Tech's off to the Big Apple! - Advice etc

[Techniquest]

Hi all,

Well as we've covered quite a bit already in my trip report thread, I'm planning a trip to New York in March 2016. Not quite the trip I had originally lined up in January 2015 for 2016, which was to go to Australia in May 2016 (or so), which got banished to the bin after I started enjoying myself on the railway too much! No way was I going to save that sort of money up! Circumstances have changed a fair bit since January however, and me and a norm mate are planning to go to New York!

No, I'm not going with the same norm mate as last time, this is a different mate who I have more in common with. I'm not sure how we got onto planning New York, we had to bin our original decision to do The 10 Capitals trip around Europe by rail as circumstances were not in our favour. Somehow recently before work we got curious and started planning New York, as we both wanted to look forward to after Christmas and New Year were gone. It had originally been going to somewhere like Berlin or Copenhagen, but the difference in prices to go somewhere neither of us have ever been to and both wanted to visit was not as significant as we expected. Yes we are booking a long way in advance, but we need boat loads of time to find the spending money anyway.

Anyway, we've yet to sort out the final booking stages, but that should be happening this week. I have almost all the important bits figured out, it just needs a final approval from my mate James. However, I'm now at the point of needing to consult with enthusiasts more knowledgeable than me. Here then are a list of questions that are burning away:

- Are we crazy for doing this? Neither of us know anyone over there!

- Anyone with good hotel recommendations? We're doing the sensible thing and avoiding cheap and nasty places, we're certainly keen on a hotel that does a decent breakfast!

- Talking of breakfast, what do Americans actually have for their morning meal? I can only hope it's not some horrible UK version of continental breakfast, but if it's mainland Europe continental breakfast that'll be fine.

- Where should we avoid? I'm not keen on going anywhere near Queens, I don't remember that area having a good reputatio . Mind you I've not heard good things about The Bronx either!

- Obviously we're going to be sensible and be very vigilant of our belongings and valuables on the Subway, but is there something that may seem obvious I haven't thought of?

- The hotel I'm looking at is not at all far from Long Island City station, nearer Queens Plaza I seem to recall on the Subway. Anyone got any gen on this approximate area?

- Train wise, anything worth seeing out of Long Island?

- Grand Central station, well it's on the list to do because it's the biggest in the world, but all I'm seeing online is a website for tours of it once a day. I don't necessarily fancy just walking around the concourse of it, I would love to see some trains ideally. I'd love to have a decent photo of an American train I can have enlarged to shove on the wall at home, to see something that screams "I'm an American train!" to anyone who sees it. I hope that makes sense. Even if we have to hop one stop down the line to get said shot.

- Photography, does anyone know if I'm likely to bump into any problems? I'll be in touch with Amtrak in advance of course for their views, but I'm not likely to get an enthusiasts' scoop that way.

- Any recommendations for something we simply must see? Obviously we're doing the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, and I believe we'll take in the Natural History Mueseum too, which I'm interested in because of How I Met Your Mother mostly. There's that space mueseum I think too which we want to see, as well as the World Trade Centre Memorial. I'm told of this former elevated railway over the city that you can walk along, anyone any ideas?

- Weekly Metrocards, they look excellent value at $29. I think we'll both be getting one for the sheer convenience if nowt else, otherwise we're looking at just $20 over 4 days (two $2.50 singles a day) for moves into/out of town at the minimum. I'll be further researching this one in the meantime, anyone here which practical hands on advice for use of these?

- Finally, the AirTrain. I'm looking at the MTA Subway map and I'm a little confused with how it works. I've read it's easiest to get it to Jamaica then go into town from there. However there's also a link to the Blue line too (Howard Beach I think) but that doesn't get suggested online. It also appears to a totally seperate thing to the Subway, so different fares and not included in a Metrocard validity. Any gen guys?

That's all I can think of right now, further advice is more than welcome!

 

[FQ]

- Are we crazy for doing this? Neither of us know anyone over there!

Most definitely not! We didn't know anyone when we went over, and from what we saw, Americans are much more sociable than Brits (well, most of them)

 

[Techniquest]

Most definitely not! We didn't know anyone when we went over, and from what we saw, Americans are much more sociable than Brits (well, most of them)

That is a relief, I'd best get my social head on for when I go over then! I'm better at interacting with norms than I used to be mind

 

[fowler9]

When traveling the Thorntree forum on the Lonely Planet website is a useful resource. As with on here though make sure you know what you are asking or you will get some pretty short responses. It isn't a railway forum so don't ask "Where should I go in New York, you will get loads of answers saying "Well what do you like?". If you ask questions like "I want to get to X, Y and Z, how should I do it?" you will get better answers. Do a bit of research first. I found it amazing when in Asia, the south pacific and south america. Loads of Brit ex pats gave me advice and I am still in touch with them.

Re safety, make sure you have at least a decent idea where you are going before you go out. Don't be the person stood on the street corner with a huge camera around your neck looking at a map. I personally make sure it is obvious I have my eyes open, I don't have headphones stuck in my ears. If I am going somewhere that could be considered "Lively" I carry a drop wallet (A knackered cash card and some small currency). I wear a money belt and decent walking trousers with other currency hidden around hidden pockets. After all that don't worry. Just stay alert. You are going to America, not Yemen.

By lively by the way I mean like places I have been in Bolivia and Peru. I had no trouble there. When I was younger I got robbed twice in 6 days in Barcelona. Never happened since basically using what I said above, and I don't walk around like a paranoid nervous wreck. Ha ha.

 

[telstarbox]

The former elevated railway is the High Line. I find Wikivoyage a good place to start when going to new places, although it is patchy and not completely reliable!

 

[fowler9]

A couple of other things. Travel light, stick what you need in a rucksack hung over one shoulder, you can feel if it is getting knocked as opposed to if it is over bother shoulders and someone is dipping it. And at tourist spots stick near the people with earphones in, expensive clothes and a big camera dangling around their neck constantly showing people which pocket they keep their phone in and looking at a map. Harsh but true, who is getting robbed first?

 

[47403]

Im afraid I cant help but what an awesome trip thats gonna be.

 

[Bayum]

As Brits. we are raised to not ask questions concerning money and cost.

However, you mentioned the price difference was not as significant as you had expected. How much were the flights when you booked them? Did you explore changing from and to locations, or did you find a website to do all that for you?

 

[Techniquest]

Some interesting points, which when I wake up properly I'll reply to properly.

As for the cost thing, personally we were expecting silly numbers like 800+ just for flights. Thankfully the deals are a lot better than expected! Skyscanner has been wonderfully helpful in finding out costs, same for Hotels.com and BAholidays.com
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

The former elevated railway is the High Line. I find Wikivoyage a good place to start when going to new places, although it is patchy and not completely reliable!

Cheers, I shall look at that on the way to work. Wiki is not exactly known for accuracy on anything so I tend to use any source but that! I will however check this Wikivoyage out for inspiration.

It dawned on me last night too about visas. Apparently as long as the passports are machine readable (which I believe they are) then we can quality for the Visa Waiver Programme and get an ESTA form (on my phone and unable to link this bit currently) instead. Does anyone have experience on this area? I've never needed to apply for a visa in any way shape or form for my travels, so this is a new one on me!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

When traveling the Thorntree forum on the Lonely Planet website is a useful resource. As with on here though make sure you know what you are asking or you will get some pretty short responses. It isn't a railway forum so don't ask "Where should I go in New York, you will get loads of answers saying "Well what do you like?". If you ask questions like "I want to get to X, Y and Z, how should I do it?" you will get better answers. Do a bit of research first. I found it amazing when in Asia, the south pacific and south america. Loads of Brit ex pats gave me advice and I am still in touch with them.

I do hope my questions have been detailed enough for you all here, I must admit after reading your post I'm not entirely sure they are!

Re safety, make sure you have at least a decent idea where you are going before you go out. Don't be the person stood on the street corner with a huge camera around your neck looking at a map. I personally make sure it is obvious I have my eyes open, I don't have headphones stuck in my ears. If I am going somewhere that could be considered "Lively" I carry a drop wallet (A knackered cash card and some small currency). I wear a money belt and decent walking trousers with other currency hidden around hidden pockets. After all that don't worry. Just stay alert. You are going to America, not Yemen.

Fortunately the huge camera thing won't be an issue for us, as it'll be either phone photos or handheld digital camera photos. The map thing is certainly a good point, certainly we will be staying alert. Stockholm was good practice for us both on that one. Not that it was risky or owt, but it was busy on the Metro and on the streets in general so being alert was certainly on the agenda. James is partially deaf but he's used to being super alert especially in busy places to compensate for that.

Decent walking trousers is an interesting thought, and I'd like more information there. I used to have a pair of trousers with multiple pockets on them (all outside ones but zippable) but after several years they wore out sadly.

Money belt, yep I use one of them on all my foreign trips so I can keep an eye on my passport, tickets etc. Very sensible idea and will advise James to get one too. For the exploring of the city itself when we get to that bit of the trip, common sense says to leave the passports in the hotel.

 

[Kite159]

The ESTA is easy enough to do, make sure your on an official site (beware fakes) and costed $14 a few years ago

The website will soon tell you if you fail the check and have to apply for a full visa.

 

[Techniquest]

A couple of other things. Travel light, stick what you need in a rucksack hung over one shoulder, you can feel if it is getting knocked as opposed to if it is over bother shoulders and someone is dipping it. And at tourist spots stick near the people with earphones in, expensive clothes and a big camera dangling around their neck constantly showing people which pocket they keep their phone in and looking at a map. Harsh but true, who is getting robbed first?

Good call on the rucksack thing, not necessarily something I'd have thought of. Harsh but true indeed on the last comment you make there.

I do think a lot of concern I have will go away after the first day, it's just getting there first. It's totally unknown territory to both of us so an exciting but scary experience!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

The ESTA is easy enough to do, make sure your on an official site (beware fakes) and costed $14 a few years ago

The website will soon tell you if you fail the check and have to apply for a full visa.

14 dollars isn't too bad, fair dos, I'm sure it won't be that much more now. Any thoughts on where you got yours from? I might actually swing by a travel agents at some point later and see if they've got any ideas. Meant to pop in there last week just for brochures for trip ideas but forgot to do so in the rush to do everything else lately!

Cheers for the gen!

 

[FQ]

For breccie, Americans tend to have the same sort of things as us (there is subway over there). You can get a full american breakfast (which is pretty much the same as a full English) but food wise you should be ok.

 

[ac6000cw]

I'll try and help a bit:

Photography - NYC is probably the 'touchiest' big city in the US about transit/rail photography (for understandable - 9/11 - reasons). There are very occasional stories in the railfan press of photographers being asked what they are doing etc. on the subway system or near it, but there is no general ban on photography on the subway (AFAIK) - and zillions of tourists take photos everywhere in NYC anyway, so I'd just play it by ear.

Breakfast - 'free' hotel breakfasts in the US generally are a sweet and sticky version of a continental breakfast - bread, cakes, muffins, mostly sweetened cereals, sometimes scrambled egg and very thin strips of streaky bacon or ham. If you want a proper cooked breakfast at a sensible price, try and find a local traditional 'diner' that cooks the food to order on a big griddle behind the counter - proper hash browns (shredded potato and onion cooked on the griddle) are something to be savoured... Breakfast coffee is usually 'bottomless' (free refills) but it's also usually wishy-washy hot brown liquid with caffeine in it which tastes vaguely of real coffee. p.s. if it's self-service, the orange-topped coffee pot is de-caff.

Trains (heavy rail) - there are three commuter railroads in the area.

Metro-North which operates services to the north and north-east - http://web.mta.info/mnr/html/mnrmap.htm . The longer distance services are diesel or electro-diesel ('dual-mode') loco hauled.

Long Island Railroad (LIRR) - mixture of intensive EMU services close to NYC and diesel/electro-diesel loco hauled trains to the outer ends of the system. Jamaica is the 'Clapham Junction' of the system - http://web.mta.info/lirr/Timetable/lirrmap.htm

New Jersey Transit - https://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=TrainSchedulesMapTo - EMU's, and electric and diesel loco-hauled trains, including some twin engined 'dual-mode' high power electro-diesel locos - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALP-45DP - using two CAT 2100hp diesel engines.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I do think a lot of concern I have will go away after the first day, it's just getting there first. It's totally unknown territory to both of us so an exciting but scary experience!

It will

The first trip I did to the US (to Chicago) I did on my own. After getting a shared minibus 'shuttle' to the hotel from the airport, I went out for food. Needing the 'facilities' in the restaurant, I asked someone on the staff for the way to the 'toilets' and got very blank looks....I didn't know they are usually called 'Restrooms' over there

NYC is everything you've seen in the movies and on TV - noisy, brash, busy, traffic choked and oozing character from every pore.

 

[Techniquest]

I'll try and help a bit:

Photography - NYC is probably the 'touchiest' big city in the US about transit/rail photography (for understandable - 9/11 - reasons). There are very occasional stories in the railfan press of photographers being asked what they are doing etc. on the subway system or near it, but there is no general ban on photography on the subway (AFAIK) - and zillions of tourists take photos everywhere in NYC anyway, so I'd just play it by ear.

Very helpful indeed, and aye understandable touchy about it. I should imagine it's worth contacting MTA about Subway photos? I don't intend to take a lot, just enough to show what it looks like more than owt else.

Breakfast - 'free' hotel breakfasts in the US generally are a sweet and sticky version of a continental breakfast - bread, cakes, muffins, mostly sweetened cereals, sometimes scrambled egg and very thin strips of streaky bacon or ham. If you want a proper cooked breakfast at a sensible price, try and find a local traditional 'diner' that cooks the food to order on a big griddle behind the counter - proper hash browns (shredded potato and onion cooked on the griddle) are something to be savoured... Breakfast coffee is usually 'bottomless' (free refills) but it's also usually wishy-washy hot brown liquid with caffeine in it which tastes vaguely of real coffee. p.s. if it's self-service, the orange-topped coffee pot is de-caff.

Now that is extremely useful to know! Breakfast in a proper diner would be a good move, embrace the American experience more that way after all! Good advice on the coffee too, handy for the coffee addict that I am. I might take a jar of 'real' coffee with me for use in the hotel if nowhere else, I don't think I want to go nearly a week without Douwe Egberts coffee! Of course I shall also want to sample the American stuff, see how things are the other side of the pond as it were.

Trains (heavy rail) - there are three commuter railroads in the area.

Metro-North which operates services to the north and north-east - http://web.mta.info/mnr/html/mnrmap.htm . The longer distance services are diesel or electro-diesel ('dual-mode') loco hauled.

Long Island Railroad (LIRR) - mixture of intensive EMU services close to NYC and diesel/electro-diesel loco hauled trains to the outer ends of the system. Jamaica is the 'Clapham Junction' of the system - http://web.mta.info/lirr/Timetable/lirrmap.htm

New Jersey Transit - https://www.njtransit.com/sf/sf_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=TrainSchedulesMapTo - EMU's, and electric and diesel loco-hauled trains, including some twin engined 'dual-mode' high power electro-diesel locos - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALP-45DP - using two CAT 2100hp diesel engines.

Some very useful information indeed, especially useful to know Jamaica is like Clapham Junction! Better to be forewarned and all that. I'll be fine as I'm used to Clapham Junction but James will be less fine, but we'll plan that bit carefully nearer the time.

I can't properly look at the links at the moment, as I'm on my way to work, but I shall as soon as possible. It sounds like it will be worth looking at the railroads, even if we only end up seeing the EMUs in action. Stuff to look up on YouTube for sure.

Many thanks for a very useful post!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Just seen the follow up to your post, I must remember things like the restrooms thing! Aye it's always looked chaotic on TV but I do like busy environments somehow. Bound to be busier than London, which I'm certainly prepared for.

Once we get there, get to the hotel and all that I think the worries and stresses will disappear slowly.

 

[Puffing Devil]

New York
Questions that are burning away:

I love NYC. Step up from a subway and it's like being on a film set.. I've chipped in below where I think I can help or add a little more to what's already been posted.


- Anyone with good hotel recommendations? We're doing the sensible thing and avoiding cheap and nasty places, we're certainly keen on a hotel that does a decent breakfast!

I would recommend looking both at Trivago for rates and their reviews, then onto Trip Advisor which can help if you read between the lines - pulling out the fakes and the obviously mad.


- Talking of breakfast, what do Americans actually have for their morning meal? I can only hope it's not some horrible UK version of continental breakfast, but if it's mainland Europe continental breakfast that'll be fine.

Everything is available. If you want to fill up and maybe skip lunch, hit a diner for breakfast. Bacon, Eggs of all sorts, Waffles, Corned Beef Hash ++++ You may also get a decent spread in a hotel - though I wouldn't pay too much extra if it's not in the room rate. No problem finding somewhere to eat in NYC. Yelp is good on the ground.

- Where should we avoid? I'm not keen on going anywhere near Queens, I don't remember that area having a good reputatio . Mind you I've not heard good things about The Bronx either!

Try to stick to the mainstream tourist areas and don't venture too far off the main drags. NYC is very safe now, though it is surprising how the mood can change in a block or two. Simply turn around and go back if you don't like where your heading!

- Obviously we're going to be sensible and be very vigilant of our belongings and valuables on the Subway, but is there something that may seem obvious I haven't thought of?

Keep things locked away, take the minimum: You should only need a credit card and your driver's licence + cash on you. (The Americans love to ask for ID). Keep this in a front pocket. If you need to take more, consider a Pacsafe bag. Expensive but very recommended.

- The hotel I'm looking at is not at all far from Long Island City station, nearer Queens Plaza I seem to recall on the Subway. Anyone got any gen on this approximate area?

Sorry no.

- Train wise, anything worth seeing out of Long Island?

Yes - you've already had some good posts on that.

- Grand Central station, well it's on the list to do because it's the biggest in the world, but all I'm seeing online is a website for tours of it once a day. I don't necessarily fancy just walking around the concourse of it, I would love to see some trains ideally. I'd love to have a decent photo of an American train I can have enlarged to shove on the wall at home, to see something that screams "I'm an American train!" to anyone who sees it. I hope that makes sense. Even if we have to hop one stop down the line to get said shot.

Think about taking a side trip on a proper Amtrak Train. Maybe a day up or down the line, or the service to Boston and have a night there. You may be able to get an open jaw fare into NYC and out of Boston for a good price.

- Any recommendations for something we simply must see? Obviously we're doing the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, and I believe we'll take in the Natural History Mueseum too, which I'm interested in because of How I Met Your Mother mostly. There's that space mueseum I think too which we want to see, as well as the World Trade Centre Memorial. I'm told of this former elevated railway over the city that you can walk along, anyone any ideas?

I wouldn't bother visiting the Statue of Liberty - take the (free!!) Staten Island Ferry for good views from the water. Travel out of commuter time with the 100s of other tourists that do the same. I would recommend Ellis Island - very moving story of the immigrants. Book in advance for this.

- Finally, the AirTrain. I'm looking at the MTA Subway map and I'm a little confused with how it works. I've read it's easiest to get it to Jamaica then go into town from there. However there's also a link to the Blue line too (Howard Beach I think) but that doesn't get suggested online. It also appears to a totally seperate thing to the Subway, so different fares and not included in a Metrocard validity. Any gen guys?

I have taken this trip - though some 5-6 years ago. It was easy enough to figure out on the ground - and you can buy through tickets at the airport. Maybe easier to do this then collect a week pass later, rather than trying to combine.

The former elevated railway is the High Line. I find Wikivoyage a good place to start when going to new places, although it is patchy and not completely reliable!

A Google will find more on this. I've not been, it's very much on my to-do.

It dawned on me last night too about visas. Apparently as long as the passports are machine readable (which I believe they are) then we can quality for the Visa Waiver Programme and get an ESTA form (on my phone and unable to link this bit currently) instead. Does anyone have experience on this area? I've never needed to apply for a visa in any way shape or form for my travels, so this is a new one on me!

Apply for your ESTA here on the official site LINK

Fortunately the huge camera thing won't be an issue for us, as it'll be either phone photos or handheld digital camera photos. The map thing is certainly a good point, certainly we will be staying alert. Stockholm was good practice for us both on that one. Not that it was risky or owt, but it was busy on the Metro and on the streets in general so being alert was certainly on the agenda. James is partially deaf but he's used to being super alert especially in busy places to compensate for that.

Consider a smartphone with Here Maps loaded and a download of NYC. That will save data roaming. Then use Wifi on the go for any searches.

Money belt, yep I use one of them on all my foreign trips so I can keep an eye on my passport, tickets etc. Very sensible idea and will advise James to get one too. For the exploring of the city itself when we get to that bit of the trip, common sense says to leave the passports in the hotel.

Money belts can be a bit much - a wallet with a belt loop that hangs inside your trousers is a good investment. As is a mugger wallet.


Finally, be prepared to pay 25% more for your food than what's on the menu..... Sales tax (9% rounded up) will be added and then you are expected to tip at least 15%. This is not the place to debate tipping - it's custom and practice so live with it.

Edited to add:

Plan now for taking cash: A Halifax Clarity credit card will give you the best rate for spending. A Revolut Card, which you top-up and manage from a phone app, will give you best rates for drawing out at an ATM. You can also spend on it, though the Halifax will be better as you can check and pay the bill when you're home and allow you to deal with any fraud. You can get both of these now for free and get them running before your trip.

 

[87electric]

As Puffing Devil said:

Be prepared to tip in diners, restaurants etc.....

And always keep ID on you which proves your age. Otherwise you won't get served alcohol. I know you like to experiment with beer.

 

[ac6000cw]

I'd agree with Puffing Devil - if you have the time, go on a proper train ride. If you want a contrast to NYC and don't have much time, maybe try one of the diesel commuter routes to somewhere 'small town' with a proper Main Street with shops and eating places. I've only done Amtrak around NYC, so can't advise in detail, but check the timetables carefully since off-peak/weekend services can be very limited on less busy routes. (The rolling stock utilisation is very poor on some US commuter rail operations....)

If you just want to do bit of train watching, Secaucus Junction just south of NYC seems to be a popular place (but no personal experience of it).

 

[Techniquest]

Puffing Devil: Wow, that helps a lot! I've not tipped anyone for 10 years, not since the lunchtime Pullman diner from Swansea in 2005. The mandatory doing so will be a bit strange to begin with it has to be said, but will be easier after the first few times.

I'm not able to reply properly to each and every bit of advice you've provided yet, but I intend to do so as soon as practical. However I must thank you for the incredible help there!

As for the ID thing, fair enough. Aye sampling some American brews just has to be done while over there, although only sensibly of course.

Good point on the Staten Island ferry, something to strongly consider there. It'll depend partly on the weather on the day I should imagine.

All being well, in 48 hours, the trip will be booked! That then leaves us 5 months to pay it off the credit cards (thank godfor that invention!) and save the necessary spending money!

 

[Puffing Devil]

You may also like to give Big Apple Greeters a go. They try to match visitors to locals - they then give you a locals tour of their part of the city. They don't guarantee a match, great if you do strike lucky!

http://bigapplegreeter.org/

 

[Techniquest]

As promised, a proper reply to your fantastic bit of help, now I have time to reply on the way to work.

New York
Questions that are burning away:

I love NYC. Step up from a subway and it's like being on a film set.. I've chipped in below where I think I can help or add a little more to what's already been posted.

- Anyone with good hotel recommendations? We're doing the sensible thing and avoiding cheap and nasty places, we're certainly keen on a hotel that does a decent breakfast!

I would recommend looking both at Trivago for rates and their reviews, then onto Trip Advisor which can help if you read between the lines - pulling out the fakes and the obviously mad.

I had forgotten about Trivago, I shall have a look on the way home tonight. TripAdvisor is definitely on the radar.

I love the comment about stepping off the Subway onto a film set, I reckon you could be right!

- Talking of breakfast, what do Americans actually have for their morning meal? I can only hope it's not some horrible UK version of continental breakfast, but if it's mainland Europe continental breakfast that'll be fine.

Everything is available. If you want to fill up and maybe skip lunch, hit a diner for breakfast. Bacon, Eggs of all sorts, Waffles, Corned Beef Hash ++++ You may also get a decent spread in a hotel - though I wouldn't pay too much extra if it's not in the room rate. No problem finding somewhere to eat in NYC. Yelp is good on the ground.

Yelp is not something I've used before, shall have to investigate that. I don't think the hotels we looked at had breakfast included, but shall be looking around a fair bit anyway. It's a shame we couldn't book by yesterday and take advantage of the BA sale, but there may still be better options around anyway. I should hope it's not hard to find food in NYC!

- Where should we avoid? I'm not keen on going anywhere near Queens, I don't remember that area having a good reputation . Mind you I've not heard good things about The Bronx either!

Try to stick to the mainstream tourist areas and don't venture too far off the main drags. NYC is very safe now, though it is surprising how the mood can change in a block or two. Simply turn around and go back if you don't like where your heading!

Sensible advice there, I severely doubt we'll do much that isn't in tourist areas. We are going to look for a Walmart in NYC, as we'd love to see what it's like there compared to our workplace. I don't imagine that will be too hard to do, a simple Google search will provide the answer. Of course, it'll be handy for a supply raid too, without a doubt cheaper than the shops in the tourist areas!

- Obviously we're going to be sensible and be very vigilant of our belongings and valuables on the Subway, but is there something that may seem obvious I haven't thought of?

Keep things locked away, take the minimum: You should only need a credit card and your driver's licence + cash on you. (The Americans love to ask for ID). Keep this in a front pocket. If you need to take more, consider a Pacsafe bag. Expensive but very recommended.

My driving license is only a provisional, the photo on which has been out of date for 3 years too! I'm not familiar with Pacsafe bags, and my commute to work is not useful for standard or mobile data signal, so at this time I cannot look it up. Plenty of time to get these things dealt with though, something to add to the Christmas wishlist I suspect!

- The hotel I'm looking at is not at all far from Long Island City station, nearer Queens Plaza I seem to recall on the Subway. Anyone got any gen on this approximate area?

Sorry no.

No worries, it's not an area I've heard bad things about so I'm not too concerned.

- Train wise, anything worth seeing out of Long Island?

Yes - you've already had some good posts on that.

That I have, this is why I wanted to post this thread to seek the expertise of wiser people than me!

- Grand Central station, well it's on the list to do because it's the biggest in the world, but all I'm seeing online is a website for tours of it once a day. I don't necessarily fancy just walking around the concourse of it, I would love to see some trains ideally. I'd love to have a decent photo of an American train I can have enlarged to shove on the wall at home, to see something that screams "I'm an American train!" to anyone who sees it. I hope that makes sense. Even if we have to hop one stop down the line to get said shot.

Think about taking a side trip on a proper Amtrak Train. Maybe a day up or down the line, or the service to Boston and have a night there. You may be able to get an open jaw fare into NYC and out of Boston for a good price.

Isn't Boston quite a trek from New York? It's not a bad call mind, certainly it's worth looking into and shall discuss it with James later before we start work. Certainly it'll get a good taste of America proper!

- Any recommendations for something we simply must see? Obviously we're doing the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, and I believe we'll take in the Natural History Mueseum too, which I'm interested in because of How I Met Your Mother mostly. There's that space mueseum I think too which we want to see, as well as the World Trade Centre Memorial. I'm told of this former elevated railway over the city that you can walk along, anyone any ideas?

I wouldn't bother visiting the Statue of Liberty - take the (free!!) Staten Island Ferry for good views from the water. Travel out of commuter time with the 100s of other tourists that do the same. I would recommend Ellis Island - very moving story of the immigrants. Book in advance for this.

Excellent idea, which will save 18 bucks each, handy considering that we're planning on doing things slightly on a budget. Not as much as I normally do admittedly, so 18 bucks is 18 bucks for a meal! Ellis Island could certainly be worth a look too, thanks for the suggestion.

- Finally, the AirTrain. I'm looking at the MTA Subway map and I'm a little confused with how it works. I've read it's easiest to get it to Jamaica then go into town from there. However there's also a link to the Blue line too (Howard Beach I think) but that doesn't get suggested online. It also appears to a totally seperate thing to the Subway, so different fares and not included in a Metrocard validity. Any gen guys?

I have taken this trip - though some 5-6 years ago. It was easy enough to figure out on the ground - and you can buy through tickets at the airport. Maybe easier to do this then collect a week pass later, rather than trying to combine.

I imagine it's well signposted at least. Aye when I researched it AirTrain and a weekly Metrocard combined was not easy to figure out on the MTA website.

My plan at the moment is to pay seperately for the AirTrain when we get there/head home, then once at Jamaica head to the TVMs and buy a weekly Metrocard. 31 bucks at present plus a buck for a new card, which suits me as I will have a souvenier of the trip!

The former elevated railway is the High Line. I find Wikivoyage a good place to start when going to new places, although it is patchy and not completely reliable!

A Google will find more on this. I've not been, it's very much on my to-do.

Aye I've been too tight on time to research this yet, but certainly worth a go for sure from what I've heard. This is of course assuming the weather's not dire, if it's chucking it down then it may get put off! Good chance of it tipping down in March when we're going, and there's a risk of snow still too!

It dawned on me last night too about visas. Apparently as long as the passports are machine readable (which I believe they are) then we can quality for the Visa Waiver Programme and get an ESTA form (on my phone and unable to link this bit currently) instead. Does anyone have experience on this area? I've never needed to apply for a visa in any way shape or form for my travels, so this is a new one on me!

Apply for your ESTA here on the official site LINK

Thanks, I'll have a look at that for sure!

Fortunately the huge camera thing won't be an issue for us, as it'll be either phone photos or handheld digital camera photos. The map thing is certainly a good point, certainly we will be staying alert. Stockholm was good practice for us both on that one. Not that it was risky or owt, but it was busy on the Metro and on the streets in general so being alert was certainly on the agenda. James is partially deaf but he's used to being super alert especially in busy places to compensate for that.

Consider a smartphone with Here Maps loaded and a download of NYC. That will save data roaming. Then use Wifi on the go for any searches.

Not a bad idea, I shall have to invest in an SD card for whatever phone I have by then. I'm due to get a new contract in mid-January so no point getting one now.

Money belt, yep I use one of them on all my foreign trips so I can keep an eye on my passport, tickets etc. Very sensible idea and will advise James to get one too. For the exploring of the city itself when we get to that bit of the trip, common sense says to leave the passports in the hotel.

Money belts can be a bit much - a wallet with a belt loop that hangs inside your trousers is a good investment. As is a mugger wallet.

The money belt I have is only thin, basically multiple sides of fabric sewn together (difficult to describe to be honest) with a zip along it to keep things secure. I use it on all overnight trips, not to mention every flight as it saves the flap looking for the passport at the boarding gate etc.

I'd never heard of a Mugger's Wallet until this thread, something else to look into.

Finally, be prepared to pay 25% more for your food than what's on the menu..... Sales tax (9% rounded up) will be added and then you are expected to tip at least 15%. This is not the place to debate tipping - it's custom and practice so live with it.

Not something I've had to do for 10 years is tipping, and only then because of amazing service on FGW's Pullman dining service out of Swansea in 2005. God I miss that...

It'll be easier once it's been done a couple of times I should imagine. If it's custom adding it to the price on the menu is surely just sensible, I might be missing something obvious.

Does sales tax apply to everywhere then, standard shops as well?

Edited to add:

Plan now for taking cash: A Halifax Clarity credit card will give you the best rate for spending. A Revolut Card, which you top-up and manage from a phone app, will give you best rates for drawing out at an ATM. You can also spend on it, though the Halifax will be better as you can check and pay the bill when you're home and allow you to deal with any fraud. You can get both of these now for free and get them running before your trip.

Worth investigating as more secure than cash I'd imagine. I do strongly dislike using my debit card (so I'll seriously despise using my credit card!) on foreign climates due to the fees charged. I had this happen on my recent Ireland trip, I'd rather avoid such nonsense again personally. Unless of course it's a desperate time, which is a concern for both of us at the moment. We're going to be quite a long way from home after all, and you can't just jump on a coach or train home if needed!

I'm sure that's just paranoia kicking in, but conversely it's never a bad idea to plan Worst Case Scenario.

 

[ac6000cw]

Not something I've had to do for 10 years is tipping, and only then because of amazing service on FGW's Pullman dining service out of Swansea in 2005. God I miss that...

It'll be easier once it's been done a couple of times I should imagine. If it's custom adding it to the price on the menu is surely just sensible, I might be missing something obvious.

Does sales tax apply to everywhere then, standard shops as well?

Yes, there is sales tax to add to the shop prices as well - it's the standard system in the US (but the actual tax rate varies from state to state).

Waiting staff, porters, valet (car) parking attendants etc. all normally work for tips - it's the vast majority (or all) of their income, that's why it's normal/expected/important that you tip them - you'll get some very withering looks from them if you don't.

For example, when you check into your hotel, the receptionist may call over a 'bellhop' (hotel porter) to take you and your luggage to the room and show you where everything is - they will expect a tip after they have done that, so be prepared.

As an aside, commonly railway porters are called 'redcaps', airport porters 'skycaps' in the US - no obligation to use their services, but expect to pay for the service if you do by way of a tip.

 

[glbotu]

So, I went to New York this summer for 2 weeks. Some things:

Air-Train: It's kind of a rip-off ($5 + Special Metrocard price***) if you leave it at Jamaica/Howard Beach. However, so long as you don't leave it, it's free. A tip if you have some time: Take it to Jamaica/Howard Beach, buy yourself a Metrocard from the kiosk, not the machines (it's around $30 for a weekly I think - you'll use this easily), get the AirTrain back to Terminal 5 and get the Q10 bus to Kew Gardens/Union Turnpike instead.

Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty: I got the $18 ferry which goes to both and includes in its price the Ellis Island Immigration museum (which is fantastic). However, this price doesn't include going up the Statue (which I didn't particularly care about anyway). You get great view of the Statue and the city from the Ferry and the Ellis Island immigration museum.

The Met: Go to the Met. It is 100% worth it. You can spend days at the Met.

The Guggenheim: Do not go to the Guggenheim unless you have a very specific interest in modern art. The advertising tells you a lot about the famous artists they exhibit there. They have one small room for those.

The Natural History Museum: It's great, but prepare for it to be very loud.

Going up tall things: It's usually around $30 a go. I'd suggest going up One WTC, namely because it's taller than the Empire State Building.

The Museum of Public Transportation: This is an old Subway Station in Brooklyn which is dedicated to Public Transport. This is not just good for transport enthusiasts. My girlfriend, who is not so inclined, thought it was a brilliant afternoon.

Food: Make an effort to get Chinese in Chinatown. Like, go out of your way to do this. It's really good Chinese. (Google to make sure you're going to a decent place and not a tourist trap) Otherwise, cheap mexican and cheap pizza are fantastic options and are of a notably higher standard than what you'd get in Britain.

Spanish: Learn some Spanish. Seriously. There are quite a lot of people around who don't speak English. My rudimentary Spanish was incredibly useful in day to day.

Location: I stayed in Harlem (116th and Lexington) and had no problem. Then again, I grew up on a council estate in London. I've learnt to be vigilant. So long as you don't look like a tourist, you're probably fine.

The Subway: It's great for going uptown-downtown and to Brooklyn/Queens/The Bronx, less great for cross-town. You'll use it a lot. They also aren't very good at giving you information. There's no "good service/minor delays/severe delays/suspended" indiciation. You just find out it's gone wrong when you get there. It's also notably grottier than the tube (or the Tyne and Wear Metro for that matter).

Other cool stuff: Bronx Zoo, Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, or Washington Bridge, Roosevelt Island, Central Park is great. The Upper West Side is nice. Go to the cinema to see a blockbuster, it's so much more of an experience (also, regular seats there are like premier seats here).

Money/Tipping: So, if you aren't used to tipping, this is going to hit you. People in service jobs (like waiters) are not legally entitled to minimum wage. As such, if you don't tip them (anything less than 15% is making a statement), they basically don't get paid. So, yeah, make sure you tip 15% minimum. Get Travel Insurance, there's no NHS/EHIC type system. Also, there's no legal requirement to display tax in shops. Some do, some don't. As such, you might find you actually have to add like 10% to the cost of buying something in a shop. You might not and this might confuse you. Generally, New York is an expensive city. It's London expensive. Be prepared to spend your money, especially if you're eating out every night.

***It's something like a $2.50 charge for a Metrocard that's ONLY valid on the Airtrain.

 

[Techniquest]

Some really helpful stuff there fair dos! Time is against me to properly reply to that but I shall try tomorrow.

I'm probably being silly, but The Met? Trying to figure out what that is!

Sounds like a good call on the transport mueseum, well worth looking into. One WTC needs researching too, could be fun!

 

[fowler9]

Apologies Tech. Didn't mean it to sound like I was saying your questions aren't detailed. Just advice if you chose to use the Thorntree forum as well. I am sure that you would have asked for exactly what you were after anyway. Would love to visit North America my self and will be looking forward to your trip report as I doubt I'll get there before you with a few European trips planned. Plus your reports are always a good read.

 

[me123]

Hi Techniquest. New York is simply an awesome city. It is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most exciting, vibrant, eclectic cities in the world. I can't imagine anyone not enjoying the city.

I've been a few times, and the first time I went I was completely by myself and did not know anyone. I still had a great time, so I really wouldn't worry about going just with your friend.

For hotels, I would search around. I've stayed in Element Times Square and NYLO, both of which were really good. I also stayed once in POD 51, which was very basic and I was awoken by the NYPD attending a disturbance in one of the rooms on the floor... not recommended. None of the hotels I've stayed in offered a significant breakfast - this was never a problem, there's plenty of places in NYC where you can get a fantastic breakfast at reasonable prices. Breakfasts are very varied in what they can offer, but you can get a full cooked breakfast just about anywhere, which can be things like bacon and pancakes, omelettes, etc.

NYC is very safe and the subway is very safe. I haven't felt the need to avoid any specific areas of the city, although I've never been to The Bronx and not spent much time in Queens. I've found Manhattan to be very safe, which is where you'll probably spend most of your time. Brooklyn appears to be fine as well in my experience. Just use common sense as you would over here. I don't know about Long Island City area, but you'll be close to some very good subway links which is great.

The Subway is awesome. You'll find it's the easiest and cheapest way to get around the city. It's also without a doubt the most entertaining! It's gritty, dirty, unpolished; it's also cheap, fast, and the way most of the city gets about. Your $29 weekly metro card will go a long, long way. The air train is an additional $5 each way; it's not bad considering the premium you'd normally pay for airport services in most of the world. Jamaica's the fastest route to most of the city, but the E train is underground all the way. The J seems to go above ground for some of the journey. The A Train from Howard Beach also runs above ground.

Trains... well the stations are a bit odd by our standards. In the UK, most stations feature trains as quite a prominent feature. In the US, they're generally hidden from view: in GCT they're behind doors, in Penn Station they're underground. Do visit GCT - it's a beautiful station and it's definitely worth seeing as an attraction. If you want to see trains, you'll probably have to buy a ticket and get on them. Penn Station is the US equivalent of Birmingham New Street, pre refurb. Avoid it unless you have to.

Other tourist attractions... go to the Statue of Liberty, briefly, then get back on the boat and go to Ellis Island. That's a really interesting museum. Visit the WTC, the memorial to the 9/11 attacks, and the museum again - it's very moving, although there's plenty of US patriotic rubbish as you'd expect. I've not been to the top of 1WTC or the ESB, but I went to the the Top of the Rock(efeller Center) which offered fantastic views. You do have to watch a patriotic video which was mildly nauseating before you go up, though, but the views are amazing. The Met is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which is one of the finest museums in the world. You really could spend your entire trip there if you wanted, it's a huge and very varied collection that's definitely worth seeing. The $25 entrance fee is only suggested, so you can pay less if you want. I also went to the Museum of Modern Art, which was really good and had a really great collection of Modern Art (far superior to other such museums). I've not been to the Intrepid Air, Sea and Space Museum, but I've wanted to go and it looks good. I'd avoid Times Square itself - it's a tourist trap with little to offer. Central Park is huge and take your time to explore it. Visit the High Line park too. Try and catch a show on Broadway - you can get cheap tickets at the TKTS booth in Times Square on the day.

As said, tax is added (8.875%) to most purchases and not included as has been said - so buying something for $2, you could be charged $2.17 or something. Expect to tip around 20% in normal circumstances - just get used to it. Doubling the tax is an acceptable way to go, but you will add 25% on to a standard bill. I used cash throughout my stay and had no problems with this. It's universally accepted, and the US don't have Chip&Pin.

I'm sure you will really enjoy your time in NYC. It is an exceptional place to visit. Jump in and immerse yourself into the most vibrant, eclectic, crazy city in the world.

 

[Kite159]

Try and get a card which doesn't charge you extra for paying in dollars, such as the Halifax Clarity mentioned earlier or the Post Office card as they do come in handy.

 

[Puffing Devil]

Second the recommendation for the top of the Rock. Prebook online and for a time slot and skip many lines. Times Square is full of tourist tat and you will wonder why you need to be there - a little like Piccadilly Circus in London, though somehow you are drawn. Doubling the sales tax gives a reasonable tip and is an easy calculation.

Chip and PIN is rolling out in the USA - mainly for foreign card holders. I PINed in Walgreens in California two weeks ago. I was stocking up on Ibruprofen and Paracetamol (knows as Acetaminophen in the USA) in 500 tablet tubs. Much cheaper than the UK.

Your provisional driving licence with picture should be enough to buy a beer if challenged.

 

[Bald Rick]

Haven't read all the replies so sorry if some of this is repeated. Chief Planner will be your friend for subway related advice.

First up, to/from the airport. The air train, or whatever it is, not great. Expensive and not particularly easy to work out. And then you get a long subway trip. If time is of the essence, particularly if you arrive late at night, get a cab.

If you have a hotel in Manhattan you will pay more than if you stay in Queens / Brooklyn / NJ etc. However the benefit of staying in Manhattan is that you are close to the action and can walk everywhere. Last time we went we stayed just south of Central Park in a place called the Salisbury. Old fashioned place, big rooms which is a rarity.

Hotel breakfasts are typically buffet style, all you can eat. Get enough in and you won't need lunch. But then you will miss out on the culinary delights of NY, but you will save cash.

Things to see/do

Central Park
Ellis Island immigration museum
High Line
World Trade Centre Memorial
Go up one of the big towers; we did the Rockerfeller at night last time, very good. Empire State was disappointing, possibly because you can't see the Empire State from it!
Coney Island can be fun
Brooklyn and Williamsburg are both lovely, you can walk across the Brooklyn bridge.
Take in a show on Broadway. I dislike the theatre as a rule, but, well, you have to do it. There's always a few decent comedies on.
Grand Central (of course)
If you're feeling flush... Do a helicopter tour. We did this once, quite reasonable in the end and you see NY from the very best vantage point.


Getting around
Subway is fine, and safe. It's not LU though, and frequencies can be low; 10 minute gaps routine on some lines. Some lines do peak only expresses in one (or both) directions in the suburbs. The map takes a little while to decipher - not all trains stop at all stations in Manhattan, and there is some odd routeing on certain lines in Brooklyn and Queens. Also look out for engineering works; you will hear about the subway running all night but that is only some lines and engineering works routinely change schedules, especially at weekends. Whilst on the subway, check out the movable platforms (to fill the gaps on curves) at a couple of stations (Times Square is one I think). Also there is a new stretch of line just opened from Times Sq to the lower east side.

Metro North, LIRR and NJ transit all good options for longer trips to the suburbs. A trip upstate on Metro North is worth it. Can't remember how the ticketing works though, as these are separate companies.

Best way to get around on Manhattan, however, is walking. Not particularly quick, but it is very easy, practically impossible to get lost, and you find all sorts of weird and wonderful things. We stumbled across an NYU carnival once, ended up having a right party.

Beer. There are some great pubs, and craft beer is everywhere. Pubs I recommend include The Ginger Man, near the Empire State, Spitzers corner in Soho, McSorley's Old Ale House on E7th (they only do two beers, dark and light! and you get double the number you ask for.) Loads of options in Brooklyn also.

Unless you are a masochist, avoid shopping. Yes there are some bargains, and yes it is a bit different. Mrs BR loves it, but I can shop at home...


Have a great time.

 

[Techniquest]

Some massive posts there which I have found incredibly handy! I've taken it all on board and will be making serious notes from this thread for our evening later this year of planning things to do.

The Met doesn't appeal to me personally and nor does Broadway. Shopping, I'm avoiding it like the plague (apart from the mandatory bits like food/drink) as I'm sick of shopping after doing so in Cork, Dublin and Birmingham last month! I'm sure there will need to be a bit of present shopping for both of us, which I must remember to budget for this time.

Slowly I'm working on approximate budgets for general spending, sightseeing and all that. We need to start saving spending money soon, so the sooner we have that planned the better!

fowler9: No worries, it could just have been the way I read it. You get used to norms telling you to not be so detailed etc, so it gets into your head after a while. Mind you they also suffer with understanding a train leaving at 1343 is not quarter to two...

Going round to James' after work tonight to do the booking of flights and hotels. It's going to be a scary looking card statement when it comes to late October! Hopefully within the next 12 hours we'll have it all booked, after which I can work out all the train bits to/from the airport here!

 

[ac6000cw]

Re. flights - don't forget that Newark, NJ, airport is about the same distance from Manhattan as JFK airport is, so worth considering if you can get a better deal on flights.

I'd agree with Bald Rick - be pragmatic about getting from airport to hotel, paying for a cab (or using a shared hotel 'shuttle' bus) can be a more sensible option with luggage since it takes you directly where you want to go. Another possibility to look at is direct express buses to downtown Manhattan, if they stop near to your hotel.

Public 'ground transportation' (as the Americans call it) to/from airports generally doesn't seem to be regarded as very important over there, although it's getting better slowly (e.g. the JFK and Newark AirTrain lines, and extending the Washington DC Metro to Dulles airport).