1. Useful Websites

Yankee Magazine’s online guide (www.newengland.com), the Boston Globe’s website (www.boston.com), and the Boston CVB site (www.bostonusa.com) are all valuable sources of information.

2. Opening Hours

Most stores and attractions open daily, although many museums close Mondays. Some banks open on Saturday morning, but most close weekends. Hours and days of opening may be abbreviated in winter – check with venues.

3. Public Holidays

As well as Christmas and New Year, these major holidays are marked throughout New England: Martin Luther King Day (3rd Mon in Jan); Presidents’ Day (3rd Mon in Feb); Memorial Day (last Mon in May); Independence Day (4 Jul); Labor Day (1st Mon in Sep); Columbus Day (2nd Mon in Oct); Veterans’ Day (11 Nov); Thanksgiving (4th Thu in Nov). Banks and government offices are closed, alcohol sales may be curtailed, and many shops also close.

4. Smoking

Smoking is generally prohibited in most indoor locations, and in some outdoor ones, such as sports arenas and playgrounds; always check for “no smoking” signs before lighting up. Tobacco products cannot be sold to under-18s.

5. Consulates

Most consulates in New England are based in Boston. They cannot intervene in legal matters, but they can provide limited services and referrals for visiting nationals.

Canada • 3 Copley Pl., Suite 400, Boston, MA 02116 • 617 247 5100

United Kingdom • 1 Broadway, Boston, MA 02210 • 617 245 4500

Ireland • 535 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116 • 617 267 9330

Australia • 150 E. 42d St., 34th Fl., New York NY 10017 • 212 351 6500

New Zealand • 222 E. 41st St., Suite 2510, New York, NY 10017 • 212 832 4038

6. Tipping

Plan to tip for most services: 15–20 per cent for waitstaff; $1 per bag for porters; $2 to valet parking attendants; $1–$2 per drink to bartenders; and 10–20 per cent of the fare (rounded up to the next dollar) for taxi drivers.

7. Sales Periods

Household linens are often discounted at January “white sales,” winter apparel in March to April, and summer apparel in September.

8. Tax Rates

Stated prices rarely include taxes. All New England states except New Hampshire charge a sales tax on goods (6–7 percent), and all states charge taxes on meals (5–9 per cent) and lodgings (8–13 per cent). Many accommodations tack on surcharges for housekeeping, parking, or recreational facilities that can add up quickly. Inquire about such fees when you book.

9. Weights and Measures

The US follows the so-called “English system” of weights and measures. Weights are expressed in ounces, 16 of which make a pound (454 g). Volume is measured by the fluid ounce (29.6 ml). The US pint is 16 fl oz, or 473 ml. The US quart is 946 ml. The US gallon equals approximately 3.8 liters.

10. Public Restrooms

Airports, train stations, bus stations, and public libraries generally have free public restrooms, as do designated rest stops on major highways.