Category: New York

Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Trip from DC to NYC

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After finally having a few days to yourself from work, you might be considering taking a small trip from Washington D.C. to New York City. Both of these places have many things to see, but if this is the first time you’re doing this, you might not know how to go about things. New York is a big place with plenty of things happening all at once. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place to help you prepare for the trip of a lifetime. In this article, we’ll be going over a few traveling tips to help prepare you for your trip from Washington D.C. to New York City.

Look for Train Ticket Deals

The first thing you need to prepare for is how you’re going to go to and from each location. A fast and budget-friendly means of transportation is to take a train. Trains are faster than buses and your personal vehicle. In fact, a bus ride can take up to five hours depending on whether or not there’s traffic. Fortunately, trains don’t have to deal with that issue. What’s more is that the trip is about two hours shorter as well. The cost of train tickets is also affordable, but why pay full price when you don’t have to and better yet, you can find deals for train trips from Washington, DC to NYC by booking online.

Pack for as Long as You Plan on Staying

If you plan on staying in New York City for a few days, you’ll need to pack accordingly. Below is a list of things you need to pack:

  • A few sets of clothes
  • External battery for your smartphone
  • Extra pair of shoes
  • Snacks
  • Toiletries such as earplugs, tissues, toothbrushes and mouthwash
  • Noise-canceling headphones
  • Rain gear
  • Your passport

If you’re taking your family with you including small children, you’ll want to pack things ahead of time. You’ll also need to bring things to keep the children occupied while on the train such as their favorite toy, book, or game console.

Research Where You’re Headed

New York City is one of the world’s greatest metropolis’, which can be a little overwhelming for people visiting for the first time. With so much going on, so many roaming the streets, and the near limitless things to do, you might not know where to turn. That’s why it’s important to research the city and plan your itinerary accordingly. Not only can this prevent you from constantly losing your sense of direction, it also helps keep things organized. Organization is key when touring New York City.

Purchase Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a safety net that’ll reimburse you in the event of something unexpected. You never know what can happen, especially in a bustling place such as NYC. You might lose your phone, become ill, sustain an injury, or accidentally lose or have your luggage stolen. You might also have to cancel your trip, which travel insurance can help reimburse the costs, but only if it’s for a valid reason. Make sure to consult the insurance broker for more information.

Six Things to Do When You Visit New York City

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New York City is one the most visited cities in the world. In 2016, over 60 million people visited New York to take in the city so nice they named it twice. New York is home to over 8 million people who live within roughly 305 square miles of the city limits, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world, second only to Paris. As such, every corner of the city holds unique wonders that visitors should try to see.

Whether you have just launched a few new business ideas that took off or are a traveler interested in a budget-conscious trip, this article will help you to discover parts of the city that only true New Yorkers know about.


  1. Avoid the tourist traps

Time Square, the Empire State Building and Circle Line Cruises are all tourist traps. True New Yorkers avoid these destinations like the plague. While you may be interested in visiting these locations due to cultural or historical significance, know that if you do you will not be seeing the city that most New Yorkers know and love. Instead, you’ll be experiencing a tourist destination that caters to the desires of out-of-towners.

Instead of going to the tourist traps mentioned above, check out some of the significant but less popular locations mentioned later on in this article.


  1. Understand the reputation of each neighborhood

New York is divided into a series of neighborhoods. Due to social norms and zoning laws, each neighborhood has developed a unique characteristic that is all its own. Before planning your trip, take a minute to survey a map of New York neighborhoods and try to visit as many as possible.

Among a few of the neighborhoods to visit is the Upper West Side, home to the Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Opera, and famous apartment buildings like the Dakota and the Apthorp.

SoHo is another great neighborhood to check out, it features trendy popup stores, cute bars, and high-end restaurants like Balthazar and the Mercer Kitchen.

Williamsburg Brooklyn is yet one more great New York neighborhood. Many credit its residents for giving rise to the “hipsters.” Visitors should check out Output or the Music Hall of Williamsburg for great music, grab a drink on the rooftop bar at McCarran Hotel, and head to Fete Sau for great barbeque.


  1. Head to Queens for great ethnic food

One study found that Queens New York was one of the most diverse places in the world. It is because of this diversity that Queens is home to a number of fantastic ethnic eateries that allow visitors to sample from a wide variety of delicious and hard to find food. Among the restaurants to check out are the Arepa Lady, which serves delectable South American pastries, and Mu Ramen, which features authentic Japanese ramen.


  1. Check out a show at the Comedy Cellar

Located in the iconic Greenwich Village, the Comedy Cellar is one of New York City’s great comedy clubs. Famous comedians like Jon Stewart, Chris Rock, Sarah Silverman, and Louie CK all got their start performing at the Comedy Cellar. As a result, it is not uncommon for these and other famous comedians to take the stage from time to time.


  1. Listen to Jazz at the Village Vanguard

Nothing says old New York like a great jazz nightclub. Founded in 1935, the Village Vanguard is an important historic center of New York and of American music history. Great jazz musicians like Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Bill Evans and John Coltrane either performed live or recorded albums there. Today, the Vanguard regularly hosts world-famous jazz musicians.


  1. Got to the Whitney to check out great art and fashion

The Whitney Museum is located in the Meatpacking District, near the Highline. This makes it well situated within a great New York neighborhood, and next to another great New York attraction.

Visitors should check out the exhibits inside of the Whitney (which change on a regular basis) and should then head to the trendy shops and restaurants in the Meatpacking District before taking a stroll on the Highline.

Conclusion

There are always numerous reasons not to take a trip. Maybe you don’t want to leave the house before you fix your leaky faucet or you are simply waiting for a big raise before setting off for the Big Apple. Whatever your excuse, know that when you do eventually make it to New York City, there are a plethora of intellectually stimulating, fun, and eye-opening experiences waiting for you when you arrive.