Boston Budget Vacation

It is no secret that trying to do Boston on a budget is no picnic. Even an Aunt would say the New England States are expensive. But when I went to Boston with a family of five, I found the trip relatively inexpensive. As for lodgings, of course the most economical way to go is to stay at that Aunt's, relatives, or friends house. Just keep in mind the old saying, "After three days fish and company begin to stink". Remember not to over stay your welcome.

General Vacation Savings Information:

If staying with someone you know is not an option and you are flying in you may be able to find a package deal on flight tickets and a reasonable hotel room. If you have already paid for that AAA card, now is the time to make use of it. Go in to the office; grab a map and a book of the area in browse through their hotel selections and ratings. Don't forget to take that card with you! Lay it on tables in restaurants or ask if there is a discount for AAA members. You would be surprised how many places including retail stores will give you a discount for flashing that card of for that matter if you are older an AARP card. If you've bought an Entertainment Book you may be able to get a sweet deal on a comfy room from one of the suggestions for one of the chain hotels for an inexpensive rate. If you haven't bought and Entertainment Book, they are usually half price starting some time in January. They are available for the city of Boston as they are for most cities. Their website is www.entertainmentbook.com .

Where to Stay:

It may be worth your while to check into getting an Entertainment Book in order to take advantage of some of the many discounts offered in the back of the book for hotels and rental cars. Want to try a hostel? I have one for you. It is called the Boston Irish Embassy Hostel. Their phone number is 617-973-4841. Make sure you book ahead and ask all about the accommodations as Hostels aren't Hotels (some accommodations you will be sharing. Ask ahead so your trip isn't ruined by a surprise).

As staying in the city is much more expensive then staying close by in other small towns, check out the Super 8 in Watertown, Massachusetts. So far, I have never had a problem with the accommodations at a Super 8 in any of the cities where they are located. Because they are relatively inexpensive, I often check them out first when planning a vacation. If staying in the city is a must for you check out the website Boston4less.com. A short way from downtown is the Holiday Inn Express, Hotel Boston 1-800-395-1595. They have a guaranteed lowest rate policy and a 10% off discount if you book 14 days in advance. I'm sure you can find something there.

If you are a camper you can camp on one of the beautiful Boston Harbor Islands which are open from June through September. . Call 781-740-1605 ext 205 to get all the facts. The accompanying website is www.nps.gov/boha/. In these changing economic times, there may be changes to the park system so call or check the website shortly before heading out for your trip to Boston.

What to Do & Where to Eat:

After doing all the leg work to get to Boston and find accommodations you may be wondering what there is to do in Boston. As previously mentioned, I spoke of the Boston Harbor Islands. These beautiful Islands are part of the national park system. Swimming, boating, fishing, are just of few of the opportunities that you can take advantage of while there. Whether you get there by ferry or by water taxi these islands are beauty and should be on your must see list. People today are calling them one of Boston's best kept secrets but having a great Aunt and Uncle living in that area, I've been lucky enough to know about them for years. Now you can reap the benefits. I found an article online for you that will tell you more about special places that hold fond memories for me it is, www.bu.edu/today/node/4922 .

Boston is known as the "walking city". There are so many things you can walk to in this city, and walk to, and walk to, and...Do you get the picture? Please don't do what we did and try to be so frugal that we walked everywhere, it was exhausting. The reason why the city is known as the "walking city" is because of its famed Freedom Trail. This self-guided walking tour usual begins at the Boston Commons Visitors Center.By the way, a visitors center is always a good place to get the scoop and local maps for an area. On the Freedom Trail, which feels more like a trial at the end of it if you walk the entire length, you will have the opportunity to see 16 historic sites. It would take two adults in good shape about 2-3 hours to walk the trail. It takes much longer with fussy kids in tow. Take my advice there is a trolley, you might not get your exercise in this way. However, you won't feel like your ears are ringing as if someone shoved your head up the Liberty Bell, gave it a loud ring and you pulled your head out (wrong city I know but I grew up near Philly).

If wine is what you crave (or you need a drink after that walk on the Freedom Trail, try the free wine tasting at Best Cellars. Best Cellars offers wine tastings in the evenings on weekdays and the afternoon on the weekends. This works especially well to do if you don't have children or a relative or friend can watch them while the vacationing adults have some alone time. They carry a selection of over 100 wines and many of them are economically priced under $15. For more info on this fabulous shop call 617-266-2900 or check them out on the web at www.bestcellars.com .

Besides walking in the city, you can head for the Coit Observatory at the University of Boston on a Wednesday evening for a free a night of gazing at the night sky and being awed by the cosmos; it is a heavenly star show. Call 617-353-2630 starting at 5:30 pm to make certain that the 7:30 pm show will not be canceled due to a change in the weather. Telescopes are located outdoors and with the night you may want a light sweater in the evenings or you'll freeze like I did.

If you love art as I do, make sure you don't miss out on the museums of Boston. Many of them have free admission several times a week. Use your browser on your computer to look up art museums in Boston. Check out their website or call to inquire about the few times. These times do have a tendency to change so please check close to the time you are planning your trip to Boston. If you can't find the time to go the museums or the times don't mesh with your schedule, or if you'd just prefer, go to the numerous art galleries on Newberry Street. Newberry Street is also infamous for the excellent shopping available there, just don't be sidetracked and let the shopping break your budget.

I have to admit it my favorite place in Boston was the area Harvard Square. First Harvard has a great bookstore. Second there are street performers all over the area. It swarms with them. If you have Coulrophobia (fear of clowns) you may just want to wear a sign that says for telling the clowns to stay far, far away. Well, once my son got use to the clowns. Thinking back I believe it was my kid's favorite place to go to. I think they loved the street performers best but maybe it was just the Ben & Jerry's. There are a multitude of places to eat in this area. Most of the eateries are wallet friendly since many students frequent them. I don't think there is a bad one amongst them. For the really cheap eats, try a delish sandwich from one of the push cart style vendors.

Oh, no I almost forgot Faneuil Hall where you will find plenty of places to get something to eat. I don't know how I did that. I could do a whole article on that place alone or a website. But I don't have to, someone took care of that for me www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com/ . That place is like the shopping and dining mecca of the city. There are great places to eat there too. I missed telling you about the US Constitution, Cheers & Sam's Café, The No Name Restaurant (please don't miss this place), watching the boats come in with the catch of the day on the piers, The Boston Harbor, Bunker Hill, the Prudential Building, the Hancock Tower, the Public Library for all of its' free lecture, talk, walks and what-nots, Quincy Market, Fort Independence, and the House of Commons. Are you getting the picture there is a lot to do in Boston? I hope so. Most of what I have mentioned is free or low cost. So, one get there by land or two get there sea (oops, I missed telling you about the Old North Church), or three get there by air but get to Boston and you'll have a trip that will shine in your memory for years.Boston on a budget is do-able.Plan in advance and book in advance is key.Double check the times of events and on the websites suggested to make the most out of your trip.Why Beantown? Molasses in the beans came from the sugar cane in the Caribbean grown by slaves. The cane was shipped to Boston, made into rum. The rum was sent to the Ivory Coast to buy more slaves to be used back in the sugar cane fields.