Travelling solo women advice in New York

I have travelled the New York subway at night, and it is actually ok if you follow the rules, don't make unnecessary eye contact with people, it points you out as being a non-New Yorker, likewise, act like a local in terms of knowing what station you need to get on and off at, have the approximate fare at hand so that you don't have to stand there rummaging through your wallet or money belt feeling vulnerable, know the route you asre taking and be aware of the geography of your transport in relation to where you are staying. If anyone attempts to hassle you, make a LOT of noise, maybe no-one will help you if you yell, but they almost certainly won't do anything if you don't advertise your need for assistance.

In hostels or other accomodation, watch your stuff, you may end up having to carry a lot of extra junk in your day ack , but unfortunately it is not terrribly wise to trust other travellers with your money and camera etc. Evereyone there is on a budget, and this means some people will always be tempted to steal from their fellow travellers. Pitiful but quite common from anecdotal evidence I've come across so far. As far as being Female and alone, you will have to be careful about going home with people, again common sense prevails, one nights stands are made that bit more dangerous if no-one knows where you are, or who you might be with. Most hostels won't let you bring your new foudn friend back there with you for security reasons, and finding somewhere for romance can be tough. Be careful of local customs about flirting, they vary amazingly from country to country, city to city, and what would be a harmless chat in some places may be seen as an invitation for sex in other places. again, being by yourslef means being without the safetynet of friends to make sure you get home ok, and when you are drunk or in other ways a bit out of it you may forget to pay attention to your personal safety and also the security of your valuables, inculding your passport and tickets.