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The Bronx Travel Resources

The Bronx Travel Resources

The Bronx New York, USA Travel Guide

Essential Preparations

Advance planning, especially for international travel or peak season visits, ensures a smooth journey.

Your Trip Planning Schedule

Follow this timeline for a well-organized visit to The Bronx.

1

Months Before

Apply for Visa/ESTA

International Visitors: Request your U.S. Visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This process takes time for approval.

Book Flights & Major Accommodations

Secure your flights and main lodging, especially during peak season or a holiday period, for better rates and availability.

Research Major Attractions

Begin researching the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, Yankee Stadium, and other sites to gauge your interests.

2

Month Before

Finalize Itinerary

Decide your daily plans, including specific attractions, tours, and dining experiences.

Book Specific Tours & Reservations

Make reservations for any popular tours, performances, or high-demand restaurants.

Purchase Travel Insurance

Secure comprehensive Travel insurance for medical emergencies or trip cancellations.

3

Week Before

Confirm All Reservations

Reconfirm flights, accommodation, tours, and any other bookings.

Check Weather Forecast

Review the weather forecast for The Bronx to guide your final packing choices.

Inform Bank/Credit Card Company

Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid card freezes due to suspicious activity.

Required Advance Bookings

Booking ahead and thorough research ensure a smooth journey.

Reservations

  • Flights: Book your round-trip flights.
  • Accommodation: Reserve your hotel, vacation rental, or guesthouse.
  • Popular Tours: Book tours for attractions like Yankee Stadium.
  • High-Demand Restaurants: Make reservations for specific dining experiences.

Home Preparation Before Departure

Ready your home for your absence.

Home Security & Utilities

  • Secure your home: Secure all windows and doors by locking them.
  • Stop mail/newspaper delivery or arrange neighbor collection.
  • Empty all trash and dispose of perishable groceries.
  • Switch off unnecessary lights and unplug electronics.

Pre-Trip Research Recommendations

Travel Advisories

  • Review current advisories for the U.S. And NYC.
  • Stay informed about any recent changes or recommendations.
  • Official government sources present current details.
  • Check for health or safety alerts.

Public Transit System

  • Familiarize yourself with NYC's MTA system.
  • Understand fare options like OMNY or the MetroCard.
  • Plan your key thoroughfares ahead of time.
  • Download the MTA app for real-time data.

Bronx Neighborhoods

  • Research specific Bronx neighborhoods you plan to visit.
  • Understand their character and local attractions.
  • Note any safety considerations specific to the area.
  • Discover local events or points of interest.

Home Preparedness Insight

Before leaving, secure your home. Lock windows and doors. Stop mail or newspaper delivery, or arrange for a neighbor to collect them. Pay upcoming bills and empty all trash. Unplug unnecessary electronics.

Arrival Checklist

These steps you smoothly transition from arrival to settling into your accommodation.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Customs and Immigration:

    Clear customs and immigration (for visitors from abroad). Passport, visa/ESTA, and return ticket ready.

  • 2
    Collect Luggage:

    Retrieve your hold luggage from the carousel.

  • 3
    Ground Transportation:

    Proceed to your planned land travel (taxi, ride-share, AirTrain, bus) to your accommodation.

Orientation & Initial Needs

  • Transit Pass:

    Purchase a MetroCard or activate OMNY on your device for public transit.

  • Locate Accommodation:

    Navigate to your hotel or rental using a reliable app.

  • Immediate Purchases:

    Buy any immediate necessities, like water, snacks, or a transit pass.

Departure Preparation

Souvenir & Shipping

Gather all purchases. Check airline baggage allowance. An option is to ship larger items via USPS, UPS, or FedEx.

Be aware of your home country's customs regulations.

Pre-Departure Timing

Reconfirm flight departure time 24-48 hours before. Allow ample time for travel to the airport, considering traffic.

Arrive at the airport per airline recommendations (2-3 hrs international, A two-hour period domestic).

Return Trip Preparation

Pack strategically, leaving space for souvenirs. Ensure all travel documents are easily accessible (passport, boarding pass).

Tidy accommodation, empty trash, and double-check for forgotten items.

VAT Refund Clarification

The United States does not operate a federal value-added tax (VAT) system. No VAT refund procedures exist for tourists. Sales tax applies at the point of purchase.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for your departure efficiently for a relaxed journey home.

Souvenir & Shipping Considerations

  • Gather all your souvenirs and purchases.
  • Check your airline's baggage allowance to avoid excess fees.
  • Consider shipping larger or fragile items via USPS, UPS, or FedEx.
  • Be aware of your home country's customs regulations for items purchased in the U.S.

Pre-Departure Timing Recommendations

  • Reconfirm your flight departure time 24-48 hours before.
  • Allow ample time for travel to the airport, considering traffic.
  • Arrive at the airport per airline recommendations (2-3 hours for international, 2 hours for domestic).
  • Account for potential public transit delays.

VAT Refund Procedures

The United States does not operate a federal value-added tax (VAT) system.

Facts

  • No national sales tax exists.
  • No VAT refund procedures for tourists.
  • Sales tax applies at the point of purchase.
  • Specific state/city sales taxes apply.

Return Trip Preparation

  • Pack strategically, leaving space for any souvenirs.
  • Ensure all travel documents (passport, boarding pass) are easily accessible.
  • If in a rental, empty trash, wash dishes, and tidy per instructions.
  • Double-check your room for forgotten items before departure.

Last Minute Checklist

Create a physical checklist and tick off items as you complete them.

This preparation accounts for all items during your busy pre-trip phase.

The Bronx Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts