How to Outsmart the Holiday Crowds

Larry Zogby
29 November
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Tricks and Tips to Stay One Step Ahead

The holidays are a wonderful time to visit New York City. From Macy’s dazzling window displays to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, NYC knows how to shine bright this time of year.

But for New Yorkers, the holiday season can feel like a holiday stampede. Who knew so many people could fit in one space? It’s incredible to think that 5 million people visit NYC between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Talk about a crowd!

Want to outsmart the tourists? Here are some tricks we’ve learned through the years as a messenger company in NYC.

Make the Off-Times Your Prime Time

Taking even one look at the holiday crowd can cause your heart to race. If you plan to visit any tourist attractions this year, save yourself stress and go during the off-hours.

The least-crowded times are either early morning or late at night. This year, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree will be lit from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. through Jan. 7. Rather than fighting the crowds on a weekend afternoon, go right before the tree is illuminated for the day or catch a glimpse late at night before the tree goes dark.

Here are some other holiday tips that New Yorkers live by:

  • If you’re traveling in the city, take the subway instead of a taxi.
  • Visit restaurants when they’re less busy—around 2 p.m. and after 8 p.m. Also, be sure to make reservations whenever possible.
  • Avoid Fifth Avenue at all costs.
  • Take advantage of online shopping.
  • If you walk the same way to work every day, see if there are any shortcuts. Many Times Square hotel lobbies connect streets and allow you to avoid crowds.

Planning Is Key

The secret to a stress-free season is planning ahead. If you want to enjoy a nice dinner out, make reservations well in advance. If you want to have gifts delivered on time, plan ahead with your preferred delivery company. Learn how else you can save with holiday deliveries, here.

You should also be mindful of the 2017 Gridlock Alert days. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has identified the following days to be at high risk for traffic delays:

  • Friday, Nov. 17
  • Wednesday, Nov. 22
  • Wednesday, Nov. 29
  • Friday, Dec. 8
  • Wednesday, Dec. 13
  • Thursday, Dec. 14
  • Friday, Dec. 15
  • Wednesday, Dec. 20
  • Thursday, Dec. 21
  • Friday, Dec. 22

We’re On the Way—Please Be Patient!

We understand the traffic can be frustrating. During this time, we ask that you please be patient as our drivers and couriers maneuver the city streets. We have the best technology at our disposal and will do everything we can to reach you and your customers in a timely manner.

Need to schedule rush delivery in NYC? Share some details with our team and then request a quote online. For more information regarding holiday deliveries or to speak with a representative, call RDS at 212.260.5800 or contact us online today.

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Aaron Moyne
RDS's leadership & support team are very responsive, customer-centered & give back to the community. Agents are professional & easily identifiable. All shipments are handled with care, with ball-by-ball updates from order creation to successful delivery.
Ndoffene Mbodji
Great Service and reliable customer support.
Kyle Santen
RDS has been a fantastic delivery partner in New York and surrounding areas for my video production company. They’ve been very helpful with complex consolidation of airline and FedEx shipments for local delivery. Sofia, Vanessa, and ops team are always responsive and helpful with communication. Will continue to use for all my New York based projects.
Monica Maciel
Just came upon RDS Same Day Delivery the other day when I urgently needed a package delivered the same day. Their customer service is great; and Sofia is super helpful and responsive! Their service was fast, and the delivery person I met was pleasant. The email alerts include the name & picture of the person who is handling the delivery, and I received notifications when the package was delivered as well. I will definitely be using this service again.
Mike Ciuffo
Sofia and Larry are the BEST!
They couldn't help me because I needed refrigerated trucking...so they set me up with 5 great refrigerated options!
Awesome people!
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Excellent service start to finish. Good rates.
Natalia mir
Many thanks to the company, and especially to Joselyn, who has been the person who has helped me the most throughout the entire process. Her willingness, speed, and excellent customer service! I've been coming from far away, and she has always been a great help! Thank you for Joselyn and Sofia's professionalism! I will recommend you, and next time, I won't hesitate to contact you again. Thank you so much ♥️
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Thanks Sofia, you were super quick with pickup and delivery arrangement, not only me, even my pickup and recipient guys were surprised... important to mention cost was also well priced..
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Sophia, Larry and team are a pleasure to work with