Traveling in the USA

There are numerous ways to travel around this city, but the most popular and convenient method is probably on foot. Known as 'The walking City' to many, it is almost certainly the best way to get around, especially during rush-hour and at the weekend as streets and highways become extremely crowded. This is also a terrific way to visit the wonderful sights and attractions Boston has to offer. However, from December through to April the weather can be quite cold and windy, so many people tend to opt for public transport.

Public transport in Boston is convenient and inexpensive. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA or 'The T' for short) operates the subway, bus, rail and ferry systems in the area. People using public transport in Boston can buy a reusable, electronic top-up travel card. Named the Charlie Card, this travel card allows you to add money to your card by cash, credit or debit card and is great for short-term visitors.

For students who are staying for a longer period, you can also purchase a time-period pass (daily, monthly, or weekly). These passes can be put on your Charlie Card and allow unlimited travel on the Boston’s subways and buses. Charlie Cards can be purchased at major subway stations and convenience stores throughout the city. At smaller subway stations there are kiosks that allow you to either add value to your Charlie Card or purchase a paper version of the Charlie Card, the Charlie Ticket.

The Charlie ticket is also accepted throughout the city, but the fares can be slightly higher for the Charlie Ticket. Just like the London Underground, the major Subway lines are colour coded. The Red and Orange lines run north to south, while the Green and Blue lines travel east to west. You should always refer to the signs on the front and sides of the trains to see their destination. Subway lines run either "Inbound" (towards the city center) or "Outbound" (away from the city center). This can be tricky for many visitors so be sure to take a look at the subway map before you hop on the train. For a more detailed look at the Subway, why not take a check out the MBTA's Subway Map. Keep in mind that the Subway stops between midnight and 2am. Each line has a different last train time, so make sure you check the MBTA schedule when planning your journey.

The cost of living

Recommend weekly budget for personal expenses $50-100

Price Guide
Monthly Apartment Rental - $500-$800	Monthly Transportation - $30
McDonald's Big Mac meal- $6	Cappuccino - $2.50
Cinema ticket- $10	Theatre ticket - $30-$49
Milk, 1 litre - $1	100% juice, 1 litre-$3
Soup x 400g- $4	Spaghetti, 500g - $1 - $2
Sliced cheese, 200g - $3 - $5	Toast bread, approx. 20 slices - $1-$3
Rolls, 4 pieces - $2	Fruit yoghurt, 250ml- $1
Still water, 2 litres - $1	Potatoes, 1kg - $3.50

Electricity

110V 60Hz

Electric Plug Details

American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin/ Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades

Religion

There are a selective number of religious communities. You will find Mosques, Synagogues, meditation rooms, Catholic Churches, Lutheran Churches, Methodist Churches, Unitarian Universalistic, Baptist churches etc.

Money

ATMs are everywhere in Boston. Major credit cards, including the Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Travellers' cheques are also accepted in most places. If you want to convert your Travellers cheques to cash you can do so at any bank. However, you'll probably need to take your passport with you to prove your identity. Water Tap water is safe to drink

Vaccinations

Not required

Safety

Boston is not a dangerous city but it is always wise to ensure that you take sensible precautions to ensure your personal safety and that of your belongings.

DO:

Keep all your personal belongings with you at all times, particularly in public places such as bars, restaurants and public tranport

Don't:

Venture into dark alleys or talk to suspicious looking people...

Travelling to other locations within the US

Moving along the US to teach and tour other locations is quite easy from Boston. For flights and buses you can contact:

http://www.cheapflights.com

Flights deals, travel agents, plus links to other travel sites http://www.cheaptickets.com Discount flight specialists.

http://www.deckchair.com

Bob Geldof's on line venture, drawing on a wide range of airlines.

http://www.expedia.com

Discounts airfares, all-airlines search engine and daily deals.

http://www.flyaow.com

Online air travel info and reservations site.

http://www.hotwire.com

Bookings from the U.S only. Last - minute savings of up to forty percent on regular published fares. Travellers must be at least 18 and there are no refunds, transfers or changes allowed. Log- in required.

http://www.lastminute.com

Offers good last - minute holiday package and flight-only deals.

http://www.usitnow.ie

All Ireland student and independent travel specialists.

http://www.priceline.com

Bookings from the US only. Name-your-price website that has deals at around forty percent off standard fares. You can not specify flight times (although you do specify dates) and the tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-changeable.

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