Follow The Rules On Re
Before coming back to London, you must be in self-quarantine for at least ten days before travelling.
Also, you must take two tests before getting the go-ahead into the country. You could not be given access if you travelled to any red zoned areas by the UK Government.
If you pass these rules, you will get access back to London from New York with no problems. Just remember that the old rules on customs still apply.
Know What ‘downtown’ Means
In New York, when someone says downtown, they dont mean the commercial center of the city. In New York , downtown means in a southerly direction or one of the neighborhoods below 14th street. So, if someone says I live downtown, it means that they live in one of those neighborhoods. But if we were standing on 79th street and I said, Im heading downtown, I could mean that Im making my way towards anywhere between 78th street, one block down, and Bowling Green, at the southernmost tip of the island.
Midtown means the neighborhoods in the middle section of Manhattan, between 14th Street and 59th Street, which also happens to be the busiest, most office-building-filled part of the city. And uptown means north or any of the neighborhoods in Manhattan above 59th Street. So thats Im taking a cab uptown, and I live uptown .
To make things more complicated, theres also a neighborhood in Brooklyn known as Downtown Brooklyn, which sort of corresponds to the traditional notion of the word in that its busy and there are a lot of tall buildings there. But its not the center of the borough by any means. Making sure you’ve got this all down will only help you avoid confusing the locals when asking for directions.
New York Citys Train Station Essentials
Located in the bustling heart of Manhattan, Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station is the Northeast corridor gateway to a national network of trains connecting the continental United States and Canada.
- Complimentary WiFi
- Metropolitan Lounge with private conference rooms, private restrooms, expanded complimentary food and beverage offerings, and dedicated customer service agents
- Dedicated customer waiting area and lactation lounges for nursing mothers
- Easy connection to the NYC Subway system
- A few steps from Madison Square Garden and Macys Herald Square
Amtraks Northeastern hub connects passengers not only to major cities in New York and to the surrounding states of New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, but from coast-to-coast as well. Popular destinations from New York by train also include Florida, Chicago, and Washington, DC.
Take a look at the full list of Amtrak’s Northeast train routes for the essential details on amenities, accommodations, menus, local guides, route highlights and much more.
Ready to go right now? Buy train tickets to New York City above, from the Amtrak app, via Quik-Trak kiosks or from a ticketing agent at any Amtrak station.
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Itinerary Planning Idea #3 Exploring Lower Manhattan
Yes, Times Square needs to be seen, but it should also be left. New York City has so much more to offer first-timers! Take the subway down to Lower Manhattan and do a bit of exploring.
Whether you want to shop in Soho, see classic NYC in Greenwich Village, eat well in Chinatown, or want a detailed Lower Manhattan itinerary, youll glimpse more of the real Manhattan by heading away from midtowns more touristy spots.
A few iconic sights should not be missed while youre at Manhattans southern tip. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must! Stroll along the pedestrian promenade to admire the New York City views and wonder over how such an impressive structure was built before the days of power tools.
Pro Tip: Many visitors like to head into Brooklyn and get pizza at Grimaldis. The pizza is delicious, but if you prefer not to wait in long lines, see my recommended pizza stops in the Lower Manhattan itinerary above.
The 9/11 Memorial and Museum remembers and reflects on the events and the lives lost during the terrorist attacks. The experience is emotional but poignant and so well-designed.
The reflecting pools are in the original tower footprints with the names of victims inscribed around the edges. The museum houses artifacts like a damaged firetruck and the personal anecdotal accounts of the day. The memorial and museum simultaneously honor the fallen, inspire a sense of Patriotism, and encourage a continuing faith in the goodness of humanity.
Dont Obsess About The Main Tourist Attractions In Nyc You Cant See Everything In One Trip
Dont feel like you need to do everything. A lot of my friends come to NYC feeling overwhelmed and like they need to see/do all the major attractions. As someone who grew up in New York, I can tell you: you will NEVER see everything. Ive tried, but New York City never stays the same That said, the major attractions remain there for your next trip.
Nothing remains stationary, so even if you live in New York, youll constantly be discovering new neighborhoods, museum exhibits, and eateries! I love to pick up Time Out New York or check their website to find out about upcoming parties, events, and museum exhibitions. A new edition comes out each week.
I think that one of the most important things to know when traveling to New York is that you can try and rush about to see AS MUCH AS possible, but at some point, consider what you actually want to see rather than ticking off every box off some list you found on the internet.
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Skip The Stress Of Planning A Trip To New York And Simplify Your Ride With Amtrak Train Travel
Every year millions of people plan trips to New York City. This iconic location is filled with history, landmarks and cultural experiences. Some people want to visit Chinatown or Little Italy. Others want to see the Statue of Liberty or Central Park. For sports fan there is Madison Square Garden and Yankees Stadium. And what visit is complete without a trip to Times Square?
If you’re planning a trip to New York, you’ve probably thought about seeing all these places and maybe adding in a trip to Broadway, Wall Street or the 9/11 Memorial as well. And while you’re excited about the trip, you’re less excited about how you’re going to get there. The first choice is to head into the city by car, but you’ll likely have to pay tolls, sit in traffic jams and spend time finding a place to park.
But you don’t have to let driving concerns stop you from heading to the Big Apple. Instead of traveling into the city by car, why not take the train?
Amtrak offers 14 different routes that include a stop at New York’s famous Penn Station. You’ll see this iconic location and even be able to access Madison Square Garden without ever stepping foot outside. You’re just steps away from accessing the subway system or Manhattan’s downtown streets, all without having to find a parking spot.
Entry For Green Card And Current Visa Holders
New and renewed Green Cards are not currently being issued. However, existing Green Cards remain valid, although individuals who have been away from the USA for a substantial period of time should check their validity with their nearest US Embassy or Consulate before traveling. Further details are on the US Citizens and Immigration Services website.
Those with existing visas remain valid as long as the holders are in the USA. All current visa holders based in the USA wishing to travel to the UK or any other country covered by the Presidential Proclamation are strongly advised to check before they travel as to whether they would need an exception to re-enter the USA. The US authorities only consider applications for these once you have left the USA, so applying before travel is not possible.
Students travelling from the UK with valid F-1 and M-1 visas, do not need to seek a national interest exception to travel.
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Free Museums And Attractions
With so many free museums and attractions, one could keep themselves busy in New York City for a week or more without spending a penny.
Before you pay full price for anything, look at our comprehensive guide to free museums and attractions as well as free activities in NYC.
Also, check on Groupon and Living Social for discounts on tours, tickets to shows, meals, top attractions and more.
Again, look at the many options of tourist passes.
They include so many of the citys tourist attractions, museums, and other activities, you really could save a bundle.
Museums and Institutions
You will be amazed by how many museums are free in New York.
Even those that are not set aside special hours or days when entrance is free. The best of them is Free Fridays at the Museum of Modern Art.
Some museums are technically free, but they just dont advertise it.
You dont need to pay the full price, which is a suggested donation. Take advantage of this when visiting the American Museum of Natural History.
You can donate any amount of money to gain entry to their main exhibit halls. This could be huge savings for families!
Have a look at our long list of always-free museums. The post also includes which museums are suggested donation, have free days or free hours.
Attractions and Other Activities
Start saving by taking a look at our post on getting discounts on New York City attractions. Here a few discounts to get you going!
You Do Not Need To Be A Us Citizen To Get A New York Driver License Permit Or Non
However, if you are applying for a REAL ID document,you must have US Department of Homeland Security documentation that supports your legal status in this country. The expiration date from your DHS document is added to your New York State permit, driver license or non-driver ID card.Learn more about how to get a
If I have a driver license from another country and I have a NY State learner permit, can I drive without a supervising driver?
Yes. Your valid foreign driver license allows you to drive without a supervising driver. You can drive on any street, road, highway, bridge, or tunnel, except in a DMV road test area.
If your driver license is printed in any language except English, you must bring an International Driving Permit or a certified translation of your driver license to the road test. The translation must be certified by a consulate, the US Department of State, or another official agency. The translation must include
- your name
- your date of birth
- the expiration date of your foreign driver license
- a list of the types of vehicles that your foreign driver license allows you to drive
If you have a NY State learner permit, and you do not have a valid foreign driver license, NY State law requires a supervising driver to ride with you. The supervising driver must be age 21 or over and must have a valid driver license to operate the vehicle that you drive.
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Who Is Eligible To Get A Copy Of A Birth Certificate
- The person named on the birth certificate.
- A parent of the person named on the birth certificate. The requesting parent’s name must be on the birth certificate.
- A spouse, child or others, but only by order of a New York State court.
What identification needs to be submitted by the applicant?
Application must be submitted with copies of either A or B:
Please submit a copy of your U.S. passport in addition to the above ID if you are applying from a foreign country that requires a passport for travel.
When To Go In New York City
Summer or winter, rain or shine, theres always great stuff going on in New York City, so when youre planning a trip to New York City, theres no real best or worst time to go.
Culture hounds might come in fall, winter, and early spring, when the theater and performing-arts seasons reach their heights. During summer, many of the top cultural institutions, especially Lincoln Center, offer free, alfresco entertainment. Those who want to see the biggest hits on Broadway usually have the best luck getting tickets in the slower months of January and February.
Gourmands might find it easiest to land the best tables during July and August, when New Yorkers escape the city on weekends. If you prefer to walk every city block to take in the sights, spring and fall usually offer the mildest and most pleasant weather.
New York is a nonstop holiday party from early December through the start of the New Year. Celebrations of the season abound in festive holiday windows and events such as the lighting of the Rockefeller Center tree and the Radio City Christmas Spectacularnot to mention those terrific seasonal sales that make New York a holiday shopping bonanza.
However, keep in mind that hotel prices go sky high, and the crowds are almost intolerable. If youd rather have more of the city to yourselfbetter chances at restaurant reservations and shows, and easier access to museums and other attractionschoose another time of year to visit.
Money Matters
Weather
Holidays
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Free And Discounted Sightseeing Tours
Of course, we would love for you to join us on one of our pay-what-you-wish tours. But you have many other options too.
Below are some articles we have written about many ways to sight-see for free or at a discount.
- We have a vast array of downloadable and free self-guided tours, as well as many GPS-enabled audio tours.
- See the city from the water for free, or as close to free as possible. Our post, Free New York Boat Tours, tells you how.
- Take a hop-on-hop-off bus for a convenient way to explore the city. Click here to get 20% off ticket prices with Big Bus.
- For other bus tours, read our informative post on Which New York Bus Tour is the Best. We compare cost and quality.
- Sightsee by bike. NYC is very bike-friendly. You can rent a bike and explore on your own or join a guided bike tour.
- Get 20% off bike tours of Central Park and Brooklyn, as well as the cost of rentals by using the promo code use code FTBF.
- You can take a free tour at many of New York Citys most famous landmarks like the Federal Reserve, Grand Central, and Federal Hall.
- Get a discount on a Helicopter Tour! Our post provides tips on how to get discounts for chopper rides.
TIP: Before booking a tour, note that many sightseeing tours are included for free in several tourist passes.
So Can Brits Visit The Us And Vice Versa
Put simply: yes. From early November, double-vaccinated Brits will be able to visit the US, and US residents will continue being allowed to visit the UK, as they are now provided they follow the correct government guidance. The exact date in November has not yet been confirmed though the White House has confirmed it will be early November. It’s always best to double-check the UK Foreign Office website and the government site of the country you are visiting before you travel anywhere right now, and to make sure to arrange the correct travel insurance if you are booking a trip.
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You Dont Need To Be Fashionable In New York But It Cant Hurt
Wondering what to wear for your trip to New York? Dont feel like you need to be a fashionista and wear comfortable shoes. Despite its reputation, nobody cares whether you look fashionable OR cool beyond not looking sloppy.
You can look cool , but go for comfy cool. Think black dresses with white sneakers or chic comfy flats, but if you want to wear the craziest outfit you have, go for it. If anything, someone might ask you for a photo as they love your outfit. Uniqueness is valued, so bring some fun clothes with you .
Dont wear heels if you cant walk for miles in them. You can always carry them in your bag if you want them for photos, but if your goal is to SEE as much as possible, I recommend a comfortable pair of sneakers rather than heels. Youll be walking miles, even if you dont intend to!
I Want To Move To New York After College Graduation Can I Afford It
After three semesters of online school, I’ve been in denial, but it’s time to face it. I graduate in a month. I wish I could be in college forever , but it’s time to get ready for adulthood.
And, like most soon to be graduates, I have some big questions to answer. Like:
1. Where will I live?
2. How much will I need to live independently?
3. How will I pay for 1& 2?
4. How on earth do I get a job?
I set out to ask experts and friends who have successfully moved to a new city for advice.
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Where Can I Save Money
But before you decide to hop on the next flight to the big city of your choice, remember: Moving is expensive. There are a lot of moving costs that you might not think of when you’re planning for The Future, but they can sure add up.
Luckily, I know a few “experts” friends who already made the cross-country move to New York. Here are a few tips they offered to help you keep your moving costs low:
1. Local groups. Join local Facebook groups a month before you move so you can find free/cheap furniture to have waiting for you when you get there.
2. Rent a moving truck. If you rent a U-Haul to move, make sure you keep it an extra day to go pick up any furniture you may need, especially if you’re moving without a car. If you use professional movers or fly, look into renting a U-Haul van for like $20 a day to do a big day of errands: picking up furniture, a Costco haul, your first grocery shop.
3. Leave it! Be OK with leaving things behind, especially if you’re moving into an apartment. You can always get used furniture and you’ll definitely want new clothing to fit in to your new city.
4. Sell it. You can always make some extra money by selling old things to underclassmen or posting in free or for-sale pages.
“If you’re one person looking to live with roommates, there are a lot of options, and wading through them all to find one that’s a good fit is the challenge,” Corbin said.