New York Travel Tips from a Frequent Visitor

New York is just one of those cities that you will want to visit over and over again. You can never seem to have enough of it. If you have realized this already, you probably have made it your go to vacation destination with your family. This is a good move since after all, 7 days is not sufficient to enjoy all that New York has to offer. As a possible frequent tourist, you might think that you have it all figured out since, after all, you have visited all attractions in New York. But there are some tips and tricks that will do you some good and significantly improve your New York trip experience. Before I commence, some words of advice. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT be afraid of the big building and crowds. New York is just like any other city in the world. It is full of activities and individuals going about their daily lives. This is the same with many other towns all over the world. The only difference might be that attractions in New York are slightly more famous and have a rich history than those in most cities.

Do not be afraid of wandering

You probably should even start spreading the news. New York, not only is it one of the most toured cities, it also is one of the safest there is. The days when tourists were warned against visiting some areas of the city are long gone. All of Manhattan is safe. But you of course have to exercise caution and cannot travel in the wee hours of the night while by yourself.

When applicable, ask for a discount

In New York, items sell fast. As such, anything that does not sell as fast is discounted heavily to pave way for new stock. New stocks, depending on the shop come after every few weeks. Aside from the consignment stores and the discount stores, all other chain stores have what is referred to as rolling sales. If you plan your New York visit outside of the delegated sales periods, you will find that even in the high end clothing shops and boutiques like the Mystique boutique and other attractions in New York, you are sure of a discount, though provided in a discreet manner.

Never forget to tip

Pretty much everyone, every service you will receive will require a tip. From the guy who handles your luggage, to the lady who washes your hair, waiters who wait on you and taxi drivers who take you to where you need to be. Be sure to add the tips to your daily budget. This way you will not feel all too overwhelmed by it. Sure every time you are in New York you may try and rebel. But it will be of no use swimming against the current. Those who earn too little depend on the tips to survive. As such, it is not the system you will be hurting when you fail to tip but individuals trying to earn an honest living.

One caveat

It is your duty to tip for just about any service you receive. It however does not say that you have to when the service is bad. You will at one point, while you are sightseeing in New York, come across an individual who will provide you with the worst service possible. For such individuals, you might be tempted to forfeit the tip altogether. If you choose to do so, be sure you explain why. On the flip side of things, when a service is exemplary, tip generously as a sign of your gratitude.

Do not be afraid to speak your mind or complain.

It is expected that when in a foreign land you will be generally be agreeable to whatever crosses your path. You could be like so, but it is not a rule. As such, when you feel you need to complain, please do; just like a local would. If you do not like a food in the restaurant you were served in or they brought you the wrong food – that which you did not order, be sure to say it. You will be shocked at how ready they will be to please you.

Move around quickly

This is especially so while in the subway or any of the major attractions in New York. If you are having a hard time working out where you are going in the subway, do not fret, do not panic. It is only normal. After all, it takes some time before you are a ‘pro’. But while you can get away with not knowing where you are going, blocking an entrance is not taken lightly. There are cases of individuals who have been pushed over unintentionally by others who are in a hurry to get to their destination. When you visit New York often you will start to feel more and more comfortable while navigating it. It will however take some time. So respect the process. The above tips will help you along the way.