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AIBU?

To go to New York on my own?

58 replies

ShutUpMeg · 10/05/2012 09:25

I've always wanted to go to New York but have been brought up in the mindset that a woman simply cannot go anywhere without a man as she will naturally be beaten, raped and killed. I don't have this mindset but admittedly have been wary of going abroad on my own because of it!

Anyway, I'm a single parent, I do have a DP but we don't live together and I don't think it will last anyway. I have just done a quote for me and the kids for one week in New York - I can afford it.

So - AIBU to bugger off to New York with my 13 and 15 year old lads for a week? would you do it alone?

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Anniegetyourgun · 10/05/2012 09:28

I went with my then 4-year-old and we're both still here to tell the tale.

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juneau · 10/05/2012 09:29

Of course YANBU! If you can afford it and want to treat yourself and your boys, go. NY is great - I lived there for six years. You'll have a fabulous time - and it's nowhere near as dangerous as it was in 1980s - I feel safer in NY than I do in London.

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ShutUpMeg · 10/05/2012 09:29

Was it ok/enjoyable on your own? I don't see New York as being the type of place where you're constantly surrounded by couples - Surely it's no different than going to London for a week?

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bushymcbush · 10/05/2012 09:30

Go! Why are you even asking? Book it, now!

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YourCallIsImportant · 10/05/2012 09:30

Absolutely! What a fab trip for your boys! New York is fantastic and very safe for sensible tourists. My DM lived there in the 80s when it was the murder capital of the western world, but it's totally different now. It's clean, public transport is cheap and user friendly, and always something to do whatever the weather. Can you tell I'm jealous??? Envy Grin

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Bonsoir · 10/05/2012 09:31

I've been all round the world on my own and to much more esoteric places than NY. Go for it!

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Fooso · 10/05/2012 09:32

They will love it - they are the perfect age too... The jet lag can be a pain but as you're going for a week shouldn't be a problem. Go, Go, Go...!

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YourCallIsImportant · 10/05/2012 09:33

Juneau - agreed! I remember walking through Times Sq in the 80s and my DM telling me not to stop, not to make eye contact with anyone and hold my bag as tight as possible! It's totally different now.

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PotteringAlong · 10/05/2012 09:33

Book it! Until I got married I'd only ever travelled by myself - your boys are of an age to really love it too.

It's a fabulous city! When are you going? what are your sons interested in?

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happystory · 10/05/2012 09:35

You should definitely do it! We have just been and apart from the usual inclination to hang on to your handbag (which I would do anywhere crowded) it was fabulous. People, on the whole, were soooo friendly.

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mumblechum1 · 10/05/2012 09:35

Of course. You won't be "on your own", you'll be with two strapping teenage lads.

I love NYC, something about the vibe really energises me. It's v v safe ime.

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oohermrs · 10/05/2012 09:35

Go for it love NY your boys will have a ball - just keep them away from the Abercrombie shop!!!

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ShutUpMeg · 10/05/2012 09:36

Thanks for the positive responses! My mum will have a fit when she realises what I'm doing.

A list of stuff I want to do is central park, natural history museum, rockafeller centre, liberty island - There's so much I want to do!

My eldest is into movies, technology, the rich and the famous etc so I'm thinking maybe one of those "movie scene tours" for him?

Youngest will love everything, he's easily pleased but has always had his heart set on the natural history museum.

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ItsNotUnusualToBe · 10/05/2012 09:37

Been twice in the last 8 yards. Never felt unsafe.

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OurPlanetNeptune · 10/05/2012 09:40

My goodness, go woman. This will be so much fun. Your children will have a super time. I first went to NY on my own when I was 19 years old. I went back twice the following year. It was a huge adventure for me. Not once did I feel vulnerable. I took the same safety precautions as I do when I am in the UK. I actually worked there after graduating from university and I now go back regularly. I love the place. Your children are the perfect age to really appreciate it. Gosh I'm so excited for all three of you. GO!!!!

In fact my DH is talking about buying an apartment there as we are there so often, as we have some friends there and he has an office there which he wants to expand.

It is not couply at all.

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tethersend · 10/05/2012 09:47

I'll go with you Grin

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008 · 10/05/2012 09:48

GO GO GO GO!!!!

You´ll have SUCH a great time ...

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CallMeAl · 10/05/2012 09:52

with 2 other people is not alone

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Tabliope · 10/05/2012 09:56

Go. I'm going later this year with my 14 year old - no man. flights booked already but have to find hotel still. Only going for 5 nights though - wish it was a week because it's a great city. You'll be absolutely fine. I've travelled loads of places with my ds. He's actually been a deterrent to unwanted male attention many times. Have a great time.

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ShutUpMeg · 10/05/2012 09:58

Thank you! I'm so excited about this now.

Can I ask a few practical questions? Landing at Newark - how easy is it to get a cab to TimesSquare from there and how much roughly will it cost?

How much spending money do you reckon I'll need for 1 adult and 2 teens?

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Honky · 10/05/2012 10:00

Lucky you! I lived there for a couple of years, I wouldn't hesitate to go for a trip alone, best city in the world and super-safe these days anyway.

Am jealous! God, I love NYC.

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HipHopOpotomus · 10/05/2012 10:04

GO GO GO!!!
Lucky you - you'll have a ball, it's a wonderful city.

If you really want to live 'dangerously' can I recommend walking over the Brooklyn Bridge and going to Peter Lugers for a fine steak supper

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oohermrs · 10/05/2012 10:09

This is a really good website as it's more up to date than most www.timeout.com/newyork. It'll give you a good idea about the cost of things.

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notcitrus · 10/05/2012 10:15

Have a great time!

There's buses from Newark to Port Authority station, then get a cab or metro from there.

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exexpat · 10/05/2012 10:18

Another one saying go! I am a single parent and went to NY with my two DCs when they were 6 and 10. It was great. We also travelled round some other parts of the US and Canada on the same trip, and I've also taken them round bits of Europe, Asia and Australia by myself, and I haven't been raped or murdered once.

There is absolutely nothing to worry about, specially since yours are old enough to be grown-up and sensible (I hope?). But you will probably get through money like water, given how much teenage boys eat. I'd recommend trying some of the all-you-can-eat buffet places - we found a great Japanese/Chinese one near the Empire State building, but I think there are loads of them around.

Also don't be scared of the subway - it is fine and not at all dangerous these days, and makes getting round town very easy. You can buy one-day tickets (our hotel sold them, but I presume you can also get them elsewhere) which make it all very easy.

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