Home Is Where Your Passport Is: Boston – It’ll Take Your Breath Away

Some of us are programmed to explore, others are programmed to dream. Regardless of which category you fall into, there is a whole world out there just waiting to be discovered. Her.ie’s new weekly travel guide brings you to some of the most inspiring places in the world and dares you to turn those dreams into an adventure of a lifetime. As the saying goes, ‘home is where your passport is’ – so where will your passport end up next? __________________________________________________ Boston Last week, we walked the streets of Manhattan while this week, we're sticking with our love for American cities and bringing you on a whirlwind tour of Boston. Home to the Red Sox and to a warm and friendly welcome, Boston may well be the city that steals your heart and make you never want to leave. Here are just some of our favourite spots. The Freedom Trail After you have arrived and settled in, be sure to take a walk of the Freedom Trail. Laid out over two and a half miles, the trail weaves its way through downtown Boston and past a number of key historic locations. Handy hint: You can go it your own on the trail, or pick up with one of the many guided tours through the area. It’s the best way to kick-start your stay in Boston and truly get a feel for the city. Harvard University There is nowhere in the world that could entice you to start a life of academia then the hallowed grounds of Harvard University. Famous the world over thanks to its successful list of past students, take a stroll through the hushed grounds of the university and don’t be surprised if you feel the urge to go back to college to study overcome you. Handy hint: Take some time out to explore the grounds and the famous University itself. It’s well worth a stop and you can also visit nearby and just as famous MIT. Cheers! Fans of the popular and well-known TV show Cheers will not be able to resist heading into the bar shown in the opening credits of the show. Be ready to hear everybody singing the theme song. Handy hint: Explore nearby Beacon Hill, visit the State House and the Public Gardens. Boston Common The oldest city park in the United States, Boston Common is located in downtown Boston and dates as far back as 1634. Handy hint: Take a trip to the park after a hectic few days of sight-seeing elsewhere. Bring a book or simply people watch. Fenway Park Just as New York is home to the Yankees, Boston is home to the famous Red Sox and no trip to the Massachusetts city would be complete without a visit to the team’s home grounds at Fenway Park. Handy hint: If you time your visit right, you might be lucky enough to see a game – it’s worth every second. If you've time take in a Boston Celtics basketball game too! Boston Harbour The beautiful Boston Harbour is truly a sight to behold regardless of what time of day you go. Bring your camera and grab yourself an ice-cream to take in the hustle and bustle of this famous spot. Handy hint: Book a tour or a cruise on the water – it’s well worth it. South End Home to some of Boston’s best restaurants and beautiful tree-lined streets, the South End is definitely worth a stop on your trip. From gorgeous cafés to a variety of hidden gems and bakeries you will be in for a treat of all the senses. Handy hint: Head down around SoWa (South of Washington) to between East Newton and Union Park Streets for some brilliant contemporary art galleries. Back Bay The shopping area of Newbury Street stretches for eight blocks and has everything the heart desires. From high street to designer, there’s something for everyone. Handy hint: Walk back a few blocks over to find some lovely places for lunch – you’ll need it after all that shopping! Jamaica Pond A bit off the beaten track for tourists, Jamaica Pond is about five miles south of Boston. The pond is part of what is known as Boston’s Emerald Necklace and you can rent out rowboats and sailboats or enjoy the walk around it. Handy hint: There’s some fab ice-cream spots nearby so be sure to indulge. But that’s not all… Like other cities of its kind, there is so much to see and do in Boston that we couldn’t fit them all in. Be sure not to miss Fanueil Hall, the New England aquarium and why not take in some ballet? Visit the JFK museum and the Boston Tea Party Ships and museum. Cape Cod If you have some extra time in the area, pay a visit down to the famous Cape Cod, sample some mouth-watering sea food and chill out with the locals. Handy hint: From there, you can get a boat to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard. Insider’s tips: Avoid Boston in January and February – winters are pretty rough! You can also take a trip down to New York with bus services running promptly and frequently.

Got the travel bug? Three customers can now enjoy exclusive travel offers including discounted rates with roomex.com, €150 off Sunway European Summer Sun Holidays, €100 off Adventure Holiday bookings, Irish Country Hotels and loads more. Register now with 3Plus to get these exclusive deals as well as competitions and offers on shopping & eating out.