4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to NY the First Time

Published On April 10, 2018 | By Staff Writer | Travel Planning

I Wish I Knew Taking The New York Subway System Was So Complex

I want you to scribble randomly across a canvas. Imagine, that is the way taking public transportation in New York City looks like to a first-timer. It is extremely difficult to understand where the stops are located, how and when transfers are supposed to happen, and how to get to destinations on a subway map because the random lines looks like that canvas.

This will naturally leave a person, who did not do research beforehand about New York, undoubtedly disappointed. In some cases, a person has to go up or down a flight of stairs and walk across a bridge over two train platforms just to reach another platform on the other side to catch their desired train.

The most frustrating part about New York is that no one is willing to help when you get lost. For instance, there are mini stands on the platforms, selling basic everyday items, and when you ask one of these guys for help, they will get mad at you for interrupting them and brush you off as if you are not even there. Moreover, keep in mind that the police and random citizens will not show you any more love neither.

However, there will be at least one person who will feel some compassion for you and actually walk up to you and help.

I wish I had done research about how to get to certain places earlier before going to New York City.

Thank you, random person!

I Wish I Understood How Crowded New York Really Was

It is common knowledge that New York is a very crowded city, the most populated in the United States, and upon hearing this information might be not seem intimidating, but believe me, it is very serious when you actually get there. Imagine standing in a nightclub full to capacity where everybody is shoulder to shoulder, brushing past you and bumping into you, creating claustrophobic feelings. That is what standing on a random street corner in New York City feels like.

I Wish I Knew That Walking Was The Quickest Way To Get Somewhere

I am from a city where people take public transportation often because it is easier and convenient. New York is not like that. There is a reason everyone walks everywhere. Cabs are too expensive, trains are only useful for taking from one borough to the next, and vehicles come to a standstill in congested traffic. Therefore, most people rather walk 6 blocks to their intended destinations than deal with all that drama in the streets.

I Wish I Knew How Expensive Things Really Were

New York is the fashion capital of the world and I noticed many people wearing nice clothes and new linens. I felt like a bum in my ‘country’ outfits. I wish I bought something nice to wear just so I can fit in and not like a tourist.

Foreign cab drivers will sometimes drive you around 5 different boroughs just to take you only 1 mile from your starting point to your intended destination. Of course, this is an attempt to milk more money out of you. I just wish I had more money on my debit card when I went to New York.

I just wish I knew how expensive things really were, so I could try some of those unique pizzas staring at me through the windows of random restaurants. I remember seeing varieties, such as Hawaiian pizzas with pineapples and papayas to BBQ pizzas with ribs and anchovies. I really wish I had enough money to buy that stuff. I would probably never see those pizzas ever again.

Conclusion

New York is not all that bad and has great sights, unique foods, a diversified energy, and a variety of nice places to visit. The best way to see New York comfortably without all the complexities is by inquiring about taking a tour with a company like TopView. This company is probably the best choice for bus tours taking you to different popular places around New York to prevent crazy these things from happening.

Good luck and stay safe during your travels to New York City!

IMAGE SOURCE