You’ve heard about and probably used the popular travel sites like Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, etc. for airfare and hotels–but here are three under-the-radar sites that use a different approach and can help you get the best bang for your airline buck when traveling to New York City.

1) AirfareWatchdog
This sites works best for travelers ready to travel last minute or are up for spur-of-the-moment adventure. This site has real people that lurk on airline websites anticipating a drop in fare or fare sales. They sign up for rewards programs to snag promo codes and discount offers that can be passed on to users of AirfareWatchdog. So just like the name, they’re bloodhounds on the trail for the best airline bargains.

Bonus: This site also includes fares from smaller airlines that don’t typically appear on the big travel sites such as Southwest and Allegiant.

2) Yapta
Yapta tracks fares for you and will shoot you an email or Tweet if the cost of your selected flight drops. If you’ve bought your ticket and the price falls below the price you paid–most airlines and travel agents will refund you the difference (mostly in the form of credits and vouchers). Yapta walks you through how to collect your refund–but note, they don’t currently work with Southwest Airlines.

3) Flatseats.com
If you’re going to spend hours on a plane to fly to the one of the world’s most magnetic cities–why not arrive in a good mood? It’s all about comfort and functionality for some and Flatseats gives you extremely detailed reviews on the seats themselves, literally. For just about every airline under the sun (and especially insightful for international travel), customer feedback on this site describes things like exact leg room between the rows, aesthetic design, the angle of recline, any hard metal edges, headrests, or cushions on leg rolls. All the things you’ve quietly wondered when tempted to buy.

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For lovers of low prices–Black Friday is your holiday, and if you aren’t opposed to standing in lines or braving the gauntlet of other determined shoppers for a smokin’ hot deal, then New York is your city. You’ll snag the latest fashion trends before other cities catch wind of them, the hottest electronics gadgets, and the most coveted toys from stores like the flagship FAO–sure to light up the eyes of little ones on Christmas Day.

Plus, New York City may be the only city to celebrate this national holiday with cocktails. Ann Taylor in Rockefeller Center threw a midnight event with a live DJ and mimosas. eBay sponsored a Happy Holiday Hotspot with free snacks, free WiFi and free mobile shopping download apps. If you want first dibs this year, head to Macy’s at Herald Square which will open it’s door at midnight on Thanksgiving night. Most other stores keep their Black Friday sales under wraps until a few days before the event. Some of the biggest Black Friday deals are usually found on things like iPads, video game systems, TVs, and DVD players–and the best retail stores for those in NY are J&R, Circuit City, and Best Buy.

One thing to keep in mind this year, if you’re braving Black Friday in Manhattan–the latest report is freezing temperatures, so grab a piping hot latte, bundle up for chilling winds, and plan to thaw out under the store lights.

Also, be sure to check sales online ahead of time and map out where you’re going before you step foot out the hotel lobby door.

More tips: Macy’s in Herald Square is a 5-10 minute walk from the MAve Hotel. Fifth Ave and other Midtown department stores are a 5-10 minute cab ride from the Flatiron district where the MAve is located. Or for smaller boutiques that still offer discounts on Black Friday, head to SoHo where original designs and high fashion reign.

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There’s nothing quite like Christmas in NYC with our mega-lit, towering tree at Rockefeller Center, ice skaters spinning around a bronzed Prometheus, the chiming bells on the Clydesdales in Central Park, and the iconic New York City Rockettes in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

A precision dance troupe initially inspired by the John Tiller Girls in the Ziegfeld Follies of 1922, the Rockettes embody old New York glamour as they electrify the stage with dazzling costumes from world-famous designers, as well as a recent debut from Heidi Klum’s Project Runway.

The Spectacular opens with the eye-high, leg-kicking chorus line as the Reindeer, then the Rockettes perform the opening number, “Sleigh Ride”. Shortly after, Santa arrives and they lift off into the air. The action shifts to a 3D film where the audience dons 3D glasses, watching Santa fly to New York City from the North Pole in his magic sleigh. He then hovers around New York City landmarks (including the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building), before heading to Radio City Music Hall for his annual visit.

This season marks a special 85th anniversary of the Rockettes with a showcase featuring over 140 performers, lavish sets, costumes, and an original music score.

Since the first version of this 90-minute show was presented in 1933, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular has become a New York City tradition seen by Manhattan residents and hotel guests alike. When it comes to getting in the holiday spirit–even locals say this show’s energy is infectious.

Radio City Music Hall, often referred to as the Showroom of the Nation, has hosted legendary concerts, classic films, and award shows like the Grammy Awards, Tony Awards, and the MTV Awards.

Get information on seating and advance tickets here.

Radio City Music Hall is located in Midtown at 1260 6th Avenue (between 50th and 51st).

From the Flatiron district where the MAve Hotel is located, this is a 7-minute cab ride, or 15-minute train ride.

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