New Jersey is a vibrant and culturally diverse state with bustling, interesting, and charming historical towns, along with white sandy beaches, historical attractions, amusement parks, arboretums, and distinctive restaurants you can visit. Whether you are a nature lover, history enthusiast, or a foodie, the Garden State has something for everyone.
Travelling in New Jersey: Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip
However, travelling comes with challenges, and you may face some during your trip to New Jersey. In this article, we will share some essential tips for a smooth trip to help you prepare for your holiday.
1. Plan Your Trip
Preliminary planning will help you to have a smooth experience. Find out the emergency numbers to use during your stay in New Jersey. Some numbers to include in your emergency contacts are your next of kin, a reliable NJ lawyer, a travel insurance provider, and the phone numbers of the local hospitals where you can access medical emergency treatment.
2. Find Suitable Transport
New Jersey has several means of transport that you can use to move around conveniently. You can easily access buses, trains, and car rentals to assist as you explore the state. However, if you are planning to holiday in rural areas, consider getting a rental car for ease of movement. There are international and local car hire companies at train stations, airports, and town centres. You can also get these rental services online at reasonable rates. If you will spend most of your holiday in the urban centres, taxis and ride-sharing services are suitable transport options. However, bus and train services are the most affordable options. Consider using Google Maps or a similar app to track your travel route. It will make it easier for you to locate tourist attractions, accommodation, and transport services.
3. Check the Weather
The weather in New Jersey can be unpredictable. So, check the weather forecast before travelling to ensure you carry the right clothes and gear. Prepare for rain, as New Jersey gets plenty of storms throughout the year. The most popular seasons to travel to New Jersey are spring and summer because the temperatures are moderate, and you can enjoy more outdoor activities, especially along the coastline. When travelling in summer, remember to carry sunscreen. If you visit New Jersey in winter, pack enough warm clothing and suitable shoes for the weather. Before you go out on excursions during your stay in New Jersey, check the traffic patterns to plan your itinerary most efficiently.
When travelling in major cities such as Jersey City, avoid rush hour. Rush hours are usually from 7 to 9am and 4 to 7pm. Steering clear of peak traffic times will save you money and time. The perfect time to explore New Jersey tourist attractions is between 10am and 4pm when the roads are relatively traffic-free. It’s also the ideal time to take scenic walks through tourist attractions, shop, visit the beaches, and discover famous eateries for an authentic taste of New Jersey cuisine.
When travelling in major cities such as Jersey City, avoid rush hour. Rush hours are usually from 7 to 9am and 4 to 7pm. Steering clear of peak traffic times will save you money and time. The perfect time to explore New Jersey tourist attractions is between 10am and 4pm when the roads are relatively traffic-free. It’s also the ideal time to take scenic walks through tourist attractions, shop, visit the beaches, and discover famous eateries for an authentic taste of New Jersey cuisine.
4. Get Suitable Accommodation
New Jersey has accommodations for every type of traveller, from family-friendly hotels to luxury accommodations, cottages, and hostels or campsites for budget travellers. Before choosing suitable accommodation for your stay in New Jersey, consider proximity to tourist attractions, transport hubs, shopping locations, and hospitals to ensure you are close to all amenities. Make sure to read reviews on travel websites to find the best places to stay!
5. Plan for Emergencies
Make copies of your driving licence, passport, and any other identification documents to simplify the process of getting replacements if your personal documents get lost or stolen. Write down the contacts of local emergency services to ensure you get help fast in case you suffer an accident, lose your belongings, or are a victim of street crime during your stay in New Jersey. Furthermore, alert your bank of your travel plans to guarantee you can access funds in your account to pay for travel expenses. Notifying your bank of your travel plans will also ensure any fraudulent activity surrounding your transactions is flagged, reducing the likelihood of you experiencing identity theft.
6. Explore Lesser-Known Attractions
Do you know the tourist attractions you will visit during your New Jersey trip? Plan where to go in advance to avoid wasting any time in the Garden State looking for places to visit. While major attractions in New Jersey are fun to visit, the large crowds in these tourist sites sometimes dampen the holiday spirit. You can enhance your holiday by travelling to lesser-known destinations like Princeton University Art Museum, Grounds for Sculpture, and Island Beach State Park, where you will have a unique experience. However, you will also have a nice time in major attractions if you don't mind the crowds. Some examples are Liberty State Park, Cape May Seaside Resort, Atlantic City, and Ocean City, where you will find many amusement parks and vibrant nightlife.
7. Protect Online Information
If you are travelling in New Jersey for business, you may use your laptop or phone to send emails, use Google, or talk to clients. As you will be working in hotels, restaurants, malls, and other public places, you may be exposed to cybercriminals. These are internet criminals who can infiltrate your online accounts while you are on a public internet network and steal your personal information. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet activity and hide your personal information from cybercriminals. It’s also essential that you get an antivirus for your computer for the same reason.
Final Thoughts on Travelling Smoothly in New Jersey
Those are our seven travel tips for New Jersey. The Garden State has an assortment of interesting experiences waiting for you to explore. It is filled with historic wonders, picturesque beaches, outdoor adventure spots, and family retreats for holidaymakers like you. As you uncover the magic of New Jersey, use this travel information to create unforgettable memories without wasting your money, getting into trouble with the law, or encountering an unfortunate accident. They will make your long weekend or holiday in New Jersey an unforgettable one.
What about you, have you ever been to New Jersey? Feel free to share any tips & advice below! (Image from Unsplash)
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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