Island Hopping: Nantucket

I grew up on an island and I would be a rich woman today if I could have collected a dime from every person who uttered these words to me over the last three decades: “Hawaii is a great place to visit, but I sure couldn’t afford to live here.” I have a feeling that residents of Nantucket get a lot of the same. The only difference is that most of them are already rich. It’s true; statistics show that most of the island’s residents are second-homeowners who spend the peak summer season in their multi-million dollar oceanfront pads. If … Continue reading

Saving Money on Your Next Vacation—Early Bird Specials

In a previous blog I mentioned that one of the easiest ways to save on your family’s next vacation is to book early. If you see a great deal, don’t spend days mulling over whether or not you can get a better bargain. In most instances rock-bottom deals are scooped up as soon as they are made public. The following deals have only been advertised for a couple of days so there are still spaces available (I just checked); however, that doesn’t mean that they will still be there tomorrow. If the following travel packages sound inviting and are in … Continue reading

Boston Wants Your Business

In these tough economic times some lodgings are pulling out all the stops to fill guest rooms. Some are a bit cleverer than others, but for the most part the offerings are designed to give you more bang for your buck. Hotels in the Boston area have ramped up their promotions in just the last two weeks; perhaps hoping you will spend some of your tax rebates or part of your economic stimulus package on a vacation for the whole clan. If you are looking to getaway to Beantown and want to save some cash on your hotel room check … Continue reading

Play Ball!

A Good Friday storm dumped more than 15 inches of snow on Milwaukee (just south of us), yet residents there are remarkably undeterred. They whipped out their snow blowers and are anxiously waiting for the opening day of the regular baseball season, which takes place on Sunday. If you are a fan of the national pastime and can’t wait to crisscross the country to watch your favorite team try to earn a place in the World Series then you might be interested in knowing that several major hotels are making it easier for you to do so. Lodgings in most … Continue reading

Budget Saving Hotel Deals in Boston

Spring hasn’t exactly sprung in Boston, which is why if you have ever dreamed of visiting the historic city, but lacked the cash to do so this is the time to go. Winter deals abound in Beantown and while you may have to maneuver your kid’s stroller around a few snow banks to get to the city’s most popular attractions your efforts will be justly rewarded. Hoteliers are trying to fill as many rooms as possible during the months of January-March and in the process are offering the following spectacular lodging deals: Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel The brand new 471-room … Continue reading

Winter Travel Deals: Roaming Rome for Cheap and Bargains in Beantown

With the euro pummeling the dollar it’s not hard to see why many American tourists are staying closer to home this winter season. However, if you are dying to visit Europe and want to do so without having to battle massive crowds, then now is the time to go. Winter is an especially good time to visit Rome. The hordes of tourists are minimal and the weather is cool but comfortable with daytime temps in the 50s, which is balmy compared to some locations in northern Europe. If fashion is your middle name then you would be remiss to pass … Continue reading

Travel Tidbits: Visiting a Rock in a Box and a Smoke-free Italy

Bad news for all of you history buffs planning to travel to the spot where it’s believed the Pilgrims first stepped foot on American soil in 1620. Plymouth, Massachusetts tourist guides recently issued this warning to future visitors: If you are hoping to snap a picture of your family standing near legendary Plymouth Rock next spring you’ll be sorely disappointed. All you’ll see is a reinforced plywood box. State park officials say the famous symbol of America’s founding is going to be covered from March to May as workers begin a $680,000 overhaul of a granite and steel portico built … Continue reading

Thanksgiving in Massachusetts

Traditionally, when a child takes off for college you expect him or her to return home during breaks to spend the holidays with family and friends. That’s not the case with my former colleague. I ran into Dan and his wife this afternoon at the grocery store and learned that they will be flying east in a couple of days to meet up with their daughter at her school. (Hence, the missing turkey in their shopping cart.) Dan, his wife, and two sons are heading to Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley for Thanksgiving. The scenic section of New England is located about … Continue reading