10 Tips for traveling to New York City

Discover 10 tips for traveling to New York City! Here is a simple and practical list to help you have a great time while you visit New York City. This list covers, choosing where to stay, how to handle the subway, what to wear, restrooms, musicals and more.

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1. Where to stay

There are factors to consider when deciding where to stay. They are your comfortability to using the Subway, trains, taxis, ect., and the overall time you want to spend traveling.

book a hotel or a rental in the city.

Factors to consider:

1. If you are able to use the Subway comfortably, you can stay anywhere in Manhattan.
2. If you want to use the subway a little then stay around the places you will be most.
3. If you want to cook your meals, rent a place with a kitchen.
4. Staying close to a subway station will help cut down the walking, a little bit..

book a hotel ot a rental outside the city

Factors to consider:

1. Stay close to a subway or train station. If you are willing to drive to the station, you can stay farther away. If walking is okay, then make sure the distance isn’t too far. This way you can make it back after a long day of walking.
2. If you are staying in a place with a kitchen, make sure there is grocery store close. This way you can run and get something quickly. Also look at what type of grocery it is. It might not be what you are used to.
3. If you like to eat out for breakfast, make sure there are places that serve breakfast in the morning.

2. Rentals

The convinces that a rental can provide are fantastic. If you do rent a place with a kitchen make sure you know these these things:

1. Your check in and check out times.
2. Your check out requirements
3. What amenities do they proved? This includes, bedding, towels, toiletries, kitchen pots, plates, cups, condiments, wifi, parking, etc.
4. Your knowledge of what the rental holds

3. Subway/Metro

In NYC the underground trains that connects you from Uptown to Downtown is called the subway. However, the subway signs are marked with a M on the street.

Here are some tips:

1. Getting a ticket is super easy. Just walk up to the entry kiosk and tap you your credit card. The kiosk tells you can do this. When it accepts your tapped card, the screen will turn green and say Go! Push through the turnstile.
2. READ THE SIGNS! Everything is clearly marked.
3. Know the direction you are going. All trains give their start and end locations. Your stop should be somewhere in between.
4. When you are exiting, just walk through the turnstile. No need to get your credit card out again.
5. You can use your maps app to route your trains.
6. If you are traveling after 11:00 pm, the train times change. Make sure you aware of what trains you need to take back to your rental.

4. Budget

1. Lodging: This is the biggest part of your budget.
2. Food:
   • Restaurants are expensive.
   • Beware of the food trucks that don’t say their prices up front.
   • Groceries are very expensive. Bring what you can, if you are staying in a place with a kitchen.
   • Bring your alcohol if you like to have a night cap.
3. Activities:
   • There are many free things to do which you can research
   • Some museums have a free entry day.
   • For those that cost money, prioritize.

5. Restrooms

It has been ingrained in me since I was young that I should never pass up a bathroom when traveling. In the city, you need to stay hydrated. Here are some tips when the need arises:

1. The subway stations have restrooms.
2. Stop in a fast food place, buy a cheap item then use the restroom.

6. What to wear

There is no need to be concerned with trying to fit in. There are so many people wearing so many different outfits. Besides, no one cares what you are wearing.

Here is what you should pack:

1. Very comfortable, worn in shoes. Your feet will be tired, regardless, but they will feel better in worn in shoes for walking.
2. Sunglasses: When it is sunny, these are great to have.
3. Sunscreen: A must on sunny days (Travel size will fit in your belt bag)
4. A Belt Bag: A perfect little bag to store those little things you will need throughout the day
5. A small portable charger: I used mine everyday and I have a new phone.
6. Outfits: They should all look good with your comfy shoes.

7. Be Aware!

In handling scammers and the like, the key is to be aware of your surroundings at all times. New Yorkers are in their own worlds. They have no interest in you. Those that do, be cautious and follow these tips.

1. Do not look at or talk to anyone offering you anything. Period. New Yorkers will not interact with you.
2. Keep moving. Do not stop, do not look at them. Period. New Yorkers are not trying to talk to you.
3. Look ahead where you walking for anything suspicious. This will help you prepare.
4. Do not take pictures with ‘characters’ in Time Square or anywhere else.
5. Do not stop to look at anything that is drawing a crowd. If you do, be very cautious.

8. All of the Walking

Your feet are going to be tired at the end of each day. Besides all of the walking, there are many stairs to tackle. I would suggest bringing things to take care of those feet!

1. Epson salts: To soak your feet after a long day.
2. A frozen water bottle: Keep this in your freezer. Roll your feet with is at the end of the day.
3. Elevate your feet with pillows or a folded blanket.

9. Musical Tickets

If you didn’t get your tickets ahead of your visit, there are other ways.

rush tickets

• You get rush tickets at the theater on the day you want to go.
• You can get 2 tickets, usually cheaper, and partial view.
• Get there about two ours before the box office opens.
• You can do rush tickets on line though it might not be reliable.
• The online app, Broadway Rush Report , will help you determine when you want to get in line based on the past.

tkts

• Located in Times Square.
• Opens at 11:00 am
• They have discounted tickets available for certain shows. You can see the choices on a board.
• People line up early. A higher demand show requires to be there earlier.
• You need to decide if buying a cheaper ticket is worth it as it might come with partial views.

10. Your Itinerary

• Prioritize: Write down your must sees first. Plug them into the days you will be there.
• Balance: Take your time and enjoy the city. It has a lot to offer!
• Afternoon snack: Stop and enjoy your favorite beverage/ snack in the mid afternoon. This will refuel you, rest your feet and help you to carry on.

My take aways

1. Comfortable shoes as so important! If your feet hurt, you will not enjoy your trip.
2. The afternoon snack is a must. Stopping to just be for a little while will help you enjoy your whole day.

Do you have any tips to add? Share them in the comments below!