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I used this service in April 2023 and December 2023. Dinesh is wonderful. He was very thorough and guided me all the way. We were in constant contact via text, phone, and email. Raksha was a... More

This place saved our family vacation! If you're reading this review, chances are you are like we were and DESPERATE. We noticed one week before our vacation that our daughter's passport expired 2... More

They are amazing!! Got my passport in 4 days!! Thank you for making this happen - everyone was easy to work with and so helpful More

The best fast passport service in NYC!! They ended my expired passport nightmare and git me a new passport in five days! Very reasonably priced, courteous service, and reliable! Don't bother... More

I have to say Mr Mehta saved my trip! I cant believe how easy the process was. We spoke on a Sunday morning he provided me with instructions for me to do the next day. He promised he will have my... More

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New York, NY 10018

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One Day in NYC: Itinerary

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Your Trip to NYC: The Complete Guide

New York City Guide: Planning Your Trip

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New York City is an iconic destination chock full of attractions — but it can also be overwhelming to visit. Which days are best to visit busy places like the Met and the Empire State Building, and how do you avoid tourist traps and discover local hangouts? Did you know the city has tons of outdoorsy activities for all seasons? And what about deciding between so many acclaimed bars and restaurants of all types?

Whether you want to spend the weekend in the city or a whole week exploring, planning your trip is important to ensure you make the most of your time. Let’s explore the best the city has to offer and help you decide when to visit, learn what to see and do, and discover where to eat, drink, and stay during your trip.

Planning Your Trip

  • Best Time to Visit: Figuring out the best time to visit really depends on what you want to do on your trip. New York City is a great destination year round, but each season has its own perks (and disadvantages). Winter is great for visitors who want to experience the wonders of the  holiday season in New York City  and after New Year’s crowds really dwindle and prices drop. Spring and fall are ideal in terms of mild weather and being able to take full advantage of everything the city has to offer. And while summer can get very hot and humid and it also brings lots of crowds, there are tons of free events and beaches , pools , and parks are in full swing.
  • Language: English is the official language of New York, but you’ll also hear a lot of Spanish   , Mandarin, and plenty of other languages in this melting pot.
  • Currency : U.S. dollar
  • Getting Around: Public transportation makes getting around New York City easy, fast, and affordable. Quite often, you’ll find it’s best to take a bus or the subway to avoid traffic and save money. Before you give it a go, familiarize yourself with the routes by looking at maps so you don’t get lost or take the wrong  train . Sometimes though, it can be more convenient or appropriate to take a taxi, Lyft, Uber , or  car service . A cab is a good option for a group and might save money. You also might feel safer in a car late at night, although buses and the subway run all night long   . Renting a car if you’re staying in the city is generally a bad idea as parking is difficult to find and/or very expensive. Plus, traffic is typically horrendous.
  • Travel Tip: Remember, New York City is more than just Manhattan and all five boroughs are worth visiting, especially Brooklyn and Queens , which are quite easy to get to from Manhattan. To avoid crowds, get an early start to your day and consider visiting the mot popular sites during the week if you can.

Things To Do

Whether it’s your first or tenth visit, New York City has so much to offer. It is brimming with attractions and activities, from world-class museums and monuments to stunning parks to shopping galore . There are things for kids and families , romantic activities for couples, and friend groups can be kept busy for days. Architecture fans, history buffs, entertainment lovers, foodies , shoppers , art hounds, and culture vultures will all be happy here. Don’t miss these activities:

  • Museums and Galleries: Visitors would be hard pressed to visit all the museums in NYC; from art to history to science and even food, there are hundreds of museums and galleries   to see. Beyond the classics like the Met , MoMA , American Museum of Natural History , and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum , await the Brooklyn Museum , Queens Hall of Science , Museum of the City of New York, El Museo del Barrio, and the Museum of Food and Drink, to name a few.
  • Boat Rides: Remember that New York City is surrounded by water   and seeing the sights by boat is a great experience. A number of companies offer  boat tours and cruises  around the city, pay a few bucks to ride the East River Ferry to a number of locations, or hop on the Staten Island Ferry for free. 
  • Theater and Shows : Broadway shows are a highlight for many visitors and for good reason. There’s also plenty of Off-Broadway, Off-Off-Broadway, and experimental and avant-garde venues putting on some of the best theater in the world. And don’t forget the music scene — almost every band comes through NYC to play at one of its most famous concert venues, like Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall , Lincoln Center , Bowery Ballroom, Kings Theatre, and Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Where to Eat and Drink

New York City is known for its plethora of food options, including iconic dishes that are must-eats on any trip. Be sure to grab a slice of pizza , a bagel with lox, a bodega egg and cheese on a roll, a classic deli sandwich, and a hot dog . And don’t forget to partake in brunch , a NYC tradition. But the best part about New York City is that you can find foods from across the globe here thanks to immigrants from around the world, be it inside Michelin-starred dining rooms or hole-in-the-wall eateries serving everything from Ethiopian to Burmese to Korean to Italian to Israeli to Mexican and beyond . You can go big at a steakhouse or find cheap eats throughout the five boroughs. And every neighborhood has something unique to offer if you look hard enough — even Times Square .

Drinking is just as important as eating in NYC and there are plenty of craft cocktail bars, historic taverns, breweries and taprooms, wine and Champagne bars, and even alcohol-free drink spots. And, there are some incredible coffee shops to start your day at.

Explore our articles on the most romantic restaurants , the best family-friendly restaurants, and the most expensive restaurants in NYC.

Where to Stay

Hotels are easy to find in New York City, but finding the right room for you is a different story. Where you stay is going to depend on which borough and neighborhood you prefer, if you’re alone, with a significant other , or with your family , and how much you want to spend . Midtown Manhattan is the most popular place to stay because it’s where most of the tourist attractions are but it is also one of the most expensive areas. If you’re willing to move north or south, there are some good  budget-friendly hotels in Manhattan available. And of course, if you want to stay somewhere with a  view of Central Park , near nightlife in Chelsea , or in the center of trendy SoHo , expect to pay a premium but be very happy. If you’re amenable to heading over the bridge to Brooklyn, there are some excellent options, and many people prefer its more low key vibe. Other options aside from hotels include short-term apartment rentals (a good value if you’re staying for three nights or more and may want to cook instead of eating out), hostels  for those on a tight budget, and Airbnb rentals—although beware that these might be operating illegally   .

Explore the different neighborhoods you can stay in, and see our recommendations on the best hotels in NYC with Pools and the Best NYC Airport Hotels .

Getting There

There are myriad ways to get to NYC: flying, by train, by bus, or driving. The main airports are:

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport is the largest and has the most international flights, but it can be intimidating and exhausting to traverse its many terminals. It is 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan and there are various ways to get there .
  • La Guardia International Airport in Queens is more manageable and recent upgrades have greatly improved its look, functionality, and services. It also has plenty of flights from most major carriers but less international options than JFK and EWR and some airlines, like Delta and United, use the other area airports as their hubs and so have fewer flights from La Guardia as a result. It is a little closer to Midtown Manhattan at 8.5 miles away and there are various ways to get there .
  • Newark Liberty International Airport  in Newark, New Jersey, is 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan and sometimes flights there can be cheaper (but taxis generally cost more from there to NYC). It is the hub for United so almost all United flights will arrive and depart from here and it also has robust international offerings.

Amtrak trains to other major East Coast cities run fairly often to and from Penn Station and there are also trains to cities farther afield. Buses are usually the cheapest option, with Greyhound , Megabus , Bolt Bus, and smaller companies serving the city. And of course, driving is always an option but keep in mind that parking can be difficult and expensive.

Culture and Customs

New York City has a culture all its own and there are several unwritten rules that locals follow, including how to walk on a busy sidewalk (hint: don’t stop in the middle of it), subway etiquette , how to hail a cab, and proper bicycle behavior.

Tipping is important in NYC; be sure to tip taxi drivers, wait staff at restaurants, and bartenders.

Is New York City safe?  It's a question visitors ask all the time and, in general, it is a safe city   . However, swindlers and thieves can often spot “out of towners” so a little common sense is required.

Money Saving Tips

  • There are tons of awesome free activities , events , and places to visit in NYC, from parks to museums.
  • Several museums and attractions have certain days or times that are Pay What You Wish or are sometimes free .
  • If you plan on riding the subway and taking buses at least several times a day, you can save money by getting an MTA MetroCard for a day or week of unlimited rides.
  • Check out TKTS and other discount venues for cheaper Broadway tickets and don’t forget about standing room only .
  • Head to the outer boroughs for many excellent yet more affordable restaurants and eateries.

Watch Now: Planning Your Visit to New York City

U.S. Census Bureau. " Languages Spoken at Home ." 2018

MTA. " How to Ride the Subway ."

NYC & Company. " Museums & Galleries in NYC ."

The Official Website of the City of New York. " New York City Water Bodies ." 2014

Airbnb. " New York, NY ." 2020

The Economist Intelligence Unit . "Safe Cities Index 2017."

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18 Best Things to Do as a Solo Traveler in NYC

How to Travel From Newark Airport to Manhattan by Train, Bus, Car, and Shuttle

New Jersey Hotels for a New York City Visit

The 20 Best Restaurants in New York City

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Strategies for Visiting New York City on a Budget

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A One-Day Itinerary for Visiting New York City

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New York City   Travel Guide

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Why Go To New York City

Cool, cosmopolitan, crowded, constantly evolving … the Big Apple blends big city splendor with small-town charm. Amid New York's iconic landmarks and towering skyscrapers, you'll experience a vibrant culture permeating each of the city's distinctive neighborhoods and boroughs. Follow trendsetters to the East Village and Brooklyn to check out indie boutiques, iconic bakeries and trendy coffee shops. Afterward, peruse the racks of the sleek shops lining Fifth Avenue , admire the cutting-edge art collections at the MoMA  and the Met , catch a memorable show on Broadway or sit down for a meal at the latest "it" restaurant.

As the most populous city in the U.S. – set at the forefront of food, fashion and the arts – NYC requires stamina. But don't let the Big Apple's frenetic sights and sounds intimidate you from soaking up its grandeur. Enlist the help of a local to help you navigate it all. Wander through the concrete jungle and you'll discover roaring taxis zipping down bustling blocks, fast-paced pedestrians strolling past on their way to marquee galleries and trendy cocktail bars, and Times Square 's neon lights flickering at all hours. And yet, the city's twinkling lights and chaotic corners also invite you to embrace every New York minute, explore every enclave and create your own urban adventure. There are endless ways to spend your time in the city that never sleeps, but before you leave, stop and look around – what's here today will be transformed into something bigger and better tomorrow.

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  • # 1 in Best East Coast Vacation Spots
  • # 1 in Best U.S. Cities to Visit
  • # 2 in Best Food Cities in the U.S.

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  • # 1 in The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, New York
  • # 2 in The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
  • # 3 in Baccarat Hotel New York

The Pierre, a Taj Hotel, New York

Best Things to Do in New York City

  • # 1 in Central Park
  • # 2 in National September 11 Memorial & Museum
  • # 3 in Empire State Building

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New York City Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit New York is anytime . Each season in Gotham offers visitors plenty of reasons to visit. Early fall offers crisp breezes, bright sun and comfortable temperatures while late fall and winter make merry with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and holiday decorations. Deep winter – January and February – is cold, but that also means cheaper hotel rates . Spring is glorious and New Yorkers celebrate the thaw by taking to the streets, shopping at outdoor markets, frolicking in Central Park and dining outside. Summer is hot, but hey, so are lots of places, and at least this is New York. No matter when you decide to visit New York City, consider travel protection – such as a  travel insurance policy or a cancel for any reason plan – in the event you encounter weather issues or trip delays.

Weather in New York City

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Exercise shopping smarts If you're a high roller with a thick wallet,  Fifth  and Madison avenues are your shopping strips. Bargain-hunters should stick to SoHo and Chinatown.

Enter the subway with caution Many subway stations have different platforms for trains going uptown and downtown. Make sure you enter the correct platform before swiping your ticket through the turnstiles. 

Skip the train If you live in a major East Coast city, chances are you'll be able to reach New York City for a relatively affordable price by hopping on the BoltBus or Megabus , two companies that transfer visitors to NYC for cheap.

Take a tour Seeing all of the Big Apple's top sights can be a challenge, which is why signing up for a guided tour may be a smart idea. Whether you're looking for a walking tour , a  food tour , a boat tour , a helicopter tour  or a bus tour , you'll find a variety of experiences to choose from.

How to Save Money in New York City

Say no to cabs A cab here, a cab there … pretty soon, you'll find that cabs have eaten up all your spending cash. Yes, they're convenient but cost-efficient they are not. Learn the subway system instead, or try Uber or Lyft.

Say yes to street vendors Eat some cheap meals on the street at vendors, especially the ones with "Vendy Awards" posted, and you can put the money you would've spent on an expensive lunch toward your MoMA admission.

Say maybe to the TKTS booth If you're willing to spend an hour of your New York City vacation waiting in the half-price ticket booth in Times Square , you could save some serious money on a Broadway show.

Culture & Customs

New York City is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. So it should come as no surprise that it's also one of the most diverse. The city is known for its ethnic neighborhoods, as well as its status as the country's trendsetter, making it difficult to define one specific "culture" of the Big Apple. As home to the most vibrant theater and fashions scenes in the country and a large contingent of schools and Wall Street on top of that, NYC also shelters a large gay community as well as many students, artists, fashionistas, writers, businessmen and so on. 

Stereotypically, New Yorkers are portrayed as brash and rude. But as TripAdvisor explains, "New Yorkers are unfailingly proud of their great city, and this pride can, at times, come off as arrogance." Contrary to popular belief, most New Yorkers are happy to help you explore their home.

What to Eat

It's fitting that New York's most popular nickname includes a reference to food. Experts say that the city is jam-packed with delicious places to eat, from the high-end celebrity chef hot spots to cozy eateries. When you're in this cosmopolitan city, you'll have to sample some of its specialties. Most people associate NYC with pizza: New York-style pizza consists of hand-tossed thin crust, a light layer of tomato sauce, plenty of mozzarella cheese and an assortment of toppings. There are dozens of pizzerias dishing out traditional pies across the city, but locals say Joe's Pizza and Grimaldi's Pizzeria are two of the top spots to grab a slice of pizza . Another New York staple? Bagels. The large, soft, doughy bagels can be topped with thick cream cheese (often you can choose from various schmear flavors), lox or your favorite breakfast sandwich accoutrements. Experts say you can't go wrong with a bagel from Ess-a-Bagel , Bagel Bob's or Tompkins Square Bagels .

In addition to its casual eateries, New York City has a vibrant food market (visit Chelsea Market and Gotham West Market ) and farmers market scene. And of course, the Big Apple is home to numerous upscale restaurants highlighting cuisine from around the world. The list of must-try restaurants is constantly changing, but those looking to enjoy an exquisite multicourse meal should make reservations (well in advance) at Eleven Madison Park , Le Bernadin or Daniel . If you'd like to explore fine dining restaurants with more reasonable price tags, Butter , Scarpetta and Marc Forgione are a few celebrity chef-helmed eateries that won't completely bust your budget. The wealth of food options in the city is also part of why New York City consistently lands on the U.S. News ranking of the Best Foodie Cities in the USA . For a comprehensive understanding of the city's dining scene, take one of the Big Apple's top food tours .

What's more, New York City isn't only home to fantastic restaurants, but also to several stand-out bars and breweries . When the weather warms up, locals and travelers alike love heading to the top rooftop bars around the city to soak up the skyline views.

In the past, New York City has owned a reputation for being a rough and dangerous city, but now it's one of the safest large cities in the country. As a tourist, you're not likely to encounter any serious crimes, but you should still use common sense when exploring the city. In the evenings, stick to well-lit areas with other people and keep a close eye on valuables. To discourage pickpockets, keep your wallet in your front pocket and your purses zipped closed.

Like other large cities, New York City is filled with its own group of eclectic personalities. Should someone out of the ordinary approach you, follow many New Yorkers' leads and simply walk away. Be particularly wary in places like Manhattan's Lower East Side and parts of boroughs Queens, Brooklyn and especially the Bronx. Central Park can also get seedy at night.

Despite what people may think, the subway in New York City is safer now than it has ever been. That said, you should be particularly watchful of your belongings while riding, especially when the trains are packed and crowded. Stay near the ticket booths and get into cars with more people or with the conductor, who will normally stick his head out when the train stops. Consider taking a cab at night if you are alone.

Getting Around New York City

The best way to get around New York City is on foot as traffic is fairly heavy around-the-clock. That said, the subway system is a convenient option, too, and it extends throughout Manhattan and into the other New York boroughs. Buses are another affordable way to get around, but keep in mind they traverse streets clogged with weaving cars and cabs. Picking up a car isn't the best mode of transportation, as traffic is heavy. To get from the two main airports – LaGuardia (LGA) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK) – into the city, you'll likely want to take a taxi or ride-hailing service like Lyft or Uber. If you'd like to mix in a little sightseeing with your transportation, consider a bus tour  or a boat tour .

Many East Coast travelers tend to arrive in New York City on one of the bus services like FlixBus  or Megabus . Amtrak is another popular way of getting into the city and trains roll into Penn Station daily.

Central Park occupies more than 800 acres in the heart of Manhattan and is the largest urban park in the United States.

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  • 17 Insanely Useful Travel Tips for NYC

Bow Bridge in Central Park during fall

New York City is one of the most magical cities on Earth, and for good reason. From its dazzling lights to its vibrant history and culture, you won’t be at a loss for fun activities.

Planning for a trip to NYC can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time visiting the city that never sleeps. So, here’s a comprehensive list of travel tips for NYC to help you plan your trip, all of which are tried and true by someone who’s visited NYC many times!

If this will be your first trip to New York City, make sure to read my ultimate NYC travel guide as well! It was specifically written for first time visitors and contains every useful information you need to know about the city: how to get around, what to pack, where to stay, and more!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

No time to read now? Pin it for later!

Best Travel Tips for NYC

Table of Contents

Travel Tips for New York City

1. research a lot before your trip.

One of the best tips for visiting New York City for the first time is to do a comprehensive research before your trip. Attractions in the city are always changing, as are entry times and ticket prices. You don’t want to show up and find that you can’t visit a place you planned on spending a solid few hours at!

Take at least an hour or two jotting down the places you want to visit and marking them on a map. This will come in handy for tip #16.

Be sure also to see how much some attractions cost and whether you have to buy tickets ahead of time. Some of the top attractions in NYC get sold out pretty quickly, so you’ll want to be well-prepared.

2. Stay to the right when walking on the sidewalks

New Yorkers are known for their brisk walk because they always have places to go and people to see. You do not want to get in their way, mainly because sidewalk traffic is already crazy as it is in the city! This is one of the tips for tourists in NYC you won’t want to miss.

If you know you’re a slow walker or that you’ll often be stopping to check directions or look around at your surroundings in amazement, stay to the right. This way, you’re not directly in someone’s line of walking if they are walking quicker.

Times Square in New York

3. Eat local and skip the chains

It can be incredibly tempting to try to eat at the chain restaurants when you visit a place because you know you’ll like the food, and they’re usually more affordable. However, you seriously won’t want to miss out on New York City’s local meals.

One of the absolute best tips for NYC tourists is to eat local. Whether you try a famous dirty dog or a homemade bagel, you’re going to be in foodie heaven. Other popular NYC dishes include clam chowder, cheesecake, pizza, Italian ice, corned beef, and pastrami. Try to be adventurous and eat at least one of these dishes while you’re here!

If you want to try to find cheaper local food, steer clear of tourist areas like Times Square. The further away from the tourist attractions that you can get, the more local the place is generally. If you can, try asking a local for their recommendations on where to try the best local cuisine.

Bagels with bacon and cheese

4. Visit outside of the holiday months to save significant money

New York City is definitely at its most magical during Christmas time. No wonder it’s one of the best Christmas vacations in the USA – you can find countless amazing Christmas decorations in New York such as the Rockefeller Christmas tree and you can also attend many holiday-themed events, like the Christmas Spectacular starring the Radio City Rockettes.

If you’re planning to visit the Big Apple during the holidays, make sure to check out my Christmas in New York itinerary for 4 days !

However, this is also the most expensive time to visit the city and also one of the most crowded periods. If you have the money to splurge or you can plan your trip well in advance, then you might be okay, but otherwise, plan on visiting during a different season to save yourself some money.

The shoulder seasons, spring and fall, are extraordinary times to visit NYC. You can see the city buzzing with excitement for the warmer months as all of the flowers start to bloom in the spring. Meanwhile, if you visit in the fall, you can witness some of the most beautiful and unforgettable fall foliage in the world.

It can get scorching in NYC in the summer, which is why the shoulder seasons are great alternatives. Trust me; you don’t want to be on a subway in the sweltering heat! This is one of the most overlooked travel tips for NYC.

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree New York

5. Get up early to avoid tourist crowds

Even though NYC is the city that never sleeps, there is a way to avoid most tourists. Wake up early! Yes, you’ll be up with the locals, but you can get some of the best sunrise views during this time, and you’ll also be able to stop by some of the more popular spots before they get too busy.

Usually, the attractions are closed at this time, but you can at least get some great photos of them without the crowds that you’d have in your photo later in the day. The earlier you can wake up, the better!

6. Stay alert the whole time

One of the most essential tips for visiting NYC for the first time is to be alert. Don’t be scared, but just take standard precautions that you would take if you were traveling anywhere else.

New York City is a vast city, with a population of 8.4 million people. Make sure to watch your belongings, steer clear of pickpocketers, and try to travel with other people if you can. New York City isn’t the safest place for solo female travelers, unfortunately.

7. Take the time to explore more than just Manhattan

When you think of NYC, you probably think of Manhattan. Well, guess what – NYC is way more than just Manhattan! Be sure to leave Manhattan and take the time to explore the other boroughs on your NYC itinerary as well.

Check out Staten Island, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens if you can. It’s well worth it and will give you a better idea of the city’s culture. Plus, the other boroughs aren’t as touristy as Manhattan, so you might even bump into some locals while you’re out exploring.

Dumbo Brooklyn

8. If you want to visit Staten Island, plan on it taking a full day

Many people think that they can spend just a few hours heading out to Staten Island and still have the rest of the afternoon to explore elsewhere. Well, one of the most excellent travel tips for NYC is that you’ll want to block off a full day to visit Staten Island.

From waiting for ferries to exploring all that Staten Island has to offer, you’ll soon find that your whole day is over. Just make sure that you plan accordingly! If you give yourself the full day to explore, then you won’t be disappointed.

Staten Island Ferry

9. Go on a free city walking tour with a local

One of the unknown tips for visiting New York City is that there are free tours. A lot of locals run tours for tourists visiting the city. This is one of the best ways to get acquainted with NYC because you’ll be learning from someone who lives there.

To reiterate the tip mentioned in #1, make sure you book tickets well in advance for these tours. They require that you make a reservation because otherwise, the tours would be filled with so many people that you wouldn’t even be able to hear your guide! Some of the best-known free tours in the city include Free Tours by Foot and Big Apple Greeters .

If you’re looking for more budget tips for visiting New York, check out these amazing free things to do in NYC .

10. Wear comfortable walking shoes

New York City is enormous. Many first-time visitors forget that and try to wear the most uncomfortable shoes, which is a huge mistake. Don’t forget about this, it’s one of the most essential travel tips for New York City! When it comes to footwear, make sure that you’re wearing shoes that you can walk around in all day without any pain.

While you’ll probably rely on public transportation to get around the city, you’ll still spend a considerable amount of time on your feet. Plus, if you’re exploring a neighborhood, then you’ll be walking a lot because it can be a lot quicker than taking a taxi!

Streets of Harlem

11. Be aware of free days at NYC attractions

There are many museums in the city that have free days or even “pay as you wish” days. The latter means that practically you can pay what you feel admission is worth. While there are a considerable amount of museums that are always free in NYC (Bronx Museum, American Folk Art Museum, Waterfront Museum, etc.), there are also some that offer free hours.

If you’re interested in visiting a museum during their free hours, you’ll want to get there as early as possible. This is usually the most popular time to visit the museum because it’s the cheapest, so the earlier you’re there, the more likely you are to get in early enough to explore the inside before it’s too busy.

The Neue Galerie, Brooklyn Museum, Staten Island Museum, and 9/11 Memorial Museum are just a few that offer free hours or free days. This is one of the best money-saving tips for traveling to NYC!

12. Take public transportation instead of taxis to save money

If you can, avoid taking taxis at all costs. Most taxis charge you by the distance driven in addition to the amount of time that you’re in the vehicle, and with NYC traffic, that can seriously add up.

The average pricing model is $2.50 US as an initial fee, plus 50 cents per 1/5 mile traveled. There’s also a 50 cents fee for each minute that you’re stuck in traffic.

Public transportation in NYC is a lot better than most people think it is. It’s fast and affordable. If you don’t have a Metro Card, then one way is only $3 US on the subway. How can you possibly beat that? Plus, the subway can’t get stuck in the same sort of traffic that a taxi can.

Subway station in NYC

13. If you have to take a taxi, hail it correctly

Many people visit NYC and try to hail a taxi but do it completely incorrectly. If you’re going to spend time trying to take a taxi, make sure that you do it right, so you’re not spending hours trying to get a cab!

First of all, you want to make sure that you’re standing on the side of the road in which traffic is moving. Then, be on the lookout for an available taxi. This means that there isn’t an “off-duty” light or no lights lit on the top of it at all.

Now, this is where the fun part happens. You don’t yell “taxi” like they do in the movies! That’s just for show. You’ll want to step off the sidewalk slightly (because the driver can’t fully see you on the sidewalk), stick your arm out like you mean it, and try to make eye contact with the driver. It’s as simple as that.

Yellow cabs in New York City

14. Watch out for the typical tourist traps

Just like with any city, there are tons of tourist traps in NYC that you’ll want to look out for. Make sure you don’t get roped into them! The #1 location for tourist traps is Times Square because this is where all the tourists go. You’ll usually never find a local here.

Be on the lookout for people dressed in costume or selling blank CDs. There are also many fake electronics stores here, and people dressed up as monks who aren’t monks but try to take your money. You’ll just want to stay highly aware when you’re in the city!

15. Dress appropriately for northeast weather

The northeast has lots of crazy weather, and yes, it does experience all four seasons. Don’t try to dress super fashionably, instead, dress correctly for the weather. This often means wearing layers because sometimes it can be super cold in the morning for a while, but it can warm up drastically by the afternoon.

If you’re visiting in the winter, you’ll want to make sure that you bring a heavy winter coat or plan on buying one. NYC can get quite chilly, mostly because it’s right on the water, bringing an extra breeze. Be prepared! This is one of the most underrated tips for traveling to New York City.

Ice rink at the Winter Village at Bryant Park

16. Try to book accommodation in the area you most want to explore

New York City is massive. This one links back to one of the earlier tips on this list. After you do your research and find where most of the attractions are that you want to visit, try to book a hotel in that area.

You’ll save yourself tons of time and money! You can then use it as your home base for exploring the rest of the city if there are other areas that you’d like to explore as well. Try to book as far in advance as possible because if this is a popular area, then the accommodation can get booked up quickly.

Generally speaking, Manhattan is one of the best boroughs to stay in NYC, especially if you’re a first timer. If you’re interested in knowing more about neighborhoods in NYC, be sure to check out my guide about the best areas to stay in New York City that includes 10 amazing neighborhoods with lots of useful tips, hotel recommendations, and information about each area.

17. Bring your camera – NYC is magical!

NYC is a fantastic place to visit no matter the time of year, and you’ll want to be able to commemorate that. Bring your camera! You’ll be snapping photos almost everywhere while you’re out and about, and you might even catch some extraordinary magical moments.

Some of the most iconic photo spots in NYC that are perfect for Instagram include the Brooklyn Bridge, Radio City Music Hall, The Channel Gardens, the view of the Flatiron from the top of the Empire State Building , and the view of the NYC skyline with the Empire State Building from Top of the Rock .

View of the Manhattan skyline with Empire State Building in the middle from Top of the Rock

Planning a trip to New York City?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about NYC. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

Hotel guides:

  • Top 10 Best Areas to Stay in New York City
  • 18 Incredible Hotels with the Best Views in NYC
  • 12 Epic New York Hotels with Central Park Views
  • 16 Best Hotels in Times Square with a View

Travel guides:

  • The Ultimate NYC Travel Guide for First Timers
  • How to Spend One Day in New York City
  • 4 Days in New York City Itinerary: How to See NYC in 4 Days
  • Best Observatories in New York City: Which One to Visit?
  • 32 Amazing Free Things to Do in NYC for Budget Travelers
  • 25 Most Instagrammable Places in NYC You Can’t Miss

Christmas guides:

  • The Perfect Christmas in New York Itinerary for 4 Days
  • 13 Incredible NYC Christmas Photo Spots You Can’t Miss
  • 15 Festive Things to Do in New York City in December

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Physical Address: Greater New York Federal Building 376 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014-3621

Hours:  7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

By Appointment Only Closed Federal Holidays

Mailing Address: U.S. Department of State New York Passport Agency CA/PPT/NY 44132 Mercure Cir. PO Box 1122 Sterling, VA 20166-1122

Application Number Starts With : 11

How to Apply at a Passport Agency

1. find out if you're eligible.

To apply at this passport agency, you must meet all of the following requirements:

  • If you have not yet applied , you must be traveling internationally within 14 calendar days. 
  • If you have already applied , you must be traveling internationally within 5 calendar days.  
  • Be able to show printed proof of international travel (see examples in the 'Collect all your application materials' section below on this page).
  • Pay the $60 expedite fee in addition to the regular  application fees .
  • Note : your appointment must be within 14 calendar days of your international travel if you have not yet applied, or 5 calendar days if you have already applied. If you need a foreign visa, the date of your appointment must be within 28 calendar days of your international travel.

If you have a life-or-death emergency, please see  Life-or-Death Emergencies . If you don't meet the requirements for an appointment, please see  Where to Apply  for other options.

We do not charge a fee to make appointments . If you asked to pay for an appointment, you should consider the request to be fraudulent. We are not affiliated with any third-party appointment booking services. We may not be able to honor appointments booked via third parties. Do not attempt to book duplicate appointments.

2. Collect all your application materials

  • Printed confirmation of your appointment
  • If you are flying internationally, you must provide a flight receipt or an itinerary. If you are traveling by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, or the Caribbean, you can provide a hotel reservation, cruise tickets, or international car insurance.
  • Fill out your  form(s) online and print it  
  • All required supporting documents
  • One passport  photo
  • Pay with a credit or debit card.
  • You can also use a prepaid card that is not linked to a line of credit or bank account, or a digital wallet such as Apple, Google, or Samsung Pay. 
  • You cannot pay with cash, or a check or money order. 
  • If you are applying for a child under 16 , both parents or guardians and your child must come to the appointment. 

*We accept all forms for first-time and renewal customers. Not sure what forms or supporting documents you need? Start at the  Passport Application Wizard .

3. Make an appointment

We have different steps to make an appointment if you have not yet applied for a passport or you have already applied. 

I have not yet applied

  • Go to our Online Passport Appointment System .
  • Enter information about your travel plans to see if you qualify for an appointment. You may make an appointment for up to 7 members of your household.
  • Enter your email address. We will email you a code which you must enter to continue making an appointment. Check your junk or spam folder if you do not see the code in your inbox.
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  • Complete the process of scheduling your appointment and check your email for a message confirming the details of your appointment. The system will hold your appointment for 15 minutes. If you do not confirm your appointment within 15 minutes, you will need to restart the process of making an appointment.
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Call  1-877-487-2778  from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Mondays through Fridays, or on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Our appointment line is closed on federal holidays. 

If you are traveling in the next 6 to 14 days, we will notify the agency processing your application of your date of travel. If you are traveling within 5 days, we will attempt to make an appointment for you. 

Se habla español. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call  1-888-874-7793  for TDD/TTY teletype services. 

4. Arrive early to your appointment

  • Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow for security screening before your appointment time.
  • You must show valid government ID to enter the building. Weapons, food, and drinks (except water in a sealable bottle) are not allowed. You must pass through security screening before checking in.
  • After security screening, go to the information windows on the 1st floor to check in with a representative who will confirm your appointment, review your application and supporting documents, and give you a ticket. We may cancel your appointment if you do not have all required documents with you.
  • Take the elevator to the 10 th floor. You cannot re-enter the building unless you have already applied and you are returning to pick up your completed passport.
  • On the 10 th floor, follow instructions from agency staff. We will announce your appointment number through an automated paging system. The numbers will be displayed on monitors as you are called to a specific window.
  • At the window, a staff member will review your application and supporting materials. They will also discuss options for picking up or delivering your passport based on your travel date. 

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  • While waiting in our lobby, you can use your phone or electronic device but you must silence it. Please do not take photos or videos in the agency.
  • Bring portable chargers since we do not have electrical outlets in our lobby.
  • While we will work to issue your passport before your international travel date, we cannot guarantee same-day service for all customers.
  • At the end of every day, we will get rid of any unclaimed personal items left in our agency.

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There is metered parking available on Varick and Hudson Streets near the Federal Building. There are also parking garages and lots nearby. Parking rates may change without notice. 

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We have two types of appointments: Life-or-Death Emergency Service and Urgent Travel Service . You cannot walk-in. 

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Everything you need to know about getting around New York City

Jane Frye

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Have you ever heard the phrase, "Getting there is half the battle"? Well, in New York City it's more like getting around is half the battle — if you don't know what you're doing.

From trains to planes to automobiles, the options for traveling around New York City are endless. But not all transportation is created equal, which is why we've put together this handy guide so you spend less time on your next visit to New York City stuck in traffic and more time, well, doing what you came to do.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

The best way to get from the airport to New York City

First things first: Getting from one of New York's three major airports to wherever you're staying. The good news is you have plenty of options. The bad news is, none of the city's airports are particularly close or convenient.

How to get from Newark (EWR) to the city

You're probably going to go from Newark , located in New Jersey, to Manhattan one of three ways: getting a taxi or car; take the AirTrain to NJ Transit; or take a shuttle bus if you're staying in Midtown.

Getting a taxi or Uber is the quickest but most expensive option. You walk out of the airport and boom, you're on your way to your desired destination. If you're staying in Midtown, expect the trip to take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the time of day and traffic, and to cost around $80 if you're taking a taxi or grabbing a car.

Related: From budget to luxe: Use hotel points at these 9 NYC hotels

The Newark Airport Express shuttle bus is a convenient and affordable alternative, especially for travelers staying in Midtown. There's a pickup right outside each terminal at the airport, and you have a choice of drop-off locations: Port Authority, Grand Central and Bryant Park. One-way tickets are $17 and round-trip tickets cost $30. The only downside is if you get on the bus at one of the first airport pick-up locations or are getting off at one of the last drop-offs, as it will take a while. Also, make sure to budget enough time on the way back to the airport to accommodate for late buses or heavy traffic.

Taking a combination of the AirTrain to the NJ Transit, PATH or Amtrak might be the most inexpensive route, but requires multiple transfers. You'll be able to access the AirTrain from each terminal for $7.75. Depending on where you want to end up, each of the three train methods of transportation will get you into Manhattan. This trip will take about an hour and a half. Consider the amount of luggage you'll be dragging around before embarking.

How to get from New York-JFK to the city

JFK has a leg up on the airport competition in that you can take the subway all the way into the city after an easy AirTrain ride. It will cost you $7.75 plus $2.75 ($10.50 total) for the MTA and take about an hour to reach Times Square. You can also catch the Long Island Railroad (LIRR), which is a quicker, nicer ride, but will set you back $7.75. to $10.75, plus $7.75 for the AirTrain ($15.50 to $18.50). This takes 30 minutes.

Grabbing a car from JFK is neither inexpensive nor quick: You're looking at $56 for a taxi, $70 for an Uber and about an hour on the road, depending on traffic.

Related: JFK vs. LaGuardia vs. Newark: Which NYC airport should I fly into?

How to get from LaGuardia (LGA) to the city

LaGuardia is the toughest airport to get to and from, due in large part to the massive construction project going on .

While cost-effective at only $2.75 per ride, catching the MTA bus out of LGA to the subway is a true test of patience and grit, because there's a good chance you can walk faster than a city bus moves. It can be done, but be prepared.

Both a taxi and ride-hailing service such as Uber or Lyft from the airport to the city will cost you $40 plus tip and take about 45 minutes.

Catch a helicopter from the airport

Blade launched helicopter transports from Manhattan to New York-JFK in March of 2019 and expanded its service to all airports in the New York City area, including Newark and LaGuardia, that May. The routes are between LaGuardia and Manhattan's Downtown/Wall Street Heliport, and passengers can reach Newark by helicopter from Blade Lounge East (East 34th Street Heliport). The route to JFK departs from Blade Lounge West (West 30t​h​ Street Heliport) across from Hudson Yards. A seat on a Blade helicopter to the airport costs $195, and the transfer (to JFK, at least) takes about five minutes.

Related: We tried Uber's new helicopter service from Manhattan to JFK

The best ways to get around New York City

Once you've made it to the city, you'll have to decide how you'd like to get around. The best, most inexpensive tourist attraction for anyone visiting New York City is simply walking around the city — which is free! — so pack comfortable shoes. But, if inclement weather strikes or it's too cold to be outside, you still have plenty of options. We'll, ahem, walk you through them all.

New York's subway, the MTA, is mostly reliable and very affordable. A single ride will cost you $2.75, and the city offers unlimited seven-day passes for $33 which are great for. travelers spending the week. It costs $1 for a new subway card so, repeat after us: Do not lose it! Download the MTA app for service changes and the fastest routes.

Related: TPG's guide to Penn Station

Taxi or ride-hailing service

One of the hardest lessons to learn in New York City is that it's (usually) faster to take the train than a car. That said, we've all been there after a long day of sightseeing when you just want to get off your feet and into a cab. Plus, you get a better view of the city. Surge pricing (read: Drives on New Year's Eve, during peak rush hour or a good rainstorm) can make an Uber or Lyft for expensive, but normally rates are competitive with a taxi.

For tips on how to maximize your ride and get deals on Uber and Lyft, check our guide to the best credit cards to use here . And if you have an early or late flight to catch lining up a car ahead of time is the way to go.

If you decide to go old school and hail a cab, look for one with its light on and make sure to exit on the curbside.

New York City has a robust bus system that's especially great for getting you across town, from east to west. Be prepared, however, to make frequent stops. You can use the same card on the bus as you'll use on the subway.

Related: How to get to New York City on points and miles

Arguably the best way to get around New York City is to walk. Walking is an excellent way to take in the sights and sounds of the city all while getting to your destination.

Boats, bikes and more

Chances are, someone's told you about the free ferry ride from lower Manhattan to Staten Island, which gives you a fantastic view (twice!) of the Statue of Liberty. This is not a tourist trap — it's actually really fun, especially on a beautiful day. But that's not the only ferry in town. There are numerous other ferries you can catch to, well, ferry you around town. Check out the full list here .

Citi Bike is another great option. If you don't feel comfortable biking the actual streets of the Big Apple (we don't blame you), at least go for a spin down the West Side Highway path along the Hudson River. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can activate one free year of Lyft Pink membership , which includes three free bike or scooter rides per month (as well as 15% off rides and priority airport pickups).

Oh, and whatever you do, don't get in a pedicab (no matter how many times they hassle you). The ride is bumpy and more expensive than a penthouse apartment in Tribeca.

Related: These are the best times to visit New York City

Bottom Line

One of the greatest things about a trip to the Big Apple is that you definitely do not need a car. In fact, we would encourage you not to drive, as parking is exorbitant and traffic can be a nightmare. For short trips, don't be afraid to pound the pavement, and for longer trips, get the full New York City experience by heading underground. When it comes to the airport, it's worth the splurge to get an Uber or Lyft, especially if you can stack offers from a credit card.

Photo by Tim Robberts/Getty Image

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Why National Guard troops are being deployed in New York’s subways

New York is sending hundreds of National Guard troops and state troopers into the New York City subway to address crime in one of the country’s largest and busiest systems, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) announced on Wednesday.

Crime is down in the subway system compared to the heights reached during the pandemic, but Hochul’s announcement comes after a string of high-profile incidents on the subway and a recent uptick in crime.

In late February, a subway conductor was hospitalized after being slashed in the neck in an apparently random late-night attack at a train station in Brooklyn. Just days before, two commuters were attacked by a man wielding a hammer in a Queens subway station. And just hours after Hochul’s announcement, another conductor was smashed in the head with a glass bottle in another unprovoked attack.

“These brazen heinous attacks on our subway system will not be tolerated,” Hochul said on Wednesday.

The state’s influx of law enforcement agents will add to the 1,000 city officers New York Mayor Eric Adams (D) placed in the system in February after police reported a spike in crime on the city’s subway platforms and trains. Hochul has also proposed legislation that would allow judges to bar people with criminal records from riding the subway.

The announcement also comes as Republicans across the country point to urban crime as a sign that criminal justice reform efforts championed by many Democrats have failed. Some New York Democrats have said concerns that fear of crime helped Republicans pick up several congressional seats across the state in the 2022 midterm elections and want to minimize that risk this year.

Restoring confidence in the subway system has also been seen as critical to the city’s recovery after the pandemic.

“There’s a psychological impact, people worry they could be next, anxiety takes hold,” the governor said. “And riding the subway, which would be part of your everyday life, is filled with stress and trepidation.”

What will the National Guard troops be doing?

Hochul’s plan calls for 750 members of the New York National Guard and 250 state troopers to be assigned to stations across the vast subway system.

The task facing law enforcement is immense: With 472 subway stations, the city has more subway stations than any other system in the world.

The guards and troopers will be stationed at the city’s busiest stations to check bags for weapons, a show of force not often seen since the days following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

Some critics said they were concerned the checks could lead to racial profiling.

“I think it is ridiculous to be placing National Guard in the subway system,” said city council member Shekar Krishnan, a progressive Democrat who represents part of Queens. “We need to be investing in strategies that really keep safe such as mental health services. Instead what we are doing is fear mongering that will only lead to Black and Brown New Yorkers being further over-policed.”

How long will they be stationed in the subway?

The elevated police presence will be temporary, according to Hochul. But she declined to give a timeline, saying she didn’t want to tip off criminals.

A temporary deployment is not enough, Richard Davis, president of the union representing subway workers, said in a statement. “This promised surge … cannot be just a temporary measure. It must remain in place,” Davis said. “We will not be pacified.”

Is crime up in the subway?

The number of serious crimes reported on the New York Subway system in January rose almost 47 percent compared with the same month the year before, according to NYPD data. Police logged 223 crimes in the system, an increase that was largely driven by a spike in grand larceny, which are thefts in which the perpetrator doesn’t use force.

The 223 reported crimes in January equated to 1.92 crimes per million riders, according to MTA data, a rate last reached in February 2022. In a report to the MTA’s board last month, subway officials said that over the long run “we remained encouraged to see our crimes per million rider figures trend down year over year.”

The rate of crimes fell in February when 148 incidents were reported — a decrease of 15 percent compared with the same period last year, according to New York Police Department data.

What else is the governor doing to address crime in the subway?

The stepped up law enforcement presence is part of what Hochul is calling a five-point plan to address crime in the subway. which will include $20 million for mental health workers to work with people on the subway. She is also asking the legislature for money to add more cameras to the system.

Judges would be able to ban people with criminal records from riding the subway altogether, under another Hochul proposal.

“My five-point plan will rid our subways of violent offenders and protect all commuters and transit workers,” said Hoch. “I am sending a message to all New Yorkers: I will not stop working to keep you safe and restore your peace of mind whenever you walk through those turnstiles.”

How do riders feel about the expanded police presence?

On social media, riders both praised the plan and posted concern.

Matthew Morrison wrote on X , formerly known as Twitter, that the plan worried him, saying that he had been stopped several times during NYPD’s controversial stop and frisk program, which allowed officers to stop people they suspected of carrying a weapon. In 2013, a federal court ruled that the program was unconstitutional and disproportionally targeted Black and Latino men.

“The idea of now being subject to harassment by national guard ... gives me great anxiety for basic travel again,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Brendan Delgao took to X to voice support for the plan . “It’s important to address these high profile crimes,” he wrote. “I am confident that the National Guard and MTA Police will make a positive impact.”

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USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Public squares have long been the keystones of American communities, serving as the stage for everything from farmers’ markets to historic speeches. They're the heartbeats of cities, where culture pulses and people gather. These 20 public squares have been nominated by an expert panel as the best in the United States, not just for their aesthetic value, but also their historical significance and communal importance. Which public square do you think is the best? Vote once per day for your top pick until polls close on Monday, April 8 at noon ET. The 10 winners, determined by your vote, will be announced on Wednesday, April 17.  Read the official Readers' Choice rules .

Public squares have long been the keystones of American communities, serving as the stage for everything from farmers’ markets to historic speeches. They're the heartbeats of cities, where culture pulses and people...   Read More

Best Public Square Nominees

Campus Martius Park

Campus Martius Park Detroit, Michigan

Centerway Square

Centerway Square Corning, New York

Fountain Square

Fountain Square Cincinnati, Ohio

Guilford Town Green

Guilford Town Green Guilford, Connecticut

Healdsburg Plaza

Healdsburg Plaza Healdsburg, California

Jackson Square

Jackson Square New Orleans, Louisiana

Jackson Town Square

Jackson Town Square Jackson, Wyoming

Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square Washington, D.C.

Market Square (Knoxville)

Market Square (Knoxville) Knoxville, Tennessee

Market Square (Pittsburgh)

Market Square (Pittsburgh) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Mission Plaza

Mission Plaza San Luis Obispo, California

Old Town Square

Old Town Square Fort Collins, Colorado

Plaza de la Constitución

Plaza de la Constitución St Augustine, Florida

Rittenhouse Square

Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Santa Fe Plaza

Santa Fe Plaza Santa Fe, New Mexico

The Square

The Square Oxford, Mississippi

St. George Town Square

St. George Town Square St. George, Utah

Union Square Park

Union Square Park New York City, New York

Washington Square

Washington Square Charleston, South Carolina

Winterset Town Square

Winterset Town Square Winterset, Iowa

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Kirstie and Christine of On Airplane Mode Travels

Kirstie Pike and Christine Diaz are award-winning...   Read More

Kirstie Pike and Christine Diaz are award-winning LGBTQ+ travel creators and trailblazers, using their platform, On Airplane Mode, to inspire others to follow their passions while celebrating their unique identities. With the leading LGBTQ+ travel platform in the US, they have a thriving community of over 650,000+ followers. The dynamic duo craft unique storytelling content that resonates with diverse audiences, sparking positive transformation within the travel industry, making it a more inclusive and vibrant space.

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Marla Cimini

Marla Cimini

Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music...   Read More

Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to  Fodor’s Hawaii  guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on  Instagram  and  Twitter  and read her travel tips and adventures on  her website .

Marla Cimini

Melody Pittman

Melody Pittman

Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Read More

Melody Pittman is the owner and creator of Wherever I May Roam Blog  and is co-owner of the Southern Travelers Explore annual conference, in its 4th year, which brings CVBS and writers/influencers together from all over the country. She is a digital influencer and writes for both online and print publications, such as Travel Awaits, Charleston Home and Living Magazine, Matador Network, She Buys Travel, and more. Melody has worked with major brands during her nine-year career, such as Viking River Cruises, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Disney, hundreds of tourism boards, and GO RVing.  Melody’s first book “100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die” was released in the spring of 2023. She has a podcast, 100ThingsWV, and social channels to go along with the book. Melody loves road trips, small towns, cruising, and sharing lesser-known destinations with her followers via TikTok , Youtube, IG , and FB . After a year of full-time RV travel, she now resides in Mesquite, Nevada. 

Melody Pittman

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USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

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The Great Read

What deathbed visions teach us about living.

Researchers are documenting a phenomenon that seems to help the dying, as well as those they leave behind.

Credit... Photo illustration by Amy Friend

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By Phoebe Zerwick

  • March 12, 2024

Chris Kerr was 12 when he first observed a deathbed vision. His memory of that summer in 1974 is blurred, but not the sense of mystery he felt at the bedside of his dying father. Throughout Kerr’s childhood in Toronto, his father, a surgeon, was too busy to spend much time with his son, except for an annual fishing trip they took, just the two of them, to the Canadian wilderness. Gaunt and weakened by cancer at 42, his father reached for the buttons on Kerr’s shirt, fiddled with them and said something about getting ready to catch the plane to their cabin in the woods. “I knew intuitively, I knew wherever he was, must be a good place because we were going fishing,” Kerr told me.

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As he moved to touch his father, Kerr felt a hand on his shoulder. A priest had followed him into the hospital room and was now leading him away, telling him his father was delusional. Kerr’s father died early the next morning. Kerr now calls what he witnessed an end-of-life vision. His father wasn’t delusional, he believes. His mind was taking him to a time and place where he and his son could be together, in the wilds of northern Canada. And the priest, he feels, made a mistake, one that many other caregivers make, of dismissing the moment as a break with reality, as something from which the boy required protection.

It would be more than 40 years before Kerr felt compelled to speak about that evening in the hospital room. He had followed his father, and three generations before him, into medicine and was working at Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo, where he was the chief medical officer and conducted research on end-of-life visions. It wasn’t until he gave a TEDx Talk in 2015 that he shared the story of his father’s death. Pacing the stage in the sport coat he always wears, he told the audience: “My point here is, I didn’t choose this topic of dying. I feel it has chosen or followed me.” He went on: “When I was present at the bedside of the dying, I was confronted by what I had seen and tried so hard to forget from my childhood. I saw dying patients reaching and calling out to mothers, and to fathers, and to children, many of whom hadn’t been seen for many years. But what was remarkable was so many of them looked at peace.”

The talk received millions of views and thousands of comments, many from nurses grateful that someone in the medical field validated what they have long understood. Others, too, posted personal stories of having witnessed loved ones’ visions in their final days. For them, Kerr’s message was a kind of confirmation of something they instinctively knew — that deathbed visions are real, can provide comfort, even heal past trauma. That they can, in some cases, feel transcendent. That our minds are capable of conjuring images that help us, at the end, make sense of our lives.

Nothing in Kerr’s medical training prepared him for his first shift at Hospice Buffalo one Saturday morning in the spring of 1999. He had earned a degree from the Medical College of Ohio while working on a Ph.D. in neurobiology. After a residency in internal medicine, Kerr started a fellowship in cardiology in Buffalo. To earn extra money to support his wife and two young daughters, he took a part-time job with Hospice Buffalo. Until then, Kerr had worked in the conventional medical system, focused on patients who were often tethered to machines or heavily medicated. If they recounted visions, he had no time to listen. But in the quiet of Hospice, Kerr found himself in the presence of something he hadn’t seen since his father’s death: patients who spoke of people and places visible only to them. “So just like with my father, there’s just this feeling of reverence, of something that wasn’t understood but certainly felt,” he says.

During one of his shifts, Kerr was checking on a 70-year-old woman named Mary, whose grown children had gathered in her room, drinking wine to lighten the mood. Without warning, Kerr remembers, Mary sat up in her bed and crossed her arms at her chest. “Danny,” she cooed, kissing and cuddling a baby only she could see. At first, her children were confused. There was no Danny in the family, no baby in their mother’s arms. But they could sense that whatever their mother was experiencing brought her a sense of calm. Kerr later learned that long before her four children were born, Mary lost a baby in childbirth. She never spoke of it with her children, but now she was, through a vision, seemingly addressing that loss.

In observing Mary’s final days at Hospice, Kerr found his calling. “I was disillusioned by the assembly-line nature of medicine,” Kerr told me. “This felt like a more humane and dignified model of care.” He quit cardiology to work full time at the bedsides of dying patients. Many of them described visions that drew from their lives and seemed to hold meaning, unlike hallucinations resulting from medication, or delusional, incoherent thinking, which can also occur at the end of life. But Kerr couldn’t persuade other doctors, even young residents making the rounds with him at Hospice, of their value. They wanted scientific proof.

At the time, only a handful of published medical studies had documented deathbed visions, and they largely relied on secondhand reports from doctors and other caregivers rather than accounts from patients themselves. On a flight home from a conference, Kerr outlined a study of his own, and in 2010, a research fellow, Anne Banas, signed on to conduct it with him. Like Kerr, Banas had a family member who, before his death, experienced visions — a grandfather who imagined himself in a train station with his brothers.

The study wasn’t designed to answer how these visions differ neurologically from hallucinations or delusions. Rather, Kerr saw his role as chronicler of his patients’ experiences. Borrowing from social-science research methods, Kerr, Banas and their colleagues based their study on daily interviews with patients in the 22-bed inpatient unit at the Hospice campus in the hope of capturing the frequency and varied subject matter of their visions. Patients were screened to ensure that they were lucid and not in a confused or delirious state. The research, published in 2014 in The Journal of Palliative Medicine, found that visions are far more common and frequent than other researchers had found, with an astonishing 88 percent of patients reporting at least one vision. (Later studies in Japan, India, Sweden and Australia confirm that visions are common. The percentages range from about 20 to 80 percent, though a majority of these studies rely on interviews with caregivers and not patients.)

In the last 10 years, Kerr has hired a permanent research team who expanded the studies to include interviews with patients receiving hospice care at home and with their families, deepening the researchers’ understanding of the variety and profundity of these visions. They can occur while patients are asleep or fully conscious. Dead family members figure most prominently, and by contrast, visions involving religious themes are exceedingly rare. Patients often relive seminal moments from their lives, including joyful experiences of falling in love and painful ones of rejection. Some dream of the unresolved tasks of daily life, like paying bills or raising children. Visions also entail past or imagined journeys — whether long car trips or short walks to school. Regardless of the subject matter, the visions, patients say, feel real and entirely unique compared with anything else they’ve ever experienced. They can begin days, even weeks, before death. Most significant, as people near the end of their lives, the frequency of visions increases, further centering on deceased people or pets. It is these final visions that provide patients, and their loved ones, with profound meaning and solace.

Kerr’s latest research is focused on the emotional transformation he has often observed in patients who experience such visions. The first in this series of studies, published in 2019, measured psychological and spiritual growth among two groups of hospice patients: those who had visions and a control group of those who did not. Patients rated their agreement with statements including, “I changed my priorities about what is important in life,” or “I have a better understanding of spiritual matters.” Those who experienced end-of-life visions agreed more strongly with those statements, suggesting that the visions sparked inner change even at the end of life. “It’s the most remarkable of our studies,” Kerr told me. “It highlights the paradox of dying, that while there is physical deterioration, they are growing and finding meaning. It highlights what patients are telling us, that they are being put back together.”

A photo illustration of two silhouettes: one person and one dog.

In the many conversations Kerr and I have had over the past year, the contradiction between medicine’s demand for evidence and the ineffable quality of his patients’ experiences came up repeatedly. He was first struck by this tension about a year before the publication of his first study, during a visit with a World War II veteran named John who was tormented throughout his life by nightmares that took him back to the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. John had been part of a rescue mission to bring wounded soldiers to England by ship and leave those too far gone to die. The nightmares continued through his dying days, until he dreamed of being discharged from the Army. In a second dream, a fallen soldier appeared to John to tell him that his comrades would soon come to “get” him. The nightmares ended after that.

Kerr has been nagged ever since by the inadequacy of science, and of language, to fully capture the mysteries of the mind. “We were so caught up in trying to quantify and give structure to something so deeply spiritual, and really, we were just bystanders, witnesses to this,” he says. “It feels a little small to be filling in forms when you’re looking at a 90-something-year-old veteran who is back in time 70 years having an experience you can’t even understand.” When Kerr talks about his research at conferences, nurses tend to nod their heads in approval; doctors roll their eyes in disbelief. He finds that skeptics often understand the research best when they watch taped interviews with patients.

What’s striking about this footage, which dates back to Kerr’s early work in 2008, is not so much the content of the visions but rather the patients’ demeanor. “There’s an absence of fear,” Kerr says. A teenage girl’s face lights up as she describes a dream in which she and her deceased aunt were in a castle playing with Barbie dolls. A man dying of cancer talks about his wife, who died several years earlier and who comes to him in his dreams, always in blue. She waves. She smiles. That’s it. But in the moment, he seems to be transported to another time or place.

Kerr has often observed that in the very end, dying people lose interest in the activities that preoccupied them in life and turn toward those they love. As to why, Kerr can only speculate. In his 2020 book, “Death Is but a Dream,” he concludes that the love his patients find in dying often brings them to a place that some call enlightenment and others call God. “Time seems to vanish,” he told me. “The people who loved you well, secured you and contributed to who you are are still accessible at a spiritual and psychological level.”

That was the case with Connor O’Neil, who died at the age of 10 in 2022 and whose parents Kerr and I visited in their home. They told us that just two days before his death, their son called out the name of a family friend who, without the boy’s knowledge, had just died. “Do you know where you are?” Connor’s mother asked. “Heaven,” the boy replied. Connor had barely spoken in days or moved without help, but in that moment, he sat up under his own strength and threw his arms around her neck. “Mommy, I love you,” he said.

Kerr’s research finds that such moments, which transcend the often-painful physical decline in the last days of life, help parents like the O’Neils and other relatives grieve even unfathomable loss. “I don’t know where I would be without that closure, or that gift that was given to us,” Connor’s father told us. “It’s hard enough with it.” As Kerr explains, “It’s the difference between being wounded and soothed.”

In June, I visited the adult daughter of a patient who died at home just days earlier. We sat in her mother’s living room, looking out on the patio and bird feeders that had given the mother so much joy. Three days before her mother’s death, the daughter was straightening up the room when her mother began to speak more lucidly than she had in days. The daughter crawled into her mother’s bed, held her hand and listened. Her mother first spoke to the daughter’s father, whom she could see in the far corner of the room, handsome as ever. She then started speaking with her second husband, visible only to her, yet real enough for the daughter to ask whether he was smoking his pipe. “Can’t you smell it?” her mother replied. Even in the retelling, the moment felt sacred. “I will never, ever forget it,” the daughter told me. “It was so beautiful.”

I also met one of Banas’s patients, Peggy Haloski, who had enrolled in hospice for home care services just days earlier, after doctors at the cancer hospital in Buffalo found blood clots throughout her body, a sign that the yearlong treatment had stopped working. It was time for her husband, Stephen, to keep her comfortable at home, with their two greyhounds.

Stephen led Banas and me to the family room, where Peggy lay on the couch. Banas knelt on the floor, checked her patient’s catheter, reduced her prescriptions so there were fewer pills for her to swallow every day and ordered a numbing cream for pain in her tailbone. She also asked about her visions.

The nurse on call that weekend witnessed Peggy speaking with her dead mother.

“She was standing over here,” Peggy told Banas, gesturing toward the corner of the room.

“Was that the only time you saw her?” Banas asked.

“Do you think you’ll be seeing her more?”

“I will. I will, considering what’s going on.”

Peggy sank deeper into the couch and closed her eyes, recounting another visit from the dead, this time by the first greyhound she and Stephen adopted. “I’m at peace with everybody. I’m happy,” she said. “It’s not time yet. I know it’s not time, but it’s coming.”

When my mother, Chloe Zerwick, was dying in 2018, I had never heard of end-of-life visions. I was acting on intuition when her caregivers started telling me about what we were then calling hallucinations. Mom was 95 and living in her Hudson Valley home under hospice care, with lung disease and congestive heart failure, barely able to leave her bed. The hospice doctor prescribed an opioid for pain and put her on antipsychotic and anti-anxiety medicines to tame the so-called hallucinations he worried were preventing her from sleeping. It is possible that some of these medications caused Mom’s visions, but as Kerr has explained, drug-induced hallucinations do not rule out naturally occurring visions. They can coexist.

In my mother’s case, I inherently understood that her imaginary life was something to honor. I knew what medicine-induced hallucinations looked and felt like. About 10 years before her death, Mom fell and injured her spine. Doctors in the local hospital put her on an opioid to control the pain, which left her acting like a different person. There were spiders crawling on the hospital wall, she said. She mistook her roommate’s bed for a train platform. Worse, she denied that I loved her or ever did. Once we took her off the medicine, the hallucinations vanished.

The visions she was having at the end of her life were entirely different; they were connected to the long life she had led and brought a deep sense of comfort and delight. “You know, for the first time in my life I have no worries,” she told me. I remember feeling a weight lift. After more than a decade of failing health, she seemed to have found a sense of peace.

The day before her death, as her breathing became more labored, Mom made an announcement: “I have a new leader,” she said.

“Who is that?” I asked.

“Mark. He’s going to take me to the other side.”

She was speaking of my husband, alive and well back home in North Carolina.

“That’s great, Mom, except that I need him here with me,” I replied. “Do you think he can do both?”

“Oh, yes. He’s very capable.”

That evening, Mom was struggling again to breathe. “I’m thinking of the next world,” she said, and of my husband, who would lead her there. The caregiver on duty for the night and I sat at her bedside as Mom’s oxygen level fell from 68 to 63 to 52 and kept dropping until she died the next morning. My mother was not a brave person in the traditional sense of the word. She was afraid of snakes, the subway platform and any hint of pain. But she faced her death, confident that a man who loves her daughter would guide her to whatever lay ahead.

“Do you think it will happen to you?” she asked me at one point about her dreaming life.

“Maybe it’s genetic,” I replied, not knowing, as I do now, that these experiences are part of what may await us all.

Phoebe Zerwick, the author of “Beyond Innocence: The Life Sentence of Darryl Hunt,” is a North Carolina-based journalist. She teaches journalism and writing at Wake Forest University, where she directs the journalism program. Amy Friend is an artist in Canada whose work focuses on history, time, land-memory, dust, oceans and our connection to the universe.

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It’s Hard to Be a Licensed Cannabis Store in NYC

There are just 16—and they can’t promote their products in store windows or offer discounts..

There was no weed at the weed store. It was supposed to be the grand opening of a Brooklyn pop-up shop for the Travel Agency, a cannabis dispensary with a flagship store in Manhattan’s Union Square. The smaller satellite store was a strategy to build name recognition. “There’s going to be more and more dispensaries every day,” Travel Agency president Arana Hankin-Biggers tells me. “The quicker we can get people into the store, the better it is for the brand.”

It’s a crowded market. If you’ve walked down a street in New York recently, you’ve likely seen a ton of stores selling weed. The Travel Agency’s main location has been one of just 16 stores operating with a license in New York City since cannabis became legal in the state. But getting a license can be a cumbersome process. And unfortunately, on the day it was meant to open in mid-January, the Brooklyn location was still waiting for its license—which is why there was no weed in sight, just empty display cases.

Would-be customers would have no shortage of other options. Estimates vary, but there are over 1,000 , if not several thousand , unlicensed stores in the city. City government is supposedly cracking down on illegal dispensaries. In the meantime, following the “weed rules” isn’t easy: The legal stores face a number of challenges that the unlicensed stores do not.

In March 2021, New York state legalized adult-use cannabis through the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act. In addition to legalizing the recreational use of the compound, the MRTA also created the Office of Cannabis Management to provide governmental oversight and regulation of cannabis retail. The OCM prioritized giving licenses to people with prior convictions or members of communities affected by the war on drugs.

Businesses that fit certain criteria could apply, and in November 2022 the OCM approved a small number of licenses for conditional adult-use retail dispensaries. The number of licenses, especially relative to the demand for them, remains small. According to a webinar held by the office in mid-January, the board has received applications from a little over 4,300 retail dispensaries across the state and was hoping to approve a mere 250 of them soon. Even the state’s governor is fed up with how long it’s taking.

And after all that, a license doesn’t mean that a business can just open up shop wherever. Much like bars, there are rules. Legal dispensaries can’t be too close to schools, places of worship, and other legal dispensaries. These stipulations can make finding a piece of real estate to rent all the more difficult. (Housing Works Cannabis Co. has taken over an old Gap building on Broadway to sell weed.)

When it comes to getting the store into actual operation, there are several additional things the OCM requires. “It’s very involved,” Hankin-Biggers tells me. For one, all legal dispensaries must use licensed processors and growers. The products themselves have to be tested by a licensed laboratory, and each has a QR code so that customers can see test results. God forbid, if something goes wrong with a batch, there’s a way to recall it. “You’re not going to get that in an illicit place,” says Sasha Nugent, the retail manager of Housing Works Cannabis Co. Some non-licensed stores do their due diligence. Jason Coello, the owner of MetroBud NYC, which does not have a state-sanctioned cannabis license, tells me he tests all products in-house and gets weed directly from growers to ensure that the product is safe. But in many cases, customers may not know where their product is coming from—and they have to take the store’s word for it that it is doing that testing.

The OCM also requires trained vendors, or “budtenders,” to be stationed in the stores in order to help patrons determine the best product for their needs. Licensed stores hype up this aspect of the experience. “A lot of people come into our dispensary and have never been in a legal or any dispensary in their life—it’s their first experience,” Hankin-Biggers says. “It’s really confusing for customers and consumers, but we do our best to educate folks.”

All of this can make for a more expensive product—not to mention, New York places a 13 percent retail tax on cannabis products. Many customers have ranted about the prices and quality: The city’s dispensaries tend to draw from statewide cultivators, so products undoubtedly pale in comparison to the oft-worshipped weed.

“For a licensed dispensary in New York City, you better believe you are going to be paying those New York City prices,” one customer wrote in a Google review for the Travel Agency. The stores are well aware of these complaints. Travel Agency representatives are active on the store’s Yelp page, responding to almost every review, positive or negative.

“80 dollars for something that smelled like real gasoline was poured on it,” another wrote about Housing Works Cannabis Co. (The store’s owners responded to this complaint, noting that they “strive to offer diverse products with prices ranging from $10 to $60, collaborating with local farmers to ensure quality.”)

Licensed stores have limited ways to entice skeptical customers. The OCM has strict requirements for how these places can promote their cannabis. They can’t display cannabis in windows, and although customers can inspect potential products, the budtender does most of the handling. You can’t see anything from the street, really. At both Housing Works and the Travel Agency, most of the inventory is kept in a back area akin to a mailroom.

Dispensaries also can’t offer promotional rates on their products. “Licensees cannot advertise giveaways, discounts, price reductions, points-based reward systems, or customer loyalty programs including, but not limited to, by using the words ‘sale’, ‘free’, ‘price drop’, or ‘discount’ on a menu, in any communications to customers, or elsewhere,” the rules read. That is, you won’t find any BOGO or “$20 Off Tuesday” deals at legal dispensaries. The stores have to get creative, establishing membership programs where customers can get early access to products and events. (Becoming a member requires merely signing up via email—regulations prohibit any sort of loyalty of frequent-shopper programs.)

And when it comes to paying, credit cards are rarely an option, whether or not you’re shopping at a licensed store. Major banks and credit card companies have restricted cannabis purchases because the product is still federally illegal. Legal dispensaries in New York accept PIN debit cards, ACH transfers, and even cash—and for those who don’t carry cash, there are ATMs on the premises.

Many of the legal dispensaries, in an attempt to differentiate themselves from non-licensed stores, incorporate social justice causes into their businesses. (This is also an asset while getting a license approved.) The Travel Agency has a partnership with the Doe Fund—which provides housing, work, and educational opportunities to those with a history of homelessness, incarceration, and substance abuse. Housing Works Cannabis Co. is a subsidiary of the larger Housing Works nonprofit, which fights AIDS and homelessness in the city. Conbud, a legal dispensary on the Lower East Side, specifically hires formerly incarcerated individuals. Both Housing Works and the Travel Agency noted that they also employ people with prior cannabis convictions.

The weed PR people I spoke to were adamant that in spite of the challenges, they are succeeding with their licensed stores. At Housing Works, they say they see about 1,000 people a day and 60 percent of patrons become repeat customers—a stat that indicates that the store is building brand recognition and community. According to Hankin-Biggers, the Travel Agency has met and exceeded its sales projections. And more than a month after originally expected, the second Travel Agency has finally opened its bright doors, ushering customers in through a cloud-painted foyer and to—as it promises its customers —an elevated experience.

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NY lawmakers push to expand travel access for those with disabilities. What's proposed?

D epending on the season, New Yorkers often spend time in baseball stadiums, at concert venues or on state roads and highways heading to visit family for the holidays.

For most, those tasks, including using the bathroom, are relatively simple.

However, for those with disabilities and in need of adult changing tables, traveling is an arduous task — adult changing tables and other accommodations are scarce in public places across New York.

Currently, there are no adult changing tables in public restrooms throughout the state, according to members of nonprofit organization Constructive Partnerships Unlimited.

But that would all change with the passage of the Traveling with Dignity Act.

Senator Pete Harckham, who represents Westchester and the Hudson Valley, introduced the legislation alongside CP Unlimited last year.

“People with differing abilities should be able to participate in the same activities, day trips and excursions that are available to everybody, and the best way to effectuate this is to provide as many adult changing areas and disability-friendly rest areas as possible,” said Harckham.

"By providing safer, more sanitary spaces for caregivers and family members to aid adults in need of assistance, we are also elevating the respect and dignity these community members are well deserving of.”

How would the legislation help New Yorkers?

Those who wear adult undergarments need to be changed every two hours, Penny Pagliaro, the executive director of CP Unlimited's Hudson Valley Region, said.

The act would require adult changing facilities within enclosed restrooms or other similar private facilities for persons with disabilities, veterans, seniors or other individuals, and in public rest areas, museums, libraries and government-owned facilities throughout New York.

Large venues over 2,500 people would also be required to have adult changing tables and if businesses complete over $10,000 worth of renovations, they would have to include the facilities in their plans as well.

Other states, like Arizona, California, Michigan and Pennsylvania, have already passed similar laws.

This change would allow individuals with different abilities to attend hockey games, explore museums and be a part of family vacations throughout the state, which may not have been possible before.

"There's over 257,000 people in New York who use wheelchairs," Pagliaro said. "I take for granted that when I go out, I'd be able to go to the bathroom ... this is really just going to open up their world."

Community projects: See what Hudson Valley projects will receive grants from the $80 million earmarked locally

How much would it cost?

Electronic adjustable tables retail for $8,000 to $10,000 and around $2,000 more would be needed to run electricity to the units at locations in need of it, CP Unlimited CEO Joe Pancari said.

More importantly, though, Pancari wants people to look at all the opportunities people will now have to purchase tickets to sporting events, attend concerts across the state and spend time in libraries, all boosting the state's economy.

"Folks who can never attend the ballgame can now attend," Pancari said.

The top 10 Hudson Valley scams in 2023: What to know about them

What happens next?

The act has bipartisan support as well as support from both the Senate and the Assembly.

Senator Rob Rolison co-sponsored the bill and Assemblymembers Chris Burdick, Dana Levenberg and Rebecca Seawright are supporting it in the Assembly.

The goal is to get the act passed by 2025, Pancari said, and then fully implemented by 2032.

"This is really going to be lifechanging for people," Pagliaro said. "It really just opens up the world for so many people."

Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at  [email protected]  or on Twitter  @byemilybarnes .

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY lawmakers push to expand travel access for those with disabilities. What's proposed?

The New York State Thruway Plattekill service area on May 3, 2023.

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  1. HELP U TRAVEL

    Help U Travel was incredibly great in a crucial moment of my life and am forever grateful for their help. Helpful 0. Helpful 1. Thanks 0. Thanks 1. Love this 0. Love this 1. Oh no 0. Oh no 1. Ina M. Manhattan, New York, NY. 178. 3. Oct 2, 2019. Ultimately I received exactly what I was told I would get. I called before coming in on a Monday and ...

  2. help-u-travel-new-york-

    Help U Travel Passport & Visa Service. 4.0 13 reviews on. best passport services in NY . best passport services in NY ... (212) 213-2100. Cross Streets: Between W 33rd St/E 33rd St and W 34th St/E 34th St. 347 5th Ave, Ste 1212 a New York, NY 10016 369.17 mi. Is this your business? Verify your listing. Find Nearby: ATMs, Hotels, Night Clubs ...

  3. Help U Travel

    Help U Travel. 347 5th Ave #1212 A; New York, NY 10016 (212) 213-2100 Visit Website Twitter; Facebook; Get Directions Current Hours. Sun CLOSED Mon 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM ...

  4. Help U Travel, 347 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY

    Get more information for Help U Travel in Brooklyn, NY. See reviews, map, get the address, and find directions. Search MapQuest. Hotels. Food. Shopping. Coffee. Grocery. Gas. Help U Travel (212) 213-2100. More. Directions Advertisement. 347 5th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11215 Hours (212) 213-2100 ...

  5. Business Profile for Help U Travel Inc

    This organization is not BBB accredited. Travel Agency in New York, NY. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, & more.

  6. Help U Travel, 347 5th Ave, New York, NY

    Get more information for Help U Travel in New York, NY. See reviews, map, get the address, and find directions. Search MapQuest. Hotels. Food. Shopping. Coffee. Grocery. Gas. Help U Travel. 13 reviews (212) 213-2100. Website. More. Directions Advertisement. 347 5th Ave New York, NY 10016 Hours (212) 213-2100

  7. Help U Travel, 25 W 36th St, New York, NY

    Get more information for Help U Travel in New York, NY. See reviews, map, get the address, and find directions. Search MapQuest. Hotels. Food. Shopping. Coffee. Grocery. Gas. Help U Travel (800) 438-7682. Website. More. Directions Advertisement. 25 W 36th St New York, NY 10018 Hours (800) 438-7682 ...

  8. Help U Travel

    Get reviews, hours, directions, coupons and more for Help U Travel. Search for other Travel Agencies on The Real Yellow Pages®. Get reviews, hours, directions, coupons and more for Help U Travel at 347 5th Ave Rm 807, New York, NY 10016.

  9. HELP U TRAVEL

    Help U Travel in New York, reviews by real people. Yelp is a fun and easy way to find, recommend and talk about what's great and not so great in New York and beyond.

  10. 21 New York City Travel Tips (for First-Timers)

    21 Travel Tips for New York City. #1 - Use the Bathrooms at Restaurants. #2 - Reconsider Your Christmas Trip. #3 - Use Public Transportation, But Be Mindful of Rush Hour. #4 - Don't Skip Out on New York Style Pizza or Other NYC Food. #5 - Skip the Chain Restaurants. #6 - Pick Up the Pace When Walking the NYC Streets.

  11. 20+ HELPFUL Tips for Visiting New York City (LOCAL'S Advice)

    Taxis from JFK offer a flat rate to Manhattan, which is often cheaper than taking Uber or Lyft. The flat rate is $70 (+$5 rush hour surcharge weekdays between 4pm - 8pm), plus 15-20% tip. All told, I typically pay around $100-120 to get from the airport (steep prices but this is New York, baby!)

  12. Planning a New York City Trip: A Travel Guide

    Planning Your Trip . Best Time to Visit: Figuring out the best time to visit really depends on what you want to do on your trip. New York City is a great destination year round, but each season has its own perks (and disadvantages). Winter is great for visitors who want to experience the wonders of the holiday season in New York City and after New Year's crowds really dwindle and prices drop.

  13. Help U Travel Inc.

    Help U Travel Inc. . Travel Agencies. Be the first to review! Add Hours. 30. YEARS. IN BUSINESS. (212) 213-2100 Add Website Map & Directions 309 5th AveNew York, NY 10016 Write a Review.

  14. New York City Travel Guide

    New York City Travel Guide USA # 1 in Best U.S. Cities to Visit View All 111 Photos » View All 111 Photos » View All 111 Photos » View All 111 Photos » View All 111 Photos » View All 111 ...

  15. HELP U TRAVEL, New York, NY

    Check HELP U TRAVEL in New York, NY, 5th Avenue on Cylex and find ☎ (212) 213-2..., contact info, ⌚ opening hours.

  16. 17 Insanely Useful Travel Tips for NYC

    6. Stay alert the whole time. One of the most essential tips for visiting NYC for the first time is to be alert. Don't be scared, but just take standard precautions that you would take if you were traveling anywhere else. New York City is a vast city, with a population of 8.4 million people.

  17. New York Passport Agency

    Passport Help. Legal Matters. ... Greater New York Federal Building 376 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014-3621. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. ... You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

  18. Help U Travel in New York, NY 10018

    Help U Travel located at 25 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018 - reviews, ratings, hours, phone number, directions, and more.

  19. Everything you need to know about getting around New York City

    New York's subway, the MTA, is mostly reliable and very affordable. A single ride will cost you $2.75, and the city offers unlimited seven-day passes for $33 which are great for. travelers spending the week. It costs $1 for a new subway card so, repeat after us: Do not lose it!

  20. Help U Travel

    Reviews, contact details for Help U Travel, (212) 213-2 .., NY, New York, 347 5th Ave address, ⌚ opening hours, ☎️ phone number.

  21. Additional Information for Help U Travel Inc.

    Find out everything you need to know about Help U Travel Inc.. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, contact information, & more.

  22. MTA Official Apps: MYmta, TrainTime

    About our apps. Our flagship apps, MYmta and TrainTime, make it easy to find your best transit option, whether you're traveling on the subway, bus, Long Island Rail Road, or Metro-North Railroad. Our apps include tools that help you easily navigate your trip. You can plan and save trips, see real-time arrival and service status information ...

  23. Planning a Trip? Tips and Tricks for Working With a Travel Adviser

    Travel advisers can help you research the best destinations, lodging, or activities for your particular group and travel goals, offering up specific advice that might be hard or time-consuming to ...

  24. Find a U.S. embassy

    Find a U.S. embassy. U.S. embassies act as headquarters for U.S. government representatives abroad. They help U.S. citizens and non-citizens with travel and immigration-related issues. U.S. embassies are located in countries around the world. They can help U.S. citizens get help during an emergency, replace a passport, and more.

  25. Why National Guard troops are being deployed in New York's subways

    6 min. New York is sending hundreds of National Guard troops and state troopers into the New York City subway to address crime in one of the country's largest and busiest systems, Gov. Kathy ...

  26. Self-Service for Airport Security? It's ...

    At security lanes at Harry Reid International Airport, travelers with PreCheck clearance can test a new self-service screening process with remote T.S.A. agents and video monitors.

  27. What is the Best Public Square for 2024?

    Winterset Town SquareWinterset, Iowa. Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers' Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best. Voting for the Best Public Square is ...

  28. What Deathbed Visions Teach Us About Living

    1074. By Phoebe Zerwick. March 12, 2024. Chris Kerr was 12 when he first observed a deathbed vision. His memory of that summer in 1974 is blurred, but not the sense of mystery he felt at the ...

  29. NYC legal weed: Why legal stores are few and far between.

    The Travel Agency's main location has been one of just 16 stores operating with a license in New York City since cannabis became legal in the state. But getting a license can be a cumbersome ...

  30. NY lawmakers push to expand travel access for those with ...

    Lohud.com, Westchester County. NY lawmakers push to expand travel access for those with disabilities. What's proposed? Story by Emily Barnes, New York State Team. • 43m • 3 min read.