Traveling to New York is not for the faint of heart, and might be frustrating to the n00b traveler attending REbarcamp New York and Inman Global Connect. So before you go, we threw together a few things you should be planning for before you leave that may save you a little time, money and agony.
Cab Fare
Cab fare from JFK International to New York Marriott Marquis Times Square will cost you roughly $52 one way as there is no Marriott shuttle.
According to nyccabfare.com
Estimated cost:
That cab ride would cost about $45.00. That is roughly $52 with a 15% tip. It is about 18.2 miles. There is a $45.00 flat fare for trips from JFK Airport to Manhattan.
Weather
According to forecast.weather.gov
You can expect winter weather with an average high temperature in the 30s with snow and wintery mix in the forecast through Friday- lows will be in the 20s with variable winds.
Food
According to About.com Average meals can be as low as $5 if you’re into fast food, but you can expect the average to be $10 and above at grills and bistros around the city. About.com has a nice set of lists that include fine dinning.
Travel Delays
With the wintery mix expected in New York, you’ll need to track travel delays coming home. We suggest that you save Flightstats.com into your phone or laptop now. We also advise not trusting on time flights and saving the airlines number into your phone in advance of travel.
Baggage Delays
Many skycaps around the country are requiring payment of $15.00 per bag or more, however, cash is not always accepted. Expect to break out the plastic to cover additional fees as you travel. We advise avoiding checked baggage if at all possible by traveling with one bag (22 inch or less) that can be stowed to save on time and frustration- don’t forget that most major airlines allow you to check in and print boarding passes online before leaving for the airport.
Sorry, We Don’t Make Change…
If you plan to hit the nightlife, you can expect to pay a cover at most all venues, plan ahead by having cash on hand in several denominations as to avoid over paying for entry, however, carrying large amounts of cash is not advised– ATM machines are everywhere.
In Case You’re Looking for Starbucks
I found a cool list of Starbucks everywhere, so in case you end up everywhere, your fix is close at hand, otherwise you should find Starbucks coffee brewed inside the Marriott.
Benn Rosales is the Founder and CEO of The American Genius (AG), national news network. Before AG, he founded one of the first digital media strategy firms in the nation has received the Statesman Texas Social Media Award and is an Inman Innovator Award winner. He has consulted for numerous startups (both early- and late-stage), and is well known for organizing the digital community through popular offline events. He does not venture into the spotlight often, rather he believes his biggest accomplishments are the talent he recruits and develops, so he gives all credit to those he's empowered.

jf.sellsius
January 5, 2009 at 2:12 pm
For those on a budget, there’s Gray’s Papaya
“Recession Special”– 2 hot dogs & drink for $4.45
https://tinyurl.com/5jmdce
Street food is also pretty good– gyro and falafel guys are my favorite — 5 bucks gets you a meal.
Take the subways, they’re safe and pretty clean…or walk.. like the locals do.
Best view for a drink : 230 Fifth Avenue @27th St (see you there)
Brad Coy
January 5, 2009 at 3:22 pm
A big fan of the street cart falafel myself. 🙂
I made this map last year for some good eats nearby. https://budurl.com/rebcny
Enjoy NYC!
Monika
January 5, 2009 at 4:16 pm
You’ll all have a blast but it will be cold and a storm coming on Wednesday. I am so jealous!