What’s Worth It
If there’s one thing a New York City holiday trip will teach you quickly, it’s this: you cannot splurge on everything—especially when traveling with kids.
Between hotels, transportation, food, activities, and the occasional emergency coffee (or change of clothes), choices add up fast. The good news? Not everything needs to be top-tier or VIP to feel magical.
This is exactly how we decided where to save and where to splurge—based on comfort, convenience, sanity, and yes… real-life parenting moments.
FAO Schwarz Experience
Save:
- Arrive before opening and expect a wait (often 45–90 minutes)
- Manage expectations: the magic is inside, but the line is very real
Splurge:
- VIP experience if lines are a dealbreaker
- More personalized shopping and bypassing crowds
- Book a reservation at the Jellycat to get right in after your dining experience (tickets starting at $70)
Parent reality check: Standing in long lines with kids who suddenly have to pee is not for the faint of heart. One memorable moment involved our toddler riding on dad’s shoulders through the crowds… followed by a very quiet realization that gravity always wins. Pack extra clothes and toddlers, wear pull-ups. Always.
Rockefeller Ice Rink
Save:
- Book at least a month in advance (for skating experience only, book months in advance for VIP experience)
- Choose morning skate times (lower cost + fewer crowds)
- Rent skate aids (penguins) in advance
Splurge:
- VIP skating for less crowding, seating, food access, and restrooms
Worth it if: This is a lifelong dream moment you want to savor without rushing.
Transportation Around the City
Save:
- Subway for couples or families with older kids
- Walking when locations are close
- Taxi or Ride Share (some ride shares include car seats but may not be as reliable when needing two different types)
Splurge:
- Car service for airport transfers
- Hotel-arranged transportation when traveling with carseats and luggage
Why we splurged: Navigating stairs, crowds, suitcases, and two kids—one of whom may or may not suddenly need the bathroom—was not something we wanted to tackle after a flight. The bonus, our transportation included car seats (less bulk to travel with)!
Hotel
Save:
- Chain hotels
- Using points
- Staying slightly outside peak holiday zones
Splurge:
- Iconic holiday hotels (Plaza, Lotte, Bryant Park)
- Booking early for deals (we booked 6 months out and saved 20%)
Our take: Location matters more than luxury when traveling with kids. Being able to walk back quickly for naps or wardrobe malfunctions is priceless.
Tours and Experiences
Save:
- Base-rate tickets
- DIY exploring and self-guided walks
Splurge:
- VIP tours with transportation, reserved access, and knowledgeable guides
Worth it if: You want to maximize time, reduce waiting, and stay warm—especially at night.
Restaurants
Save:
- Skip overhyped holiday restaurants
- Eat early or grab casual meals nearby
- Chain, fast food options when kids are exhausted
Splurge:
- One meaningful reservation booked months in advance
Reality check: Many festive restaurants are more about vibes than food. Read reviews. With kids, proximity and speed often matter more than ambiance.
Final Thoughts on Saving vs Splurging
As my husband likes to joke, we survive all the chaos for about 10% of the memories—and somehow, those are the ones that last a lifetime.
Saving in the right places allowed us to splurge where it truly mattered: comfort, safety, and experiences that made our kids’ eyes light up—even if one of those moments required an emergency outfit change in the middle of Midtown.
