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The Comptons again. Need your input for "Travel Tips"

For that New York City trip with two 14-year-old girls in April, we need some "Travel Tips." The girls are a grandaughter whom we see once a year and her friend whom we've never met. For our walking trip, here is our start at a list . . . Wear good walking shoes with two pairs of socks. Leave sandals and flip-flops at home. On sidewalks, try to keep to the right -- not more than two abreast. On roads, walk on the left facing traffic. Stay together. Keep in sight of each other. When stopping on the sidewalk, stay close to either side. Leave sidewalks and intersections clear. In restaurants, pay attention to the right side of the menu to stay on budget. Pack only the exact number of clothes that will be used. Sometimes, one set of clothes may be worn more than one day -- for example, second day on the train. Check toilet kit carefully. Most often, the missing items are toothbrush and tooth paste. Use restrooms whenever available. It might be quite a distance to the next one. Beware of tourist traps -- stores and attractions. Compare prices. On the train, have some activity materials -- paperback book, games, puzzles, etc. Take one small package of favorite snacks for necessary use. Thanks for your ideas and comments.

Man, you guys read too many travel magazines. Just go and ENJOY yourself!! You don't have to plan for EVERY contingency.

Are you by any chance related to Armstrong Wong?

On sidewalks, try to keep to the right -- not more than two abreast. <<< You won't always be able to heed this rule. Just walk. Don't worry about right side or numbers abreast. On roads, walk on the left facing traffic. <<< Throw out this rule if you are navigating New York City streets. The key will be knowing where you want to go and what side of the street you need to be on -and what block. Don't sweat it if you get lost - you can't as most of the streets and avenues are numbered. In restaurants, pay attention to the right side of the menu to stay on budget. Not certain this applies. I'd check the price on any page of the menu to see what fits the budget. Your choice of restaurant will decide total cost, not necessarily the side of the menu. When stopping on the sidewalk, stay close to either side. Leave sidewalks and intersections clear. <<< You will see people bunching up trying to cross the busiest intersections. But common sense will say not to stop on the corner to just look. Check toilet kit carefully. Most often, the missing items are toothbrush and tooth paste. << You can buy anything you forget. Beware of tourist traps -- stores and attractions. Compare prices. <<< Prices very widely for NYC tourist 'stuff' - but leave enough time to shop so you don't wish you bought the 'thing' you saw the first day. Don't practice this rule any longer. I buy the 'thing' the minute I like it. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING AT THE ELECTRONICS STORES IN NY CITY. THEY ARE TRULY RIP-OFFs with high pressure sales. << I sense you are sincere with these questions. I also sense nervousness, like you are going to a foreign country; you want to be safe, prepared and aware of the customs. NYC is not some far-out place with unfriendly residents who don't understand your native tounge. You will drive your grandaughter and her friend crazy (and embarass them too) if you heed all the "tips" religiously. Best thing would be to have a plan on where you want to go and when... It can be very well scripted (as in some walking books) or loosey-goosey. Use your own judgement if something doesn't seem "right"

Very good comments. We're not new to NYC but with two 14-year-olds we're getting ready for possible unknowns and to give them some advice based on our travel experiences. We're sure they can be like adults, but then . . . Thanks for replying.

Hi again: First of all have a great time! Welcome to NYC. In addition to the other things I've told you in your previous posts.. Bring or buy Shout wipes--great for spills on your clothes Tissues..most hotels do not supply them One pair of socks is sufficient..carry the extra pair in your purse or backpack... When the side walks are really crowded, I make sure to HOLD onto my family member..Arm through elbow or a finger in a belt loop.. mix and match your clothes (two or three blouses to each pair of slacks) Check the menu before you enter or sit down at a restaurant...too much then there's another two doors down! You can purchase any snack or soft drink you like at a local deli or supermarket...carry a bootle of water in your backpack.. Oh and most important...Relax and have a great time!

I appreciate the idea of staying no more than two abreast when walking in NYC. I just wish more people did that. I'm generally in a hurry whe walking to appointments or coming to and from work. It's frustrating to walk behind a group of 3 or 4 people abreast who occupy most of the available space on a sidewalk and make it extremely difficult for faster walkers to pass. I've often wished they could have "express" walking lanes for those of us in a hurry! Another practice that some visitors engage in (to the great frustration of others) is stopping right at the top of the stairs wto look at maps or discuss which way to walk when exiting the subway. I see this happen regularly and it impedes progress for other folks going in both directions. The bottle of water in the backpack is a great idea. Since I tend to be frugal, I regularly carry a bottle when doing lots of walking and refill it from drinking fountains when I happen across one. The drinking water from the tap in NYC is as good or better than you'll find in almost any city.

A word you might want to share with the kids before your trip is not to get taken in by the street vendors in busy tourist sections like near the Empire State Building; there are plenty of three-card monte-type games foing on and people selling $10 "designer" sunglasses and watches guaranteed to fall apart ten minutes later. The $5 videocassettes of movies in current release usually *are* too good to be true; they're not pirated official versions, but the result of someone taking a video camera into the theater and filming what's on the screen. Unless they're blank. On the other hand, the t-shirts and fake designer handbags sold on the street aren't raw deals if you like the price and aren't under any illusions about what you're buying. I wouldn't worry about which side of the sidewalk you're on, and you won't be walking in the street except when you're crossing. Walking only two abreast is a good idea, as many New Yorkers walk fast and get frustrated at not being able to pass a group of tourists walking slowly, four abreast, gaping at the tall buildings :-). The only crime you're remotely likely to encounter is pickpocketing in busy places, so don't leave yourself open to it; remember to not put valuables in backpacks, fanny packs, or bags that you can't keep your hand or eye on, keep your wallet in your front pocket especially on public transportation, and carry cameras with straps around the neck or across the chest, not just on the shoulder or dangling from your wrist. You'll find most New Yorkers friendly and helpful, contrary to stereotype, so don't hesitate to ask for directions or info.