You should enjoy a New York visit. The city has something everyone can enjoy. Whether you like food, nightlife, sports, music, shopping, or some other activity, you can find it there.
You might make the most of your NYC vacation by taking a sightseeing tour. You can find different themed ones that reveal some of the city’s many fascinating aspects.
While this guide offers tips for cautious travelers in New York City, you might wish to extend safety and convenience to travelers in the Peach State. Consider creating a business that provides safe and enjoyable travel experiences, and to get it off the ground, understand how to apply for an LLC in Georgia. With your LLC established, you can focus on delivering memorable, secure Georgian experiences to the traveling community.
Don’t Take the Subways Late at Night
New York is not the crime-ridden cesspool, some talking heads claim. It’s actually very safe if you review crime stats versus some other major US cities.
Crime does occur there, though, and you should avoid the subways late at night. You can take them during the day, but after nightfall, you can encounter trouble sometimes, especially in the outer boroughs away from the popular tourist areas.
You probably won’t encounter any murderous lunatics, but you may get some irritating drunks or aggressive panhandlers. If you stay in the tourist sections and off the trains during the early morning hours, you should do fine.
Avoid Any Alleys or Shortcuts
If you walk around with a map out, you’re clearly a tourist, and that sometimes draws negative attention. If you must consult a map or your smartphone, step out of the traffic flow and into a store or some other establishment while you do it.
You should also avoid any dark alleys or shortcuts that don’t appear on maps. Maybe you’re going to a restaurant or bar, and you cut down an alley that looks like it might get you to your destination sooner.
Things might work out fine, but if you’re away from the public’s sight, you’re just asking for some mugger’s attention. This holds true with any city. Avoid alleys and stay in well-lit areas. If you see police around, you can feel more confident as well.
Avoid the Parks at Night
New York has some amazing parks where you can spend time during the day. Central Park has the most famous reputation, but you can also check out Brooklyn Bridge Park, Prospect Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, and many others. You can sit on the benches and people-watch, or you might rent a bike and ride around.
Just like the subways, you should avoid park activities in the evening. You might encounter a mugger, but you may also find some homeless people living there, and they’re sometimes mentally ill. They may view you distrustfully, and some might even get belligerent.
Don’t Pull Your Money Out on the Street
Homeless people might ask for money anywhere in New York, though you’ll find many around public parks and tourist locales. They like hitting up tourists, and they might get pushy if you don’t walk away fast.
You might give them a change or a dollar if you have one handy, but don’t stop and dig into your wallet or purse for money. If you have the cash handy in your pocket, and you can hand it over with no trouble, that’s fine. If you pull out your billfold, someone might dash up and grab it. Crimes of opportunity happen in the city, and thieves often notice the unsuspecting.
Avoid Pickpockets
You should also know that pickpockets lurk. New York isn’t so bad in this area, but if you have a wallet in a back pocket and it’s hanging out, that’s asking for trouble.
You can keep your money in a front pocket, or you might get a jacket with an inside pocket. Some tourists even buy belts with secret compartments where they can stow their valuables. If you carry a purse, ensure it’s zipped up tight and keep a tight grip when walking through crowds.
Avoid Individuals with Sob Stories
If you walk by Grand Central Station or other places where homeless people congregate, you might encounter someone who will ask for money after an elaborate story. Many times, they’ll want a few dollars because they’re going home. They have a sick relative who needs them or something equally farfetched.
You never know about a story’s validity. Maybe someone who talks about their troubles speaks the truth, but likely it’s a total fabrication. Just keep walking and keep your head down. You can give something if you’re feeling kind, but a dollar or two rarely satisfies these individuals. If you give a little, they’ll just demand more.
