When most people think of the state of New York, they may only think of New York City. And while it’s understandable that the largest city in the US gets a lot of attention, visitors are missing out on its neighbor on the western side of the state – Buffalo.
As the most populous and economically impactful area between the major cities of Boston and Cleveland, Buffalo is a regional center of performing arts, world-famous food, and fun tourist attractions. You should plan to make Buffalo a part of your next trip to New York. Just don’t forget the right visitors medical insurance before you set off.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers in Buffalo – FAQs
The risk of an injury doesn’t go away simply because you’re traveling abroad. In fact, the risk can actually increase, as you’re taking part in new activities, and eating food you may not be used to. Therefore, it’s critical to have health insurance that can provide necessary coverage for new illnesses and injuries while visiting the United States from abroad – that’s visitors medical insurance.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for Buffalo?
While you aren’t legally required to buy visitors medical insurance as a tourist in the USA, it’s a smart financial decision to do so. If you elect to go without coverage, you would be responsible for paying for any medical treatment you need during your trip out of your own pocket, which could prove to be unaffordable. It’s better not to take the risk. Get visitors medical insurance instead.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before traveling to Buffalo?
If you suddenly get sick, break a bone, or have some other medical issue while in Buffalo, you’ll have access to excellent medical care. However, none of that care will come cheap. Most Americans cannot afford medical treatment without health insurance, and the same is true for visitors to the USA. Visitors medical insurance is your best option to get the treatment you need at a price you can afford.
Buffalo’s Most Popular Places for Travel
Situated on Lake Erie and the USA/Canadian border, Buffalo is full of fun things to see and experience for all sorts of travelers. To get an idea of what to put on your itinerary, check out the following.
Niagara Falls State Pak
Located just a few miles upriver of Buffalo, Niagara Falls State Park is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the USA (as well as across the border in Canada). On the American side in the state park, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Canadian Falls. You can even take a boat tour below the falls. Just make sure to put on waterproof clothing, or the mist from the falls will soak you.
Catch a Buffalo Bills Game
The Buffalo Bills are Buffalo’s National Football League franchise. They play a series of home games at massive Highmark Stadium between September and January each year. Whether you’re a fan of American football or not, the raucous atmosphere and excitement of attending a game is well worth it. However, keep in mind that fall and winter in Buffalo is cold and snowy, and the stadium is outdoors. Be sure to bundle up and cheer loudly to keep warm.
Buffalo AKG Art Museum
For a more refined experience, Buffalo AKG Art Museum is an ideal setting to view modern and contemporary artworks, with more than 6,500 pieces in its collection. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday each week, with later hours on the first Friday of the month. Due to the support of a local bank, admission to the museum’s permanent collection is free of charge.
Unique Cuisine
Have you ever heard of Buffalo wings? Well, this is the place they started, at Anchor Bar in 1964. These un-breaded, deep-friend, and sauce-coated chicken wings are usually served with blue cheese and celery. You can try them at the Anchor Bar, at its rival, Duff’s Famous Wings, or at many other restaurants with their own recipes. Most will be happy to provide you with a selection of local beers to help wash your meal down. Buffalo is also known for its pizza, with more pizzerias per capita than even New York City.
Explore & More Children’s Museum
If you’re traveling with kids to Buffalo, be sure to take them to this unique children’s museum that tells the story of the city through numerous play areas and educational exhibits. The museum is designed for children up to 12 years of age, but who knows? You may just learn an interesting bit of history yourself!
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Buffalo
Buffalo was recently ranked as the seventh-best city in the USA to live in. It’s welcoming to tourists, and there are no unreasonable dangers to look out for. However, these guidelines can help you make the most out of your trip to western New York.
Don’t Ask Where the Buffalo Are
Many assume that Buffalo is named after the American bison, aka buffalo. However, there have never been any reliable historical accounts that indicate the animals ever lived in this area. There are many theories as to why Buffalo got its name. But regardless of which one you believe, don’t go looking for wild bison roaming around.
Heavy Snow
Between the months of November and March, Buffalo can receive significant snowfall. Its location on the coast of Lake Erie means that the city is subject to lake effect snow; heavy snow bands that can pile up quickly. Buffalo is excellent at clearing streets and dealing with winter weather, as it’s a way of life here, but you may want to postpone your visit until warmer months if you aren’t a fan of winter.
Crime and Safety
Although Buffalo was once a hotbed of vacant homes and crime issues, the city has made major strides over the past 15 years. Today, Buffalo is no more dangerous than your typical large American city. Visitors only need to mind their valuables, lock their doors, and use basic common sense to stay safe.
Local Transportation
Buffalo Metro Rail offers light rail service to many popular parts of the city, and is in the process of expanding. For most other local trips, you can depend on rideshare services or taxis. You can also rent a car for additional flexibility. However, make sure you’re experienced and comfortable driving on snowy roads if you choose to visit in the winter. If not, it’s best to leave the driving to the professionals.
Getting to Buffalo
Buffalo is served by Buffalo Niagara International Airport, an airport that sees over three million passengers each year, with connections to many major US cities. If you’re traveling to Buffalo from an international destination, you will likely first fly into a major international hub like New York City, Boston, etc., and then take a regional flight to Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
Before You Travel to Buffalo – Do This
- Choose to visit in the summer if you aren’t a fan of snow and cold. Winters are fairly long and harsh in Buffalo.
- If you’re a foodie, plan to visit Buffalo around the first Monday of September. That’s when the National Buffalo Wing Festival is held, and some 450,000 wing-lovers attend.
- Don’t take your health or your finances for granted. Get visitors medical insurance before your trip to Buffalo.