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A Guide to New York City for London families.
So you're in the UK and considering a family holiday to New York, eh? It will no doubt be a fun-filled time and the kids will enjoy the city and its vast array of offerings. But be sure you're up on the slight (and not so slight) differences in language, customs and laws. While we share the same language, minor differences can through you off course, and that's the last thing you want in a big city like New York.
We here are NewYorkKids.net (a NineBlue.com site) can write first hand on this subject as we've got offices in both the United States and United Kingdom--London to be precise. Prior to setting up shop in London, we'd visited a few times and we were, well, confused by the language and cultural differences. So, to help out we've decided to give Londoners a heads up on the differences in some commonly used words and also culture and laws. Got any more suggestions you'd like to share? Let us know.
Queue What? The first time I heard the word queue (besides of as a reference to the status of a print job on my computer) used I was in London queuing up to enter Kew Gardens...talk about confusing! I was in queue to enter Kew...goodness. You'll want to use the word line here in the states...queue will result mostly in blank stares, unless you're waiting for a document to print that is.
Pram Ok, this one really threw me off the first time (and second) I heard it and frankly I had to ask the person to translate for me. While in New York the word pram will likely get you a response like what are you talking about? with emphasis on the what. Or, if you happen to use the term while speaking to a American southerner they may ask you what your baby, a stroller, and the Public Relations Association of Mississippi (PRAM) have to do with each other. You'll be safer using the word stroller.
Chips I know what you're after with this word: you seek those delicious chunky portions of fried potatoes! You'll be surprised at what you get when ordering chips here: thin, flat, crispy slices of potatoes. Wait!?! No, no, no, your kid needs chips and you won't have it any other way, so send that plate back and tell 'em you want French fries. Although, chips are tasty also.
Petrol The word petrol isn't too foreign to us Americans but it's certainly not used much and, well, if you used it while watching a game of Three Card Monte, you'll likely find yourself being targeted as the next victim--no body better to steal some cash from that someone unfamiliar with the mean streets of New York now is there? The word gas is what you're after here. Then again, not much to worry about in this area if you don't rent (hire) a car.
Leave Your Mobile at Home Well, this term may work with some, but mostly Americans use the term cell, an abbreviated form of cellular phone. Yes, it kind of is reminiscent of a biology class back in your school days. Plus, your going on holiday...leave your phone behind at enjoy yourself. You don't always have to be accessible.
Pubs and Bars Your 18 year old cannot consume alcohol here! The minimum legal age for consumption is 21 years. In fact, unlike the pubs in the United Kingdom kids under 21 can't even enter a pub or bar in the United States. If the adults in your party want to party while with the kids you'll have to settle for a restaurant/bar.
You Drive on the Wrong Side Most everyone is aware of this one so it's surely something you've considered if you plan on renting (hiring) a car; but you British drive on the wrong side of the road--really. We drive on the right side. You'll want to stay in the right lane when driving in the states.
Like My Pants? Trousers are pants and pants are trousers for Americans but it's a different story across the Atlantic--you don't dare show your pants in public while we proudly display ours for all to see, trousers that it. Go ahead, while on holiday in the states, wear your pants on the outside!
Get A Guide No holiday is complete without a travel guide--and I know how much you Brits love your travel guides. We've guide the ultimate family guide for New York City with children so download it now. What are you waiting for?
By the way, may be recommend London Family Hotels at LondonforKids.net 107-111 Long Acre Ste #G, London, WC2E for those of you who are travelling there.
 READ MORE:
New York City for Families Travel Guide
It's packed with attractions, insider advice, hotels and tons more--it's worth the download!
GOT TEENS?:
New York for Teens Travel Guide
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