It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you step off the plane in John F. Kennedy International Airport or LaGuardia Airport. To help you get oriented and make the most of your time in the city, have a good logistical plan in place before you even get on the plane.
Before you start exploring New York, get your logistics planned out; a bit of simple initial planning will save you a lot of time and hassle! Here are what you need to sort out before you start exploring New York.
Getting Out of the Airport
First, figure out how you’re escaping the airport and getting to the city itself. If you’ve decided to hire a car in New York, look up where you’ll be collecting it from (the airports all have rental kiosks — work out where they are! Or, if you’re renting from elsewhere, ask if they can deliver the car to you at the airport).
If you’ve decided on getting the AirTrain from JFK, work out where the train leaves from. Similarly, figure out the bus stands and routes, or the taxi pickup points. This will save you a lot of confused wandering around the airport.
It’s worth noting that the airport you fly into can make a difference. New York is served by three major airports: JFK (the largest and busiest), LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty (which is actually in New Jersey). JFK has AirBus stops right inside the terminal, which will take you straight to the central subway stations.
LaGuardia has good bus and train links to Queens, from where you can easily get to any other central borough. And Newark, while further out, is well served by a train service to Manhattan.
Storing Your Luggage
If your flight gets in early, your hotel room might not be ready for you. Ask the hotel front desk if you can leave your bags with them and, if they say no (they shouldn’t, but some do), have a backup plan in place.
You can usually find luggage storage services near train stations or busy shopping areas. Drop off your bags and use the time while you’re waiting to check in to do a bit of light exploring.
Establish Your Neighborhood Logistics
Take a bit of time to check out the neighborhood you’re staying in. Look at a map, and note the nearest subway stations and grocery stores. You may also want to identify a nearby café where you can easily grab a bite. Use this information to help you anchor yourself in your “home” neighborhood.
First, download a subway map before you leave the airport. Even if you don’t plan on using the subway much, you may find yourself hopping on the subway in a pinch, so have the map at hand just in case. You may also want to get a transit card for the subway; this can speed things up a lot at the subway stations.
Organize Your Payment Methods
Organize your payment methods early. Carry a small amount of cash in addition to your credit card; you may need cash at smaller stores or food stands. If you’re using a card issued outside the USA, make sure to notify your bank in advance that you are traveling.
New York is a lot safer than a lot of people think, but it’s still a good idea to be cautious when carrying cash and cards. Keep your money and important documents in safe, hard-to-grab locations like inner pockets, and keep a firm grip on your bag at all times.
Never put your phone in your back jeans pocket; it’s surprisingly easy for thieves to lift phones from back pockets!
General Advice for Your New York Travel
New York weather can be changeable, so check the weather forecast before you go out each day. Depending on the season, bring a warm and waterproof jacket.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. New York involves a lot more walking than you might think, and the sidewalks are unforgiving on the soles.
Think about safety when you first arrive. Traffic moves quickly in New York, so pay attention to traffic signals when crossing roads. Stay aware of your surroundings while walking through the city.
Finally, confirm your first destination before leaving your hotel. Choose one place you want to see first (for example, Central Park) and plan the route there. Choose a clear starting point so you do not feel confused at the start of the trip.
Good Logistics Make for a Good Trip
Planning out your logistics in advance means you can focus on exploring New York without the extra stress and hassle of having to figure out how to get places or to deal with things like money and the weather on the hoof. You can move through the city with pre-planned ease, and fit in everything you want to see and do without too much logistical stress.
Aleah Taboclaon is a location independent writer, editor, and the travel blogger behind Solitary Wanderer. She's partial to slow travel, and prefers extreme adventures like hiking and caving over sightseeing. She likes running (completed one marathon, training for the next!), diving (PADI open water diver), and traveling with her Kindle. Follow her on Instagram and Pinterest!
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