With the world getting better, folks getting vaccinated, and businesses reopening I decide to take what I call a drive-by trip to New York City ahead of my birthday trip in July. With so many businesses shutting down I wanted to have an idea of how things look.
A drive-by is a one-day trip up and back in the same day. Now that I live in the Washington, DC area it’s just a rock throw away on Amtrak. Three hours and thirty minutes max. For years I have been doing drive-by or staying a night or two in Manhattan, New York for shopping.
The Amtrak Station is located right at 34th Street.
Join Travel Rewards Programs
I joined the Amtrak Guest Rewards program so not only do I get alerts when they are running specials, but my points add up for free rides sometimes. I’ve purchased one-way tickets as low as $19 because I got the alert and purchased them in advance. Great Deals! Keep in mind that if you don’t have enough points for your roundtrip, you can use half points and have cash or credit card payments. This is called spending your money wisely.
Another smart traveling trick is joining chain hotel reward programs which are a must. Not only can you use your reward points for hotel stays but you have access to guest programs and specials for members only which are worth their weight in gold. I’m also a big supporter of using my credit card like American Express who also has a rewards program and affiliations with airlines and hotels. You may already have a credit card that is affiliated with a travel or hotel program. If you don’t own one it may be wise to get a credit card that doubles as a rewards giveback.
You probably are saying, I don’t know where to go shopping. Here are a few ideas:
-
The Amtrak station is located right at 34th street which is the location for the Macy’s Day Parade and there are lots of stores in that area if you want to stay close.
-
Visit your favorite stores online and find out the location of their Manhattan stores.
-
New York City boroughs of Manhattan have Uptown, Midtown, Eastside, Westside, Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, Soho, East Village, Little Italy, and Chinatown just to name a few.
-
The summer months bring out lots of street vendors and you will see them everywhere. Just remember to have your money for these purchases at easy access (pants pockets, side pocket) because it’s cash only.
Finally, How to Get Around the City!
The good thing about shopping in New York City boroughs in Manhattan is there is good public transportation and so many taxis everywhere you look. The thing with taxis is to act like a local and throw that hand up in the air and hail one.
-
Their commuter trains require a special pass that you purchase or if you are there for one day you can purchase an ‘all day pass’ which is cheaper and won’t have you worrying about purchasing for every trip.
-
For taxis, I always put about $30- in one and five-dollar bills in an envelope, so I don’t have to worry about drivers having change or digging in my pockets for money. Yes you can pay by credit card, but I like cash for taxis
Speaking of credit cards, I also call my bank or credit card company to let them know I will be out of town and using my debit or credit card. In my early years, I had my credit card denied because they thought it was stolen and someone was using it. You live and learn!
Traveling Safe
My biggest advice that I can pass along is like anywhere else. Don’t go by yourself, stay with the group, don’t stray on your own. Be aware of your surrounding and keep your eyes on everything. New York has busy streets and some bad people are always out there looking for an easy mark to rip off.
That is why I stress getting your money and credit cards organized in your pockets and purse.
A tip for ladies is to not carry totes or open purses that don’t zip up. Many years ago, when I was a rookie shopping in New York these two ladies working together picked my pocket. One asks if I would reach up high to get her a shirt and while I was doing that the other woman went inside my tote bag and stole my wallet. I realized it when I went to pay for something and canceled my cards asap.
I hope this helps and if you have questions drop me a line!!!
When I got the gist of this Influencer game, I thought oh hell no! I just found my second act in life. Hosting a blog will allow me to bring you all the goodies that I know about shoes. Giving you style tips, educating you on how to have an eye for shoes, and be a positive critic of the fashion trends.
Comments are closed.