🎒 My First New York City Adventure on a $600 Budget – From Chicago to the Big Apple New York City has always been at the top of my travel bucket list, but with only $600 in my pocket , I knew I'd have to get creative. From flights and food to hidden gems and budget-friendly stays, here's how I pulled off my first NYC trip from October 13–15 without breaking the bank. ✈️ Getting There: Chicago to NYC for Less Than $100 Flights between Chicago (ORD) and New York (JFK/LGA) can be surprisingly affordable if you book early. I grabbed a roundtrip Spirit Airlines flight for $89 using Expedia . Travel Tip : Be flexible with travel times, pack light to avoid baggage fees, and always compare multiple booking sites. 🏨 Where I Stayed: Budget Meets Comfort New York hotels are notoriously expensive, but I found a great deal at Pod 51 in Midtown Manhattan , paying $122/night . My total for 3 nights was around $390 , which left me with enough for food and fun. Booking Link ...