Even travel experts hit a snag, get mixed up, and get lost. All the researching and preparing can’t stop the unexpected and I learned this again during my recent trip to NYC.

I have been to the city several times and certainly wouldn’t call myself a “tourist”.  I had done most of the sightseeing before and had locals give me tips and “must-do’s” before arriving.  I felt prepared.  I felt confident walking around in my black coat and thigh high boots!  And right as my confidence was soaring and I felt like I could take on Manhattan, it happened. That’s the exact moment I waited thirty minutes for a V line train on a Saturday when the V line doesn’t run on the weekends!  I sort-of laughed it off, but was honestly upset with myself for being so non-observant over something so simple.  I mean, that was a beginners mistake!

So, without further ado, here’s a quick list of things in NYC that even the biggest expert might overlook. Hopefully they’ll serve as a light reminder and save you some quality time.

• Getting to Manhattan:  There is no fixed taxi rate from the airports to the city- but usually there is one from the city to the airports.
• Need to pee in Times Square?  There are really clean bathrooms on the second floor of  Toys R’ Us, at the Times Square Visitor Center and also at the McDonald’s across the street from TKTS.
• When buying theatre tickets at TKTS, ask what single seats they have- we did that for two shows and got great tickets on the 5th row.
• Going to the Statue of Liberty and want to get up to the crown?  Book those tickets in advance- they sell out quickly.  Also allow yourself plenty of time to do SoL and Ellis Island.  It will probably take you over 2 hours because of Ferry transfers.
• Wollman Ice Skating Rink in Central Park is cash only and a $5 dollar charge just if you want to watch (or use the bathroom).  There are public bathrooms a short 5 minute walk away towards Columbus Circle and you can watch for free above the rink.
• The Rockefeller Center “Top of the Rock” tour is cheaper and better than the one on top of the Empire State Building.  Also, there is usually a much shorter wait line.
• Research ahead of time when places are open and closed. For instance, the MOMA is closed on Tuesdays and the Doughnut Plant is closed on Mondays.
• In the back of a theatre Playbill there are restaurants listed- make sure you call ahead to see if they are still in business.
• Taxis now accept Debit and Credit cards.  (this was new to us)
• Hot dogs were more expensive on the East side of Central Park, less expensive on West Side.
• In the winter, everyone is wearing long johns- so you should do it too, you’ll be much warmer.
• If you forget your hat or gloves, the Walgreens in Times Square has some for about $2 bucks.
• Buy a week subway pass even if you are just there for the a long weekend- you’ll save serious bucks. Also, make sure to have the yellow Metro side of the card facing you when scanning it through the machines. 

Oftentimes we research and plot out the big events that a trip has to offer but usually it’s the little things that really annoy us and get in the way of having the best possible travel experience.  Hopefully this outlined some of those simpler things that you might skip over. What else would you add?  What have been some of your recent travel annoyances?