Travel Advice..

[naxalite0906]

Ok.... This may sound very silly to everyone, but please bear with me as planning stuff like this is a little new to me and i've never travelled alone on a holiday like this.

I have some time off work coming up soon and I have been tossing up the idea of going away and the main place I wanted to go to was New York. The problem is, i'm a little worried that going on my own may make the trip a bit of a waste because to me, the most fun times are when I share times with friends etc.
I have been to the city before, so I have a rough idea of my way around etc, and I know that if I am on my own there are more than enough sights, galleries, museums and shopping opportunities to keep me busy, its just more what to do at night and how to have fun with the city's nightlife when I am on my own. I know I could see a show or something, I'm just a bit worried about ending up sitting in a bar or restaurant at night twiddling my thumbs and feeling like i've wasted an opportunity like this.
I guess what I need to ask is firstly do you think I am crazy to think like this?? (i already have a feeling that the answer is gonna be yes from many people! lol) The second thing is, what suggestions would you have for someone travelling on their own to ensure they don't get bored walking around, eating and drinking on their own and to make the most of the place that they are in? ( I guess this question is more aimed for stuff in the evening as I am a bit of a night owl and I know that during the day, I will be able to keep myself pretty occupied.)

Any other advice would be appreciated to, please dont be shy (or any offers to keep me company.. lol...)

ETA - I am going now, so all advice etc and offers to take me for dinner would be appreciated

 

[sexycaz22]

Let me surprise you, Nax.....the answer is NO...I don't think you are crazy for thinking like that! Like you, I have never been on a holiday alone, always been with friends or family. So this trip to London is my first one travelling alone!

I am sure it will be all fine once you get there, and you will have such fun, that you will think that why did you think like that before the trip, I am sure I will!

 

[naxalite0906]

Let me surprise you, Nax.....the answer is NO...I don't think you are crazy for thinking like that! Like you, I have never been on a holiday alone, always been with friends or family. So this trip to London is my first one travelling alone!

I am sure it will be all fine once you get there, and you will have such fun, that you will think that why did you think like that before the trip, I am sure I will!

Very true... I guess going to london id be ok.. Just this trip isnt gonna be cheap and I wanna make it worth while.. Thanks for replying tho caz

 

[00Syd]

These are the night things that I do or would do if I was 21.

I go to Subway Soul CLub which is every third saturday of the month in the East Village and amazing (http://subwaysoul.com/)

Magnetic Field has a lot of great bands that I wish I could go see (http://www.magneticbrooklyn.com/)

Ottos Shrunken Head is a great bar and often has cool bands (http://www.ottosshrunkenhead.com/)

Smashed! Blocked! is an awesome dance party thats the first friday of every month at the Beauty Bar (http://www.beautybar.com/main.html)

I have to run to class but when I think of more fun NYC nightlife stuff I'll let you know!

 

[naxalite0906]

These are the night things that I do or would do if I was 21.

I go to Subway Soul CLub which is every third saturday of the month in the East Village and amazing (http://subwaysoul.com/)

Magnetic Field has a lot of great bands that I wish I could go see (http://www.magneticbrooklyn.com/)

Ottos Shrunken Head is a great bar and often has cool bands (http://www.ottosshrunkenhead.com/)

Smashed! Blocked! is an awesome dance party thats the first friday of every month at the Beauty Bar (http://www.beautybar.com/main.html)

I have to run to class but when I think of more fun NYC nightlife stuff I'll let you know!

Are these the types of things I could do on my own? I guess I should say, im pretty shy so striking up conversations with randoms has never been my strong point.. lol..

 

[HottieMama]

Nax...

If i am WAY off base here...then just tell me. What about looking on Yahoo groups for a "kink" group in New York City. Perhaps you could get to know some of them and at least have people to dine with and hang out with while you are visiting. Evil Geoff also has a link for groups anywhere in the US.

Just a thought.

 

[naxalite0906]

Nax...

If i am WAY off base here...then just tell me. What about looking on Yahoo groups for a "kink" group in New York City. Perhaps you could get to know some of them and at least have people to dine with and hang out with while you are visiting. Evil Geoff also has a link for groups anywhere in the US.

Just a thought.

Good idea..... You are not off base, but i'm still shy... lol

 

[YourCaptor]

I do a lot of backpacking, super light backpacking as in I can carry everything I own in one regular school backpack. Number one recommendation, use hostels. Now don’t be put off, hostels have come a looong way, these days their like really nice hotels except that you share everything, however as a plus you also get a full kitchen, and buddies to talk with in the game and TV rooms. I highly recommend hostels. Here is the HI New York hostel.

Pluses to using a hostel
They usually have someone their who’s entire job is to help you find cool things to do.
You meet lots of people (don’t be shy, you’ll never see them again in your life, ever)
Often buddies are made that you can take with you to do stuff. (Tip: hostels often give out coupon books with deals such as, 2nd person is half off, and such. If you don’t see it ask for it.)

Negatives to hostels
At night it can get laud. Snoring roommates, and hostels are usually located next to very noisy things.
Solution, a bag off 10-cent ear plugs.

If you decide against the hostel, go check it out anyway and ask for the coupons and discounts.

When looking for nightlife, you got to ask someone in the know, trust me on that. I have stepped into one too many depressed smoker dungeons expecting a party to ever trust any guide on nightlife again.

Heres a conversation starter for you. “Hi, I’m cute and shy, will you please be my friend?”

Oh, and buy a metro card, that’s like your life line.

 

[A Desert Rose]

If I were anywhere near NY or you were going to be near Las Vegas, I'd offer to get together with you for dinner. That might make one of your evenings less boring than you think they might be. And I'm a night owl, too.

I've traveled alone and quite frankly, I often enjoy it more. I'm not an extremely outgoing person either, but you run into lots of people who are. Strangers make a trip interesting (as long as they aren't holding you up at knifepoint... LOL.)

Really, it's all an adventure. I hope it's a lot of fun for you!

 

[naxalite0906]

If I were anywhere near NY or you were going to be near Las Vegas, I'd offer to get together with you for dinner. That might make one of your evenings less boring than you think they might be. And I'm a night owl, too.

I've traveled alone and quite frankly, I often enjoy it more. I'm not an extremely outgoing person either, but you run into lots of people who are. Strangers make a trip interesting (as long as they aren't holding you up at knifepoint... LOL.)

Really, it's all an adventure. I hope it's a lot of fun for you!

Thats very kind of you ADR... ive just taken the plunge and booked the thing now.. I have opted for a nicer (ish) hotel compared to the budget and hostel idea just in case i feel the need to hide in my room for a night, or want a good sleep after all the sightseeing (the latter more likely obviously!)
Just gotta endure the long flight now..

 

[naxalite0906]

Ok.. tis booked.. I am definitely going now so all the advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

 

[00Syd]

Are these the types of things I could do on my own? I guess I should say, im pretty shy so striking up conversations with randoms has never been my strong point.. lol..

Yeah you could definitely go on your own. All the people who frequent those places are really friendly. If you don't feel comfortable striking up a conversation, I don't know, but if you make some friends elsewhere, like at a BDSM group as someone else suggested, you could maybe bring them.

The BDSM group I know of in NYC, I can't find the website right now.... but I'm sure someone else would know of some. if I can find it I'll post the site

 

[00Syd]

oh yeah, here you go I went to a newbie meeting once and everyone was super nice and welcoming, I think it would be totally cool if you met up with them.

http://www.tes.org/

 

[naxalite0906]

oh yeah, here you go I went to a newbie meeting once and everyone was super nice and welcoming, I think it would be totally cool if you met up with them.

http://www.tes.org/

Thanks, I will have a look and see.... Not sure how high on the list kink would be right now tho... lol.... But its good to know I could meet ppl..

 

[minx1]

Ok.. tis booked.. I am definitely going now so all the advice you have would be greatly appreciated.

*grins* you know my thoughts hon. Grab it with both hands and have a ball.

I have no other suggestions other than the ones I made already. Yes you are shy/nervous but you are also very easy to chat to. I have no doubt you will meet people on your trip...just be open to it.

Others have made some good suggestions. However it goes, approach it as an adventure. You won't be disappointed.

Good for you, booking hon

 

[naxalite0906]

*grins* you know my thoughts hon. Grab it with both hands and have a ball.

I have no other suggestions other than the ones I made already. Yes you are shy/nervous but you are also very easy to chat to. I have no doubt you will meet people on your trip...just be open to it.

Others have made some good suggestions. However it goes, approach it as an adventure. You won't be disappointed.

Good for you, booking hon

You mean I wont scare ppl away!!!

Thanks hun

 

[naxalite0906]

A bump to hear any other suggestions with what to do whilst I am there in NY...

 

[Essene]

A bump to hear any other suggestions with what to do whilst I am there in NY...

I've already given you all of my suggestions...

LOL

If I was in New York I'd make certain to make a stop at the Metropolitan Opera house (as is my custom when I go there). I don't know when your trip is scheduled for (forgot to ask), but "Carmen" is playing through the beginning of March. -That's always lighthearted and fun.

Oooohh, "La Boheme" is playing and I believe Angela Gheorghiu is performing...*sigh*

 

[naxalite0906]

I have a few ideas of things to do anyway.... I should really goto the Garden and see a Knicks game, and I am contemplating going to a show.. but the only one I really fancy is "Young Frankenstein" because I am not the biggest fan of musicals, but I like Mel Brooks.
As for Opera, as much as I love music, I am not the biggest Opera fan either so I am a little unsure about doing that... Maybe I will change my mind tho.

 

[Essene]

I have a few ideas of things to do anyway.... I should really goto the Garden and see a Knicks game, and I am contemplating going to a show.. but the only one I really fancy is "Young Frankenstein" because I am not the biggest fan of musicals, but I like Mel Brooks.
As for Opera, as much as I love music, I am not the biggest Opera fan either so I am a little unsure about doing that... Maybe I will change my mind tho.

Oh I've been known to change people's minds and perceptions about things from time to time...*cough* *polishes nails on shirt*

 

[naxalite0906]

Oh I've been known to change people's minds and perceptions about things from time to time...*cough* *polishes nails on shirt*

Oh have you now... and how do you plan on doing that?

 

[Essene]

Oh have you now... and how do you plan on doing that?

Well I have my ways...you know that, but I'm not telling. If I gave away my tricks for all the board to see, how would I ever successfully pull the wool over their eyes...er...I mean convince them through logical arguments?

 

[naxalite0906]

Well I have my ways...you know that, but I'm not telling. If I gave away my tricks for all the board to see, how would I ever successfully pull the wool over their eyes...er...I mean convince them through logical arguments?

Im guessing you are just gonna have to send me a very detailed PM about how you would then.. lol...

What else could I do whilst I am there... how am I gonna stop myself feeling so lonely too.. lol..

 

[Essene]

Im guessing you are just gonna have to send me a very detailed PM about how you would then.. lol...

What else could I do whilst I am there... how am I gonna stop myself feeling so lonely too.. lol..

*gasp* Nax stop it! You're making me blush!

LMAO

 

[naxalite0906]

*gasp* Nax stop it! You're making me blush!

LMAO

I'm not doing anything! lol.