New York is one of the most famous cities in the world. It’s on many people’s bucket lists, but may not be your first choice if you have kids. Big cities can be overwhelming when it comes to getting around and planning itineraries. The good news is that there are ways to avoid stress and make life easier. This guide is designed to help you negotiate the Big Apple and enjoy a break that’s memorable for all the right reasons.
When to go
It’s always a good idea to think about when to visit major cities. New York is a popular place to go at any time of year, but you may find that some seasons or months suit you better than others. The winter, for example, can be extremely cold, while the height of the summer can be scorching. Breaks between semesters and holidays are usually busy times to visit. The shoulder season often offers the best of both worlds. You can enjoy warmth and clear, bright days without huge crowds. It’s also usually better value for money to go outside of peak periods. It’s worth comparing prices for flights and accommodation and thinking about what you want to do during your stay. If you’re desperate to spend most of your time outside, spring is ideal. If museums and galleries are top of your list of attractions to explore, fall is a great option.
How to get around
Most of us have a perception of New York City based on TV shows, commercials, and movies. We automatically think about bright yellow cabs and heavy traffic. Many people drive in the city, and there are cabs everywhere, but there are other ways to get around. Walking is often the fastest option if you’re traveling at rush hour and you’re not planning to cover a lot of ground. You can also use local buses and subway services.
Using luggage storage in Manhattan is a simple way to avoid travel stress if you get to the city early and you can’t check in to your hotel or apartment rental. If you drop your bags off, you’ll be ready to explore without worrying about carting cases around. It’s wise to ask about check-in times before you book accommodation. Planning journeys in advance can save you time and effort. Try to group attractions in the same areas together within your itinerary. Some museums may not open on certain days, so it’s always advisable to visit websites and get information when you’re making plans. You may also need to book in advance or choose a time slot for popular locations.
Where to stay
There are two main options to consider if you’re looking for ways to enjoy New York with kids with minimal stress. You can either stay close to the action so that top attractions are easily accessible or book a hotel or rental outside the tourist hotspots and travel in via public transport. The latter will save you money, but it’s important to factor in travel time. Popular spots to stay for families include Midtown, Upper West Side, Chelsea, NoMad, and Brooklyn.
What to see and do
It’s wonderful to allow time in your itinerary for meandering and spontaneous outings, but it’s helpful to have a rough plan when you’re tackling a city as big and bold as New York. There are hundreds of attractions and landmarks, so it’s worth flicking through guidebooks and blogs and getting recommendations. Top choices for families include Central Park, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, Top of the Rock, the High Line, the Empire State Building, and the American Museum of Natural History.
Picture via https://www.pexels.com/photo/aerial-view-of-central-park-in-new-york-14426200/
New York offers endless adventures for families, but it can be a daunting proposition if you’re traveling with kids. Tips to avoid stress and plan a memorable break in the Big Apple include choosing the best time to visit based on your preferences and requirements, finding a neighborhood that offers easy access to the attractions you want to visit, making use of luggage stores to roam without heavy bags, and planning a rough itinerary before you travel.
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