Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Left
Umbrella
Center left
Comfortable shoes
Center Right
Sunglasses
Right
Seasonal clothing
Planning Your Trip
Seasonal Clothing
New York has distinct
seasons with average
temperatures ranging
from
26-38º F (
-3-3
º C) in
the winter to 67-84º F
(19-29º C) in the summer
Despite the averages
New York weather is
predictably unpredict-
able. Layers are the
solution - a short-sleeved
knitted shirt, long-sleeved
cotton shirt, and sweater
will see you through
most changes, plus a
warm coat for winter.
Hat and Sun-
Glasses
Most visitors are more
than likely to undertake
a lot of walking in New
York. Don't make the
mistake of thinking that
those tall buildings shut
out the sun; if anything,
it seems intensified
in the city. So come
prepared with a hat and
sunglasses, and don't
forget to pack the
suntan lotion.
Student or
Senior ID
Subways and buses,
movie houses, most
major attractions, and
many hotels offer
discounted rates for
seniors over the age of
65. But proof of age is
sometimes requested,
so bring along a valid
photo identification to
take advantage of the dis-
counts. Most museums
and sightseeing attrac-
tions also offer discounted
rates for students, again
on presentation of the
relevant ID. The minimum
age for entry into bars
and clubs in the U.S. is
21 and proof of age will
be required on entry.
Electric Current
Adapter
The U.S. uses a 115-
120V current, rather than
the 220V current used in
Europe and elsewhere.
Some hair dryers are
equipped with an
automatic conversion
switch, but most 220V
appliances will need an
adapter, available in
airport shops and some
department stores. The
U.S. also uses two-pin
plugs, and you will there-
fore need a two-pin
plug adapter.
Umbrella and
a Raincoat
The months of March
and August have the
heaviest rainfall, but an
umbrella and raincoat
are useful all year round.
Pocket Calculator
To save having
to do laborious calcu-
lations in your head
to convert the price of
goods from dollars into
pounds or euros when
out shopping, bring a
pocket calculator with
you. Some are almost
as small as a credit
card, and fit easily into
a wallet or pocket.
Walking Shoes
Midtown streets are
often clogged with
traffic, meaning that
walking is not only the
most pleasant, but often
the fastest, way to get
around. Invest in a pair
of sturdy walking shoes,
and break them in before
you leave home to avoid
developing blisters.
Metric
Conversion Chart
Unlike most of the world,
the U.S. does not use
the metric system. A
conversion chart or elec-
tronic pocket converter
makes it simple to
convert miles into
kilometers for distances,
ounces into litres for
capacity measurements,
kilograms to pounds
for weight, and celcius
into fahrenheit for
the weather.
Driving Licence
If you plan on any
out-of-New York trips
with a rented car, be
sure to bring a valid
driving licence with you.
You will also need to
show official identification
with a photograph and
signature, such as a
passport. A credit card
will also be required
when renting a car.
Dark Colors
Dry cleaning is
expensive in New York,
and laundromats are
scarce in midtown
where most visitors
stay. The practical
solution is to pack
dark clothing, preferably
in fast-drying, drip-dry
fabrics that can be
rinsed out overnight.
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