Getting Around New York City: Our Top 6 Travel Tips

Traveling is exciting and we love to promote wanderlust within our community! However, navigating a big city, like NYC, can be a bit daunting especially for women. There are too many stories in the news of women getting abducted, molested, and even murdered simply because they were traveling in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you are planning a trip to New York, or any big metropolitan area, it is wise to review these top safety tips for traveling safely.

1. Research your destination

Before you go anywhere in a city, make sure you do your research on where you’re going. If you’re unfamiliar with an area, it can be risky. It’s common for people to get out of cars or get off the subway and be pickpocketed while they’re looking for their final destination. You make yourself much less of a target when you’re knowledgeable about where you’re going and what you’re doing.

2. Use a rideshare service

While taxis are an abundant and well-loved service in NYC, there are also safety and convenience benefits to utilizing rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft. There’s no need to hail a taxi from the side of the road when it’s dark and you can double check that you know exactly who you’re riding with. RideGuru also offers you the ability to compare fares with their fare estimator, so you know if it’s worth it to wait for an Uber or call a taxi if it’s a safe situation to do so. Rideshare services provide you an abundance of options no matter your specific needs. 

3. Ride in Groups

You’ve likely been hearing this since you were little—there’s always safety in numbers. However, it is not always feasible to travel in groups and if you do ride alone make sure to share your ride and location with a trusted contact.

4. Wait for your rideshare inside

If you’re calling a ride from a restaurant to your hotel or between attractions, waiting for your rideshare inside can prevent risk. With imposters posing as rideshare drivers, you can avoid looking as though you’re a target. 

5. Check the car’s license plate, make, and model

All the information you need is within your rideshare app. Whether you’re using Uber, Lyft or another rideshare app, you’ll have access to the car’s license plate, make, model, and even your driver’s name. Once the app finds a driver in your area, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking for a car with all that information. If a car pulls up and claims to be your driver but doesn’t match, don’t get in the car! This information is provided to keep you safe and making sure you remember to check it is imperative.  

Then, even if all the information on your app matches the car’s make, model, and license plate, you should still double check with the driver that they know your name. Have them roll down the window, and politely ask, “Who are you picking up?” If the information matches, it’s more than likely that you’re in the clear, but it never hurts to double check. Your driver should readily provide you with your name, and if they don’t, don’t get in! Better safe than sorry. 

6. Know about services for women

Although not all services can cater to the needs of women, some rideshare services are particularly in tune with their needs. Do you want to ride only with women or support women and their economic development? Check out these female-friendly options for rideshare services.