AboutJennifer Expertise I travel to Manhattan frequently and can offer a unique perspective because I am a tourist.I have so much curiosity about Manhattan and that has led me to gather lots of great information about the city. I consider myself a hotel buff of sorts, and touring them and analyzing their attributes has become a hobby for me. I can give some good advice on restaurants, shopping, and in general just how to maximize those "new york moments" we all want to experience. Whether it is something as small as how to hail a cab, where to enjoy a cocktail and a romantic stroll, or how to dress so you don`t stand out as a tourist, go ahead and ask.
Experience Traveling to Manhattan, reading about the city
Organizations Allexperts.com, expert for travel in Arkansas
Expert: Jennifer Date: 1/25/2008 Subject: Traveling to New York
Question QUESTION: Hi there,
I stumbled across this web site as I was looking up information regarding
New York and was really impressed with some of your answers to the
questions, so I am hoping you are able to give me some ideas also.
I am from Melbourne, Australia and will be traveling to New York on the 22nd
of April for a few weeks. Can you give me some ideas as to what type of
clothing I should be taking at the time of the year. Shoes are also my dilemma, you suggested Dansko in one of your other emails and I thought
they were fantastic however they don't post outside of the US, so I will have
to look for another alternative. This is my first time to the Ney York so I plan
on doing the usual touristy things with 2 other girlfriends.
I was also wanting to do a day trip to San Francisco for the day, any suggestions on the best way to do that??
Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Sharon
ANSWER: Are you planning on flying to San Francisco for the day from NYC? I wanted to be sure what you meant before answering this question.
Jen
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: No sorry I was going to do that from LA. ( not sure if you could assist with this
one) Wanted to leave early in the morning, and arrive back in LA that evening.
Answer Temperature this time of year in NYC can range from high of 50-65 to low of 50-35. It can be rainy so bring a nice, small travel umbrella. It is a good rule of thumb to have a light coat in case of an unexpected cold front. It might be chilly at night. Hopefully, it will be nice 65 degree springtime weather...you just have to be prepared. Look at the forecast before you go at www.weather.com. this will help.
Comfortable shoes have to be the base of each outfit with the exception of an evening dinner when you want to wear heels and plan not to do much walking. It is nice to keep everything in simple black, white, or neutrals...and perhaps do your shoes in black so they match everything. The idea is to construct an outfit that can go from museum hopping to shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue to having drinks at a fancy hotel bar such as King Cole Bar in the St. Regis Hotel...without having to change clothes. Start shopping for shoes that have a rubber sole to grip the city streets and are super comfy. The little flats that are so in style in the U.s. work very well. New yorkers have a way of looking classic, simple, and ready for action. ( The action being catching a cab on a rainy day...hopping on the subway) The ladies don't over- do the jewelry. Black and white always look sharp. You might think of having a cute pashmina scarf or shawl of some sort. This always looks chic and can help if it gets chilly. I also bring a pair of running shoes and a sweat outfit just in case there is a day you just feel like being super comfy. You might want to explore central park, for example. You will find that new yorkers dress quite casually so don't be stressed out about dressing up too much. Yet, when it comes time for dinner or theatre then bring out the red liptick and pearls! City ladies love to go all out when the time is appropriate. Then it is fun to be daring. Think of buying a purse to carry your guidebook, money and camera that leaves your hands free. The strap for the purse crosses your chest; thus leaving your hands free. You might try shopping online at Nordstroms or Saks Fifth Avenue if you run into problems. They might carry dansko.
I recommend you get a travel guide for NYC. The one I like is Frommers NYC 2008 available at www.amazon.com. You must get this and begin reading! It will make the city simple for you. You can also get one for Sanfrancisco or California. I would strongly recommend you spend at least one night in Sanfran. It is too much driving for a day trip trust me!!! But I love LOVE Sanfran....definitely the top place to see in our country. You can drive up the coast and it is beautiful. I hate for you to rush through it though. Perhaps you could fly from L.A. and stay one night if you are in a hurry. Sanfran is beautiful, you will love it. Be sure to goto Telegraph Hill.
I have a lot more info on Sanfran and NYC so if you have more specific questions do not hesitate to write me again.