by April, JA, Wendy and Jack

Earlier this month, we spent part of Spring Break in New York City. Despite the rain and the chilly weather, we had Big fun in the Big Apple. Here are a few tips from each of us based on our recent trip. 

April
DO make food a priority! Take the opportunity to try foods the city is known for – pizza, bagels and the world’s only Nutella bar for starters and use the opportunity to try something you might not find at home. Our Korean bbq dinner was the perfect adventurous meal for our adventure in the big city.

DON’T be surprised that everything is crowded! There over 8 million people living in NYC, the streets, stores, restaurants and attractions will be crowded so bring your patience.

DO make the trip with pros and friends- Wendy and Jack have been to NYC many times and were great guides. Jack could even handle navigating the city traffic, impressive by my standards. And nothing makes a trip better for me and JA than traveling with our family.

JA
DO keep your eyes peeled. There are so many tall buildings you may stumble upon something interesting. The Best Bagel Shop and the Lego Store were two things that we found. Remember, you could find something that turns your NYC trip into a complete dream come true.

DON’T go if you aren’t feeling your greatest. You need a lot of energy for an NYC trip – you will be walking more than you will be in a car!

DO just chill. Chilling is an important part of any trip but especially in NYC. After a long day of walking, maybe order pizza and watch tv with your pals and watch the city out of the window.

DON’T skip your chance to go. Restroom lines are long. One example is my depressing encounter with the long line at the TImes Square McDonald’s bathroom. You may be totally psyched to be in the McDonalds but if you have to go it turns into a nightmare.

Wendy
DO spend some time enjoying the view outside your Manhattan hotel room window. JA and I found people-watching very entertaining and even asked Jack and April to take our photo from the window on the 17th floor.

DON’T stop in the middle of a busy street and block the sidewalk to take a photo.

DO reserve tickets to the Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island in advance to avoid some of the lines. Crown tickets were sold out, but we were able to get pedestal access and climb about 250 steps for spectacular views of the statue and NYC skyline. Go to the National Parks Service website and order tickets through their authorized vendor. DO be aware that the lines to board a ferry can be a bit chaotic.

DON’T forget to stop by the cool carousel in Battery Park after your Statue of Liberty visit.

Jack
DO make a stop at Ellis Island to check out the great musuem instead of go straight back after visiting the Statue of Liberty.

DON’T forget that Manhattan is an island and cool winds coming off the surrounding water are not uncommon. Dress as if it were a few degrees colder than the forecast.

DO keep in mind that NYC is big and very busy. DON’T plan many cross-town routes over the course of a day.