A content creator has posted a TikTok series featuring tips on what to do when visiting New York based on her own experiences in the state.
Gwyneth Yuma shared her ideas on how to make her regular visits fun and affordable, despite high costs on travel, transportation, and activities.
Yuma, who claims she flies to the Big Apple once a month, revealed her preferences on airports, but also suggested that people should take the subway or walk due to the Uber and Taxi prices.
She told viewers one thing that could help this to be done effectively is: ‘Wear a good pair of shoes – even if it ruins a cute outfit.’
Yuma also gave advice to viewers on hotel stays and how to help native New Yorkers keep their businesses afloat.
Gwyneth Yuma claims that she goes to New York once a month on trips, and gave 10 tips to TikTokers on how to have a fun trip with efficient travel and acceptable expenses
Yuma suggest that travelers plan to fly to LaGuardia Airport. It is located in Queens, New York and is a hub for companies such as Delta and American Airlines
Her number one tip is to book a ticket into LaGuardia Airport rather than other options, like JFK.
She said: ‘LaGuardia is much easier to get to and way more accessible – and unless you want to deal with this hectic train stations or hundred dollar Uber rides, I would avoid the other two airports at all costs.’
Yuma also shared: ‘Take the subway or walk everywhere.’
‘Utilizing public transit or walking or biking is way more cost efficient, and I feel like you get a much better experience of the New York City.’
The New York City subway is a popular transportation option for travelers and native New Yorkers, and can take you all throughout the designated areas for a small fee
A lesson Yuma learned the hard way is to ‘wear comfortable shoes’ – in her case Hoka sneakers, included in every outfit she’s worn in New York
This leads to the third tip, which is, ‘wear comfortable shoes.’
Yuma learned the importance of this tip, ‘the hard way,’ and now wears her Hoka sneakers anywhere she goes.
She says it’s vital when travelling around to ‘always give yourself at least 10 to 15 minutes extra for wherever you’re going’.
The content creator added: ‘You never know what might happened on your way, especially if it’s your first time in the city.’
Chelsea Manhattan is a touristy area with great hotels on the west side, and also comes incredible shops and restaurants
Yuma discussed the best place to stay in New York, opting for a hotel in the Chelsea or Midtown area.
She also gave a shoutout to her favorite lodging, which is Hotel HGU in Nomad.
Yuma also added she believes that not having an itinerary can make a New York trip successful – as long as you’re willing to do the research.
‘I like to plan reserve every meal we’re gonna have ahead of time, and I usually plan two specific things to do every day, and then I’ll leave plenty of room in between so that way we can explore or just stumble across things,’ Yuma stated.
This tip has proven to work in her favor on many occasions, saying that ‘some of the best days’ she had in New York were days with ‘no plan at all.’
The Chelsea Flea Market is a popular shopping event that takes place in the neighborhood – perfect for purchasing or free table looking
Central Park is one of New York’s most popular tourist locations that attracts millions of visitors every year
Hotels are beginning to allow guests to keep their luggage inside buildings for a small fee after checking out. People can find out where through apps such as Bounce or Luggage Hero
There are plenty of things one can do for free in New York as explained in tip number six.
Yuma suggested ideas such as riding the ferry, visiting central park, or even attending a Taylor Swift listening party.
‘There is so much to do – you don’t need to spend money to have a good time,’ Yuma stated.
She said it can be helpful to know that you can leave luggage at a hotel, ‘even after you’ve checked out.’
According to Yuma: ‘If you have a later flight and you need to leave your stuff somewhere, you could always leave your luggage at the hotel you stayed at.’
Those who wish to do this during their next trip can turn to apps for help such as Bounce or Luggage Hero.
While there’s some incredible sights to see, Yuma said it’s always nice to schedule 2-3 hours of downtime each day of the trip.
‘New York City can be very overwhelming and exhausting, especially if your jam packing your itinerary,’ she explained.
Her downtime consists of doing things such as eating and freshening up before, ‘going back out.’
Going back out, Yuma said for tip number nine that one should ‘try new things.’
She stated: ‘If there’s a place to try new things at, it’s New York City. There is an endless amount of amazing food options, and I’ve had some of my best meals in New York City if not all.’
Yuma also suggested to, ‘not go to a chain restaurant that you could go to in your regular city.’
Brownstone homes can be spotted in several areas within the west village of Manhattan – great places for rest and relaxation if not staying in a hotel
Small and family-run business are found all throughout New York City, and can even offer great local and homemade food and products for affordable prices
Some of the people included in Yuma’s samples of tip 10 were selling items made from scratch on table setups at outdoor markets throughout the city
Yuma finished her videos by urging travelers to support small businesses.
She said: ‘The best experiences I’ve had come from small businesses, and it really makes a difference.’
‘Knowing that your purchase is helping them stay afloat, especially in New York City where it’s so tough to open an maintain a small business – some of the kindest people I’ve met come from local businesses.’
Calling tip 10 the most important of them all, Yuma believes that it’s these small businesses that, ‘truly do make New York so unique.’