How I did it: I set my mind on planning an impromptu trip to New York City and brought along my significant other.  He had some connections in the city where we stayed the first night and we managed to find a budget hotel for the second night.  We rode the subway into Time's Square at 8p.m. and managed to fight through the chaos until we got a good vantage point of the ball. After a long and uneventful wait we rung in the New Year with over 1 million people!!!!

Lessons & tips:

• Arrive Early - Arrival by at least 8 p.m. is an absolute must, and by early afternoon if you want a good spot.
  
• There are no bathrooms! - Drinking (water/alcohol/anything) is a bad idea during the wait.  Once you leave the area, it is roped off and you will not be able to get back in.
  
• Make friends - This is the best part of the experience.  Everyone is in a good mood and you can meet people from all over the world if you introduce yourself.  Everyone is willing to share bankets, hand warmers, etc.
  
• Keep warm - Wear layers.  Obvious but important.
  
• Be prepared to be bored - The wait is not nearly as exciting as it looks on TV.  In all likelihood you will not be by a stage.  This is again where making friends comes in handy.
  

Resources: www.thejanenyc.com - great boutique hotel for cheap, last minute reservations.

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Jan 03, 2010, 10:52PM PST | 0 comments