Nuts-and-bolts information to plan your trip, plus a checklist of essentials to include when you pack.
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Planning:
Entry requirements: International travelers from 27 countries may enter the U.S. without a visa through the Visa Waiver Program; however, you must have a machine-readable passport. Visitors from other countries must obtain a visa from an American embassy or consulate abroad. For more information, visit http://travel.state.gov.
Security: Boston is a tourist city, and thieves make the most of jostling crowds; carry your valuables securely.
Time: Boston is on U.S. eastern standard time.
Money: The currency of Boston is the U.S. dollar. For current conversion rates, go to OANDA Currency Converter: www.oanda.com/convert/classic.
Phone calls: The area code for Boston is 617. For calls from within the United States, dial +1 617 + the seven-digit phone number. Phone calls from outside the United States require +001 + 617 + the seven-digit phone number.
When to go: With cold winters and warm, humid summers, the best time to go to Boston is in the fall, September and October, or the spring, April through June.
Getting there: Boston’s Logan International Airport is the hub of the Hub. For information about the airport and the airlines servicing Logan, go to www.massport.com/logan.
Getting around: A car is nothing more than a distraction. The nation’s oldest subway line is the Green Line on Boston’s subway system, known locally as the “T.” The “T” is safe, convenient, and cheap. The MBTA also runs buses, light rail, and boats. For more information, check out the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority website, www.mbta.com.
Checklist:
Walking shoes: Boston has its share of cobblestone streets and uneven pavement. Your feet will not be happy in floppy sandals. Wear study shoes year round, and pack a pair of waterproof boots November through March.
Umbrella: New England weather changes quickly, especially in summer, and can leave you drenched and uncomfortable. An umbrella and/or hooded rain jacket can save an outing and an outfit.
Camera: Boston is full of nooks and crannies, hidden surprises that are perfect for picture taking no matter what the weather.
A good city map: Boston was built on a series of hills that have been flattened and bays that have been filled; it’s little wonder that many streets are narrow and crooked, unmarked, or change names.
