Exploring New York as a lone female traveller

flutterbyuk25

NYC is perfectly safe for lone travellers.

I'm female, 26 and spent 3 months this summer working in New Jersey and would go to NYC on my days off (once every 10 days). I'd often go on my own, or if I was with other people I would split up from them and wander.

It's often easier to do all the sightseeing/shopping on your own rather than with other people anyway!

x

duchy

If you're confident enough to do large european cities you'll be fine in NYC. I felt safer in NY than I do in Europe. Just follow the usual "big city safety rules" like no flashy jewelry and look like you know where you're going-and you'll be fine. I found New Yorkers would stop everytime if you got out a map and looked puzzled though
Quick story about NYC. In the summer we had a lay-over in New York before flying on to the west-so we hopped onto a train into Manhattan for lunch. One of our party dropped her mobile in the street -we told her "Forget it-it's gone"-the next day her daughter got a call (they'd looked in the directory) looking for the owner to re-unite with the phone they had picked up in the street in the middle of Manhattan..

Applepie_2

I go at least once a year by myself. On the occasions I've gone with another female friends, we start the day with breakfast then don't see each other until dinner. Never had any problems. We take the subway from the airport into Manhattan, etc, and travel all over the place on public transport, Brooklyn, Bronx, Woodberry Common. Oops starting to day dream.

The first time can be daunting. I first went in the mid-80s and it was a very scary place, friends got mugged, etc. Vowed never to go back but had to go back years later on a business trip. The whole place had been transformed and now it's my favourite place. Hope you try it.

greenface

Teahfc wrote: »

http://www.bedandcoffee.com/

Is a really cool place to stop, safe good location and not exspensive :T

that place look fantasic /chic and totally bohemain in style. She seems nuts tell us more about it please

nomealone

I just came back yesterday after a few days there with hubby and I am already planning my next trip back there alone to go shopping.

I had thought it would be a scary place but was amazed by how friendly everyone is, how clean it was and how safe. The New Yorkers did struggle to understand me sometimes but even worse with my hubby he speaks very softly and slowly - it was very funny indeed. They were however patient and really helpful. We got the hop on / hop off tour bus and they do a 3 day package for 109 dollars including the coach to woodbury common. We were lucky enough to stay at the Waldorf (we werent paying!) and the bus stop was right outside - try and stay someone on the hop on hop off route

If you would like a copy of the bus map welnik, would be happy to post one out to you

BTW dont buy the city pass unless you intend on really packing it in - we did but just didnt get chance to do everything to make it worthwhile

and I would give the yellow cabs a miss unless you like white knuckle rides!! the buses are great and frequent

we didnt get chance to use the subway so cant comment on that, we mainly used the bus

M4RKM

can we get a merge please ? http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1403101

lily_the_pink

I did New York on my own about 2 years ago. I have to echo sentiments about it being relatively safe (for a large metropolis).

I stayed at Club Quarters Midtown (which do single rooms for a slightly lower rate) - I got a fairly good rate through Expedia (though they are not usally the cheapest they were, combined with quidco on this occaision). there was a good concierge, it felt very safe (the bar is only open to guests), and it was central enough to walk almost everywhere I wanted to go (though I do like walking when touring a city).

I love travelling on my own. For a start, travelling without a child for a parent can be almost like getting an upgrade on the aeroplane, travelling without a partner means no arguments about time spent shopping, travelling without a friend or female relative means no time spent waiting around while they finish their makeup/hair/change outfit for the umpteenth time. So for a few days away, I love it (family holidays are a different matter of course).

welnik

lily_the_pink wrote: »

I love travelling on my own. For a start, travelling without a child for a parent can be almost like getting an upgrade on the aeroplane, travelling without a partner means no arguments about time spent shopping, travelling without a friend or female relative means no time spent waiting around while they finish their makeup/hair/change outfit for the umpteenth time. So for a few days away, I love it (family holidays are a different matter of course).

I can agree with you there about lone travelling. When I go with my friend she spends an hour getting ready. I can literally wake up and be out the door less than 10 minutes later!

As an avid cruiser I thought i'd had a good idea and priced up a Cunard QM2 cruise. I love cruises and I would definately go on my own on one. You meet so many people and by the time you hit New York you could do a tour arranged by the cruise company. The only problem is, they charge a single supplement which means it would set me back £1,400! Oh well.

MOLLYBRUSH

I'd like to go but don't fancy it on my own. You could go with me!

welnik

Right, I've taken the plunge. All booked up. I've got 4 nights over Easter in what looks like a decent hotel in Manhattan. Just need to swat up on the "everything to do with New York". I'm so excited. Cant really afford it but what the hell. Thanks for all your advice. cheers Welnik