Safety Tips That All Female Travelers in NYC Should Follow

NYC is known for its famous skyline, it’s history, it's vibrant food scene, legendary attractions, monuments and some of the most famous streets in the world. However, you may be tricked into believing that crime and misdemeanors are rife in NYC and that tourists should be extremely cautious when they visit. Thankfully, you'll be pleased to know that's (normally) no longer the case.

Peyton and I a few years ago in Times Square, NYC

These days NYC is incredibly safe for tourists - of course, you still need to be wary of pickpockets and scammers in the street, but compared to other cities across the world, New York is considered incredibly friendly and safe. You're probably more likely to be caught up in a car accident rather than a crime – if you’ve been in a road accident in New York that could have been avoided, with a vehicle large or small, get more info from truck & auto accident lawyers as soon as possible. 

However, that’s not to say that you should let your guard down completely, especially if you’re a woman who’s traveling solo. When it comes to safety, common sense always prevails, so let’s take a look at some safety tips for female travelers visiting NYC. 

Be cautious when you’re drinking

NYC is home to some of the most famous bars and clubs in the world, and it’s bursting with restaurants, diners and other places where you can pick up a cool beer, cocktail or a glass of wine whilst you take a breather from the buzz of the city. However, whether you’re enjoying a night out or a brunch with your friends, you should exercise caution if you’re consuming alcohol. 

Your reaction time is slower, you’re more likely to let your guard down and it’s much easier for people to take advantage of you when you’re in an unfamiliar area. Never leave your drink unattended and don’t forget – there are other ways you spend your money in NYC! 

Don’t carry lots of (or all) your cash on you

With so much to see and do in NYC, you'll want to have plenty of cards and cash on you, so you're not caught without enough money. However, carrying around all your cash at once could spell disaster. Rather than potentially leaving your wallet on the subway and loosing $300, stick to your cards, as that way if they get lost or stolen you can quickly get in touch with your bank and cancel them.

Try to blend in

Just like in any city anywhere in the world, scammers and pickpockets’ prey on those who look lost and those who are clearly easy targets. Try to blend in by walking with purpose and keeping your head up. If you’re lost, move over to the side of the sidewalk or ask for directions in a store. And leave your ‘I LOVE NY’ t-shirt in your hotel room.

And finally, you don’t have to be nice

Not only is this advice for NYC but it can also be applied in any situation where someone is making you uncomfortable. Whether there’s a guy in a bar who’s making you feel uneasy, or someone on the subway won’t leave you alone, do not be afraid to speak up and walk away. You don't have to be the overly polite and kind tourist when you feel unsafe – especially in NYC!