TripHip - Travel Tips and Advice for Traveling on a Budget

If you are traveling around New York or New Jersey by train, you should be aware that there is a Penn Station in Newark as well as in New York and they are definitely NOT the same station.

Add that to how similar New York and Newark sound (especially in a New York accent) and you need to pay close attention to where you are getting off the train. Double check with the conductor before disembarking, or you might end up seeing a city you hadn't planned on. Though that might not be a bad thing, really.

New York City is pretty safe if you use your common sense and maintain a healthy degree of alertness. You know, don’t go into dodgy places after dark, don’t open your wallet in the middle of the street, stuff like that. Most people are nice and helpful. If you look lost or pull out a map, often New Yorkers will stop and help you figure out where you are going and how to get there. Just try not to act all googly-eyed and vulnerable, and you’ll be okay. If you seem to lack confidence, you might be an easy target for people who might try to take advantage of you in some way. So try to act like you know what you’re doing and where you’re going, even if you don’t. Avoid panhandlers, keep your wallet or purse safe and secure, be wary of pickpockets – all the usual advice for traveling in any big city. You might want to keep your wallet in your front pocket (especially on a crowded subway), where you can stick your hand in your pocket and know that it is safe.

You’ll have fun in New York - enjoy your first trip!