In just a few weeks, hundreds of travel focused women will descend upon my fair city to participate in the 2nd Women In Travel Summit (WITS ’15). Being that I am part of the travel industry (some might call it a complex here in Boston) and love to travel, I figured that this would be a great conference to go to.

Since there are women from all over the world coming here, I thought I would put up some helpful tips and websites to prepare for your visit!

The best “on-the-ground” reporting website is actually not run by a news organization but a guy named Adam. Since 2005, Universalhub has been providing an alternative news source for residents and visitors alike.

Getting around Boston can be a tricky thing sometimes. The “T” (our metro or underground or subway) is like a 4 year old child sometimes, so often we resort to walking around town. Don’t try to jaywalk unless you can deal with a car almost hitting you. It just might happen. For planning trips on the T, use Google Maps or the MBTA.com website.

 

Yes, we have people who have accents here…but most of us do not sound like Mayor Quimby in the Simpsons or Ben Affleck in any movie. However, we do speak rather quickly, so pay attention!

Boston is divided up into neighborhoods. The North End is the Italian area and subject of much discussion already on the Facebook group. Mike’s, Modern’s, and Bova’s are all there and waiting to fill your stomach up with great pastries and canollis.  Check out #DigOutDineOut on Twitter for some cool places to eat.

 

Looking to get up high for a magnificent aerial shot? In Boston, you have 3 choices.

1. The Bunker Hill Monument, part of Boston National Historical Park (Did you know that Boston has numerous NPS sites? They deal with everything from the American Revolution to President John F. Kennedy. Learn more here).  The Monument is open daily, as long as there is no ice, from 9 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. and is free but requires a trek up and down 294 steps. Funny thing, no one remembers the down part when counting.
2. The Skywalk at the Prudential Building, 52 floors above the ground. Entrance costs $17.00 for adults and includes both the observatory and a small museum.  With 360 degree views, on a clear day you can see for 100 miles. While it does cost a fair amount, it has an elevator and a restaurant at the top (Top of the Hub) and is open until 10 p.m. so you can get that great night shot.
3. The Customs House Marriott near Faneuil Hall. While it is a time share now, this used to be the Customs House for Boston and you don’t need a hotel room to use its most awesome feature. Stop by at 2 p.m. or between 6 and 7:30 p.m. every day except Friday to tour the observation deck.  The cost is $5, which is totally doable. Jut make sure to be there right at 2.  Call ahead for more information and up-to-date info (617-310-6300)

Finally, if you are looking for a free app to help guide you around, check this one out. I am a bit biased as I work for the National Park Service and had some input in this, but it is really useful and FREE! Make up your own tour and go out in the early morning before WITS starts to get your history on!

All thoughts and opinions in this post are my own. Have questions? Let me know! I’ll be happy to answer them.