to host meetings include hotel lobbies and cafes. Make sure to check Wi-Fi quality beforehand.

If you’re attending multiple meetings in different locations, allow enough time to get from one to the next. Give yourself an extra 20 minutes than you might need to accommodate delays.

Budgeting for Food

Food can be expensive in New York, so be prepared when budgeting. Your choice of accommodation could impact how much you spend - some hotels come with breakfast included, while rentals can provide the option of self-catering.

Tax is often not included in pricing in New York, plus you will need to tip when visiting a restaurant. Consider this when ordering food so that you don’t overspend.

Making Time for Some Touristy Activities

It may be a business trip, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make time for leisure. Allow time to do some sightseeing or even consider booking an attraction (if you’ve got a strict corporate budget, consider setting aside some of your own money). Touristy activities to consider could include:

• A stroll through Central Park or Bryant Park: The parks can offer an escape from the hustle-bustle.
• A visit to a museum: Some of the museums are even open late in the evening.
• Tickets up a skyscraper: If you’re not afraid of heights and want to take in the skyline, consider booking tickets to a viewpoint such as Top of the Rock.