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General Information
Travel Time Between States |
Telephones |
Attire |
Travel Tips - Road Travel |
Drivers License |
Minimum Driver's Age |
Medical Insurance |
Currency Exchange |
National Holidays |
Tipping
Back to Contents
Travel Time Between States
The following is a list of traveling times by automobile using
Boston's Logan Airport as a starting point:
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Connecticut
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2 hours
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160 km (100 miles)
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Cape Cod, MA
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1.5 hours
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144 km (90 miles)
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Maine
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2 hours
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192 km (120 miles)
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Martha's Vineyard
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1 hour ferry ride from Falmouth, Cape Cod
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New Hampshire
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1.5 hours
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144 km (90 miles)
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Newport, RI
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1.5 hours
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144 km (90 miles)
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Plymouth, MA
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1 hour
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80 km (50 miles)
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Sturbridge, MA
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1 hour, 15 minutes
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120 km (75 miles)
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Vermont
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3-4 hours
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240-320 km (150200 miles)
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Telephones
United States phone numbers are a maximum of ten digits. For
calls outside the local area, (local means in the same area code or exchange
you are calling from) you must dial a "1" followed by the area code then
the rest of the number you are calling. If you call the operator ("0"), she
can give you the area code you will need or assist you with your call. To
call a local number, you only need to dial that 7 digit number.
Dial "411" for directory assistance. In Boston, "911" is for emergencies.
Please remember that most hotels charge a surcharge for all outside
calls.
Attire
Attire throughout Massachusetts is generally informal except
in urban areas. Some more formal restaurants require jackets and ties. Shorts
and bathing suits are not appropriate in most restaurants. New England weather
changes quickly and often. Evenings can be chilly; a top coat will make many
spring and fall evenings more comfortable. In the winter, very warm, layered
clothing should be worn. In the summer, very light-weight clothing is
advisable for comfort. Remember to pack comfortable shoes as you can explore
many New England towns and cities, such as Boston, on foot.
Travel Tips - Road Travel
The speed limit on most highways in New England is 55 mph/88
kmh and is strictly enforced. Parts of the interstate highway system allow
speeds of up to 65 mph. Elsewhere, limits range from 20-50
mph/32km-80km. Most state laws require all passengers to wear seatbelts.
When entering a rotary section, yield to any vehicle already in the rotary.
A right turn on red at a traffic signal is permitted after coming to a complete
stop and yielding to pedestrians and other traffic, unless a "No Turn on
Red" or similar sign is posted. Motorists must stop if the warning lights
on a school bus are flashing. State laws require motorists to drive with
dimmed headlights when the windshield wipers are in use. New England states
strictly enforce their drunk driving laws.
Drivers License
The USA has a reciprocal agreement with most European countries
Therefore, a valid European country or EC license is all that is required.
An international driving permit on its own is not acceptable.
Minimum Driver's Age
This varies for each car rental company and, in some instances,
according to rental location. As a general rule, 21 is the minimum acceptable
age. Check the minimum and maximum limits when you book your car rental.
In addition, most rental companies will only accept payment by major credit
cards. Driver's under 25 years of age are often required to pay a local
surcharge.
Medical Insurance
As there is no agreement between the USA and the UK for medical
or hospital care, all travelers must be covered by medical insurance. Medical
standards in America are very high, but costs can be high too. Make sure
that you take out adequate coverage through your travel agent.
Currency Exchange
It is advisable for visitors to carry U.S. dollar travelers
cheques when traveling in the countryside and advisable to exchange foreign
currency in major cities. Credit and charge cards (American Express, Visa,
MasterCard) are widely accepted. Most major banks and American Express offices
will exchange foreign currency. Exchange rates will be posted in the
lobby.
National Holidays
Banks, government and post offices are usually closed on these
major pubic holidays:
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January 1 New Years Day
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Third Monday in February Presidents' Day
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Third Monday in April Patriots Day (Massachusetts
only)
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Last Monday in May Memorial Day
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July 4 Independence Day
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First Monday in September Labor Day
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Second Monday in October Columbus Day
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November 11 Veterans' Day
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Fourth Thursday in November Thanksgiving
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December 25 Christmas Day
Tipping
- Meals: Gratuities are seldom included in the bill, so
it is usual to tip 15%-20% of the bill for meals served in hotels or
restaurants.
- Taxi: Taxi drivers are generally tipped 15 %.
- Lodging: Porters in hotels are usually tipped $1.00
USD per piece of luggage.
- Airport: Porters at airports are usually tipped $1.00
USD per piece of luggage.
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