I am currently in the process of planning out a couple of vacations for my husband and I for this year and was seeking some advice in regards to when would be best to go to New York City.

The two times that I have alloted for vacation are Sept. 11th-Sept 17th and October 2nd-October 7th, 2005. First off, it does not matter to me that I would be flying to NYC or staying there over 9/11 as I believe myself to be in no greater danger there than in my home of SoCal.

However, I was wondering what outside opinions are in regards to what would be a better time to go, Sept. or Oct.? Do you think hotel rates would be more or less money (or the same) over 9/11? And would it be more or less crowded in NYC over 9/11? And weatherwise, when do you think would be a better time to be there?

P.S. Our other trip that will fall opposite the NYC trip will be a trip down south to visit my mom in Mobile, AL if that would make a difference in anyone's suggestion of when to go to NYC - Thanks C&C

It depends on what kind of vacation you are looking for. September is really the end of our Summer, so the weather should be beautiful. October is the start of the fall, and the leaving will probably be turning and the weather will be a bit on the cooler side.

Check with www.hotels.com and plug in your dates of travel to see what the rates are between September and October.

That was supposed to be "trees will be turning".

October is one of the busiest months for business visitors in NYC -- conferences, etc. In early September, people are still getting their acts together after the summer and Labor Day -- you will probably find less crowding and thus lower hotel rates in Sept. Don't count on seeing fall foliage in NYC the first week in Oct -- that's earlier than average.

Rates will be lower in Sept. In previous years I seem to recall hotels offering special prices since some people are put off by being here on Sept 11. Sept is my favorite month in NY.

September and October will be equally as busy. October will be a little cooler.

Weather wise I prefer October but don't expect deals either month. Peak season is right after Labor Day through New Years. September-Thanksgiving is peak convention and conference time. Thanksgiving - New Years is peak tourist time.

I agree that October is the better month for travel in NYC - the weather is beautiful - although the trees in the city don;t turn until the very end of the month. For me, September is still summer - and esp the early part can still be very hot (high 80's/90's). I find it much more pleasant to be doing a lot of walking around when its in the 70's or high 60's.

However, in October hotel rates will definitely be on the rise.

As for September 11 itself - there are always various ceremonies in the city - don;t know exactly what's planned for this year - but typically they have an on-site ceremony reading all of the names of the dead. In past years the names have been read by children who have lost parents, by parents who have lost children etc. And all family members have been allowed into the site to place flowers.

But overall I don;t think the city is especially crowded that day - except for the area right around the WTC site.

You might check hotel availability for both dates. I seem to remember that the UN has its big meeting around the second week of September and books up lots of available hotel rooms. It drives up prices and down availability.