Flying Solo: Tips for Travelling Alone in NYC

Who is this for?  Solo travelers looking for tips on traveling in New York alone.

Jump to Section:

• Why Go Alone
• Planning the Trip
• Activities
• Safety Tips
• Stay at Incentra Village House

Why Go Alone:

Traveling in a group has its advantages, but it can also be incredibly stressful. Having to consider other people’s schedules and preferences when planning a trip is a headache. That’s why traveling alone is so liberating.

Without the constraints of someone else’s itinerary, you’re free to set your own pace—whether that’s spending hours in a museum or hopping from one Broadway show to the next. But it’s not just about doing whatever you want whenever you want. Flying solo also builds confidence. Choosing a hotel, navigating the subway system, and trying new things by yourself are empowering experiences. Isn’t that what travel is all about?

Planning the Trip

Planning a trip for one does cut out a lot of the coordination that complicates group travel, but it does come with its own challenges. Traveling alone means being solely responsible for all aspects of your trip. Here are a few key tips for planning a solo trip to New York. 

Tip 1: Preparation

Spend some time researching New York’s neighborhoods, attractions, and restaurants before you arrive. Knowing what areas and activities are recommended for lone travelers is important for safety and fun. Having a list of preplanned activities and attractions to choose from will give your trip some structure while still allowing for some spontaneity.

Tip 2: Accommodations

Accommodations can make or break a vacation. The hotel you choose will set the mood for your entire trip! Here are a few important factors to consider when selecting your lodgings:

1. 
   Safety: Make sure the hotel you choose is in a good neighborhood and includes basic safety features like door locks to protect you and your belongings during your stay.
2. Comfort: Check that your hotel meets your comfort needs. Features like a good bed, air conditioning, and heating are musts in the city.
3. Location: Make the most of your trip by booking a hotel in a centralized location near a subway. You’ll get to enjoy more of the city that way!
   

Tip 3. Transportation

Riding in a yellow taxi may look glamorous on TV, but that’s not how real New Yorkers get around. If you want a real New York experience, the subway is the way to go. 

Learn the basics of NYC’s subway system before you go. The MTA website has maps and trip planning features online to help you get around. Apps like Citymapper or Google Maps make navigation much less intimidating. Most importantly, remember to wear comfortable shoes, because you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

Tip 4: Travel Groups

Just because you’re traveling solo doesn’t mean you have to be alone the entire time. Travel groups are an increasingly popular way to see the world. Travel groups are exactly what they sound like: a group of strangers who are traveling alone, together. 

The best part of these groups is how flexible they are. You can find groups offering any level of involvement from informal meetups to full vacation packages. You can also find a group for almost any demographic: students, seniors, women only, etc. 

Activities

One of the things that makes New York great for lone travelers is the variety of activities you can do alone. The Big Apple is the kind of place where you can try something new every day, and still never run out of things to do! Here are a few ideas for solo activities around the city.

Take a Tour

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes the full tourist experience, get a tour. New York has literally hundreds of guided tours to choose from. Whether you love history or architecture, art, or food, there will be a tour geared toward your interests.

Catch a Show

Love a good show? The city is famous for them. Seeing at least one Broadway or Off-Broadway production is a must. Solo travelers have a unique benefit in going to the shows alone; single seats can often score great last-minute tickets at discounted rates.

Visit Museums and Galleries

There are literally hundreds of museums and galleries in the city, ranging from world-renowned institutions to small, special-interest spots. Going in a group can put pressure on you to visit galleries you aren’t interested in, or being torn away from a spot too soon. Going alone means you are free to wander at your own pace and enjoy the ambiance of the location for as long as you want.

Explore the City

Don’t be afraid to wander. New York is a city filled with excitement. Whether it’s a cozy cafe with the best coffee you’ve ever tasted, a cute boutique with the perfect gift, or an impromptu street performance, something is waiting around every corner. If you keep an open mind and a flexible schedule, you’ll be sure to find it.

Safety Tips for Solo Travel

Traveling alone comes with many risks and rewards, so to make sure we are striking the right balance between the two, let’s talk safety. Here are some tips for a safe solo trip.

Tip 1: Research, research, research!

I know we touched on this before, but it’s incredibly important to take the time to research everything. Forums are great places to get advice from other solo travelers about their experiences in a particular location. Looking at the reviews for the places you plan to visit is also a good idea.

Tip 2: Have a plan, and share that plan

Even if you don’t want to create a detailed itinerary in advance, it’s important to have some sort of plan. Let a friend or family member know your daily outline so they can check in. Have a system in place so they can alert the proper authorities if you miss an important check-in. 

Tip 3: Travel insurance or protection

Many things can go wrong before or during your trip. Whether an emergency causes you to cancel your trip, or your luggage gets lost, or your flight is delayed, travel protection can save you time, money, and stress.

Tip 4: Make lists

Traveling solo means that you are solely responsible for everything from packing to planning. To keep it all organized, we recommend making 2 lists: 

1. Travel Plans: including flight information, documents, reservations, and itineraries
2. Packing lists: including important medications, devices, chargers, and clothing items

Look online for ideas on what you’ll need, and take your time when packing and planning. Above all, be like Santa and check your list twice before you leave!

Tip 5: Be confident 

Insecurity doesn’t just ruin your experience, but it can also make you a target for potential bad actors. Walk with purpose, even if you’re not quite sure where you’re going, and keep your head high and eyes alert. Confidence can be one of your best safety tools.

About the Author

Bozhidar Bachvarov (aka “Boz”) is the manager of Incentra Village Guest House in historic West Village. As a city local and a frequent traveler, Boz knows how to give guests an authentic New York experience.