The best deals I've got have been with ebookers when booking flights and hotel together. Just be careful what airport your flying I to and what times. Sometimes the saving isn't worth it. I found la guardia too far out. JFK or the one in Jersey is best to fly Into. They will all have a set fee for taxis which will be plus tax, tips and tolls. Everything is tips. Ask your bank to give you 20 dollars in ones to get you started. I have been for 3 Xmas's leaving Xmas eve. I love it. We get up Xmas morning and ramble to Central Park. We were lucky to get snow each time. Everyone goes there. Families, couples, kids, pets the lot! You can go ice skating. There will even be some shops open Xmas day as some are owned by Jewish and other nationalities that celebrate different religions. And plenty of restaurants open so don't worry about missing out on your Xmas dinner. Have an early night and get the first bus out to Jersey gardens for the sales. There is a huge bus depot I just can't think of the name of it now it's just off Broadway 44th at I think but Doyle check that. Get a return ticket for about 15 dollars. It will leave you right at the door of the Cust services desk you will get your coupons booklet and it's the same stop it will collect you at. Good idea to bring a case or big hold all to bung everything into as the bus can be very busy coming home. It's the best day and you can still use the coupons. A little tip is to get a trolley. I think they are 5 dollars and you get back 2 when you bing it back. It will save your arms and they are like golddust come 12 o clock when the locals start to arrive its crazy so you should have got some of your shopping done by then great if you like Guess, Juicy, Gap, etc.... Uggs will be the same price no matter where you go with the exception of the odd style they have on sale. Sketchers do buy one pair get other pair half price all the time.
I always worry coming through customs. Take the tags off everything. Wear what you can while your over there so it gets smell of perfume/deod. It's mainly electronics they will want to know about but I was stopped once and asked how much I spent and I kept saying it was hard to say. She let me off with a caution and didn't open the bags. If she did I was screwed! Don't have all your receipts with you. If you need to keep any receipts for warranties post them home to yourself. Kids stuff is vat free so don't worry about them. Take very very little with you. I find Leggings and tops the best and take the least space and stick a case in a case going so you have one extra coming home or there is loads if places that sell cheap sports bags
I could keep waffling lol! I just love the place. You will find you can do shopping in between sightseeing as there is places like century 21 by ground zero. I don't find it good but have heard others get amazing designer bargains in it. Chinatown isn't what you would
Imagine and I have found The bags and stuff isn't as good quality as it was when I started to go and they are very reluctant to put a brand name badge on them now. But it is an experience in itself to walk Down canal street. You will be asked To flow them for bags. We did a few Times but don't bother unless you really want a decent bag. They are safe enough once your with someone. Me and the hubby have had a good laugh with some of them haggling. At the end of canal st you can join up with broadway which has some pretty cool
Shops and it's a bit calmer and chilled than midtown. Ask away if anything in particular you need to know