How to plan for a Boston trip

Planning a trip to Boston and not knowing where to start? Don't worry. It's really easy to get things together if you follow my guide. Boston is an incredibly rewarding place to visit whether it's your first time there or a returning trip.
So why not get ahead of everyone else with some handy tips?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guide
• Papers
• Pens
• Folder
• Internet
• Spare time
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Backpacks
• Walking shoes

1. Get your pens and papers ready. If you're travelling with a partner or a group of friends, I suggest you gather everyone in Starbucks and have a group discussion. Or you can always host it in an online chatroom. Now, firstly, get yourself a trustworthy guide. Log on to www.cityofboston.gov/visitors/ and download the Summer Brochure 2008 PDF guide. Inside contains loads of useful information to start you off. Spend some time browsing the pages and read the contents!

2. Jot down on papers the activities and places of interest and discuss with everyone. Start with Day 1, Day 2 and so forth. Bear in mind that the main gist is in Downtown Boston and much of the sightseeing and activities can be done on foot. You really don't need to drive or rent a car if you are not planning on touring outside of the Downtown area. Parking is really expensive in Boston and not to mention the unfamiliar road routes for out-of-city travellers. Commute is very easy - all you need is a subway & bus map. Walking is still the best form if you intend to get upclose and personal with the locals and neighborhood stores.

3. Once you have everything listed, you are ready to go. Pack all necessities in a handy bagpack - you don't want to be lugging heavy bags when you walk. Summer is particularly hot in Boston, so a thin shirt, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and sunscreen are indispensible! Drinks are accesible anywhere, so I don't suggest you carry bottled waters that will weigh you down. Like any good advice I've ever heard: Travel light is the best way to go.

Tips & Warnings

• Subway & bus maps can be obtained at http://www.mbta.com/. If you want to save, buy a 1-day or 7-day pass. A Charlie Card is economical too!
• More information and guides can be obtained at the Visitor Center in Downtown Boston. Ask the locals for direction.
• If you are planning to go whale-watching (a must-do!), remember to call for reservation weeks in advance. Yes, you want to play safe! There is no guarantee you will be able to board the ship even with a ticket unless you have a reservation.
• Whatever you do, do not buy tour packages such as GoBoston cards, etc ... you end up having a frantic trip with money wasted. Buy passes when you need them because you want your trip to be flexible, not bound by time and rules.
• Beware of peddlers and scammers selling cheap passes and entry tickets to you. Always buy from reputable vendors. Try not to hop into cabs too often. Opt for Pedicabs instead. Those 3-wheeled carriages are peddled by drivers who take tips as fares. Much more reasonable than the city cabs.