<p>@jackiepantomime you’re right, most of the time nothing happens at all and these precautions may be unnecessary 99% of the time, but if you just happen to fall into that 1% just one time, than it has a major impact. the precautions aren’t because these things happen often, they’re because if they do happen, it’s a big deal. it’s not like not going out at night is a big sacrifice or anything.</p>
<p>OP: Your parents are OK with this?? You should not be going to recording studios alone without an adult.</p>
<p>@tryingforcollege, thanks for you post, I’ll PM you about it. If anyone else has experience or knows anything about the general studios in NYC and any safety issues (i.e seedy old men) please let me know!</p>
<p>I’d be more worried about DC, to be honest.</p>
<p>But most NYC Taxi drivers aren’t going to do unkind things to you (though you really should just take the subway). </p>
<p>Though I don’t suggest your trip at all.</p>
<p>As a longtime New Yorker, most of these alarmist posts are ridiculous. If you are alert you should be fine. NY is safer than many other cities nd places in the US. Personally I feel much, much safer on the subway with lots of people than in a cab alone with a stranger. I have never been bothered on the subway. Not that you are at risk in a cab. During the day and into the evening, take the subway! It’s normal, it’s what we do in NYC, like breathing. </p>
<p>How do you feel unsafe? Just don’t walk alone in the dark in deserted areas, and you will Be fine.
Enjoy your trip!</p>
<p>If you step into a yellow taxi with the right labels on it and stuff (look it up), it’s someone who’s passed a lot of tests and has been checked out. Also, NYC cab drivers are usually pretty knowledgeable about the city, but it can’t hurt to have the directions. It depends on what you mean by “off the beaten path.” If you’re going to start walking up into the projects, than obviously it’s not safe. But if you’re talking about going to typical neighborhoods away from tourist areas then it is fairly safe. I went to non-tourist areas like Flushing and The Bronx and never felt unsafe during the day. Crime in New York City is actually very low in proportion to its size. </p>
<p>It’s not uncommon for big-city dwellers to wear backpacks (I know, I used to live in Cleveland). Everyone, not just tourists, can be the victim of thieves, and the really good ones can slit the strap off your purse and take it without you even noticing, Make sure the most valuable items are “buried” in your backpack to avoid easy access.</p>
<p>Some are talking about safety precautions and others are noting alarmists. The bottom line is: do you have city smarts? If so, you can be fine. If you’re like one of mine who can’t find her way from the bus terminal to the subway underneath the same building, you may be overwhelmed. </p>
<p>There are tricks to surviving and enjoying any city. You can’t always hail a cab, but you can usually pick one up right in front of major hotels. You can’t always walk around the corner to pick up groceries or the take-out you want, but you can pick things up as you pass shops, during the day, or get out of the cab a few blocks short of your hotel, grab something and walk the rest of the way. And, yes, people walk around at night, but they usually know exactly where they are, where they won’t go, and what’s an unusual risk. There is no comparing the kids who live in the City with a newbie.</p>
<p>Part of the thrill of NYC is feeling like you’re part of it. You just have to have your wits about you. I think both your studios are a little off the beaten path. If this is a real plan, you should be able to call the studios and ask about the ease of getting a cab. You shouldn’t be staying til late hours or wandering off with new friends before you uderstand your own options for getting back to the hotel.</p>
<p>Btw, seedy old men aren’t as much of an issue as seedy younger ones.</p>
<p>ps. You’re really on the wrong CC forum. Simple Studios isn’t that far from Fashion Inst of Technology - you need to get on another forum where kids/adults familiar with that area might see your question (there’s a board for FIT). Or one of the music or MT ones where others might be familiar with that studio and know if it’s a decent walking neighborhood, etc.</p>
<p>I don’t live in a big city, but I think that an important thing you’d want to do, besides listening to the advice given here, is to look confident. If you look scared or confused, or are looking at a map or directions the whole time, it might make potential purse snatchers and the like notice you.</p>
<p>Otherwise, good luck! The most I’ve navigated on my own is airports.</p>
<p>PS there are plenty of cabbies here who do not know all the roads. Manhattan will be fine but there will be some that won’t know the other Boros. Previous post about not trusting cabbies because of their nationality is despicable. </p>
<p>New York is no less safe than anywhere else. There are not herds of pickpockets waiting to slash your purse strap when you are looking the other way. How many times have I forgotten my pocketbook on the chair at Starbucks and returned five minutes later in a panic and found it still there, or left my credit card in a restaurant and had to call and have them hold it for me? Countless. Never lost my purse yet. Not that I am recommending it. Of course you should take precautions, as you would anywhere.</p>
<p>I think the focus here is a 16 y.o. who doesn’t have the experiences we do.</p>
<p>Why would you take taxis as opposed to the subway/trains?</p>
<p>Yeah, there are two sides here. I don’t think NYC is inherently more dangerous than many other places. The question is whether it is wise to leave a 16 year old alone in two unknown cities for an extended period of time. Does the OP know others there? The way it’s worded, it sounds like she’s going to be alone. I would never let my kid do this. Go back and forth, fine, but not stay over night alone for several nights.</p>
<p>I don’t think anyone has mentioned this, but it could be an important point for you. If you are traveling by cab from Manhattan to Queens, don’t tell the cabdriver you’re going to Queens until you are in the cab. Often cabdrivers don’t want to go to the outer boros, it’s money lost to them; but once you’re in the cab, they have to take you. Also, it may not be easy to find a yellow cab in the area of Queens you’ll be in (I can’t say for sure, I’m unfamiliar with the neighborhood). If this is the case, you will have to ask about a car service.</p>
<p>If anyone has any tips about hailing a cab it would be much appreciated! Never really been to NYC or DC before, is the cab hailing “technique” the same? How far to step out curb? It is best to be very aggressive, any tips?</p>
<p>I’m one who thinks a savvy kid can safely navigate NYC. After all, tens of thousands of them live there and do. But the keyword is savvy. </p>
<p>When you get down to asking a forum how to hail a cab, I get the impression this is way beyond your experience level. </p>
<p>Can you give us some background here? Is there some feeling from your parents that this is a wacky, ill-considered idea? Are you going to be part of a program? </p>
<p>I am trying hard to be fair. But just what do you know about big cities, in the first place?</p>
<p>I’ll say this much, I’ve known more than one person who’s been the victim of the strap-cutting thing I mentioned. It’s not alarmist, it’s something experienced purse snatchers can really do.</p>
<p>Also, one tip, be weary of parks at night. Central Park might be okay, I don’t know. But I know this from experience: Corona Park might seem like an interesting place to check out, since you’ll be in Queens and probably see the big globe. And it is pretty cool. But after nightfall it changes a lot.</p>
<p>Oh, and I’ll echo what was said about the subways. I did a lot of riding on them, and on a couple buses too. I never had any reason to feel the least bit uncomfortable. Traversing a bus route can be confusing for a newcomer, but the subway is pretty easy to figure out.</p>
<p>For cabs, just whistle as loudly as you can and wave. Don’t get overly aggressive or step out into the street. And look for hotels or restaurants nearby and stand in front of them, they’ll be more likely to be trying to find customers and therefore more likely to notice you.</p>
<p>I think if you have to ask on a CC forum, you’re not ready. Also, how would you pay for all of this? City travel is SO expensive, unless you’re going to be staying in super sketchy hotels.</p>
<p>Based on what you asked in your first post, I would say its not a good idea for you to travel alone in these cities. If you were accustomed to getting around in these big cities you would likely be OK. But a potentially confused young girl with a backpack, by herself in an “off the beaten track” location does not sound like a good plan to me. Get somebody to go with you.</p>
<ol>
<li>Your cell phone never leaves your side. Set 911 to speed dial.</li>
<li>Try not to look vulnerable. Death stare is to remain on your face. And don’t make eye contact.</li>
<li>A Swiss Army knife is your best friend.</li>
<li>Familiarize yourself with the area.</li>
<li>Karate lessons may be useful.</li>
</ol>
<p>It’s all common sense, really.</p>
<p>where are you going to be staying? Why are you not planning on using the subway system? Most teenagers that grow up in the city roam around on their own at 16. you just have to use common sense of course. Would I let my 16 year old do that - NO. Did I let my 18 year old do that - definately.</p>