The birthplace of hip-hop and home to major tourist attractions, the Bronx is one of the most famous of New York City's five boroughs. Beyond its revered sports franchises, massive green spaces, and signature food, the Bronx has a lot to offer. This culturally rich and vibrant borough understandably attracts huge numbers of tourists each year.
Consult this guide to make the most out of your Bronx trip. To make sure you're fully prepared for any unforeseen issues on your vacation, get visitors insurance or travel insurance before you go.
Visitors Insurance for Travelers in the Bronx - FAQs
Accidents and illnesses during a trip abroad can cause a lot of stress, and unforeseen expenses. The cost of healthcare and hospitalization in the US is quite high. If you have to receive treatment, you'll want to have insurance that can cover you. To make sure you're prepared for unexpected medical issues while visiting the Bronx, be sure to have visitors insurance.
Why buy visitors insurance before traveling to the Bronx?
There's no telling what kind of medical issues you could run into during an international vacation. A car could run a traffic light while you're walking across the street. Improperly prepared food could make you sick. Or you could just come down with the flu. Whatever happens, you'll want to receive proper care as soon as possible.
The Bronx has first-rate hospitals and medical facilities, but they are unlikely to accept your domestic health insurance. Without proper coverage, even routine medical treatment could result in huge out-of-pocket expenses. With visitors insurance, you can have the coverage you need to receive the best treatment with less worry about how you'll pay for it.
What should I look for in my Bronx visitors insurance?
Before you travel to the Bronx, find a visitors insurance plan that suits you. Your plan should include coverage for new illnesses, injuries and medical evacuation, if necessary, for the full duration of your stay. Also, be sure to research these options:
- PPO network participation
- The ability to extend coverage or cancel coverage if required
- Coverage for acute onset of preexisting conditions
- Compliant coverage for exchange visitors on J visas
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in the Bronx - FAQs
When you consider how much money is involved in booking a trip abroad, it truly makes sense to insure it. You can't control if your flight gets canceled, or if travel restrictions are put in place that force you to stay home. Trip cancellation insurance is designed to take care of the financial aspects of a canceled trip. It can help you get reimbursed for your prepaid travel expenses when you aren't able to utilize them. It's something no one should book a trip without.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my Bronx travel?
When you travel internationally, a lot of the money for things like airfare and hotels must be paid up front. After all, you want to get a good deal and have everything in place before your trip. However, these bookings often charge fees if you need to cancel, or they can be nonrefundable. If you have to cancel your trip for a reason covered by the policy, your trip cancellation insurance can help you receive a full or partial refund for these expenses.
What should I look for in my Bronx trip cancellation insurance?
Buy a travel insurance plan that will provide coverage that's suitable for your trip. For instance, if you're planning to attend a baseball game or other event you've purchased tickets for in advance, be sure to get a plan that can help you get reimbursed if you have to cancel and cannot get a refund. In addition to these trip cancellation benefits, also consider:
- A plan that allows you to cancel for any reason
- Trip interruption coverage
- Flight delay coverage
- Coverage for baggage delays or loss of baggage
- Flight insurance
The Bronx's Most Popular Places for Travel
Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo is the largest urban animal park in the U.S. It is home to over 6,000 animals and is a must-visit spot for all animal lovers; especially families with young kids. Spread over 265 acres, this massive green space is a perfect place to escape the busyness of the city.
Yankee Stadium
The most famous and winningest franchise in Major League Baseball history has called the Bronx home since 1923. Though the current home of the New York Yankees was only built in 2009, it retains much of the history of the original. A trip to see the 27-time world champions is an absolute must if you visit the Bronx in the summertime, whether you're a baseball fan or not.
New York Botanical Garden
With its indoor rainforests and deserts, waterfalls, and rivers, the New York Botanical Garden is a historic landmark. It houses more than a million plants and it is the largest botanical garden in the United States. It is a beautiful spot with stunning landscapes and breathtaking views.
Arthur Avenue
The Bronx is a hub of Italian American culture. A walk down Arthur Avenue will transport you to the streets of Italy. New Yorkers like to call it "the real Little Italy." Here you can enjoy delicious pizzas, freshly made mozzarella, cold-cut meats and sausages.
Edgar Allan Poe Cottage
Celebrated American writer and poet Edgar Allan Poe lived in the Bronx towards the end of his life. He wrote some of his most important works there. His cottage has been restored to its original form and offers a guided tour. All lovers of literature should add this venue to their must-visit places in Bronx.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Bronx
When to visit
Bronx experiences high temperatures and humidity during the summer, and chilly weather during winters. Snowfall and storms are also quite common during the cold season. To fully enjoy the many outdoor locations that the Bronx has to offer, spring and fall are the best months to visit, as the weather is pleasant and mild.
Getting around
The fastest and most economical way to get around in the Bronx is the subway. Remember to check the map often and confirm your route. The subway can be confusing and tourists can end up getting lost. Driving will give you a lot of flexibility, but it is quite common for the streets to be overcrowded, and parking can be difficult. Areas not covered by the subway can be accessed by the bus and commuter rail lines.
Shopping
The Bronx is the place to shop in New York City. You can find amazing deals and discounts. Peruse gourmet Italian food items from Arthur Avenue. You can also find discounted items at The Hub, which is one of the oldest shopping centers in the borough. For music lovers, there are numerous record stores in the Bronx where you can dig and shop for rare albums.
Safety
Despite the reputation it gained in the 1970s and 1980s, today the Bronx is quite safe to visit. Still, as a large city, it pays to be cautious here. Stick to well-lit tourist areas, and don't take the subway alone late at night.
Before You Travel to the Bronx - Do This
- Find a hotel or other lodging in a central area, with convenient access to the attractions you most want to visit.
- Book tickets to events and attractions ahead of time. New York is a popular destination, and attractions can sell out.
- Protect your finances. Get visitors insurance or travel insurance so you're prepared for whatever may happen during your trip.