New York on your own?
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Discussion

Bungleaio

Original Poster:

6,591 posts

232 months

Wednesday 29th June 2011
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I have always wanted to go and think it's about time I sorted something out and got it booked.

I'm strongly considering going on my own as I won't be long so from a selfish point of view I'd like to do what I want to do and see what happens rather than going in a group and having repetitive "what do you want to do now, I don't know, what do you want to do, I don't want to do that" etc that tends to happen with my mates. That said I don't have an agenda of what I want to do other than catch a basket ball game and have a good wander around and see what happens.

Has anyone been on their own before or is it really an experience that should be shared?
there
Also I'm thinking of going for 4 nights, is that long enough?

davepoth

29,395 posts

229 months

Wednesday 29th June 2011
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Yeah, I've been for about three weeks all in all on my own. There's so much to see; When I've come back people ask whether I did a huge list of tourist stuff and I hadn't done any of it. I actually spent a whole day riding the subway in Brooklyn just for fun. It was brilliant.

hesnotthemessiah

2,121 posts

234 months

Wednesday 29th June 2011
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New York on your own is no problem whatsoever. Been twice on my own as well as living there for a little over a year. Tons and tons to see and do but don't miss Saturday morning people watching in Central Park. Even when I lived there I didn't miss it.

Moos3h

184 posts

212 months

Wednesday 29th June 2011
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No problem at all - it's an amazing, amazing city and whilst it IS a wonderful place to be with others, there's so much to do that if you're on your tod, you'll not be bored! Do it! smile

audidoody

8,598 posts

286 months

Wednesday 29th June 2011
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You'll be fine. As long as you learn, and commit to memory, the laws of tipping!

audidoody

8,598 posts

286 months

Wednesday 29th June 2011
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You'll be fine. As long as you learn, and commit to memory, the laws of tipping!

shakotan

10,862 posts

226 months

Wednesday 29th June 2011
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audidoody said:
You'll be fine. As long as you learn, and commit to memory, the laws of tipping!
Your memory is useless though, it took you less than a minute to forget you'd already posted this useful snippet of info!

vladcjelli

3,370 posts

188 months

Wednesday 29th June 2011
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Coming from a village/small town, I can feel uncomfortable in cities, but New York was the first one where I thought, "I could live here".

Really nice just wandering, not even doing the major tourist things, just seeking out the little diners and bars between all the other incredible stuff to see.

Our first night, we arrived quite late, but needed food. Were staying next to Grand Central station (worth a visit) where they have a food court underneath, seemed convenient so in we went. Looking at the pizza menu, wife said, "I'd like a veggie" whereas my PH goatee demands meat. "Shall we get a medium of each then?" she says. Now having been to America as a teen, I had an idea of what to expect as opposed to her new colony naivete. We should just get a medium between us, said I.

After eating enough pizza each, the waitress came and asked if there had been something wrong with our meal due to the amount left. Just tired was the excuse. "Would you like it to go?" Tempting, but visions of hotel rooms full of half eaten meals made us decline.

You will never go hungry. In fact, post your culinary discoveries on here for me so I may recall vicariously the wonders available. Steaks especially.

Happy travelling!

davepoth

29,395 posts

229 months

Wednesday 29th June 2011
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Go find a sandwich shop, and have a big sandwich. They cut a loaf in half and put about a whole pig in there. It's brilliant.

BigAlinEmbra

1,629 posts

242 months

Thursday 30th June 2011
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I know it's not a reputation that the New Yorkers hold particularly, but on the whole the yanks are an open, friendly bunch, so if there are any situations that you want someone to tag along or have a natter with, then I'm sure they'll oblige.

Having dinner on your own is a bit crap imo, but I suppose you can sidestep that a bit due to the nature of american cuisine.

AdeTuono

7,626 posts

257 months

Thursday 30th June 2011
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vladcjelli said:
Coming from a village/small town, I can feel uncomfortable in cities, but New York was the first one where I thought, "I could live here".
Ditto that! I hate towns and cities with a passion, generally. But I'd move to Manhattan like a shot. I've always gone with Mrs.Tuono, but would happily go alone. Find a small dive-bar and you can pretty much guarantee you'll have a whole new circle of friends by the end of the night. This...

http://www.thebackfenceonline.com/

...I'd rate as one of my favourite places in the world. Will be going back again as soon as possible.

Should you go alone? Hell yeah, boy!!

CypherP

4,456 posts

222 months

Thursday 30th June 2011
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I've been 3 times now. The first was with an ex girlfriend, who made the whole trip hell by whinging about everything we did. Hence I didn't get to do even half of the things I really wanted to.

I've been twice by myself now, both times experiencing so much more, seeing so much more and really making the most of the time and money spent being there. The first time I went by myself, I made a few friends out some evenings, a couple of which I stayed in contact with. It made the second time going alone even more enjoyable, knowing I knew some people there who offered to put me up for a night or two if I wanted the option, as well as to socialise with when I wanted some company.

I'd definitely say do it. You'll enjoy it all the more being in control of yourself and spending the time you have out there doing exactly what you want and not being governed by a group or certain people who are more narrow-minded.

Laird

26,140 posts

244 months

Thursday 30th June 2011
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Did it back in '01 on my todd.

It was ace. Best city in the world.

Bungleaio

Original Poster:

6,591 posts

232 months

Thursday 30th June 2011
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These are the sorts of answers I was looking for!

I've picked up a couple of guide books so I'll have a read of them before I book anything but this trip is a definate goer I think.

GCH

4,141 posts

232 months

Thursday 30th June 2011
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First time I went to NYC was on my own as a spur of the moment thing, and on that trip I met a local girl who i ended up dating long distance for 3 years....

Unlike in London, in NY no-one bats an eyelid at people eating on their own, or being in a bar on their own.
Ive made some of my best friends from just sitting at the bar with a drink.... people do talk to you, and the ladies there love the english accent smile
I now live in NY roughly half the time, and those early experiences went a long way to me learning about the place and realising that it really is the best city in the world.

Do it- you wont regret it smile

Edited by GCH on Thursday 30th June 20:29

T84

6,941 posts

224 months

Thursday 30th June 2011
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I'm only 5 hours away from NYC, maybe I should take a drive one day! Is it really that good? Boston and Vermont are supposed to be good places to go too.

T84

6,941 posts

224 months

Thursday 30th June 2011
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Oh yeah and being on your own isn't such a stigma up in Montreal either, plenty of people do it, it's not the same as the UK.

Matt..

4,035 posts

219 months

Thursday 30th June 2011
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I'm not sure i get why people always ask the same question about travelling on your own. Loads of people do it, and it's really not an issue at all, and is mostly good fun smile

audidoody

8,598 posts

286 months

Friday 1st July 2011
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shakotan said:
Your memory is useless though, it took you less than a minute to forget you'd already posted this useful snippet of info!
Thanks for the medical diagnosis but it's an auto re-post. Sometimes the PH engine room puts my post up three times without me knowing. Sometimes I spot this and delete. Other times I miss it. It's random.

Bungleaio

Original Poster:

6,591 posts

232 months

Saturday 9th July 2011
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Booked it this morning, leaving on the 27th March for 6 nights and I'll be stopping at www.hotelmetronyc.com

Can't wait!