New York on my own for a few days?

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  1. Jsee's Avatar
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    New York on my own for a few days?
    Ok, so I really want to visit NYC, I want to live my life as well as possible, and this summer it seems I am going to accomplish a good few months, yet I want to go to NYC, however, no one I know has the money and/ or time to go with me. I would go the end of August/ beginning of September for 5 nights, roughly. I am very independent already and can cope with my own company and would love to go out there and just do stuff just I want to do. Just for reference, I am known as a Brendan Sheerin as I can plan and cope with things like this well by myself. I really want to go back to the US as it's been a while since I have been. I am 18, will be 19 by the time I fly out. Money isn't too much of an issue, as I could use some savings and I have jobs which I could get more hours to take spending money with me, but, I am wondering whether people think this is a good idea? Would you do it at my age? Has it been done with success before? Can reply to questions or comments! Thanks.
  2. Glow in the dark's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    Would think you will be fine out there as you seem pretty mature, I'm going at the start of September again and it's great, I'm going with someone though. It would probably be more fun if you had a friend to experience it with you but I wouldn't advise against it
  3. HeyyImRyan's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    (Original post by Jsee)
    Ok, so I really want to visit NYC, I want to live my life as well as possible, and this summer it seems I am going to accomplish a good few months, yet I want to go to NYC, however, no one I know has the money and/ or time to go with me. I would go the end of August/ beginning of September for 5 nights, roughly. I am very independent already and can cope with my own company and would love to go out there and just do stuff just I want to do. Just for reference, I am known as a Brendan Sheerin as I can plan and cope with things like this well by myself. I really want to go back to the US as it's been a while since I have been. I am 18, will be 19 by the time I fly out. Money isn't too much of an issue, as I could use some savings and I have jobs which I could get more hours to take spending money with me, but, I am wondering whether people think this is a good idea? Would you do it at my age? Has it been done with success before? Can reply to questions or comments! Thanks.

    I'd hate to be in China Town alone when the police raid and all the shutters come down Other than that you should be fine, although going with a friend would be a good idea for more enjoyment and safety!
  4. Cll_ws's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    (Original post by Jsee)
    Ok, so I really want to visit NYC, I want to live my life as well as possible, and this summer it seems I am going to accomplish a good few months, yet I want to go to NYC, however, no one I know has the money and/ or time to go with me. I would go the end of August/ beginning of September for 5 nights, roughly. I am very independent already and can cope with my own company and would love to go out there and just do stuff just I want to do. Just for reference, I am known as a Brendan Sheerin as I can plan and cope with things like this well by myself. I really want to go back to the US as it's been a while since I have been. I am 18, will be 19 by the time I fly out. Money isn't too much of an issue, as I could use some savings and I have jobs which I could get more hours to take spending money with me, but, I am wondering whether people think this is a good idea? Would you do it at my age? Has it been done with success before? Can reply to questions or comments! Thanks.

    I'm going alone this summer as well, sometime in July I think, i'll make sure to leave a post if I make it back alive

    I'm travelling around a few different places over about 3 weeks, NY, Phili, Boston, Toronto and a couple of others. I'm only 20, and i've never been to the US before, so you've got that on me already! But I imagine it'll be fine, I don't plan on wandering alone into any places that I have no reason to, just stick to the more touristy areas, see the sights and all that.
  5. M4LLY's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    Do it, it souds awesome!
  6. Vindobona's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    I've travelled to several American cities by myself and never had any problems. In fact, it was great.

    I was under 21 too and got ID'd in every supermarket and bar when trying to buy a drink, so no alcohol.
    Last edited by Vindobona; 06-05-2012 at 00:29.
  7. ArcadiaHouse's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    Holden Caulfield Holden Caulfield Holden Caulfield Holden Caulfield
  8. rockrunride's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    Did it at 18 myself for two weeks, you'll be fine.
  9. standreams's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    New York is a great city to be by yourself in- it's easy to get around, safe, and a nice easy introduction if you haven't travelled alone before.
  10. Jsee's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    (Original post by Vindobona)
    I've travelled to several American cities by myself and never had any problems. In fact, it was great.

    I was under 21 too and got ID'd in every supermarket and bar when trying to buy a drink, so no alcohol.
    How did you find taking pictures of yourself? I really want some pictures of me in front of some landmarks...
    Also, did it get lonely, I am wondering what it's like when you go to the locations and look around, go on tours etc... Or does doing all of those things take your mind off of it?
  11. Jsee's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    (Original post by rockrunride)
    Did it at 18 myself for two weeks, you'll be fine.
    Sorry, didn't know how to do a double quote...

    How did you find taking pictures of yourself as well? I really want some pictures of me in front of some landmarks...
    Also, did it get lonely, I am wondering what it's like when you go to the locations and look around, go on tours etc... Or does doing all of those things take your mind off of it?
  12. rockrunride's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    (Original post by Jsee)
    Sorry, didn't know how to do a double quote...

    How did you find taking pictures of yourself as well? I really want some pictures of me in front of some landmarks...
    Also, did it get lonely, I am wondering what it's like when you go to the locations and look around, go on tours etc... Or does doing all of those things take your mind off of it?
    I didn't, basically. I find that pictures are great with nobody in them, no risk of badly posing, and they hallmark you as an adventurer. If you wanted them though, just buddy up with someone in your hostel and do the tours with them. That kind of answers your second question.
  13. omaro2266's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    (Original post by Jsee)
    Sorry, didn't know how to do a double quote...

    How did you find taking pictures of yourself as well? I really want some pictures of me in front of some landmarks...
    Also, did it get lonely, I am wondering what it's like when you go to the locations and look around, go on tours etc... Or does doing all of those things take your mind off of it?
    I've been to NYC many times but never alone, I was with my family but since I'm very interested in visits I was going alone all day and meeting them at nights. Visiting alone NYC is a good thing, I really loved it, there's too much to see!

    For the pictures no worries, I like taking too much pictures of myself hahha so I ask strangers or other tourists they are always glad to take them. For the tours, I did a cruise and a 2 days touristic bus for 54$ and much offers but it was a winter offer... But you can do some free walk tours with guides or you can go by yourself via tube. There's a lot to see in NYC, if you have any questions feel free to ask.
  14. BHS12's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    This all depends on of course- if your parents are comfortable with you going alone? We all have different parents of course, but I know my parents wouldn't let me go on my own. Its a long way away if something goes wrong.

    But yeah, you seem pretty mature and if you can afford it/your parents will be happy with it- then go.
  15. Vindobona's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    (Original post by Jsee)
    How did you find taking pictures of yourself? I really want some pictures of me in front of some landmarks...
    Also, did it get lonely, I am wondering what it's like when you go to the locations and look around, go on tours etc... Or does doing all of those things take your mind off of it?
    I usually ask others to take a picture of me with my camera. So far nobody ever tried to run away with it

    I don't mind doing the tourist-y stuff by myself at all. It's enjoyable as it lets you fully focus on the atmosphere, the culture, the sights, etc... What I like most is the independence when travelling solo. I can go wherever I want whenever I want without worrying about conflicting preferences. The only times when it can get a bit lonely is in the evening. I enjoy discovering local restaurants, bars, and clubs, but this is sometimes awkward when you're by yourself and these places are full of groups.
  16. hasan4life's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    (Original post by Jsee)
    Ok, so I really want to visit NYC, I want to live my life as well as possible, and this summer it seems I am going to accomplish a good few months, yet I want to go to NYC, however, no one I know has the money and/ or time to go with me. I would go the end of August/ beginning of September for 5 nights, roughly. I am very independent already and can cope with my own company and would love to go out there and just do stuff just I want to do. Just for reference, I am known as a Brendan Sheerin as I can plan and cope with things like this well by myself. I really want to go back to the US as it's been a while since I have been. I am 18, will be 19 by the time I fly out. Money isn't too much of an issue, as I could use some savings and I have jobs which I could get more hours to take spending money with me, but, I am wondering whether people think this is a good idea? Would you do it at my age? Has it been done with success before? Can reply to questions or comments! Thanks.
    how about going with trek america? most ppl that go withm if they are travelling alone, its safer, get to meets loads of ppl and get to see a lot of sights too
  17. tehFrance's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    (Original post by Jsee)
    <Snip>
    I'd say go for it although if you want to go clubbing or something, it is best to go with another person so you can have a wing-man in the clubs!!! :banana:
  18. Jsee's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    (Original post by BHS12)
    This all depends on of course- if your parents are comfortable with you going alone? We all have different parents of course, but I know my parents wouldn't let me go on my own. Its a long way away if something goes wrong.

    But yeah, you seem pretty mature and if you can afford it/your parents will be happy with it- then go.
    Yeah, they're ok. I'm going away in the summer already to Greece with friends and they had no doubts
    Also, my aunt and uncle are American so can contact them with any questions.
  19. Jsee's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    (Original post by omaro2266)
    I've been to NYC many times but never alone, I was with my family but since I'm very interested in visits I was going alone all day and meeting them at nights. Visiting alone NYC is a good thing, I really loved it, there's too much to see!

    For the pictures no worries, I like taking too much pictures of myself hahha so I ask strangers or other tourists they are always glad to take them. For the tours, I did a cruise and a 2 days touristic bus for 54$ and much offers but it was a winter offer... But you can do some free walk tours with guides or you can go by yourself via tube. There's a lot to see in NYC, if you have any questions feel free to ask.
    Would you say 3 whole days (5 days on US soil, in total) was enough to see things like Brooklyn, Central Park, Lower East, Times Square and do a good shop? Amongst some usual tourist stuff? I have a special way of not having the time difference problem, so no worries about having to rest for a day!
  20. Jsee's Avatar
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    Re: New York on my own for a few days?
    (Original post by Vindobona)
    I usually ask others to take a picture of me with my camera. So far nobody ever tried to run away with it

    I don't mind doing the tourist-y stuff by myself at all. It's enjoyable as it lets you fully focus on the atmosphere, the culture, the sights, etc... What I like most is the independence when travelling solo. I can go wherever I want whenever I want without worrying about conflicting preferences. The only times when it can get a bit lonely is in the evening. I enjoy discovering local restaurants, bars, and clubs, but this is sometimes awkward when you're by yourself and these places are full of groups.
    Haha, hopefully same won't happen for me! This is one major thing for me, because I want some pictures of me in front of the Friends house and from the top of the Empire State...
    Yes, this is exactly true, I usually have conflicts with friends or family about where to go! Would you recommend for me to do it then?
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