Intersectional Solo Travel in New York City

One of the best things about living in New York City is deciding to step outside with zero plans and seeing where the day takes you. With countless places to eat, shop and people watch, it’s fairly easy being spontaneous solo.

When it comes to traveling alone, as long as you have a good map system (cue Google or Citimapper), you should be set, just be sure to stay alert. You always want to keep your eyes open since things can move fast but in the evening it’s particularly important to be aware of your surroundings and know your route back home. Here’s a scenario: it’s pretty late and your train is delayed or just didn’t show up and you’re unfamiliar with the station. Not all stations have attendants and when it’s past midnight, many can start to clear out. I wouldn’t advise asking strangers for directions at this time. If you’ve been waiting alone and don’t feel particularly safe, consider grabbing an Uber.

For women traveling solo, it’s always best to be safe than sorry. Carry some pepper spray (which costs $9.99 at the local Target) for peace of mind.