Umm, yeah. Hi. :wave:

I could use as much tips and advice as possible. I am traveling to NYC for a journalism convention over my spring break in mid-March. The convention starts on Thursday and ends on Saturday and so far, it looks like we will be flying in on Wednesday and leaving on Sunday. There are a ton of you guys living in or close to NYC, so I know I will be able to get plenty of advice.

I stayed in London for nearly two weeks so I have a very good idea of what NYC will be like. What should I do to not make it obvious that I am a tourist? What are some of the common mistakes a tourist makes, and how can I avoid making the same mistakes? Are there any relatively cheap places where I could grab a bite? Obviously, I would be spending a lot of my time in Manhattan since that is where the convention will be held. I have been checking out some places, but personal recommendations are always welcome. :cool:

If you are wondering...Yes, this will be my first time going to NYC. It's not even March, and I already feel overwhelmed about the whole thing. :crazy:

aww!! congrats on your travels!

I'm from Hick Town South Carolina, so I acn't offer any advice on the big city life... but i'm sure there will be plenty of people willing to offer! My suggestion though: leave the fanny pack @ home.

aww!! congrats on your travels!

I'm from Hick Town South Carolina, so I acn't offer any advice on the big city life... but i'm sure there will be plenty of people willing to offer! My suggestion though: leave the fanny pack @ home.
Hehe, thanks :D

I will be traveling to the Los Angeles area within the next year, I am thinking maybe later this year. So I will be able to cover both cities on both coasts this year. Pretty exciting stuff. :D It will also be my first time to LA so it should prove to be an interesting trip.

I haven't used a fanny pack since 1992, so there's no chance of me bringing one along. :lol: Yeech! These things were HIDEOUS. :eek:

Hehe, thanks :D

I will be traveling to the Los Angeles area within the next year, I am thinking maybe later this year. So I will be able to cover both cities on both coasts this year. Pretty exciting stuff. :D It will also be my first time to LA so it should prove to be an interesting trip.

I haven't used a fanny pack since 1992, so there's no chance of me bringing one along. :lol: Yeech! These things were HIDEOUS. :eek:

Ooh la la! LA?! You HAVE to make a post for when you come here. I've got a TON of ideas for you. ;) Sorry I don't have any advice for NY though...hope you have a fantabulous trip and take lots of pictures!! =)

Ooh la la! LA?! You HAVE to make a post for when you come here. I've got a TON of ideas for you. ;) Sorry I don't have any advice for NY though...hope you have a fantabulous trip and take lots of pictures!! =)
Yup, one of my stepsisters is currently attending a private school in Long Beach, so that is just right outside of LA. :D It's only a two year school though so she will be done next spring.

The picture thing is definitely happening. :cool:

Have fun Allison :wave:

Brings LOTS (lots!!) of money. Very expensive place to travel but very nice none the less.

Have fun.

Umm, yeah. Hi. :wave:

I could use as much tips and advice as possible. I am traveling to NYC for a journalism convention over my spring break in mid-March. The convention starts on Thursday and ends on Saturday and so far, it looks like we will be flying in on Wednesday and leaving on Sunday. There are a ton of you guys living in or close to NYC, so I know I will be able to get plenty of advice.

I stayed in London for nearly two weeks so I have a very good idea of what NYC will be like. What should I do to not make it obvious that I am a tourist? What are some of the common mistakes a tourist makes, and how can I avoid making the same mistakes? Are there any relatively cheap places where I could grab a bite? Obviously, I would be spending a lot of my time in Manhattan since that is where the convention will be held. I have been checking out some places, but personal recommendations are always welcome. :cool:

If you are wondering...Yes, this will be my first time going to NYC. It's not even March, and I already feel overwhelmed about the whole thing. :crazy:

Quick question:

What part of Manhattan will you be staying in? Midtown?
Where is your convention being held?

Quick question:

What part of Manhattan will you be staying in? Midtown?
Where is your convention being held?
Let me think. It's not confirmed yet, but I think my group will be staying in a hotel around Times Square. The convention will be at the, ahem, Roosevelt Hotel if I have that name correct.

Brings LOTS (lots!!) of money. Very expensive place to travel but very nice none the less.

Have fun.

That is what I will be doing. I learned from the mistake I made when I traveled to London. I brought $320 in spending money for the 10 days we were there, but that only came out to like £170 while I was over there. Whoops. :o

If you go to Battery Park, watch out for this character!

http://www.readio.com/archives/0405/27/img12.gif

:lol:

Let me think. It's not confirmed yet, but I think my group will be staying in a hotel around Times Square. The convention will be at the, ahem, Roosevelt Hotel if I have that name correct.

Gotcha. You'll be in the Midtown area. I'll start making up some lists.

Tip #1 - Get a map of the subway system and a Metrocard.

Tip #2 - Stay away from the "Naked Cowboy" guy who is usually singing in Times Square. Trust me.

;)

Stay away from the "Naked Cowboy" guy who is usually singing in Times Square. Trust me.

;)

:rofl:

By the way, if you see this woman dancing in the subway or some place like that. . .

http://i.cnn.net/cnn/2003/TRAVEL/DESTINATIONS/07/18/sprj.st03.central.park/met.dance.jpg

. . .her name is Claire Barratt. She's a friend of mine. Really. Tip her generously, and tell her Steve says hello. :)

You want to fit in? It's easy to. I know who the tourist are when I see them taking tons of pictures or when they keep on looking up.

As far as food there are alot of restaurants, McDonalds, Pizzerias, Bagel shops, Salad bars, Donut shops. There are many expensive areas and many cheap ones too.

I like walking in New York. I really like 34th street but on the weekends it gets really crowded because theres so much to see. I also like the Wall street area where the twin towers once stood. I :heart: New York!

If you don't want to seem like a tourist...

Put that digital camera away! :p Dont wear it around your neck. Avoid camera bags.
Don't wear a "I Love NY" T-shirt.
Cross the street even though the light's red.
Jaywalk.

To grab a cheap bite, try the Lower East Side... or get a pretzel/hot dog from some random stand. Avoid going to Duane Reade, Rite Aid, or CVS. Chances are, you'll get some cheaper food at some run-down grocery store. *snickers*

Tip #2 - Stay away from the "Naked Cowboy" guy who is usually singing in Times Square. Trust me.

;)


That SOB was hitting on my friend a few weeks ago then asked if she wanted a picture but said it would cost her. who would pay to take a picture with that nut

That SOB was hitting on my friend a few weeks ago then asked if she wanted a picture but said it would cost her. who would pay to take a picture with that nut

These Naked Cowboy posts get better and better! :brent

This is the ummm....infamous Naked Cowboy.

One thing to avoid doing...Please Take this Advice




Do Not stop in the middle of the sidewalk to look at something!

That is one of the most annoying things that a tourist does. New Yorkers are always on the move, so go with the flow. There are alot of great places to eat in the city, but to be honest most of it is overpriced. I would give you an answer like McDonald's, but even the Mickey D's in the city are somewhat expensive. lol

Listen to TJL, get a subway map and a metrocard. That will get you to where you need to go fast and cheap. Avoid Taxis aka Yellow Cabs, the drivers are nuts and they charge too much. If you want to see a Broadway play, may I suggest a place called TKTS. It sells discounted tickets for plays. It is located in the middle (literally) of Times Square.

Thanks for all the advice and tips, guys! :cool: If you have anymore, just keep posting 'em. I will be sure to keep these in mind. :D I will be sure to steer clear of the Naked Cowboy. Learned my mistake over in London - some random street performer grabbed me and would not let me go until I tipped him £2. :lol:

If you're gonna be there for St. Patrick's Day (March 17) you must go to the parade. Even if you're not Irish. The crowds, music, energy, etc. are all amazing. (It runs along 5th ave. Ya can't miss it.) :cheers:

One thing to remember: Keep your money and other expensive things (camera, cell phone, etc.) in a safe space. (inside pocket of a coat) And don't do anything silly like carry around an open bag w/ money inside. :crazy:

Okay, still curious...

What else I should keep in mind to prevent my stuff from getting stolen while I am walking around?

For the ladies...what type of purse have you found is best for being on your person?

Another question...I was in a meeting the other day and the adviser was telling me a bit about NYC (she has traveled to NYC at least 10 times), and she was saying something about how the servers at the restaurants don't like it when you ask them to split a check. Can I get some feedback on that?

I think that is all the questions I have...for now, anyway.

If you're gonna be there for St. Patrick's Day (March 17) you must go to the parade. Even if you're not Irish. The crowds, music, energy, etc. are all amazing. (It runs along 5th ave. Ya can't miss it.) :cheers:

One thing to remember: Keep your money and other expensive things (camera, cell phone, etc.) in a safe space. (inside pocket of a coat) And don't do anything silly like carry around an open bag w/ money inside. :crazy:

Thanks!! That was one of my questions - the money part. Yeah, we will be in the city through the 17th, so I am hoping we will catch the parade. :D

There are several things to remember:


1)Have some type of weapon on you- Bring mace or brass knuckles if possible. NYC is filled with crazy people.

2)At 9:00PM or 10:00PM, pack it in for the night. A lot of **** goes on after those hours.

3)Metrocard. Can't emphasize that enough. If possible, use buses instead of subways.

I don't think you'll need brass knuckles. :lol: (Don't scare her away, now!) Haha.

If you ask me, NYC is a pretty safe place. I'm serious!

When you're in a crowded area, tho, make sure your bag's in your view... esp subways.

This is the ummm....infamous Naked Cowboy.

He used to be with the Naked Village People until he went solo! :lol: :rotflmao:

I don't think you'll need brass knuckles. :lol: (Don't scare her away, now!) Haha.

If you ask me, NYC is a pretty safe place. I'm serious!

When you're in a crowded area, tho, make sure your bag's in your view... esp subways.
It's always better to be safe than sorry, though. ;)

My restaurant question still hasn't been answered...

NYC = awesome

definitley go to Times Square, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building :D

One thing to avoid doing...Please Take this Advice




Do Not stop in the middle of the sidewalk to look at something!

That is one of the most annoying things that a tourist does. New Yorkers are always on the move, so go with the flow. There are alot of great places to eat in the city, but to be honest most of it is overpriced. I would give you an answer like McDonald's, but even the Mickey D's in the city are somewhat expensive. lol

Listen to TJL, get a subway map and a metrocard. That will get you to where you need to go fast and cheap. Avoid Taxis aka Yellow Cabs, the drivers are nuts and they charge too much. If you want to see a Broadway play, may I suggest a place called TKTS. It sells discounted tickets for plays. It is located in the middle (literally) of Times Square.:nod: yeah...NYC is really fast-moving so you cant just like...stop :p

and you should eat at Carmine's cause the food there is really good, but its always booked.

NYC = awesome

definitley go to Times Square, Central Park, Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State Building :D

Just remember, that interior of the Statue of Libery is closed. :(

I don't think you'll need brass knuckles. :lol: (Don't scare her away, now!) Haha.

If you ask me, NYC is a pretty safe place. I'm serious!

When you're in a crowded area, tho, make sure your bag's in your view... esp subways.

Thanks for sticking up for NYC my dear.

Contrary to what many have heard, New York City isn't one step away from becoming a maximum security prison like in "Escape From New York."

The best way you can defend yourself from would be thieves is to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Just be alert of who is around, and you'll be fine.

Another question...I was in a meeting the other day and the adviser was telling me a bit about NYC (she has traveled to NYC at least 10 times), and she was saying something about how the servers at the restaurants don't like it when you ask them to split a check. Can I get some feedback on that?


I have never had a problem when I've asked a server to split a check.

However, if you ask him or her to split the check among your EIGHT friends, then there might be a problem.

I have never had a problem when I've asked a server to split a check.

However, if you ask him or her to split the check among your EIGHT friends, then there might be a problem.
Gotcha. :D Thanks for clearing that up for me.

Thanks for sticking up for NYC my dear.

Contrary to what many have heard, New York City isn't one step away from becoming a maximum security prison like in "Escape From New York."


No, that's Newark, New Jersey. :rofl:

Just remember, that interior of the Statue of Libery is closed. :(
Yeah :(

Oh and also go to the Museaum of Natural History :D

The Statue of Liberty and the American Museum of Natural History were the first places I went to in New York when I was ten. I also ate at one of the last automats still in business!

Ooooo I love the Museum of Natural History. :heart:

If you want a separate check. Make sure you tell the waiter from the beginning so you don't have to spring it on him/her at the end of the meal.

Get a ride on those Double decker buses. They're cool.

And like the others said. Walk faster. Especially at lunch time. Also at the AM hours 8:00 - 9:00 AM. People in NY Zoom fast...... You have to keep up.

Check out the beautiful Empire State building. Everytime I go there my ears open up. Try to check out Rockefeller Center. It's beautiful there.

Thanks for sticking up for NYC my dear.

Contrary to what many have heard, New York City isn't one step away from becoming a maximum security prison like in "Escape From New York."
I second that! :D

And hey, I'm sticking up for NYC forever..... that is, if I dont get accepted into my first choice college in Chicago. :p

Just be glad you're not going here!

http://www.geographie.uni-muenchen.de/Internetseiten/Mitarbeiter/Lehrpersonal/Ludwig/USA/Bilder/images/1026_detroit_city.jpg

This is beautiful downtown Detroit, Michigan!

I pity da fool who goes to Mo'town! :eek:

Gotcha. You'll be in the Midtown area. I'll start making up some lists.

Tip #1 - Get a map of the subway system and a Metrocard.

Tip #2 - Stay away from the "Naked Cowboy" guy who is usually singing in Times Square. Trust me.

;)

HEY!!!, I have nothing against the Naked Cowboy as long as he keeps that guitar in front of him!!!:p

Hey, PZelda, somebody mentioned TKTS. Check out the Welcome Center, too. It's in Times Square, too, right across the street from TKTS. When I went to NYC a couple years ago, the guy there gave us a coupon and we saw Phantom of the Opera for $30!! I think tickets were running almost $100. But the Welcome Center can give you alot of info, too!!

I'm going back to NYC in about 2 months and I'm so looking forward to it. It's like no other place in the world!!

Don't flash anybody while your there, Alison :nonono:

Umm, yeah. Hi. :wave:

I could use as much tips and advice as possible. I am traveling to NYC for a journalism convention over my spring break in mid-March. The convention starts on Thursday and ends on Saturday and so far, it looks like we will be flying in on Wednesday and leaving on Sunday. There are a ton of you guys living in or close to NYC, so I know I will be able to get plenty of advice.

I stayed in London for nearly two weeks so I have a very good idea of what NYC will be like. What should I do to not make it obvious that I am a tourist? What are some of the common mistakes a tourist makes, and how can I avoid making the same mistakes? Are there any relatively cheap places where I could grab a bite? Obviously, I would be spending a lot of my time in Manhattan since that is where the convention will be held. I have been checking out some places, but personal recommendations are always welcome. :cool:

If you are wondering...Yes, this will be my first time going to NYC. It's not even March, and I already feel overwhelmed about the whole thing. :crazy:




As you can tell by my name I'm from NY:) . Basically What everyone has said so far is pretty good advice. As far as the MetroCard If you are staying a week get a 7 Day MetroCard, It cost $21 and you can use it for both the bus and the subways without worrying about having your card run out (you can get cards where you can put as much money as you want, btw it's $2 for trains and buses) TKTS was mentioned as a good place to get play tickets try also going to the actual theater of the play you want to see, I was able to get a two tickets for Aida as a Mother's Day gift I had seats in the mezzanine( a lot of people cancel last minute). Keep in mind that Manhattan is very very expensive You will spend some money. But as far as using the bus to get around Manhattan ie 59th ST to 20th St. it would be quicker if you just walk or just use the subways Traffic is horrible. As far as not looking like a tourist ? Map out where you would like to go and how to get there in your hotel room. Subway and Bus maps are good because they show where all key places are and how to get there. If you do get confused and lost don't be afraid to ask someone for help, Contray popular belief New Yorkers can be a helpful bunch :D (just use common sense on who you ask). Basically enjoy yourself and use common sense.

be sure to keep your pants on

HEY!!!, I have nothing against the Naked Cowboy as long as he keeps that guitar in front of him!!!:p !


Just watch out for "Dances With Dolls!" :lol:

http://newyorkmetro.com/images/news/02/12/classicny/streetperformer1_300.jpg

be sure to keep your pants on

That's what my Mother said to me the day I moved here!

;)

Don't flash anybody while your there, Alison :nonono:

:rofl: No way in hell I'm going to let my group see me half-nekkid. omg:

be sure to keep your pants on

Got it!

;)

Well, folks, that is it. I leave with my group from school for NYC the day after tomorrow. I am so freaking excited! We will be checking out the St. Patrick's Day parade while we are there.

Once again, thanks for the tips! I'm not afraid about being in the city, so it's all good. I hear that it was almost 70 degrees in NYC late last week...too bad it'll be windy and cold while I'm there. :lol:

I hope you enjoy. Tell us all about your experiences in the Big Apple.

have fun on your trips:)

Stay safe. Don't allow yourself to be alone. Take pictures and have a great time. :wave:

have fun allison. im gonan be in for the patty parade..maybe you'll see my drunk ass somewhere:lol:

Well, folks, that is it. I leave with my group from school for NYC the day after tomorrow. I am so freaking excited! We will be checking out the St. Patrick's Day parade while we are there.

Once again, thanks for the tips! I'm not afraid about being in the city, so it's all good. I hear that it was almost 70 degrees in NYC late last week...too bad it'll be windy and cold while I'm there. :lol:

You are very brave for coming in to NYC on St. Patirck's Day. :lol:

I'm expecting that things will be a litle crazier this year since the holiday is on a Friday, but there is rumors that the weather might be crappy (and it will be well below the high temps we've had recently) so that might keep the millions in check. But I doubt it.

Anyway, Ihope you have fun!

I'll be drinking on the West Side if you need anything.

;)

You are very brave for coming in to NYC on St. Patirck's Day. :lol:

I'm expecting that things will be a litle crazier this year since the holiday is on a Friday, but there is rumors that the weather might be crappy (and it will be well below the high temps we've had recently) so that might keep the millions in check. But I doubt it.

Anyway, Ihope you have fun!

I'll be drinking on the West Side if you need anything.

;)
Talk to the directors of the convention I'm going to about the dates. Not my idea, honest. :lol:

The weather here has been pretty cold lately, so I will feel right at home with the weather. Windy, too -- just like back home. :rofl:

The convention I am attending is Thursday - Saturday, so we will only stick around to watch the parade for a little while and then go to the convention. :D

There's a stamp show this weekend at madison Square Garden. Maybe I'll seeyou there! :wave:

Oh yeah, it's for free!

Stamp collecting - for the fun of it! :)

You are very brave for coming in to NYC on St. Patirck's Day. :lol:

I'm expecting that things will be a litle crazier this year since the holiday is on a Friday, but there is rumors that the weather might be crappy (and it will be well below the high temps we've had recently) so that might keep the millions in check. But I doubt it.


The Noo Yawk Irish always come out for the St. Patrick's Day parade, in any weather! :)

i just went there on saturday :D its awesome. you'll like it

It looks like the weather on Friday is oing to be okay after all. :)

Have fun! :banana:

There are several things to remember:


1)Have some type of weapon on you- Bring mace or brass knuckles if possible. NYC is filled with crazy people.


nah i dont think thats nessacary

Never been to New York before, hope you have a great and safe trip!

Wow......... the weather's been brisk. hope you're having fun. Naked Cowboy better be wearing some Long John's.

New York City is truly fabulous! I LOVE it here! Even the food is divine. We went to Darbar's on 46th (I think) last night and it was just so FABULOUS. The food there is AMAZING. Even my breakfast this morning was fabulous. Ahhhhh. I am soooooo in love with NYC now. :D Well, Manhattan. :lol:

New York City is truly fabulous! I LOVE it here! Even the food is divine. We went to Darbar's on 46th (I think) last night and it was just so FABULOUS. The food there is AMAZING. Even my breakfast this morning was fabulous. Ahhhhh. I am soooooo in love with NYC now. :D Well, Manhattan. :lol:
NYC rocks :D

you should go to carmine's, its around broadway...its near where all of the shows are

See Philadelphia next! :D

I just came home from NYC about one hour ago. It was so awesome, haha. I felt very safe in Midtown Manhattan. The only bad thing that happened while I was there was that I was almost involved in a particularly nasty St. Patrick's Day pub brawl at this pub just off Times Square. I was with this guy from school, and the guy who was beating the crap out of the other guy walked off with the guy from my school. Fortunately, the guy from school came back and we booked it out of there in a taxi. :lol:

BTW, I was at the St. Patrick's Day parade on 5th -- was anybody else there?

A drunken brawl? Cool! We call that "street theater" here in Manhattan.

Things were extra crazy this St. Patty's Day. Lots of crazies were out tearing up the town.

I'm glad you had fun. Please stop by again.

:wave:

I'm so happy you got to enjoy our fair city. Make sure you come back and when you do, make sure it is around Christmas time. There is no place better. :)

A drunken brawl? Cool! We call that "street theater" here in Manhattan.

Things were extra crazy this St. Patty's Day. Lots of crazies were out tearing up the town.

I'm glad you had fun. Please stop by again.

:wave:

Haha, yup. It was The Irish Pub, right by Times Square. The brawl happened at about 3:20 in the morning and needless to say, we booked it the hell out of there. And you aren't kidding on the crazies part, two random guys from Dublin hung out with my group at the parade. They were sooooo bombed, it was hilarious. :lol:

I'm definitely coming back to NYC again soon. :D

I'm so happy you got to enjoy our fair city. Make sure you come back and when you do, make sure it is around Christmas time. There is no place better. :)

I TOTALLY want to go to NYC around that time too. Man, that would rock. I also want to go to Times Square for New Year's...I have wanted to do that since I was a kid. Really, it wouldn't matter to me when I do go back there again. NYC is truly a fabulous city. I got to see the green lights on the top of the Empire State Building while I was there, absolutely gorgeous. :D

I spent a lot of time in Manhattan and wandered over into Brooklyn for a while yesterday. I was hoping to maybe go thru Queens too, but didn't make it that far...We had tix for the Staten Island ferry but missed it both times. :mad: and the Bronx...Well, I'm not going there by myself. :lol: I wish I could have gone further into Brooklyn, oh well.

:D

Glad you had so much fun!

Did you get to meet any SOers while in NYC?

You have to be careful in Brooklyn a lot of it is starting to decline rapidly. Coney Island has vastly improved, but other parts are growing in poverty and crime. One missed stop on the subway, and you could end up in a really bad part of Brooklyn.

You have to be careful in Brooklyn a lot of it is starting to decline rapidly. Coney Island has vastly improved, but other parts are growing in poverty and crime. One missed stop on the subway, and you could end up in a really bad part of Brooklyn.
I noticed. We were only in the tail end of western Brooklyn yesterday (by the Manhattan/Brooklyn bridges and inwards), and we passed a lot of run-down places. :( Also, one thing I noticed, there are barely any people walking around there, as opposed to Manhattan.

And in reply to swedeace's post, no, I didn't meet anybody while I was there. I'm sure I came close a few times. :lol:

I'm jealous

I hope you are having a fantastic time, Allison. :)

So am I.
Did you get to see any theatre while you were there?
Unfortunately, no. We got a ton of stuff accomplished, but we also didn't see a lot. I'll be going back to NYC again for sure, this time with my dad [and not on a school trip like this one was].

I did, however, go to Battery Park and I saw the sphere that used to sit in the plaza of one of the WTC towers. :( We walked uphill a few blocks to the WTC memorial site. I cried a little, not a whole lot. The fact I was standing on the site of one of the greatest tragedies of our time...Incredibly overwhelming. :( Ugh. I can't believe how huge they both used to be. :eek: You're surrounded by skyscrapers in lower Manhattan, and then suddenly, you're not. Wow.

And Mike, I'm at home now. I came home from NYC earlier today.

Nice to have you back Allison. Sounds like a fun and interesting trip. :wave:

Welcome Back Allison. I'm glad you had a great time. :)