Things You Should Know Before Planning A Trip To New York

New York is one of the most famous locations in the world and, as such, is a huge tourist destination. The Big Apple, as it’s known, is the most populated city in the U.S and over eight million people call it home.

Prior to 1898, New York’s five boroughs operated on their own, with Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island somewhat independent of each other before being made into a single city during the aforementioned year.

As mentioned above, New York is pretty big on tourism and receives around 50 million guests per year. But there are a few things to take into consideration when planning a trip there. While New York is the safest large U.S metropolis and offers no end of things to do, there are also things you should avoid.

Below are a few tips on making your trip as safe as possible.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Directions

One could get lost pretty easily in NY. There are so many streets, corners, and subways that look the same, there’s no shame in feeling like you’re going the wrong way. In such a case, don’t shy away from asking for directions.

Most locals will happily get you back on your way, but try not to stop anyone who seems hurried. Look for a police officer or someone working at a store, you should find them to be very helpful.

People pushing baby strollers or walking dogs likely live in the area you spot them in and can be great sources of information too. Locals are generally fine with giving directions as long as they’re approached politely, but many of them don’t care for stories of how you got lost. Just tell them where you want to go.

Cash Is King

Yes, we are in 2022, but don’t assume your credit/debit card is good everywhere. Always have some cash on you when you’re out as it’s the only medium some businesses will accept, for their own reasons.

Many of the smaller businesses don’t accept cards but you might be able to find ATMs inside charging exorbitant fees upon withdrawal. The city is also filled with banks and ATMs but try your best to always have some cash on you. At least $20 should be enough to save you from an embarrassing experience. But do find out if a business accepts cards before grabbing items or wolfing down a meal if you don’t have any paper on you.

Be On The Lookout For Scammers

Tourists are said to be easy targets for conmen in NY, who can spot a visitor just by the way they dress. You might encounter a well-dressed man requesting some cash for transportation having just lost his wallet; more times than not, it’s someone trying to con you out of your hard-earned money.

If you didn’t know this already, don’t let anyone coax you into playing shell or card games in the street because all of the other participants you see are probably part of the scam, one which can separate you from a lot of money.

Times Square is known for costumed characters that approach visitors and have a photo taken with them before demanding a tip, while other scammers sell fake tickets for attractions that are free. You might even find restaurants that add additional tips to your bill, so be on the lookout.

If you have enough money to throw around, there are plenty of things to do that won’t leave you feeling foolish. For example, Caesars Sports is operational in NY – you stand to make money there instead of losing. Of course, the latter can be experienced as well.

Stay Away From Public Toilets

Locals mostly avoid public toilets and so should you, unless you really, really gotta go. While New York is a top tourist destination, it’s surprisingly short on public restrooms and the few you find are usually a mess.

Also, they provide opportunities for criminals to catch you in a vulnerable spot. Nights, especially, are pretty dangerous for anyone doing a number in a public toilet so ensure to do your business before you leave your accommodation.

If needs be, you could use the toilets in the bigger department stores, restaurants, bars, and large-chain bookstores. Of course, many of them will have signs noting that only customers could use their restrooms but there’s a chance they will let you go ahead if you ask politely.

You could also find restrooms at cafes and fast food chains, but it would probably be in your best interest to make a purchase first. Most of the tourist attractions in NY have restrooms too.