5 Practical Things to Know About Visiting New York and 1 Video!

East Coast Trip Travel Log, continued

You’ve read my blog, you’ve seen my instagrams, you’ve liked my tweets. Last but not least is my video!!! A summary of my travels, and fun facts I made up whilst exploring. Do enjoy, and I apologize for any horrible accents.

I would also like to take the time to offer some realistic advice, as well as a review on how I survived 6 days with just a carry on, as mentioned in my first article: New York Ready.

Fun Facts & Advice:

Carry around a charger because your phone will never have enough batteries. Try to find a restaurant with available wall outlets whenever you stop to eat. If you become desperate I recommend finding a McDonalds. That way you can only spend a dollar on a coffee or snack, and feel much less guilty while taking all the time you need to charge your phone. Check for outlets before you order.
Download the apps you need before your trip. I recommend yelp and any transit app. Check out nycgo.com’s excellent list of apps here. However, cell service underground rarely works. So be sure to pick up a map before you enter the metro system.
Buy a week long Metro Card! This will save you money! Think about it, you can buy a bottomless 7 day Metro Pass for $29, or pay $2.50 a swipe for the few days you will be there. So if you swipe more than 15 times the card will pay for itself! And trust me, you would rather have the liberty of traveling on the subway whenever and wherever you need to, instead of worrying about saving your swipes. Especially since you are probably site-seeing throughout the city, and as a visitor you are also prone to getting lost which means you will probably be hopping on and off even more often. (trust me – it happened to me and I wish I had the 7 day pass).
Get Dr. Scholls! My feet were killing me by the end of the trip. Please be kind to your feet and treat them to a foot cushion or gel inserts. There is a lot of walking and standing in the city, and if the subway is crowded you may not even get to sit down while in transit.
Carry cash. There are enough banks and ATMs scattered throughout the city so it won’t be a huge inconvenience if you need cash, but having a range of assorted bills in your wallet never hurt nobody. Most street vendors only take cash, so if you want to know how that authentic and famous cart food tastes, get some bills. But hold onto it tight, this is a city known for its pick-pockets!

And how did it go, my wearing all black and all?

Absolutely wonderfully! I had two black pants that I alternated between each day, jeans and leggings, and I wore the same black jacket every day. Other than that the only thing I ever really changed was my shirt and my scarf choice. I was so comfortable, always matched, and always looked in style. I also enjoyed wearing my hat because it kept my head warm and I didn’t have to worry about my hair. It’s my signature look which New York helped solidify. I also got some compliments on the street, and in a few designer stores. Not trying to brag, but every girl likes a compliment or two. And when you’re in a trendy shop and people start asking you where you got an item you’re wearing – or asking if you work there… what can I say, it’s the best kind of flattery. Especially for a fashionista like myself. 😉

You can view my entire East Coast Travel Log here:

Day 0 – New York Ready
Day 1 – Brooklyn Bound
Day 2 – New York Pretty
Day 3 – Lady Liberty
Day 4 – Philly Cheese State
Day 5 – New York Time Spare
Day 6 – Autumn in New York
Fun Facts – 5 Practical Things to Know About Visiting New York and 1 Video! (now viewing)