A First-Timer’s Guide to Getting Around Boston

As far as American cities go, Boston is a geezer. It contains the nation’s oldest urban park (Boston Common), oldest major league baseball stadium (Fenway Park), and oldest subway, which started transporting passengers in 1897. That system has since blossomed into the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority—commonly known as the T—a network of water, bus, and rail routes that makes getting around Boston a cinch.

Swim Next to Ancient Mayan Ruins in Tulum

Tulum, Mexico, has a few things in common with its northerly neighbors, Cancún and Playa del Carmen: warm weather, white-sand beaches, and tons of spots for snorkeling. But you won’t find neon lights and thumping nightclubs here. Instead, there’s something much rarer: ancient Mayan ruins.

8 B&B Etiquette Questions Answered by an Innkeeper

The first time I checked into a bed and breakfast, I felt totally out of my element. I had a long history of staying at chain hotels and youth hostels, and waltzing into someone’s home felt downright transgressive. My unease subsided as the innkeeper handed us cups of hot tea and led us around the house. The hospitality was palpable—and in the morning, the breakfast was one for the books.

What Is a Green Hotel?

Green cars. Green dishwashers. Greenspace. Once just a color, “green” is now widely used to suggest that something is environmentally friendly. It’s not always obvious what “green” means, though, especially when it comes to hotels.

A First-Timer’s Guide to Getting Around Chicago

Ah, the L. It’s as Chicago as Lake Michigan and hot dogs without ketchup. In a city where one-ways abound and parking can cost more than your meal, the L just might be the least stressful way to get around. Its eight color-coded lines run both above and below the city streets, all converging on the Loop, Chicago’s bustling downtown.

Five Great Views of Seattle That Aren’t From the Space Needle

Driving through Seattle, you seem to get a new panorama at every turn: lush swaths of parkland and skyscrapers glitter in the reflection of Lake Washington and Puget Sound. The iconic Space Needle offers fabulous views of the city and surrounding mountains, but admission is about $20, and it gets crowded. Fortunately, there are lots of other spots in the metro area where you can get some of the best views in Seattle for free and with less hassle.

See It or Skip It: The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin

The Guinness Storehouse is the centerpiece of St. James’s Gate Brewery, which has been churning out Ireland’s famous stout—one of the world’s top-selling beers—for more than 250 years.