Boston's Best Beaches

It is summertime - and this year New England has had so few beach-worthy days that when we finally find one, it's time to play hookey and head to the beach! We particularly love Crane's Beach in Ipswich in August when the greenheads have finally abaited a bit. And when we're in the area, we try to include a stop at the Great House at Castle Hill, where guided tours and elegant catered teas are available. Want to see our other favorite Boston beaches? Click here for our list, with full descriptions of each.

Philadelphia's City Hall

Love it or hate it (and folks always seem to feel one way or the other), the City Hall building in Philadelphia is here to stay (demolition costs would be so high that there would be no money left over for replacing it!). But things are looking up for those who appreciate the building's history, architectural style, and plentiful ornate statues. A recent cleaning has erased decades of soot and dirt, revealing a gleaming white marble and granite facade. Efforts are also underway to restore interior rooms as well. But the best way to learn more about this unusual building is to take a tour -- in person or online.

5 Fun Free Things to Do in NYC

This summer, with the Great Recession still in full bloom, it seems more important than ever to stay on budget. But that doesn't mean you can't still have plenty of fun. Here are five fun, kid-friendly activities in New York City that don't cost a thing:

1. Kayaking on the Hudson: Brave the waters of the Hudson River and learn to kayak for free! Volunteers at the NYC Downtown Boathouse provide instruction.
2. Fishing In Central Park: Fish for free in Central Park's Harlem Meer.
3. CityParks Golf, Tennis, and Track & Field Sessions: Held at parks throughout the five boroughs, the programs are designed to make instruction and equipment available to those who want to learn in a fun, relaxed environment.
4. Overnight Camping in NYC Parks: The Department of Parks and Recreation hosts Family Camping nights in July and August at parks in all five boroughs. All you need is sleeping bag -- tents, cookout food and activities like hiking and stargazing are provided.
5. Sony Wonder Technology Lab: This museum is designed to bring technology and creativity together to make learning experiential, entertaining and fun.

Reaching the Top of The Empire State

Fun fact: the Empire State Building in New York City has 73 elevators that move through 7 miles of shafts. But don't let that (or the frequent long lines) dissuade you from visiting. The art deco style is gorgeous and the views are not to be missed!

Summer Events in Bermuda

If you plan to be in Bermuda this summer, plan to attend the Beating Retreat Ceremonies, which feature a procession of the Bermuda Regiment and Marching Band adorned in full military uniforms. The ceremonies are held twice a month from May through October, and rotate between the City of Hamilton, the Town of St. George, and the Royal Naval Dockyard. Want to learn more about what's happening in Bermuda? Check out our annual calendar of events.

Summer in Hawaii

Summer brings a plethora of great events to Hawaii, making it a great time to visit the Aloha state. For example, BayFest Hawaii is one of Hawaii's largest annual concert events, attracting an audience of almost 40,000 visitors. The festival also features premium carnival rides, national caliber fireworks performances, and other attractions. The Volcano Marathon in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island also attracts thousands of visitors. For those of us who aren't quite marathon material, there will also be 10-mile and 5-mile competitions. For more tips on island events, see our calendar.

Travelling on a Budget

Finding really inexpensive accommodations when you travel can be a real challenge. But with some creativity, it is possible to see the world on a very limited budget. Here are some ideas:
Campus Lodging Guide is old, but the contact information it contains is useful as a starting point for finding college dorm rooms.

1. Many colleges and university make their dormitories available to travellers for a modest fee. The
2. Look into YMCA lodging.
3. Consider staying in a hostel (they're not just for students).
4. If you own a vacation home or have a time share, consider a swap or exchange so you can explore a new location.
5. Offer to house sit for someone who has a house in a place you'd like to visit.
6. We also know couples who have offered to dog/cat sit and have thereby found the use of homes in wonderful vacation locations

Roosevelt Island in New York City

We've long been proponents of the tram ride from Manhattan to Roosevelt Island for the splendid views - and for the fun of riding in the little red ski-lift-like cars that whisk you across the East River from 60th Street and Second Avenue. But the island itself has proven to be an interesting destination in itself. This mile-and-a-half-long sliver in the East River was once the home of prisons and hospitals, but now is a bustling middle-class community of about 12,000. You can picnic on the benches along the river, or ride around the island on the bike path. There is one major attraction: the ruins of the Smallpox Hospital that appeared in Spider-Man.

The Insider's Guide To Packing

For many travelers, packing is one of the worst parts about the trip. But it doesn't have to be that way: with a little foresight and planning, your packing can be done in a pinch!

Here are a few tips from seasoned travelers:

If at all possible, you'll want to avoid checking luggage. Start with a single, 22-inch wheelie bag and a double-handled carry-on tote with a shoulder strap. To get through the airport with ease, you can strap your tote on top of the wheelie bag and avoid back strain.

Of course, limiting your luggage also means that you'll have to limit the number of clothes you have to pack. If you're traveling on business, this is easily accomplished by using your hotel's laundering and dry cleaning services if your trip is a week or more. Most hotels have same day service. Note that while these services are expensive, most companies will reimburse you for this expense if you are out of town for at least four days. As a bonus, your clothes will be well pressed instead of suitcase-sorry. If you're on your own and want to avoid these steep fees, look for hotels with washers and dryers that guests can use (not at all uncommon in resort locations), or simply wash out some of your clothes in the bathroom sink or tub.

Washable silk clothing is very practical for space, comfort and appearance. Even for men, silk shirts are great clothes for traveling. There are other man-made fabrics that do not wrinkle. Buy smart! Travel outfitters like L.L. Bean and TravelSmith offer wonderful washable, yet wrinkle-free options

Be a color coordinator! Pack around one or two basic colors, like black, beige or navy, taking the time to create outfits that are versatile. For example, a black wrap jersey dress is a trusty basic that can be dressed up or down, depending on the accessories. You can also mix and match several shirts with one pair of pants/one skirt. This saves on shoes, belts, and other accessories, as well. Go one step further like one globe-trotting executive we know who buys his suits with an extra pair of pants (especially easy to do at most made-to-measure places). Suit jackets typically get less wear than the pants (most men take them off except during business presentations) and he can easily go a week with one jacket by rotating the pants

It also helps to look for items that can do double duty. A cashmere or pashmina shawl doubles as a blanket for the plane. Sleeping in shorts or sweatpants and a t-shirt that can also be worn at the gym can save space, too. And unless you're really into photography, perhaps the camera feature of your cellphone will eliminate the need for packing a camera.

Pack for your destination, rather than for your location. If you are leaving NYC in the heart of winter for a trip to sunny southern California, leave your heavy overcoat at home. Wear a wool blazer or lightweight jacket with a sweater underneath, plus gloves and a scarf to protect you from the cold as you go back and forth from the airport. You'll avoid the hassle of dragging around a bulky coat and the few minutes you have in the cold won't kill you. You can even find lists online that will remind you of what you should bring to specific places, like our guide to packing for a trip to Hawaii.

For business travel, keep your luggage light by using an overnight delivery service to ship all last minute items from your office to your hotel. You should also consider shipping all the literature and giveaways you've collected at trade shows back to your office. These services are also useful if you have lots of over-sized pieces, like skis or golf clubs, especially now that many airlines charge for checked bags.

If you travel frequently, keep your toiletry bag stocked with duplicates of all the items you need (remembering to refresh items like Tylenol as you use them), so you don't have that last minute rush around the bathroom just before it is time to leave to catch your plane.

You've heard it before, but it can't be said enough: leave your valuables at home. Even if you will be attending a gala event, don't be tempted to tote your best jewelry along on your trip. The hassles of keeping it safe from thieves and misfortune far outweigh the boost it gives to your evening attire.

Other items you can leave at home include bulky things like hair dryers, slippers and robes, since many hotels provide them (just check with the hotel in advance to be sure).

Insider's Guide to Boston for Kids

The Boston Insider knows that kids can have a great time in Boston! Even in this history-laden city loaded with sights and activities for adults, there are a myriad of fun activities for kids. In inclement weather, there are many museum choices. When the weather is nice, take advantage of Boston's many outdoor activities and sightseeing venues. Here are our top picks:

• The Children's Museum (617-426-8855) offers 4 floors for fun, learning and exploration. Kids can see themselves on TV, make giant bubbles, and watch golf balls go crazy because of a thing called gravity.
• If your kids are fascinated by aquatic animals, take them to the New England Aquarium. With more than 70 exhibits from around the globe, a visit there is fun and educational for the whole family. A "Thinking Gallery" with computer games and videos and a 1000-seat floating amphitheater are major features. The Aquarium also offers whale-watching excursions from April to October.
• The Franklin Park Zoo (617-442-2002) is a huge open space offering ample opportunity for picnicking and for young ones to run wild. The Zoo’s 3-acre African Rain Forest, Bird Aviary and Flight Cage, Hooves & Horns, and Children's Zoo will keep a family busy walking around for hours. Free admission on the first Saturday of the month from 10 AM to noon.
• The famous Swan Boats in the Public Garden in downtown Boston are a perennial hit with kids of all ages. Although a short ride, it's cheap and mesmerizing. The Swam Boats glide on a lagoon located within an urban oasis that is the 24-acre Public Garden, America's first public botanical garden.
• Then cross over to the Boston Common, America's oldest public park. The park has a lot to offer, including summer concerts and a state-of-the-art tot lot. It borders on Beacon Street, which offers an opening to the historic neighborhood of Beacon Hill, Tremont Street which is where the downtown shopping district starts, and Boylston Street which leads to pricey shops and exclusive hotels.
• A great place to start or end a sightseeing excursion of Boston is the John Hancock Observatory, located on the 60th floor of John Hancock Tower, the tallest building in Boston. It offers panoramic views of Boston featuring interactive exhibits and kiosks.
• The Skywalk Observatory is another great place for viewing the city; it is on the 50th floor of the Prudential building (which used to be the tallest).

Insider's Guide to NYC for Kids

Here is The NYC Insider's top 25 things for kids to do, see, and taste in NYC:

1. Climb the Alice in Wonderland statue in Central Park.Visit
2. the American Museum of Natural History (where Night at the Museum takes place).
3. Taste a New York bagel.
4. Go to the Blessing of the Animals at St. John the Divine (where one Sunday each October, pets of all religious affiliations gather at the Feast of Saint Francis).
5. Talk to the animals at the Bronx Zoo -- with over 4,000 animals and 265 acres there's plenty there for kids to love.
6. See a Broadway show (don't miss our insider tips on Broadway on a Budget).
7. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
8. Ride the famous Cyclone rollercoaster on Coney Island.
9. Indulge in something sweet at Dylan's Candy Bar.
10. Marvel at the view from the Empire State Building.
11. Catch a fish in the Harlem Meer.
12. Have a "dirty water" hot dog from a street vendor or check out the famous hot dogs at Papaya King.
13. Ice skate at Rockefeller Center or Wolman Rink.
14. Explore the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum.
15. See the Little Red Lighthouse (and read the book about it).
16. Check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art (and look for the rooms where the kids in From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler slept).
17. Be amazed by the panorama of NYC at the Queens Museum.
18. Ride the Roosevelt Island tram for a bird's-eye views of Manhattan and the sensation of flying over the East River.
19. Enjoy a slice (authentic NYC pizza is unlike that anywhere else).
20. Get a hands-on look at the latest technology at the Sony Wonder Technology Lab.
21. Take advantage of a FREE ride on the Staten Island ferry.
22. Attend a street fair.
23. Ride the subway. (And while you're there, check out the underground art; we especially like Life Underground, a series of some 100 bronze sculptures at the 8 Ave/14th St. station.)
24. See the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.
25. Go to a Yankees (or Mets) game.

Which is the best street to shop in Manhattan?

We're often asked about NYC shopping. Here is our standard answer:

Our favorite (and the most famous) shopping streets include 5th Avenue (site of department stores like Lord & Taylor and Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as luxury stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany's, and Cartier), the upper reaches of Madison Avenue (for high end branded stores like Ralph Lauren) and 57th Street (for Hermes, Dana Buchman and more).

Prefer discount shopping? Manhattan has lots of that, too, although it isn't as centrally located. See http://www.theinsidertravelguides.com/nyc/save/014discountshopping.htm for insider tips on where to find bargains in Manhattan.

Wicked Good Boston Glossary

We love the Wicked Good Guide to Boston English, which aptly points out that there's a lot more to the Boston dialect than just "pahking cahs in Hahvihd Yahd." Whether you're looking for place pronunciations, or trying to figure out what a "packy" is, you'll be all set in no time.

Free NYC Summer Events!

We love summer in New York City for a whole variety of reasons. Somehow, things seem much more relaxed with a good part of the population on vacation or in the Hamptons. Sidewalk cafes beckon. Kids run through the sprinklers and fountains that sparkle among the city's playgrounds and vest pocket parks. The fabulous roof garden is open at the Metropolitan Museum. Summer sales are on and rock bottom prices abound at many of our favorite shops and boutiques.

But more than anything else, we love the plethora of free cultural events that blossom when NYC temperatures rise. From classic movies to modern dance; from Broadway musicals to Shakespeare, there are almost endless options. Below is a list of free events taking place in NYC this summer.

Bryant Park Summer Film Festival. A series of free, outdoor, classic movie screenings, playing on Monday nights throughout the summer months.

Broadway in Bryant Park. Experience the glamour of Broadway in the great outdoors. Each week, several of this year's biggest hits come to the park for a dazzling afternoon song and dance revue.

NBC Rockefeller Plaza Free Concerts. Wake up early to enjoy NBC's Annual Today Show Concert Series at Rockefeller Plaza.

Lincoln Center Out of Doors Festival. Lincoln Center Out of Doors celebrates summer with over 100 free performances.

Broadway on Broadway. It's the quintessential New York City event: 50,000 spectators at the Crossroads of the World, live numbers from Broadway shows performed on a giant outdoor stage, television cameras, a galaxy of celebrity performers, and a big finale with showers of confetti.

Central Park SummerStage. This season includes a wide range of music, dance, film and spoken word, by renowned and emerging artists. Note that while many are, not all events on the schedule are free.

Shakespeare in the Park. Shakespeare in the Park consistently draws big name talent and big crowds, but the time spent waiting in line is almost always worth it.

Naumburg Orchestral Concerts. A series of free concerts in Central Park. Folding chairs are provided; arrive early for the best seats.

New York Philharmonic Concerts. Don 't miss these open air New York Philharmonic concerts in Central Park followed followed by a fireworks display.

Movie Influence

Here's a fun fact for visitors to San Francisco: the York Hotel has renamed itself Hotel Vertigo in honor of the 1958 Hitchcock thriller in which the building played a critical role.

NYC Fireworks!

In recognition of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's exploration of the Hudson River, this year, Macy's 4th of July fireworks extravaganza, the nation's largest fireworks celebration, is moving across town to the Hudson River. Although the festivities don't start until around 9 pm, you'll want to get there early to snag a great spot for 26-minutes of ooohing and aaahing. The best viewing is along the Hudson River between 24th & 50th Streets.