054 NYC New York City Travel Tips

NYC is a classic family travel trip. This week we talk about our top tips for visiting New York City with kids with travel expert Carol Cain from Girl Gone Travel, including where to stay, what to do and how to plan your trip.

ON THE PODCAST

00:34 - Tamara and Kim talking about NYC

05:40 - Tamara’s tips on visiting NYC

10:10 - Talking with Carol about NYC

14:40 - Favorite neighborhoods to visit

17:30 - Airports to fly into New York

18:44 - More of Carol’s favorite neighborhoods

22:15 - Hotels Carol recommends

25:05 - Getting around the city

31:32 - Must dos for first time NYC visitors

34:37 - Food tours

36:50 - Favorite restaurants

42:57 - Money saving tips

45:43 - Best place to take a family photo

48:38 - Final tips for visiting NYC

49:50 - Favorite travel gear

54:11 - Favorite apps

ABOUT CAROL CAIN

Carol Cain is the writer and photographer behind the travel site GirlGoneTravel.com. She left a career in public relations before venturing into the world of travel blogging in 2008 and is often speaking on ways to improve brand and blogger relationships as well as raising awareness for increased diversity in media. Follow Carol on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

TIPS FOR VISITING NYC WITH KIDS Using the subway is a great way to get around the city while saving money. New York City uses a Metro Card system which has a bunch of different packages that you can use. For families it would be a good idea to get a card with 10 rides on it, which you can use for multiple people by swiping the card at the turnstile and passing it back to your next family member! You can also get a subway map for free at one of the main kiosks. They are also starting to add in digital maps in the subway stops, that show the tracks and stops. For first time visitors that want to see the iconic parts of New York, you should visit Midtown Manhattan. You will see Central Park, Hell's kitchen, the Theater District, and more that are all in walking distance. A great way to start your first time in NYC would be to take a walking tour or just any type of tour. You will get a sense of where you are while learning some historic facts about the city. Right next to Penn Station is a new high end food court. This is a great idea if you have a family that like different things, the kids can get a sandwich or burger while you have say Japanese cuisine. If you are flexible with your time and the show  you can go to the TKTS booth in Times Square to get discounted Broadway show tickets. BEST PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO

There is a park on Riverside Drive on the west side of Manhattan along the Hudson River that is a great spot. The sun sets there and the boat docks are really pretty. Another great spot is Top of the Rock, which offers a great view of the Empire State Building. You can also go online a schedule a time to go and just go right up without waiting.

FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR

Carol is very much a Skechers girl. She also loves her Lands End cargo pants.

APP(s) OF THE WEEK

Best Parking and Icon Parking are both a good way to save on parking. You can check and reserve spots in parking garages. Having a NYC Subway app is really helpful. History Here is an app by the History Channel that uses your location and give you a lot of historic insight into where you are. Eat St. Is an app that helps you find food trucks!

MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST

Local Fun in NYC on Girl Gone Travel

Don Peppe restaurant near JFK airport

S’mac

Discount Ticket Booth

NYC Tourist Apps - We3Travel

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