Traveling to a big city like New York City can often feel like it’s out of reach for those on a tight budget, especially when flights and accommodation costs can add up quickly. But what if I told you that you could make it work for just $40 round trip? That’s exactly what I did when I took an incredibly budget-friendly flight with Frontier Airlines to Trenton, NJ for a bachelorette party in NYC.

If you’re thinking this sounds too good to be true, let me walk you through how I pulled off this amazing budget trip without breaking the bank. Whether you’re traveling for a special event or just looking for a cheap getaway, this trip proved that with a little planning and flexibility, you can have a fantastic time without spending a fortune.

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Step 1: The Super Affordable Flight with Frontier Airlines

The first part of the trip was the flight, and let me tell you, I was shocked when I saw the price. Frontier Airlines, known for offering ultra-low-cost fares, had an unbelievable deal on a round-trip flight from my home airport to Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN), just a short ride from New York City. The best part? I paid only $40 for the entire round-trip ticket.

Now, before you get too excited, keep in mind that with low-cost airlines like Frontier, the base fare is cheap, but there are some extra costs to be aware of (like baggage fees, seat selection, and refreshments). However, if you’re packing light and can be flexible with your seat choices, you can still score a budget-friendly trip.

Tip: Keep an eye on Frontier’s Deals and Promo pages for surprise discounts. If you book in advance and take advantage of flash sales, you can find amazing deals like this one.

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Step 2: Flying into Trenton, NJ – The Hidden Gem Airport

Trenton might not be as well-known as Newark or JFK, but it’s perfect for budget travelers who are looking to save money on their trip to New York City. Trenton-Mercer Airport is about 1-1.5 hours away from Manhattan by train, making it an ideal option for those looking for affordable travel into NYC without the hefty price tag that often comes with flying directly into the city.

Once I landed in Trenton, I hopped on a train at Trenton Train Station (located near the airport) and headed straight to New York Penn Station. The train ride was easy and comfortable, and at just $12-15, it was an inexpensive way to get into the heart of the city.

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Step 3: The Bachelorette Party in NYC – Fun Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Once I arrived in New York City, I continued to keep an eye on my piggybank for the trip. Here’s how we spent our time without breaking the bank:

• Window Shopping: We didn’t go on a big shopping spree, but instead, we spent a lot of our time window shopping in some of NYC’s most iconic shopping areas. We strolled through 5th Avenue, admired the displays in SoHo, and checked out the unique finds in Chelsea Market — all without spending a dime. It was a great way to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and luxury vibes without the pressure to buy anything.
  
• Free Club Entry: One of the best parts of our night out was how we got into some of the hottest clubs for free. We reached out to promoters on Instagram and, to our surprise, secured free cover at a couple of well-known NYC clubs. The promoters were more than happy to offer us free entry in exchange for promoting their clubs on social media. This was a total win since NYC nightlife can be notoriously expensive.
  
• Affordable Eats: While it’s tempting to eat at expensive restaurants in the city, we made sure to enjoy the best local eats at budget-friendly spots. From $1 pizza slices to food trucks with delicious, fresh meals, we found ways to enjoy NYC’s food scene without spending a fortune.

Step 4: Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Since we were in the city for a bachelorette weekend, we had to figure out affordable accommodations. Instead of splurging on a high-priced hotel in Manhattan, we opted to stay in a budget-friendly Airbnb in Brooklyn. The accommodation was spacious, well-located, and just a subway ride away from all the fun in the city.

Pro tip: Look for Airbnb rooms rather than entire apartments or houses if you’re traveling with a group. It’s usually cheaper, and you still get a great place to stay with all the amenities.

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Why Budget Travel is So Worth It

This trip was a perfect example of how budget travel can lead to a fantastic experience without breaking the bank. Here’s why I think you should consider doing something similar:

• You Get More for Less: By keeping my travel costs low, I was able to enjoy more experiences — like sightseeing, dining out, and exploring — without worrying about spending too much money.
  
• Flexibility is Key: If you’re flexible with your travel dates and destinations, you’ll be surprised by how many affordable options are available. Whether you’re flying to NYC, traveling to Europe, or heading somewhere else, budget airlines like Frontier make it easier to travel affordably.
  
• It’s All About Prioritizing: When you travel on a budget, you learn to prioritize what’s most important to you. Maybe that’s spending more on unique experiences, or it could be finding the best local food. The key is to be intentional about your spending.
  

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Why Not Go Budget?

You don’t have to break the bank to experience something incredible. Whether you’re heading to New York City for a bachelorette party, a weekend getaway, or any kind of adventure, budget-friendly options like Frontier Airlines and affordable accommodations make it possible to travel without sacrificing your experience.

So next time you’re looking to go on a trip, remember — Why Not Go Budget? A little creativity and planning can turn any getaway into an affordable, memorable adventure.

🌍 Have you found any great budget travel deals lately? Share your tips and experiences with me in the comments!

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✨ Tip:

Before booking your budget flight, check for additional fees for things like baggage or seat selection. Pack light to avoid paying extra for luggage, and consider choosing free seating options to keep your costs even lower.