There’s nowhere more iconic to celebrate the new year than the Big Apple itself. If you want to watch the ball drop from Times Square, here are few tips to help you plan a last-minute trip of a lifetime.

Consider Other Airports

Yes, New York has three main airports: Laguardia, JFK, and Newark. But those airports will be swamped this time of year, so also look for cheaper flights into outlying airports, such as Philadelphia, Westchester, Stewart, and Islip.

Don’t Get a Rental Car

Along with taxis and Uber, New York’s City’s public transportation system is easy to use and affordable. Don’t bother getting a rental car unless you love paying $25 per hour (or more) for parking.

Don’t Book Your Hotel Ahead of Time

Unless you plan to crash with friends or find a great rental on Airbnb, keep your options open. The GeoRates offers on HotelTonight are a great way to snag a deal on a last minute hotel room. The app will use your GPS location before suggesting geographically-targeted room rates. For example, if you search for a hotel room from the airport after you land, you might find an even better rate than when you search from out of state. Also try using One:Night, an app that offers same day stays for reduced prices at more than a dozen boutique properties in New York City, including the Meatpacking District’s Standard Hotel and the Gramercy Hotel. Deals are announced each day at 3 p.m.

 

Search for Price Changes

Sometimes you can get some money back if your airfare drops dramatically after you book it. Use the PlanChat app to create an alert for your flight and you might be able to score a refund.

 

Pack Light

No need for more than a carry on. New York City’s dress code for New Year’s Eve: festive.

 

Have a Plan for Midnight

Yes, waiting for hours in the freezing cold with throngs of revelers on the street looks like fun on television. It’s not. Instead, consider splurging on a ticketed party. Here are two options:

The Hyatt Centric Times Square is hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration with an exclusive live viewing area of the Ball Drop in Times Square and five-hour open bar and 3 hours of appetizers. Doors open at 9 p.m. Tickets start at $1,399.

Nios in the Kimpton Muse Hotel in Times Square is kicking off the celebration at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 31. Ticket prices range from $140 for single admission to $850 for a VIP table for six. The VIP table includes two chilled bottles of Louis Roederer Champagne.

 

Kiss a Stranger

If you don’t have a special someone lined up as the clock tolls midnight, remember that you’re in a city with 9 million people. Pucker up.