New York City is one of the most beautiful and sought out destinations in the United States by citizens and tourists. It is one of the biggest cities in the world and it has much to offer as well. When exploring New York, you can get lost in the beauty and excitement of the city and forget about your life’s responsibilities and stressors. Many people aspire to see this grand city just out of curiosity.
Though this New York City has much to offer, anyone visiting must take into account the negative factors of this city. It is never good to focus on the negative but if you have an idea of what the negative is you can avoid it. It’s important to take precautions while in New York City to ensure a safe vacation or visit.
It can be easy to get intimidated by the number of people and the culture they possess, but this city has its own personality that will keep you coming back. Whether you are vacationing alone or decided to travel in a group, you should always be thinking about what you should and shouldn’t do in New York City to make sure you are having fun but are safe at the same time.
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Never get into an unmarked cab.
Cabs are everywhere in New York City. There may be a moment where you will need to catch a cab to get to your destination and you want to be knowledgeable about the ins and outs of NYC taxis. You should always check to see if the cab is marked before getting in. Look for an ID number, yellow cars, and lights on the roof to ensure they are marked and safe for riders. Some cab cars are green so make sure to research the type of cabs in your location.
If you don’t want to take on the task of hailing a cab, you can easily schedule or book a ride on your mobile device using Lyft or Uber. They are present in NYC and aren’t necessarily regulated with the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission so you may have to lead with caution as you enter these vehicles. Make sure to always exit on the curbside and tip your drivers.
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Consider hotels over alternative accommodations
The accommodations available in NYC are large in numbers and expensive in prices. Hotels are some of the most expensive leaving Airbnbs and other accommodation types as the more pocket-friendly options for budget travelers. Make sure to do extensive research when trying to find a place to stay. Check hotel ratings and reviews to ensure your stay is satisfactory. Sometimes choosing a hotel instead of any alternative accommodation may be the safest bet. Here is a list of the different types of accommodations available:
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Hotels
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Motels
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Airbnb
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Bed and breakfast
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Hostels
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Apartments
When staying in a hotel make sure your valuables are in a safe place. You also want to always check outside your door before opening it. Never open your door immediately to housekeeping or room service unless they have verified their identity.
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Stick to main streets and follow traffic signals
While walking in New York City you want to take precautions as well. This city is made for walking and is too congested for it to not be a primary means of transportation. There are so many people and so many things to look at and photograph that you may get distracted while walking only to lead to an issue with your belongings or getting lost. Pay attention to your surroundings.
Try to stay away from unknown streets and pathways. You want to go where everyone is and stick to the familiar. Though it is nice to explore this great city, you still want to make sure that you are taking caution and staying safe. Plan out your walking path beforehand to ensure you know where you’re going. Follow traffic signals toa void accidents as well. This is not a city to jaywalk in so pay attention to cars, bikes, and other people while walking on NYC streets.
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Keep belongings close
Try not to become extremely paranoid while you spend time in NYC. Though it is important to think about the safety of your belongings while you stay, you want to blend and look like a true New Yorker while you visit. You want to keep your valuables in a safe and secure place that is near you. Try not to be mindless when walking down the streets. There is nothing worse than losing your wallet while being away from home.
If you carry a bag or purse, make sure it is worn across your body to avoid losing your things to thieves and bag snatchers. Women should always take more precaution when it comes to their safety. Think about the items you have in your pockets as well. There are many pickpockets in NYC, and you should be cautious of their slick hands. Sometimes they even work in teams to distract you. Try to be aware of your surroundings and keep your items nearby.
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Don’t overthink
The main thing you must do to ensure you have a safe trip is to limit overthinking and stop sweating the small stuff. Don’t be a mood killer by always thinking about the negative. Try to remember the reasons you are there to bring you back to the fun. New York City is very friendly and quite inviting, so don’t think too much about its downsides. Don’t be scared to feel free and explore this city as there are many hidden gems around waiting for you to find them.
