Tips for heading to NYC and getting around NYC?

Take the LIRR (Long Island Railroad) to Penn Station. Buy a roundtrip ticket, and never buy your tickets on the train, buy them before you go with the machine at the train station. It's cheaper. It's the last stop on the train. Get off and follow the rest of the people up the stairs and then follow the signs to help you get out onto the street. The best thing to do is figure out where you want to go and then map it out on mapquest so you know which things are closer together so you're not walking around in circles. If all else fails and you get lost just hail a taxi and have them bring you where you want to go. I don't recommend riding the subway when you go unless you really know your way around.

If you're going soon then wear lot's of warm clothes, layer. I wore two coats, a scarf, gloves and boots and I was still cold a few days ago. Depending where you're on Long Island, the train ride to the city is not that long so you don't need to bring things to entertain you if you're with your friends.

Taxi cabs are the best way around. Stay in groups especially at night. Google is a great way to search for places to go. Bring the kind of clothes you wear in Long Island. Don't bring any valuables with you. NYC has some very strange people.

When you get to Penn Station pick up a LIRR schedule for your station (make a note of the last train so you don't miss it) and a Subway map. If you get your LIRR tickets from a vending machine you can opt to buy a metrocard at the same time for the subway.

Yea, 10-15% is usually good enough. If something is only 10-20 bux, give a solid 3 anyways.

Bring an iPod and cellphone.

iPod for getting bored.

cellphone incase your in an emergency or your lost.