Boston, Massachusetts, is among the oldest cities in the U.S. Its European architecture gives it a rustic, old-school look. But don't be fooled by what you find at first sight.
As you're planning your trip to Boston, be sure to research and purchase travel insurance as a financial safety net against any unexpected accidents, illnesses, injuries, or travel mishaps.
Boston Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs
No matter how carefully you plan your trip, sometimes, you have to cancel it before you get to go. It's a disappointment anyway, but if you've already paid for your airline tickets and hotel reservations, it can be doubly so to watch those expenses go down the drain. Trip cancellation insurance can help protect your finances if you have to cancel for a covered reason.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Boston?
You can get reimbursed for your prepaid, non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel your trip for a reason explicitly listed in your policy's certificate wording. Be sure to review the fine print carefully before purchase for a full understanding of what situations are included. The covered reasons vary from plan to plan. However, most standard trip cancellation plans cover the most common reasons for cancellation, including flight cancellations or delays, weather-related cancellations or delays, falling ill before your trip, or a sudden work emergency.
What all is covered under trip cancellation insurance for Boston?
A good trip cancellation insurance plan can offer the following benefits:
- Trip cancellation coverage for a covered reason
- Trip interruption coverage for a covered reason
- Trip delay coverage
- Baggage loss coverage
- Emergency medical evacuation coverage
There are certain parameters in place to be eligible for benefits. You must purchase the insurance for the full amount of your trip cost, and you must have purchased it before the need to cancel arises.
Things to Do for Travelers in Boston
Boston is home to more than two dozen colleges and universities, cheap eating options, and a young crowd, which all give it a college town-like feel. Ebbing and flowing with youthful energy, Boston has become a unique mix of the old and new. It is a melting pot for cultural history spanning over 400 years and holds a modern vibe that college-goers bring with them.
Here are some options to consider for your Boston itinerary:
Walk the Freedom Trail
When in Boston, there is no way you can skip the 2.5-mile (about 4-kilometer) walk on the Freedom Trail. With 16 historic sites lining the path, the trail paints the perfect picture of Boston's history from the American Revolution.
Let the Mapparium mesmerize you
Inside the Mary Baker Eddy Library is the Mapparium, a three-story glass globe. Here, you'll get a 3-D view of what the world looked like in 1935 and how things have changed since.
Measure the Harvard Bridge in Smoots
What started as a prank in 1958 has become a tourist attraction. The Harvard Bridge over the Charles River, which connects Boston to Cambridge, is marked with a unique set of measurements called "smoots". Visit the bridge, learn the complete prank story, and take a walk to remember.
See the Scarlett O'Hara House
The Scarlett O'Hara House is not actually a house. Rather, it's a brick wall painstakingly painted to look like a Greek revival-style home. Visit the optical illusion in the Beacon Hill neighborhood and be stunned.
Visit Lookout Rooftop
If you want a little break from the historic city vibe, then Lookout—a premier rooftop bar—is where you should head. Have a strong drink, enjoy the skyline view, and indulge with a cool crowd.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Boston
While Boston is among the safest cities in the U.S., it doesn't hurt to stay aware of potential issues. Here is how you can stay prepared against potential risks:
Watch your Step
If you visit Boston during the colder months, snow will make your pictures all the more beautiful. But, watch your step on the sidewalk. Slip-and-fall injuries are possible if you aren't cautious. Avoid heels, and say yes to non-slippery soles.
Parking and Driving
Boston's organizational structure is unusual. Driving in and around the city can be confusing. Plus, you'll have to pay for parking almost everywhere. If you aren't accustomed to driving in snow or traffic, skip the car rental. Public transport is your best bet.
Limit your Nighttime Adventures
Unlike New York City and many other large U.S. cities, Boston sleeps at night. This makes parks and isolated walkways a bad idea at night. Stick to populated areas, and do not flash your valuables, even during the day.
Be All-Weather Ready
Before you pack for your trip to Boston, make sure you check the weather forecast. Bring your sweaters, coats, and cardigans accordingly. Also, don't forget shoes to match (rubber soles are recommended for a no-slip trip).
Skip Smoking & Discussing Sports
Boston doesn't allow smoking in public. If you are seen smoking outside designated smoking areas, you could land in trouble with the authorities. The locals are also very passionate about sports. Discussions about sports in sports bars can quickly become aggressive. Make sure you don't indulge in public smoking, and if the subject comes up, be sure to vocalize your support for Boston's home teams (even if you've never heard of them).
Before You Travel to Boston - Do This
Before you visit Boston, here is what to you should do:
- Get your directions right: Boston's street planning is different from what you'd expect anywhere else. Roads can twist and turn at unlikely places, and you'll be lost even before you realize it. Keep your map app handy and cross-check addresses.
- Be ready to walk: exploring famous tourist destinations like the Freedom Trail, and even just exploring the city, is best done on foot. Make sure you are ready to walk with sturdy shoes. Heels aren't recommended, but if you absolutely insist, watch your step.
- Buy travel insurance: above all else, make sure you to purchase appropriate Boston travel insurance coverage for your trip. Be sure to take the time to compare plans and find the one that best meets your particular needs. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the fine print of your policy. Remember, there's no substitute for peace of mind.