Traveling to Boston? Eight tips to save you a boatload of cash.

Traveling to Boston? Eight tips to save you a boatload of cash.

You may be ready for your trip to Boston, but is your bank
account? As one of the most expensive cities in the country,
Boston can quickly deplete your vacation funds. The average
hotel cost per night in 2004 according to the Greater Boston
Convention & Visitors Bureau is $187. Now imagine all your other
expenses added on top of that.

Here’s some ways to hold on to that cash:

1. Consider booking a hotel just outside the city.

Brookline and Cambridge are two nice cities that come to mind.
You can easily hop on the “T” for a short ride and take it into
Boston and back each day. You can save a large chunk of change
depending on how long you are staying on your trip.

2. Check out the prices of flights arriving into Providence.

It is only a 50-minute bus ride to Boston. Southwest Airlines,
which can offer significantly lower rates, does not fly directly
into Boston so what you’ll lose in convenience, you’ll gain in
savings.

3. Book a package deal.

Websites such as Orbitz.com, Hotels.com, Expedia.com, and
Travelocity.com all offer packages that will save you money by
purchasing air and hotel together. You may even want to check
directly with the hotel to see if they are offering a lower rate
than advertised online.

4. Stay at a local B&B or rent a furnished apartment.

Normally, they end up being cheaper and give you a better feel of
what living in Boston is really like. Two companies that offer
many prime Boston locations are The Bed and Breakfast Agency of
Boston (http://www.boston-bnbagency.com/) and The Bed and
Breakfast Associates Bay Colony (http://www.bnbboston.com/).

5. Ride the MBTA (also known as the “T”).

This is the subway and bus system that covers all of Boston.
Driving and parking in Boston can be frustrating and expensive.
If you plan on seeing many sights, you can pick up a visitor pass
for a flat fee of $7.50 for one day, $18 for three days, or $35
for seven days. Most rides are $1.25 otherwise.

6. Buy a Boston CityPass (http://www.citypass.com/).

This allows you to see six of Boston’s most famous attractions
for 50% off the price and avoid the ticket lines. You can
purchase this pass online or at the first attraction you visit
for $36.75 for adults and $25.50 for youths. These include the
Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Skywalk Observatory,
Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Museum of Natural History, and the
JFK Library & Museum.

7. Spend time at the free attractions.

You can enjoy the street performers and browse the shops at
Quincy Market. Go for a walk on the Freedom Trail. Spend time
in Boston Common, the oldest US park. Ride its famous swan boats
for under three dollars. Go to the Harvard University Art
Museums on Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 Noon to receive free
admission. Other museums offer specials as well so check their
websites.

8. Use coupons.

Check with your travel company or with the hotel you are staying
with for specials and coupons. When I booked my trip to Las
Vegas through Expedia.com, I was given a booklet at my hotel with
numerous discounts throughout the city. If you are a member of
AAA, give them a call to see what deals they offer. You can even
check an attraction’s main website.

Follow these tips above and you can save significantly on your
upcoming trip to Boston. Enjoy!

About the Author

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Written by: John Williams

NAVIGATION