How To: Survive The City

Pittsburgh, Boston, Philadelphia, New York City, Nashville, Chicago, Los Angeles. No matter the city, we need to learn the best ways to survive even just one day in the jungle of tall buildings and crowds of people. Each city is a little different, but there are basics that you can follow when it comes to getting around and being safe.

1)Getting Around:

Each city has its own unique lay out, making the way to get around for each city also unique. However, there is one obvious basic- DON’T DRIVE A CAR IF YOU DON’T HAVE TO. In most cities, parking is a nightmare and very expensive for both parking garages and street pay parking, especially if you end up with a ticket.

Prior to parking, driving in a city is also very tricky. In a small town, driving four blocks would be the fastest way to get to your destination. However, in cities, walking the four blocks could be fifteen minutes faster than driving, because of the amount of congested traffic you could hit. Transit systems, such as the New York City subway, the “L” in Chicago, and the “T” in Pittsburgh, are all better options than driving because they are faster and honestly safer than being on the roads.

2) Safety

A day in the city is supposed to be filled with laughter, memories, and pictures taken in front of buildings you’re told are famous with the friends and family that you love by your side. A day in the city is supposed to leave you with a smile at the end of it, and being safe is the best way to go about finding that smile. Below is a list of five basic “to-dos” to keep you safe during your trip to a city.

1. Stay in public places, especially if you are alone! Don’t stray too far from the places that are crowded with people. If you’re alone on a street with no one else, you are more susceptible to someone trying to take your belongings in the hopes of finding something worth money.
2. Carry a “theft-proof” bag. Make sure the purse or backpack you choose to take with you around the city is sealed tight either by a zipper or clasp. Don’t take the bag off of your shoulder at any time, but if you do at a restaurant, make sure you or someone you trust has an eye on it.
3. Dress like a local! This is more for when traveling in a foreign country’s city, but it is a great tip to stay safe. In the Dominican Republic, when visiting their capital city,

   

   we were told to dress in long pants or jeans. Why? The locals of the city wore pants, shorts below the knees, or skirts/dresses that went below the knees. This meant that if you were caught wearing a short sundress or festival styled shorts from American Eagle, you’d be targeted as a tourist.

A city is out there waiting for you to enter and join it’s unique culture, but you don’t want to go in unprepared. Be safe, don’t drive your car, put a smile on your face, and start your adventure. As always, see you next week on The Road Most (Knowledgeably) Traveled.