You’d be hard pushed to have a bad time when visiting New York. This is a city that never stops – where there’s rich culture around every corner and excitement to be found no matter what kind of traveler you are. If you’re into the quieter moments that beautifully curated green spaces and world-famous museums can offer, those experiences are there for the taking; if you’re looking for luxury thrills and a pulsating nightlife, you’ll similarly feel right at home.
That said, as is the case with any huge city, you have to keep your wits about you. Depending on where you go, New York can be both a very safe and a very dangerous place, so it pays to spend some time learning how to take care of yourself before you touch down.
This article is here to help you do that. Here are 6 travel essentials to ensure you and your family remain as safe as possible.
- Safe Accommodation
Where safety is concerned, your accommodation is at the very foundation. For starters, it’s essential to stay in well–known areas, and in New York, you can’t go wrong with Midtown Manhattan.
This is one of the busiest areas of the city, and you’ll be within walking distance (or at least a short subway trip) from nearly all of central New York’s best attractions. Being a tourist hotspot, the hotels here have been positioned in the safest areas. Arts areas tend to be the best bet, as no matter the time of day, there are always people about (you could get a hotel near the Gershwin Theatre, for example).
If you’ve got the budget, you might consider renting an apartment for use during your stay in Midtown, though this should only really be considered if you’re going to be spending a long time in the city.
- Considering Your Surroundings
New York can be a pretty bewildering place. There’s a lot going on around you at any given time, so you’ve got to be extra careful as you walk about.
Unfortunately, thieves and pick-pockets prey on the hustle and bustle, making areas like Times Square a hot spot for losing your possessions. This doesn’t mean you should be afraid of these places, but you do need to make sure you’re using your instincts to survey the space. You should also be keeping items like your phone and wallet/purse out of sight at all times. If you’re carrying a handbag, keep it clutched to your side (avoid carrying a handbag at all if possible).
Try not to get yourself squeezed into big crowds. Thieves use the fact that their hands won’t easily be visible, and even if you do feel your belongings being stolen, it’s easy for them to slip into the crowd unnoticed.
- Staying Connected
Given that everyone now has a smartphone, it’s easier to stay connected than ever – but you’d be surprised at how many people are lacking in this department when they’re in a foreign country.
For starters, make sure you have emergency contacts, such as the police and the other people you’re staying with, easily accessible within your phone. You’ll also want to make certain you’ve secured any necessary travel data packages so that you can stay connected to the internet while abroad, as it’s not a given you’ll be able to use your current plan.
You’ll likely be using Google Maps or Apple Maps for getting around, and once you arrive, it’s vital to save key locations – such as your hotel and nearby subway stations – so that you can easily navigate to them if you get lost.
- Understanding Transportation
There are a lot of ways to get around the city, and some are safer than others.
The subway is one of the easiest ways to traverse New York, but you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the maps before using it. Getting lost is no fun, and you could end up in a dangerous area. If you’re on your own, it’s also best not to use empty subway carriages at night.
Then, there are taxis. Only use licensed taxis, as unfortunately, there are a lot of fake cabs out there without a licence to operate, and people have been robbed this way.
Finally, don’t forget about basic road and subway safety. Always use the crossing signals, and be mindful of any instructions at the station – either those on the walls or messages given over the tannoy.
- Learning the Local Etiquette
New Yorkers are known to be very friendly, and learning the culture and etiquette will go a long way. If you’re unfortunate enough to come across someone with a hot temper, understanding etiquette can make the difference between an escalating situation and a normal conversation.
Be polite, and if you notice any signage with rules for how to behave in a certain area, always follow them.
Ultimately, even if your communication is different from what the locals exhibit, no one will look down on you for being a foreigner so long as you treat people how you’d want to be treated.
- Being Careful With Your Money
You should always be careful with your money while traveling – especially in a place as busy as New York City.
While most places offer contactless payment methods, you’ll always want to carry cash for tips as well as for some of the smaller businesses that don’t use them. When you use an ATM, make sure you’re being mindful of who’s around you, and remember to cover your PIN with your other hand as you type it in.
Finally, check your online banking app every day. If anything’s amiss, it’ll show up there first.
Wrapping Up
New York is a wonderful place, but every city can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Hopefully, you’ve learned a thing or two from the points above, and you now have what you need to stay as safe as possible. A little bit of effort goes a long way, and if you use common sense, you’ll be fine. Have a great trip!
