FAQ

Wandering is exploring territory using intuition.

(And reason and common sense.)

The wanderer does this to invite luck and activate the subconscious. Because whether it's mysticism or probability, wandering often creates opportunities your conscious mind literally couldn't imagine.

Wandering is good for the brain, body, and mind. So it's good for everybody.

It feels good to us because our species literally used wandering to discover new resources and explore and settle the earth.

Artists and thinkers throughout history have made wandering a cornerstone of their creative process.

Wandering is particularly good for creatives and thinkers who want to spill their silos, but it's an outstanding practice for people feeling stuck, worried, and constricted too.

Wandering NYC exists to promote the transformative power of wandering, especially here in New York City.

Anything can happen anywhere, especially in New York. But NYC is largely a safe and friendly place, wandering invites higher levels of situational awareness, and we avoid danger spots so that we can focus on having an experience that is engaging and fun.

A tour is a commoditized tourism experience that has been structured and scripted so it can be repeated again and again, regardless of the participants.

A wander is a one-of-a-kind, unscripted adventure that develops organically as a result of the sidewalk alchemy that happens when guide, group, and city meet.

• Be on the lookout for specific booking instructions sent with confirmation and within 48 hours of the departure.
• Arrive 5-10 minutes early.
• Look for the group that looks like they're looking for you.
• If you don't find us, we'll find you. And you'll have a phone no. you can call or text in case you get lost.

We wander, rain or shine, heat or cold. Serious weather events might result in rescheduling or delays. 

IF YOU CANCEL: You can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before the start of the wander. There are no refunds within 24 hours of start time. 

IF WE CANCEL: We will only cancel a tour in case of guide emergency or extreme weather. If we cancel, we'll reschedule you or send you a full refund ASAP, as you wish.

You can choose to include food with almost any experience.

IF you choose to include food, drinks, or other refreshments, the guide will take input from the group, but will make the ultimate decision about food stops and food purchases. Additional purchases are at your discretion.

Additionally, the guide will try to accommodate substitutions, but for consistency and smoothness, guests are generally expected to eat the same items. While we aim to accommodate dietary preferences, substitutions are not always possible.

If you do not include food or refreshments, you will still be given limited opportunities to grab something to eat or drink, on your own dime.

Because we practice Low-Impact Guiding, many of our public experiences are capped at 10px.

We are a premium guiding company. We charge a little more so we can have smaller groups, because you came to New York to be moved, not moved around.

If you have a larger group looking for a private wander, send me a note. We may bring in additional guides to best serve you.

NYC has a long history of well-to-do people being guided into poor neighborhoods for the cheap thrill of looking in on other people's misery. This activity has long been known as slumming.

Slumming was and is a horrific act of tourism and I work hard to avoid bringing outsiders to places where our presence would feel intrusive or exploitative.

Please do not go slumming in New York, or anywhere else. If you're not there to learn and listen, don't go.

Yes. 100%.

Wandering is an inclusive activity. Everyone is free to participate. We move according to the ability of the group, and we don't leave anyone behind. If you want to discuss accommodations, please send me a message. We're happy to accommodate. We love to show the city to anyone, however they are capable of experiencing it.

We welcome smart, curious kids of all ages, but we don't tailor the experience for them to the detriment of everyone else.

Be aware that we might touch on adult topics, see accidentally adult things on the street, and use adult language, and sometimes stand around and talk about stuff that might be boring for kids.

Yes. We know lots of them. And finding restrooms in New York is part of the fun.

The tour will likely be led by Morgan Oxley, or another full-time licensed NYC guide. We are a professional guiding service.

Tipping 10%-20% of the ticket price to the guide at the end of an outstanding tour is common practice in NYC. Tipping isn't required, but always appreciated.

Dress sensibly and modestly. Check the weather. Wear comfortable shoes. Travel light. You might want to bring a small backpack with a water bottle, an extra layer, and room for goodies and gifts. Wandering yields loot!