If you book a trip by August 31 that will be completed before November 24 of this year, the Great American Sale offers discounts of up to 30 percent off for minimum stays of three nights at some U.S. hotels.

The only applicable lodging I found in the Boston area is Cambridge’s Royal Sonesta Hotel, which has an average price of $129 per night with the deal. A minimum four-night stay also throws the Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers in the mix for an average rate of $143 per night.

To find more bargains in cities including California, Chicago, Florida, New York, and Texas, take a look at the Orbitz website for the Great American Sale.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Even so, it’s impossible to remain unaware of the problems — meaning the sky-high gas prices — that have been tormenting the many drivers in the United States who aren’t wealthy. Since I can’t imagine what a pain in the wallet it must be to drive a car these days if you don’t have a lot of disposable income to waste, reflexive curiosity makes me stop and listen (or read) when the issue of conserving gas is raised.

While I was browsing the Sunday paper last weekend, I came across an interesting and relevant article in the Parade magazine insert titled “Smart Ways to Save on Gas.” The piece details a number of small, mostly painless and practical things that drivers can do to squeeze more mileage out of the gas in their car.

A commenter on the online version noted that some of the tips in the article are inspired by those shared at the Drive Smarter Challenge website. I list the bare bones after the jump; visit both websites for more details on how to implement the suggestions, as well as to get additional tips. An earlier post at The Boston Traveler, “Massachusetts Website Offers Help with Gas Prices,” has a few more words of advice that could also help save drivers money.

How to Increase Your Car’s Fuel Efficiency

• Avoid lugging around excess weight in your car
• Bike, carpool, walk, and/or use public transportation whenever possible
• Convert to a motorcycle or motor scooter
• Do more at one time by scheduling multiple errands on fewer trips
• Don’t let your car idle
• Drive more smoothly by avoiding unnecessarily high speeds and abrupt acceleration and braking
• Get rid of anything that causes drag, such as dents, luggage racks, and open windows during long trips
• Keep all four tires in good shape
• Make sure you’re using the correct motor oil for your car
• Stay in the right lane whenever possible

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Just about everyone who travels in the East has probably heard about the ridiculously low $1 fares some companies, such as Bolt Bus and Mega Bus here in Boston, charge for a one-way trip to a major destination, most often New York City. Compared to what that old standby Greyhound charges — currently $30–$57 one way — the new kids on the block might as well be letting people ride for free.

After I first starting traveling between New York City and Boston on a regular basis years ago, my original mode of transportation was the Delta Shuttle out of LaGuardia and Logan airports. When getting home from the airports became a major hassle, I moved on to Amtrak, which remains my favorite way to commute between the two cities, despite the company’s numerous ongoing problems.

Greyhound entered the picture when my trips between New York and Boston became more frequent, even as Amtrak simultaneously grew increasingly less reliable and more costly, destroying its status as a worthwhile expense. If the company ever manages to reclaim its value, however, I’ll return in an instant. But back when I first switched, Greyhound was the fastest yet least expensive game in town for travelers seeking a familiar brand name they could trust.

At the moment, those who are naturally thrifty, short on cash, willing to try something new, or born bus lovers are in luck if they need to get from Boston to New York City fairly quickly. The three companies below will not only do the job for a negligible amount of money, but each will provide a little something extra, too … at no additional charge, of course. Just keep in mind that when you opt for the convenience of purchasing a ticket via the Internet, all three charge a 50¢ online booking fee on top of the fare.

Bolt Bus

• One-Way Fare: $1–$20
• Route: South Station Bus Terminal, Gate 21 (Boston) to West 34th Street and 8th Avenue, across the street from Pennsylvania Station (New York)
• Website: www.boltbus.com
• Extra: Free WiFi and power outlets

Lucky Star Bus

• One-Way Fare: $1–$15
• Route: South Station Bus Terminal, Gate 13 (Boston) to 59 Chrystie Street in Chinatown (New York)
• Website: www.luckystarbus.com
• Extra: Rewards from a free frequent-rider program; a $25 2am bus departing Boston

Mega Bus

• One-Way Fare: $1–$14
• Route: South Station Bus Terminal, Gate 12 (Boston) to West 31st Street and 8th Avenue, outside Pennsylvania Station (New York)
• Website: www.megabus.com
• Extra: Free WiFi (but no power outlets)

Post from: The Boston Traveler

The inaugural flight was supposed to take place on June 13. It was delayed for two weeks, however, when the airline experienced complications having new seats delivered for its aircrafts.

Now that the problems have been resolved, tomorrow marks the debut of the Boston-Milan flights, and Air One is not only celebrating in grand style, but it hopes Bostonians will join in the festivities.

Several events will be held, starting on June 27. For instance, all day tomorrow, live billboards will depict Milanese culture, with models and actors recreating traditional scenes:

Boston City Hall

One City Hall Square, 7:30am–9:30am
Air One Check-In Counter
Young Italian couple riding a Vespa through the streets of Milan

Prudential Center

800 Boylston Street, 11:30am–1:30pm
Two girlfriends on a weekend getaway at Lake Como
Italian artist painting at a local plaza

Logan International Airport

Terminal E, 2:30pm–4:30pm
Couple in Milan courtyard café discussing vacation itinerary
Young Italian model at her last fitting before a fashion show

The airline’s website also has a fabulous contest running until August 15. Visitors who meet the requirements can enter once a day throughout the open period to win one of 101 round-trip tickets to Italy from either Boston or Chicago. Just surf over to the Air One 101 Ticket Giveaway website to begin the process.

Prices for round-trip tickets between Milan and Boston currently start at $799, which includes fees and taxes, according to Air One’s reservation website. Gadling reports that travelers will reach their destination on one of two Airbus A330-200 jumbo jets, both of which contain 20+ business class seats and 200+ economy Coach seats.

Other details that will help create a superior Italian experience include high-quality food catered from Chicago chef Phil Stefani and Italian inflight movies. Frequent flyers will benefit further from the airline’s partnership with Lufthansa and United in order to provide Star miles and connecting flights on Air One and Lufthansa in Italy. Learn more about the opportunity to visit gorgeous, historic Italy in style at the Air One website.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Governor Deval Patrick and his administration apparently feel constituents’ pain, and in response, they’ve established a new website specifically geared towards helping drivers in Massachusetts cope with soaring gas prices.

Titled Gas Tips, the website currently has six sections with links to timely information on:

• Searching local gas prices to find the best bargain
• Maximizing the amount of gas purchased and increasing the mileage of vehicles
• Alternatives to driving, such as using public transportation, biking, carpooling, and sharing rides through programs like MassRIDES
• Saving money on vacations by visiting destinations within the state

Whether you live in Massachusetts or just plan to drop by in the near future, the new Gas Tips website is a useful tool for those who want money-saving tips and alternatives on the road.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

The information is not a big secret. It just happens that many places offering free Internet access don’t publicize it very much, probably out of fear that hordes of freeloaders will take over their place of business and refuse to leave for hours, if not days, at a time.

So, from me to you, a list of ten places where you can surf the Web for no charge follows. Keep in mind, however, that it’s always common courtesy to at least purchase a beverage or some other small item when eateries are kind enough to make such a valued amenity available.

Show your thanks by not taking up precious space and bandwidth without giving something in return. In addition, always practice safe Web browsing and remain mindful of the details you transport over what might very well be unsecured lines accessible by anyone with the appropriate skills.

Ten Free WiFi Spots Around Boston

• b.good
  131 Dartmouth Street, 617-424-5252
• Boloco
  247 Newbury Street, 617-262-2200
• Boston Architectural Center
  320 Newbury Street, 617-262-5000
• Boston Public Library
  Central Library, 700 Boylston Street, 617-536-5400
  (Requires library card and PIN number)
• Newbury Guest House
  261 Newbury Street, 1-800-437-7668
• Omni Parker House
  60 School Street, 617-227-8600
• Rachel’s Kitchen
  12 Church Street, 617-423-3447
• Seaport Hotel and World Trade Center Boston
  200 Seaport Boulevard, 877-732-7678
• Sonsie
  337 Newbury Street, 617-351-2500
• Trident Booksellers & Cafe
  338 Newbury Street, 617-267-8688

Post from: The Boston Traveler

As a result of the lost gas service, local residents and commercial businesses were forced to make do without such necessities as gas-generated hot water and cooking. Many restaurants were forced to shut down all together, unable to carry on under such circumstances.

That’s the bad news.

The good news is that a little less than a week later, the situation is improving for those who live and work in the area, with gas service either partially or fully restored for many. If you’re traveling to Boston, or already reside here, and have plans to visit the Financial District in the near future, a new website is now live to keep everyone informed with up-to-date information about the status of local establishments.

So, remember: Before you go, check FIDOBoston (Financial District Open for Business). It’s probably also a good idea to call the relevant business(es) directly, as well, just to make sure you don’t waste a trip.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

Yesterday morning at about 6:45am EST, 28-year-old New York native Isaac J. Meyers was on his way to school. The Cambridgeport resident and Harvard University graduate student took a route to the Red Line subway station that I, too, have walked hundreds of times before, after, and while I lived in the neighborhood bordered by the Charles River, Harvard, MIT, and Central Square.

At the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Prospect Street, Meyers entered the crosswalk to get to the other side of the wide and commonly busy street, where the outbound train station is located. He was then hit by a tractor trailer making a delivery to the nearby MIT branch of Shaw’s grocery store and dragged 25 feet to his eventual death.

The huge back wheels of the humongous transport vehicle somehow latched onto Myers, and by all accounts, the driver didn’t come to a stop until people ran after him and flagged him down. Myers was pronounced dead at Massachusetts General Hospital at 12:20pm.

Hub residents have been spending substantial time discussing this event online, initially because some commuters and those who work and live in the area noticed that busses and general traffic were making odd and unexplained detours around Central Square on Monday morning. The main issues at the center of the exchanges are (1) who was at fault for the accident, Meyers or the truck driver, and (2) what is up with the way people bike/drive/walk in Boston?

As long ago as it was, I still remember when I first moved to the Bay State from metropolitan New York. Although Boston drivers have a well-known reputation for their allegedly atrocious attitude and behavior, except for a handful of incidents, my personal experiences with them have been very, very courteous.

I’m constantly amazed at the number of drivers everywhere who stop to let me cross the street when I don’t have the right of way, even when I’m not paying attention and they have to wait for me to recognize their gesture. That rarely happened in the areas of New York I frequented.

Nonetheless, I’m writing about this tragic accident as a reminder to people who both live in and visit Boston that you must remember to use extreme caution on the streets of the state always, whether you’re driving a vehicle, riding a bike, or walking. Become familiar with the rules of the road (and believe me, I know how difficult it is to track them down; you’d think the state government would make it easier), whatever your mode of transportation, and then heed them at all times. This way, we can all do our part to avoid another disastrous and unnecessary event like what happened yesterday.

Condolences to the family and friends of Isaac J. Meyers.

Post from: The Boston Traveler

One major point of the service is to decrease the number of non-emergency calls to the traditional emergency number 911. As a result of the new distinction, individuals who have inquiries about disaster, health, and human services issues can now get assistance from 211 operators between 8am and 8pm on weekdays. The service is also capable of 24-hour operation during major disasters.

The website for Massachusetts 2-1-1, as the service is formally called (or Mass 2-1-1 for short), clarifies that the statewide “information and referral line” also “[s]erves as a resource for finding government benefits and services, non-profit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and other local resources.”

So, if you plan to visit or move to Boston in the future, make sure to remember that 211 is the number to dial to receive assistance with non-urgent matters before they become urgent. I just hope this doesn’t confuse the heck out of people unable to tell the difference between a personal crisis that could be helped by the people who staff 211 and a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention from the people who staff 911. We’ll likely see the results of one observational study or another soon.

Learn more about Mass 2-1-1 and its purpose at the FAQ.

Post from: The Boston Traveler