Ten Tips For First Time Visitors to New York
Arriving in Style: Whether you’re budget-conscious or seeking convenience, consider the LIRR from JFK for a seamless transit to midtown Manhattan. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) not only offers a fast ride—taking about 35 minutes to reach Penn Station—but also provides a comfortable and reliable option for travelers who want to avoid the stress of traffic. Make sure to check your train schedule ahead of time, as frequencies can vary. Once you arrive at Penn Station, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Manhattan, with easy access to the subway, buses, and a range of taxis that can take you to your final destination. Taxi Tales: Opting for a taxi? Remember, fixed fares from JFK to Manhattan ensure a smooth ride without the fare surprises of ride-shares. Taxis provide a classic New York experience as you cruise through the bustling streets, passing landmarks along the way. One of the perks of taking a taxi is the ability to easily transport luggage, which can be awkward on public transportation. Just keep an eye out for the yellow cabs, and be prepared to tip your driver as a courtesy for their service, typically around 15-20% of the fare, depending on the quality of the ride. Times Square Truths: Dive into the Times Square frenzy but beware, nothing comes free amidst the glitz and glamour. While the bright lights and the vibrant atmosphere are a must-see, be mindful of street performers who often expect tips for their shows. Additionally, many of the attractions in the area come with a hefty price tag, so it’s wise to plan your budget accordingly. Instead, consider visiting nearby spots like Bryant Park or the New York Public Library for a more relaxed experience, which offer plenty of photo opportunities without the chaos of Times Square. Navigating Crowds: Respect the New York hustle; avoid halting abruptly for photos and selfies to keep the pedestrian flow unhindered. New Yorkers are known for their fast-paced lifestyles, so when you’re walking in busy areas, stay to the right and keep moving whenever possible. If you want to take pictures, look for designated areas or quieter streets nearby where halting won’t disrupt the flow of foot traffic. This simple courtesy will make your visit more enjoyable and help you blend in with the local rhythm. Lodging Logistics: Midtown may be pricey; consider cozy apartments for longer stays or explore alternatives in downtown or Brooklyn. Platforms like Airbnb and other vacation rentals offer a more localised experience, where you can have access to kitchens and living space, making your trip more comfortable. Additionally, staying in neighbourhoods like Williamsburg or Park Slope in Brooklyn provides a chance to experience different cultures and local dining – plus, it’s only a subway ride away from the main attractions. We do stay in midtown, but our choice is not a hotel. We’ve been staying at the AKA Times Square since 2010 and it is ideal. As you would know, Mardi is neurodiverse and I am vision impaired. So a strategy we use is familiarity. Midtown and the AKA gives us that. It is very easy to navigate away from midtown using a number of subways stations nearby and it allows me to independently travel. Plus the AKA is just awesome. We’ve stayed with them in Washington DC as well and on our recent trip to London we stayed at the AKA Marylebone Check them out here. Check out my five tips on travelling with a vision impairment here. Feast Like a Local: You don’t need to eat at a sit down restaurant every night. New York is expensive. Skip pricey eateries and savour the city’s flavours at bodegas, delis, and food carts across Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Each borough boasts its own culinary gems, and Queens, in particular, is known for its incredible diversity. From authentic ethnic cuisines to mouthwatering food trucks, exploring these casual dining options not only saves you money but also allows you to taste the true essence of New York City. Make sure to try iconic foods like bagels, pizza, and the famous halal carts for a truly local experience. Tipping Etiquette: Tips made simple—double the tax for a hassle-free dining experience and beware of pre-included gratuities. In addition to dining, remember that tipping is customary for various services, including hotel staff, bartenders, and taxi drivers. It’s a way to show appreciation for good service. For larger groups, always check your bill for any automatic gratuity fees, as some restaurants include it when you have a certain number of guests—a detail that can save you some confusion when calculating your total bill. Statue of Liberty Sneak Peek: Embrace the iconic symbol of freedom for free aboard the Staten Island Ferry—no tickets needed. This iconic orange ferry runs every 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty as it glides across New York Harbor. Bring your camera to capture the breathtaking scenery, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride; it’s as much about the journey as the destination. While you won’t be able to step foot on Liberty Island without a ticket, you can still appreciate one of the most recognizable landmarks from the comfort of the ferry. Smart Subway Moves: Embrace convenience by paying for subway rides with your phone or watch, eliminating the hassle of metro cards. This modern feature allows you to easily tap your device at the turnstile, making it a time-efficient way to navigate the city. Familiarize yourself with subway maps and apps that can direct you on the quickest routes to your destinations. Additionally, remember to check for platform signs that indicate if your train is local or express, which can save you valuable travel time. Comfort First: Pack comfy shoes to seize every moment in the city that demands exploration on foot, uncovering hidden gems with every step. New York City is best experienced by walking, where the sights, sounds, and smells create an unforgettable atmosphere. Consider choosing
Five things to avoid when flying long haul
Do you dread long-haul flying as much as we do? Living in Australia, we’ve had to endure our fair share of marathon flights. Trust me, traveling often means lots of long-haul flights. But over the years, we’ve picked up some crucial tips. Today, I’m going to share with you five things you should ALWAYS avoid on these journeys. Stick around for the most important one—number five—because you’ll definitely want to know about it! Long-haul flying can be tough—physically and mentally. And with airlines planning longer flights, like Qantas’s Project Sunrise starting in 2026, which is going to be over 19 hours without stopping, you need to be prepared. Last year, we flew nonstop from Auckland to New York—nearly 17 hours in the air. To survive these flights, here are five things you need to avoid: Dehydration The dry cabin air and high altitudes can quickly dehydrate you, causing fatigue, headaches, dry skin, and digestive issues. Not how anyone wants to feel on a long flight! To combat dehydration, drink plenty of water. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly. I also keep Hydralyte sachets handy to replenish minerals and electrolytes. Skip the caffeine and alcohol as well as salty snacks—they’ll only dehydrate you more. And don’t forget your skin! Use hydrating facial mists or moisturisers to keep your skin feeling fresh! Stay hydrated, and you’ll arrive at your destination feeling so much better. Overeating Even though it’s tempting to indulge in all those in-flight meals and snacks, overeating can make a long-haul flight even more uncomfortable. Overeating causes bloating, indigestion, and discomfort, especially when confined to a plane seat. I’m prone to boredom eating, so this is a big one for me! Heavy meals can cause acid reflux and heartburn, and possibly even contribute to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Stick to lighter, easily digestible meals and say no to excess snacks. If you suffer from acid reflux, keep chewable antacid tablets in your in-flight essentials. A heavy meal can also disrupt your sleep patterns, making it harder to relax and rest. To ensure a restful flight, avoid high-fat, heavy foods so your body can settle down. You might have seen in my video on “Five Tips to Make Long-Haul Flying More Comfortable” how crucial rest is—check it out here (point up with left hand)! Finally, avoid salty and sugary foods. Excess salt and sugar are often found in airline meals, as they add to dehydration, which I covered in the previous tip. So, be mindful of your food intake—it can make a significant difference in how you feel during and after the flight. Too much screen time Staring at screens for hours—whether it’s your phone, tablet, or the in-flight entertainment system—can strain your eyes, cause discomfort, headaches, and even blurred vision. To prevent this, take regular breaks and focus on distant objects to give your eyes a rest. Blue light from screens can mess with your sleep-wake cycle, so reduce screen time before bed and use blue light filters or night mode on your devices. Prolonged screen use can also lead to neck and shoulder pain. Maintain good posture and use a neck pillow for support. Too much screen time can cause mental fatigue as well. Give your brain a break with activities like reading a book, listening to music, or simply gazing out the window. Unless you have to work, don’t sign up for the in-flight Wi-Fi—treat your flight as a break from the world. By balancing screen time with other activities, your long-haul flight will be much more pleasant. UV exposure Did you know UV radiation is stronger at higher altitudes? On a flight, you’re closer to the sun and exposed to harmful UV rays. If you’re by the window, the sun can hit one side of your face and body. Applying sunscreen before your flight is crucial. Combine the dry cabin air with UV exposure, and your skin can suffer. Use a moisturising sunscreen to keep your skin hydrated and protected. And here’s my top beauty tip, which isn’t just for flying days: wearing sunscreen daily (even in winter) helps prevent premature aging—a much better investment than any expensive serum. I always use SPF50+, even in winter, because we have extremely harsh sun in Australia. So, when packing for a long-haul flight, include sunscreen in your essentials. Your skin will thank you! Too much time sitting in one position Sitting in one position for hours can really take a toll on your body. It increases the risk of developing DVT, a serious condition where blood clots form in your veins. Move around and do simple leg exercises while seated to improve circulation and reduce this risk. Prolonged sitting leads to muscle stiffness and discomfort, especially in your back, neck, legs, and shoulders. Regularly walking up and down the cabin or doing gentle stretches helps alleviate tension and keeps your muscles flexible. To prevent back pain, perform back stretches, adjust your seating posture, and use lumbar support. If you’re not given a pillow during the flight, roll up a hoodie for support. Incorporating movement and stretching not only addresses physical discomfort but also supports overall health and well-being. It boosts energy levels, reduces stress, and enhances your travel experience. Next time you’re on a long-haul flight, remember to avoid sitting still too long. Listen to your body and prioritise your comfort and health! Are you ready to take flight? Subscribe to our YouTube channel and our email newsletter for more travel insights and exciting content. Your support means the world to us as we embark on this journey together. Here’s to smooth skies and happy travels ahead! 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