Ten Tips for Traveling in New York City

Things I learned as a newbie

In August, 2007, I made my first trip to NYC. Solo. Here are a few things I learned about travel that I wish to pass on to you. Enjoy!

1: Take an Umbrella

On the Friday I had designated to tour NYC by foot, it poured all day long. What wasn't in a Ziploc bag in my backpack (I'm a little OCD that way), got soaked. There was even a puddle in the bottom of one lined pocket. Plus everything I was wearing got drenched. I bought a cheapy umbrella after it was apparent it wasn't going to stop raining. The darn thing broke the first time I opened it, and then it slipped under my seat on the subway when I was digging in my backpack, and I left it. Oops. I should have just gotten a poncho. Six hours of walking in the rain = uncomfortable.

Fun Umbrellas for your Trip

Who says your umbrella has to be black and boring? There are lots of great, colorful umbrellas to choose from. Click on any item to search more options. A small fold-up umbrella is a good idea too.

Kidorable Umbrella

A fun umbrella for the kids helps you find them in busy areas.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)

Manual stick bubble multi-stripe with deeply domed arc.

A deep umbrella will keep more of you dry, and keep your hair protected from the wind.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)

Galleria Monet Poppy Field Auto Stick Umbrella

Stand out in a sea of black umbrellas with a beautiful design - this one is Monet's Poppy Field print.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)

2: Get a Great Bag to Carry your Goods

I didn't check any luggage. I just took my green backpack (and shipped some stuff home to lighten up before I left). It worked well because I didn't have to worry about toting my luggage or paying to have it stored. In the future, I'm going to look for a slightly different bag with more easy-to-access pockets so I can keep my stuff organized.

Great Bags to Stash your Stuff

Prada Women's MV515 Nylon Handbag, Pink

Can't forget about the designers! This simple handbag is available at a great savings over the list price, and comes in several colors.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)

3: Wear Comfortable Shoes

I took one pair of tan sandals that I wore with khakis and later with jeans. They were comfortable for the first six hours of walking, but after that I wished I had something even more comfortable. Even as an avid exerciser, the many hours and miles of walking made me sore. While my tennis shoes would have been ideal, I was glad I had shoes that dried quickly.

Popular Picks for Comfortable Shoes

The following tennis shoes are popular styles for walking and running.

If you're looking for a sandal shoe, try the mega-popular Crocs.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)

4: Carry Small Bills and $1 Coins

Between transportation and tipping and donations and coffee and fees, small bills and change, particularly $1 coins and quarters, come in handy.

Dazzling, and Manly, Coin Purses and Wallets

Carrying all that change can make your pockets big and heavy. Just what you need - a great coin purse, or wallet, to stash your cash.

Squeeze Coin Pouch by CTM

The old standard.

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)

Coin Purse - Retro Design

They're cute AND functional!

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)

5: Try Something New

My first trip to NYC was also my first sushi experience and my first hostel experience. If you're not willing to try something new, you won't learn about great new things you like!

Top Rated Sushi Restaurants in Manhattan

Sushi NYC: Since I've only been to one sushi restaurant, and it wasn't in Manhattan, I'll point you to Sushi NYC, where sushi fans have rated their favorite restaurants based on food, service, and decor.

6: Mail Stuff to your Destination and Home

Before I left NYC, I mailed my dirty laundry, souveniers, a few electronics, and a few books home. It was well worth the $20 because I didn't have to carry the extra weight and bulk on the bus and around the airport.

7: Bring Flat Packs of Baby Wipes

I'm not an OCD neat freak, but sometimes you do just want to freshen up a bit. Mystery goo from the subway rail, stray fuzz in the hostel bathroom, and drool from your nap in the airport are all quickly cleaned up with these handy wipes.

8: Get a Great Map

In the middle of my trip I bought a folding map that shows the subway system of NYC, and street maps of uptown and downtown Manhattan. It was worth its weight in gold. It folds down to the size of a small notebook and is laminated. It helped me find my way around the southern tip of Manhattan, which has a notorious jumble of diagonal streets.

Maps and Guidebooks for NYC

Let's Go Map Guide NYC (4th Ed)

by: Let's Go Inc.

Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 07/13/2009)

On Your Own Manhattan NYC Laminated Street Map

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)

StreetSmart NYC; New York City Manhattan Fold-out Map

by: VanDam

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)

9: Get a Compass/Watch Combo

It's easy enough to tell your way around most of New York if you know which direction the street numbers run in, but having a compass can prevent you from accidentally going east instead of west, or south instead of north once you get to a corner from a subway station. Just a little time saver.

Stylish Compass/Watch Combinations

Timex Expedition Digital Compass Watch

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)

Huger Sports Digital Compass Watch

Amazon Price: (as of 07/13/2009)

10: Invest in a Travel Pillow

Especially if you are flying at night, a C-shaped travel pillow can be the difference between a stiff neck, or peaceful rest. You can also use it as a backrest or seat cushion. I use mine as a pillow if the hotel provided one just isn't working for me, or to add extra fluff.