Tips for helping Tourists in NYC
DO – Do try to help people as they navigate the Subway. It is very confusing and they do not need to think that every New Yorker is an asshole.
I once helped a couple of older gentleman as I was getting on the train to go home from work. Both of them were in the mid 40's and looked to be old friends. One of them, a scotsman was an exciting mustachioed bellicose man, while his friend more slender was from the south. He kept commenting on how he loved “Chicago” and how he wanted a 'coney.' I showed him to the hot dog stand. They offered me a two dollar bill. I refused and let on my way. They now know we can be nice.
DO – Give them further directions from the Subway, make them easy to understand and explain that there will be people to help them along the way.
In assisting a young Argentine couple, I directed them to their train and how to catch the bus to Laguardia. As this is on my line it wasn't so hard, but still they needed to be told where to stand and how to catch the bus. Make an effort so that these people don't end up more lost from your shitty directions. Go the extra step.
DO – Recommend amazing NYC Places for them to see, eat and live.
I like to stick to personal favorites that are easily accessible. I will always ask first what they are interested in and then go from there. Stick to the basics; Pizza, Bagels, Dim Sum and Deli. There are plenty of restaurants, but sometimes snacks are more fun and where else can you get these kinds of treats.
DO – Explain to them what they are doing wrong if anything.
If they have every piece of material possession out and in their hands. Tell them thats not a good way to walk around the city.
DO – Lead them if possible.
Take them to the place they are going. Within reason. It will give them a great story, you will feel great and as long as you know more than them you should be okay.
DO NOT – Give them or accept money from them.
That's when things get sticky.
DO NOT – Travel with them beyond their destination.
You may lead them to their next port of call but do not go any further? You don't know everybody.
DO NOT – Bite their heads off for walking too slowly
Do not be outwardly rude to them, unless they warrant it.
DO NOT – Bitch about tourists, if you don't live among them or don't have to deal with them.
If you live in Bushwick or the UWS I am sure your views are much different than mine. I work in Times Square. The holidays are tough, but they aren't terrible. It's only a bit of a walk. Please you aren't fighting with them for subway real estate. Let it go man.
DO NOT – Forget you were once a tourist, if even you have lived here your whole life.
You went to Madame Tussauds, the Empire State Building and maybe even the Statue of Liberty. All of those spots you revile were once what captivated you. Sure now you can boast about eating drinking at Death & Co., partying in Williamsburg or even brunching it up on the weekends at the Grey Dog. Don't forget taking the drunk train back out to Long Island. Once you thought the shiny Disney-fied masses were amazing. Just because you know more, doesn't mean you always knew it or that someone didn't show you.
