Manhattan is a big place. Vertically, horizontally, above ground and below. So you need to know a few things before you go for the first time or for a return trip. So this installment I have put together some tips to make your trip better.

1) A Book. Do yourself a favor and god to the book store and get a book. I choose Fodors "See It New York." It was a real good information source. Will you use everything in the book? No, but as long as when you flip though the book at the store and you find a good number of tips buy it. It is worth it for the maps alone.

2) Maps. Now a days these come in all shapes and sizes. From the standard fold out maps you can get anywhere. Or use your portable device (IPhone or Itouch) to have your maps always with you. Trust me, having an Iphone with you walking around is a great idea. From just fining your way around to finding a place to eat.

3) Bathrooms: I live in Boca Raton Florida. And around here there are plenty of Public Bathrooms. Anywhere you go you can find a clean bathroom. I can tell you that my family has NEVER waited to go to the bathroom around here, except at a Dolphin game. Well in New York here are no bathrooms. So keep a watchful eye open while your walking around. I have a 8 year old daughter, so it was real hard finding a restroom. And when we did it was usually a 20 minute wait. There were a few accidents, but it was not her fault. So to avoid any unpleasentries please watch for the bathrooms.

4) Weather. It seems that the weather could change on a dime. So keep an umbrella handy and in the winter layer.

5) Know the subway and bus system. Cabs can get expensive, and the subways are real efficient and fast. But all of the different lines and stops can get confusing, for us non New yorkers.

New York was real fun and I cannot wait to go back. I saw a lot and there is still so much to see.

So get out there and travel.

bonbontravel@bellsouth.net