All of us are here at Bloomsburg University for the same reason: to earn a degree that will help us pursue a career. Yet, there are many reasons that we come to college: to meet life-long friends, expand our minds and to have new experiences. One of these experiences is having the opportunity to travel at a relatively low cost, including the English Department’s recent trip to New York City. So, for those of you who are new to traveling to large cities, here are some tips for a great trip.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

     This may sound obvious, but it is important nonetheless. You will be doing a lot of walking, so you will want to be as comfortable as possible. It is also important to consider that you may have to run. For example, on the English Department’s NYC trip last Saturday, my friends and I got lost and were late, so we had to resort to running. Having to run in boots was not pleasant, and if I could go back, I would choose to wear shoes that are
more comfortable

Be prepared

     You should know what to expect before your trip. Stay updated on weather, what sites will be open/closed, traffic conditions, etc. Be mindful of your belongings With all the hustle and bustle surrounding you, it could be easy to leave something behind. Check to make sure you have all your things before leaving your location. Another good trick for keeping your belongings in line is to wear your purse across your body, if you are wearing one. That way it is much harder for someone to try and steal it from you.

Find a friend (or two)

     When you are exploring an unfamiliar city, the “buddy system” is crucial. Having another person to help you when you are lost can help you both get on the right track to getting to where you need to be. Be aware that strangers may try to talk to you It is common for people in large cities to try and sell things to tourists, and while most of them are trying to do a thankless job, they can be a bit pushy. The best thing to do is ignore them if you don’t want to talk, but if they insist, try to be politely firm, and they will most likely go back to what they were doing.

    Try to avoid the many distractions

     There is a lot to look at in Times Square, but be careful. You will need to pay attention to your surroundings to stay safe. Watch out for traffic and other people. Once you get where you need to be, feel free to marvel at the sights and take pictures!

And, of course, have fun!

     Taking trips with your best friends makes for great times that you will remember for the rest of your life. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and visit a new place that differs greatly from where you grew up. Most importantly, cherish these opportunities that we have here at Bloom. Happy Travels!