How to Avoid Getting Mugged in New York

People say you don’t become a New Yorker until you’ve been mugged. That’s great for New Yorkers, we wish them all the best at becoming natives, but what about us, the tourists who simply want to enjoy a few days of sightseeing without having all our money stolen and being scarred for life from the experience of mugging? Well, there’s hope for us, don’t worry. Here are some tips on how to avoid getting mugged in New York.

• If you look like a tourist, you’re an easy target – thieves look for people who are so taken in by the sights that they won’t bother to guard their stuff. So, when visiting New York try your best to blend in. No I Love New York T-shirts or baseball caps – and if you must take pictures, try to do it effortlessly, like a native. You’re probably not going to be very successful at this, but try your best.
• Do not wear gang colors. If you’re in Manhattan, this probably won’t count too much, but if you’re venturing out in Bronx try to keep it as neutral as possible. Don’t wear red, blue, purple of green – it will definitely mean something for a lot of people and trust us, you don’t want it to come to that.
• Keep your eyes open – if you see someone that looks a bit theif-y than trust your instincts and avoid them, cross to the other side of the road or enter a shop. Now, don’t overdo it, there are a lot of freaky, funky people in New York, and they’re not all thieves and psychopaths.
• Look tough and you won’t be messed with – try a skull hoodie and a big jacket. They may not be too fashionable, but they’ll do the trick!

Now, if you do your best and you still get mugged, don’t panic – we mean it, do not panic. The muggers will probably want your money and that’s about it. Here’s what not to do when you get mugged.

• Pull out a knife – don’t get tough, you don’t want to provoke your attacker for a couple of bucks.
• Have some money prepared in case you get mugged. Not too much that your budget will take a hit, but not too little that your mugger will be angry at you.
• Don’t scream and shout – Once again, don’t try to stop it, it will happen, whether you like it or not. Try to get it over with soon, by giving the thief all your money.

Best UK Winter Holiday Destinations

At this time of year, many of us simply want to get away from the stress of the festive season.Not just from the flurry of Christmas adverts flashing across our televisions and monochromatic mornings spent de-icing our cars- most of us want to escape the cold. And those of us that manage it insert just one caveat when choosing a destination; make it hot!

Relax and Unwind in the West Country

Making such a demand, however, is depriving us of many pleasing destinations much closer to home. Imagine fuellinga crackling open fire in the quaint cottage you have leased in the West Country,a landscape of whitened downs and frost-encrusted trees as far as the eye can see. After all, winter is the perfect season in which to enjoy the creature comforts of the indoors offers; chintz armchairs, shag pile rugs and hot coffees! Companies such as Landmark Trust and Forgotten Houses offer a selection of country properties available on short let, so you can, quite literally, escape to the country.

Take a trip to Cork

Whilst winter brings the beauty of the countryside into sharper focus, it also lends a certain spellbinding quality to other things. Imagine then, wrapped up in your mittens, woolly jumper and knitted scarf, visiting Blarney Castle near Cork, and taking a walk in its extensive grounds, or enjoying a comforting pint within the toasty confines of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, before venturing into the hustle and bustle of the Temple Bar district.

Explore the Cairngorms

With that in mind, head to one of the many hot spots for skiing in the UK, snowboard in hand, and, amateur or pro, you’re certain to have a good time. There are impressive slopes across the country, with the best sites being in the north of Scotland, in the Nevis range and the Cairngorms. Many of these UK destinations have authentic ski lodges and gondolas so, while they may lack the vastness of Chamonix, they certainly maintainwintry charm.

A Hyde Park Christmas in London

There are numerous flight offersavailable during winter, some slashing fares by as much as 50%, and each of them designed to tempt disillusioned Brits into making the most of home pastures. Whether you want to jet to Scotland to embark on a railway trip taking in the snow-capped viewpoints of the Highlands, invade London to enjoy the Hyde Park Christmas market, or spend cosy afternoons enclosed within stone cottages in Ireland or Wales, winter destinations in the UK offer something for everyone.

Where will you take a staycation this winter?

Author Bio

Jonathan Gordon is from Edinburgh and an avid travel blogger. He writes for a number of travel companies offering various offers on UK flights.

10 Winter Travel Tips to Melt Your Worries Away

Winter travel can be a tough one. If you don’t prepare for it, then be prepared for a disaster. It doesn’t take much to turn your vacation upside down, so we thought we would give you a few tips that will ensure you have a good winter vacation whether you travel by car or plane.

10. Plan ahead even though those winter offers a knock-out! If you want peace and quiet during those busy winter days, do yourself a favor and plan your vacation ahead of time. But if you want to save money, keep your eye on those offers.

9. Going by car? Leave a few hours earlier. The roads can be such a mess during the winter, you never know what to expect, so make sure you’re prepared by leaving a couple of hours in advance, just to make sure you don’t miss the plane or the reservation.

8. Pack lightly! Because winter clothes are so bulky, it can be tough to pack your bag. Remember, always pack lightly and always focus on staying warm and cozy. You can show off your new skirt some other time.

7. Go easy on the hiking. You’re on vacation to relax and have fun, but don’t try to be brave and go off on routes that will even the most experienced hiker think twice.

6. Don’t forget about the meds. Be prepared for when the cold strikes. Because it will! Catching a cold on holiday or immediately after you’ve arrived home seems like a rule. Don’t let it take you by surprise.

5. Pack a winter safety kit for the car. If you haven’t seen the episode of Discovery’s I shouldn’t be Alive with the couple who decided to take their infant son far, far away during a cold winter with their crappy car – you should. It should be a lesson to us all – spoiler: they survived!

4. Keep an open mind about the course. Things will interfere and you will need to change your course. Don’t let it get you down, it’s how winter shows it loves us, by throwing unexpected things at us and seeing us weep.

3. Have your card checked before leaving. Should I even mention this? Don’t go on the road unless you know your car can handle it.

2. Stay hydrated and stretch your legs. During long trips you can get dehydrated and your legs could get numb. Try to avoid it as it can lead to clog formation.

1. Enjoy the weather! It’s cold and you’re cold, but that’s the magic of winter. Enjoy it, because if you don’t, nobody’s forcing you to leave the house until spring.