Travel Destination: Boston

The city of Boston is an exciting and history city. Situated on Massachusetts Bay, the city has a fine natural harbor and a compact center filled with reminders of the city’s role in the American Revolution.

Boston is nicknamed ‘the walking city’ and the best way to see it is by following the Freedom Trail. It officially starts at Boston Common, America’s oldest city park, and takes you throughout the city to 16 important sites. The highlights of the walk include The State House, with its gleaming gold dome, the Bunker Hill Monument and the Granary Burying Ground, the final resting place of Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. Another popular stop is the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel.

Behind the historic Faneuil Hall you will find Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall Market, two of the city’s most popular places to eat and hang out. Don’t leave Boston without sampling the seafood chowder or freshly-caught fish here or at one of the many restaurants by Boston Harbor.

Go Travel! Inspiring Quotes

James Torpey Travel1 Here is a list of some of my favorite travel quotes. These quotes truly capture what makes traveling such an amazing experience.

 

1) “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shedd

2) “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou

3) “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley

4) “Travel teaches toleration.” – Benjamin Disraeli   5) “All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own. And if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it.” – Samuel Johnson   6) “The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustine   7) “The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” – G.K. Chesterton

5) “All travel has its advantages. If the passenger visits better countries, he may learn to improve his own. And if fortune carries him to worse, he may learn to enjoy it.” – Samuel Johnson   6) “The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustine   7) “The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” – G.K. Chesterton

6) “The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” – Saint Augustine   7) “The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” – G.K. Chesterton

7) “The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.” – G.K. Chesterton James Torpey Travel4

8) “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost

9) “I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.” – Rosalia de Castro

10) “The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes “sight-seeing.” – Daniel J. Boorstin

11) “We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment.” – Hilaire Belloc James Torpey Travel2

12) “What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon

13) “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home.” – James Michener

14) “To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” – Danny Kaye

15) “Travel makes a wise man better, and a fool worse.” – Thomas Fuller

16) “Too often. . .I would hear men boast of the miles covered that day, rarely of what they had seen.” – Louis L’Amour

17) “To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson

Tips To Survive Holiday Travel

The holiday season is always one of the busiest times of the year to travel. Last year, there were 98.6 million Americans traveling during the holidays, and that number is expected to rise even higher this year.

According to Airlines For America, the leading U.S. airlines trade organization, an estimated 25.3 million people will travel globally on American airlines over the 12-day Thanksgiving period. This would be a 3% increase over last year and the most since before the recession began in 2008.

For those of you who plan to avoid airlines this holiday season, fair warning, the roads will be just as busy. A recent study by the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. transportation revealed that the nation’s mileage has been climbing month on month for the past 18 months. Furthermore, new figures released from AAA, estimate that 46.9 million Americans “will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday,” which would be the most since 2007.

In order to help ease the stress of traveling during the holiday’s, Yahoo Travel compiled a list of tips — for those traveling by plane, train or automobile. Check out these great travel tips below.

For Flying

1) Cover all your customer service bases

If your flight is delayed, it is important for you to immediately get in line to speak with a customer service agent. While waiting in line, you should also give customer service a call as well as send them a tweet. You never know which group will be faster to respond. You are competing against all other passengers to get on that next flight out, so make sure you lock down alternate plans as soon as possible

2) Buy a day pass to an airline lounge

In the airport lounge you will have free access to food and drinks, as well as Internet. In addition, you will have access to VIP customer service representatives in the lounge, which could prove to be extremely beneficial should your flight get delayed or cancelled.

3) Take advantage of last-minute booking apps

Let’s say your flight is cancelled and you are unable to lock down an alternate flight for that same day, what do you do? Well, if you need a place to stay, try Hotel Tonight. They offer great discounts at places you will actually want to stay if your plans are derailed.

4) Travel light. Try not to check a bag

You will have much more flexibility in getting a new flight if you do not check a bag. Therefore, you should try to pack light so that you can fit everything you need in a carry-on bag.

For Trains

1) Book early

While it is a little late to snag a deal for this holiday season, this is an important tip to remember for future travel. Amtrak tickets spike as you get closer to the travel date. If you book early you will likely save as much as 50% on your ticket.

2) Get there early

Seats on a train are not guaranteed, therefore, you will want to do whatever it takes to get to the front of the line to ensure that you can get a seat. Try to arrive at the train station as early as possible.

3) Bring snacks

During holiday travel, the cafe car will eventually sell out of everything worth eating. If you will be embarking on a long journey, then consider bringing your own snacks to keep everyone in a good mood.

For Driving

1) Get gas early and often

The night before you hit the road, gas the car to help give yourself a jump on the crowds. Also, if you see an empty gas station along the way, take advantage. You never know when the lines will start to pile up. This could help save you a lot of time and get you to your destination as quick as possible.

2) Find an alternate route

If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don’t just sit there, find an alternate route. Use an app like Google Maps or Waze to get you moving on a new, less trafficked route.

3) Travel late at night

The best way to avoid traffic altogether is to travel overnight. Make sure that you are well-rested before you hit the road and then try to start the trip after 10 pm. The roads will likely begin clearing out around this time and you will reach your destination much quicker.

The Best Cities To Visit For Baseball

Playoff baseball is currently in full swing and we have already witnessed some amazing competition so far this post-season. While watching these exciting games, it got me thinking about the best baseball cities in the country. I found this article, which discusses some of the best baseball cities to visit, which I thought would be fun to share below.

Here are 5 of the best baseball cities to visit in the United States:

1) St. Louis

Cardinals - James Torpey

St. Louis is the home of the Cardinals of the National League. Every year St. Louis proves itself to be a city that truly loves baseball. If you find yourself at Busch Stadium then you will find yourself among some of the most respectful and knowledgeable fans in the game.

The city offers up many great attractions and things to do after the baseball game is over. You will certainly want to check out one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, the St. Louis Arch. St. Louis is home to many local breweries as well, including Anheuser-Busch. Both of these places are only a quick walk from the stadium.

2) Boston

James Torpey

Up until 2003, Boston experienced a great deal of heartache in terms of baseball. But over the past 12 years, the Red Sox have given the city 3 championships to be proud of.

A game at the historic Fenway Park is an amazing experience. On game days, the surrounding streets are shut down and blocked off for the thousands of fans to hang out before packing into the 103-year-old ballpark. Even if you can’t get into the game, it is definitely worth checking out the pregame atmosphere. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and vendors to keep you entertaining before, during and after the game.

After the game, I recommend walking a walk through Boston Common or taking a Duck Tour throughout the city on both land and water.

3) Chicago

James Torpey

Not only is Chicago an amazing city, and arguably one of the best during the summertime, the city is home to 2 great baseball teams. While on the North Side, catch a Cubs game in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, one of baseball’s most famous parks. The stadium features iconic outfield walls that covered in ivy. From there, head down south to the White Sox at US Cellular Field (Comiskey Park). The 2005 World Series winners have quite an interesting history as well.

In between baseball games, Chicago is home to the Navy Pier, a boardwalk area with Midwestern charm. There is something for everyone on the Lake Michigan boardwalk, including boat rides, restaurants and live entertainment.

4) San Francisco

San Francisco Giants - James Torpey

AT&T Park in San Francisco has a great deal of personality and has fully embraced the city and its surroundings. The stadium is located right on the San Francisco Bay, allowing fans to literally paddle up to the right field fence and wait for home runs to splash down.

When the game is over, explore any one of the city’s famous neighborhoods, such as Fisherman’s Wharf, which is famous for its fresh seafood. If you are looking for some exercise, a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge is an amazing experience.

5) Los Angeles

Dodger-Stadium-James-Torpey

Los Angeles may have laid-back California vibes, but catching a Dodgers game will be sure to provide some excitement. LA supports two loyal fan bases (Anaheim, CA is extremely close) that bring an enormous energy every game. A game at either Dodger Stadium or Angel Stadium will certainly be worth your time.

While in Los Angeles, you will not want to miss some of the classic sites, such as the Hollywood sign or the Santa Monica pier. A trip to Venice beach is also a great way to spend the day relaxing on the beach or walking around.

 

Ireland Travel: A Family History

One of my favorite places to travel is Ireland. The times I have visited have been in either June or August when it stays light out in the vent until about 10pm. Throughout my time in Ireland, I have been about to spend time in Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Galway and Cork.

With a lot of family still living in Waterford, the majority of my time is spent here. My family has been occupying the same home for nearly 100 years, so it is an incredible experience to be able to visit with my cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents and stay where my grandfather was born.

Visiting with my family in Ireland has also helped me learn a great deal about the Irish culture, politics, religion and economy. The pastoral scenery in the small village could not be more different than what I am accustomed to in the United States. I have gained a great appreciation for the country and the changes that have taken place over the years.

That castles, abbeys and churches that are national historic landmarks have been the most impressive and interesting to me. My favorite place, however, is “Dunmore Cave” located in Kilkenny. This large cave is thought to be the site of a Viking massacre in 928 A.D. The remains of women, children and elders have been found in the cave.

Another place that I have particularly enjoyed is “The Burren” in county Clare. This area has incredible and very unusual rock formations that are believed to be layers of shell and sediment deposits from under the ocean followed by a long period of erosion.

I am looking forward to my next opportunity to visit Ireland and hope to get the chance to visit “Giant’s Causeway.” Located in county Antrim, this is another natural rock formation but it sits out over the sea. There are thousands of rocks in tightly packed columns and the top of the columns look like flat hexagonal stepping stones. Scientists believe that these formations are a result of volcanic rock and cooling lava.