Just like everything else in New York city accommodation is also pricey. This is unless you know someone who lives in the city and can accommodate you in their more than likely already over crammed apartment. If you have this kind of offer... take it! In new york all you need to look for is a clean comfy bed. After all in this city you wont be spending anytime in your hotel room.

New York has some amazing hotels to offer. But unless you have money to burn, look for another alternative. This could be simply looking across the hudson to New Jersey. New Jersey is a short ferry ride away from the city and offers more affordable accommodation options.

Another option to cut accommodation costs is to look just outside the city to areas like Brooklyn or Queens. These outer city suburbs offer have there own unique cultural feel and flair. The only downside can be fighting the masses to get into the city each day. This experience will make you feel like a real New Yorker.

Wherever you decide to stay in new York make sure you shop around and book as far in advance as possible to get the best possible deal. Places do tend to fill up quickly so don't leave it to the last minute.

Having lived in the U.S I understand the complications and confusion involved in tipping. The simple solution to this is to ask an American. However I almost guarantee that you wont get a straight answer. It's something that doesn't really get talked about in the U.S, it just happens. The reason it does happen is because the minium wage in most areas of the United States in around $8 per hour. Tipping therefore increase the salary.

It is difficult to know how much to tip and when. Here is an easy guide to follow:

Taxi ride- generally 10-20% of the total bill.

Porter in a hotel- generally $1 per bag

Restaurants - 15-20%

Tipping in a restaurant

This can be a tricky one as some restaurant add the tip automatically to the final bill. However when you receive the bill this amount will be displayed. Generally the tip will be at your discretion. As a guide the norm is 15-20% of the bill. If you received poor service then tip at the lower end of the scale or not at all if you feel the service was terrible. Rather than just walking out without paying a tip ask to speak with the manager and explain why you wont be leaving a tip. on the other end of the scale if you thought the service was excellent then leave 20% or more if you feel its deserved.

*TIP* For those of you who are mathamaticly challenged most U.S states change an 8% sales tax. This will come up separately on your bill. Simply double it and there is your tip.

Instances where you don't have to provide a tip

*At fast food restaurants where there is no table service

*grocery stores or when you buy something over the counter

The $1 bill still exist in the united states and for good reason. when tipping these bills come in handy. Make sure you have a pocketful. If you don't, rather than not give a tip ask the person you are tipping if they can provide you with change. most will happily oblige.

*TIP* Always check what note you hand over first. the currency in the united states is all the one colour. So a $1 bill looks very similar to $100 bill.

When you are planing a trip to the U.S its important to remember tipping. This is something that needs to be factored into a budget as tipping can become quite expensive. If you go out to a nice restaurant and spend $100 on dinner this then should be budgeted at $120 after you include a tip. Its important to remember that the U.S has an 8% sales tax that generally needs to be added to the final price. If you are down to your last $10 and you see a Chinese buffet (particularly if you are in New York city- they are everywhere) advertised a $10 then you probably can't afford it. By the time you add the sales tax and tip you are probably looking at around $15.