welcome to JFK international airport. the first point of entry into New York City. well, where the hell should I go from here. the A train - takes you directly into manhattan for $2 !! or if you like to splurge a little take the yellow cab for $45 (flat fare) + tips. if you're traveling light, take the A train and enjoy the ride.


now if you're an international wayfarer, you could save a shitload of money by staying in a new york youth hostel - check out Hostels.com. My personal pick would be the Chelsea International Hostel located between 7th and 8th avenue and 20th Street (it's the 23rd Street stop on the A train inbound to Manhattan). you can stay there for as low as $28 / night... no shit!!! you can find enough reviews about it - but here are my two cents. if you're new in NYC... this is the place to meet the most diverse set of people. it's almost like a model UN - without the mumbo-jumbo. the area is very safe - the 10th precinct is right across the street. so yeah, you can leave your cares behind at home. and of course, how can i forget, the free pizza which is served everyday come rain or sunshine !! alternatively, other cheap eats are around the corner e.g. hana sushi (japanese), golden wok (chinese) - and the $1 margerita madness at VIEW on the corner of 23rd Street and 8th avenue.

or alternatively, you could be a few blocks away from vibrant union square. there is a hostel called jazz on the town in east village which is located on the intersection of 14th and 2nd which is two blocks from union square (14th and 4th).