It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting New York City for a single day or you expect to be in the city for a few weeks, comfort is important. When you’re comfortable, you’re more likely to remain energized throughout the day, and you’re more likely to wake up refreshed for the next day, even if you were out all day the day before.
The question is, what exactly does it look like to be comfortable when you’re out and about in New York City?
Only Carry What You Need
If you’re going to be out for the day, you likely have many items you think you’ll need from morning till night. You may be tempted to pack a backpack so everything is within reach, but that’s a bad idea if you actually want to make it to the end of the day.
Lugging around a heavy backpack is going to make you tired fast. Instead, only carry what you need. That means having a wallet, cell phone, and maybe some Chapstick. If you have more to carry, a small crossbody purse is more comfortable than a backpack.
If you do have extra items to bring with you, consider luggage storage in NYC. It’s much more convenient than going back and forth to the hotel or carrying everything with you.
Wear the Right Shoes
It’s not that you won’t find people in NYC wearing flip flops or stilettos, but you definitely won’t find them wearing these shoes when they’re out and about. That’s because wearing unsupportive shoes in the city can be murder for your feet.
No matter how comfortable you think those flip flops are, it’s much better to wear tennis-style shoes when you’re spending the day walking through the city. Not only will they protect your feet from the gross things that often end up on the sidewalk, they will ensure your feet aren’t too sore to hit the pavement again tomorrow.
Wear Layers
Knowing what time of year you’re visiting the city matters, as it will determine what you pack in your luggage. No trip to NYC is complete without a coat in the winter and shorts in the summer. However, even in the summer, the temperature can get chilly at night, and the days can be surprisingly warm in the spring and fall. That’s why it’s important to layer your clothes when out and about in New York City.
A few tips include:
- Wear a T-shirt underneath a sweatshirt that can easily be taken off.
- Wearing a long sleeved shirt under a coat is warmer than wearing a coat with just a T-shirt.
- Jackets are a stylish way to layer and can be worn in the winter when paired with sweaters and long sleeved tees.
Plan Activities Based on the Weather Forecast
You should pack according to the season, but when it comes to figuring out what you’re going to do for the day, you should let the weather in New York City dictate your choices.
For example, you may have had your heart set on taking a stroll through Central Park, but if it’s forecasted to rain or it’s really windy, you may want to visit the museum instead. If it’s supposed to be cool in the morning, avoid the beach until it is warmer later in the day. If it’s supposed to be an unseasonably warm spring day, do some window shopping instead of catching a matinee.
Plan Breaks Into Your Day
You may be tempted to over-plan your vacation. After all, you don’t get to explore New York City every day! However, if you plan too many things to do throughout your day, you’re going to burn out. Instead, you should plan plenty of breaks so you can rest and recharge.
It could be something as simple as spending an hour or two people watching at a local coffee shop or returning to your hotel room to take a quick cat nap. You’ll feel more rested and rejuvenated for the rest of the day, and it’ll be easier to get an early start the next morning.
Another benefit of not over-planning your vacation is the fact that it will make your trip seem longer!
If you’re uncomfortable, you’re likely to end up in a bad mood, which is definitely not something you want when you’re spending the day in New York City. Instead, plan ahead to stay comfortable so you can make the most of whatever the day brings.
