If you’re planning to trip San Diego, you probably know there’s a lot more to do than visit the zoo or lay on the beach. Like any major city, San Diego has a breadth of neighborhoods, history, and attractions that are well worth finding. But what if you don’t exactly know your way around? Or you think you’ve seen it all already, and are looking for someone to show you something new? Taking a guided tour around San Diego is your solution. Whether it be by car, boat, or even kayak, there’s no better way to see all of a city. Full City Tours San Diego would not be described as entirely walkable – unlike Boston or New York City, the city’s sights are spread out over more than just a few blocks. Gray Line’s San Diego Tour lets you see all there is to see – the Gaslamp Quarter, Coronado Beach, Balboa Park, and even Old Town – without having to pay for the extra expense of … [Read more...]
Day Trips to Boston
Making a day trip to Boston? Whether you’re more in the mood to mix and match, or you’re the ambitious traveler who wants to see them all, here are the top attractions in Boston: Museum of Fine Arts & Fenway Park Start your day off with two of Boston’s biggest attractions: The Museum of Fine Arts and Fenway Park. They’re only separated by a 15 minute walk, so it’s easy to visit both in the morning before continuing on with your sightseeing in the city. The Museum of Fine Arts almost needs no introduction. Over one million visitors come into the museum each year; they see over 450,000 works of art, and are able to take advantage of special exhibits, films, and over 4 different dining experiences, just to name a few. When you visit, make sure to walk around the newly renovated Art of the Americas Wing and the Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art. Once you make your … [Read more...]
Getting Around New York City
Don't be intimidated by the large crowds or the variety of attractions in New York City - there's a way to see everything without getting lost or trampled. Here's a look at your travel options for getting around the city, its boroughs, and even as far as New Jersey (for less than $25!). Taxi The most convenient way (and unfortunately most expensive) way to get around New York City is via taxi.This spring, you'll be able to see a new addition to the traditional yellow cabs of the city - Nissan North America, in partnership with New York City, will be putting out six Nissan LEAF all-electric taxis as part of normal taxi service around the city. While in one of these environmentally-friendly vehicles (or any of NYC's taxis), make sure to check out the "NYC Channel", which displays the latest events, restaurant profiles, and more for passengers. NYC.gov provides a breakdown of taxi … [Read more...]
Best Views in the City
Planning a trip to a new city always poses the same problem: I want to see it all but I won’t have the time! Our advice? See it all at once. Here are the best bird’s eye views of five major cities: Boston First Tallest Buidling: John Hancock Tower Second Tallest: Prudential Tower Officially referred to as Hancock Place, Boston’s John Hancock Tower is located right near the main branch of the Boston Public Library. Unfortunately, its observation deck is currently closed, making the Prudential Tower’s Skywalk Observatory the spot to visit for a 360 degree view of the city. For a view of Boston’s famous Harbor and waterfront district, make a visit to the Institute of Contemporary Art for their floor-to-ceiling windows that suspend you right over the water. If you’d enjoy a closer view of the city, do some exploring with an electric bike rental. Chicago First Tallest … [Read more...]
Last Minute Gifts for the Traveler on Your List
If you know your traveler’s next vacation spot, or want to give them access to attractions in a nearby city for some closer to home travel, check out our deals on Go City Cards or Go Select Passes. Go City Cards are all-access passes to the top attractions in the city of your choice; the Go Select Passes let you pick and choose which attractions you want to gift. With Go Select Passes, you'll receive your passes instantly by email making them perfect for the last-minute shopper. You can even choose a gifting option during the check-out process so that person on your list receives their pass right in their inbox. Keep an eye out on our Smart Destinations Facebook Pagefor getaway sales, steals, and extra savings. Here are some other last minute gift ideas: One of the most buzzed about gifts this season for travelers and homebodies alike is Amazon’s Kindle, which is available at $79 … [Read more...]
Holiday Shopping in New York City
December is a huge month for two things: shopping and travel. And, okay, maybe holiday cheer, but that depends on how quickly you’re getting through those checkout lines. Whether you’re just passing through the city or making an extended stay out of your shopping trip, here are Smart Destination’s best recommendations for Holiday Shopping in New York City: Join the Crowds at the Department Stores If your holiday shopping plans include designer brands and big-names, there’s no better place to shop than New York City. One of our favorite stores to visit is FAO Schwarz. This fantastic toy store offers up some perks around the holidays: complimentary gift wrapping, the option to have purchases shipped home, and free delivery to local Manhattan hotels. For a shopping experience with a little more variety, take a walk down Madison Avenue; in the past year, at least 60 new … [Read more...]
Give the Gift of Attractions With Great Holiday Travel Deals
The holiday season – and with it, the holiday shopping frenzy – is in full swing, and people are scrambling to find the perfect gift for everyone on their list. Luckily, we have a solution to your shopping woes that will keep you out of those long lines and will keep a smile on your loved one’s face long after the holiday season is over. Our new Give the Gift of Attractions holiday shopping is making it easier and more affordable to give the priceless gift of a memorable travel experience to anyone on your list. Smart Destinations shoppers have two ways to give these meaningful gifts to their friends and family: Create customized Go Select Passes: you choose from some of the nation’s most popular attractions in nine U.S. cities, and we’ll instantly send your customized pass as a gift in an email to its recipient. This is the perfect gift to accompany a new smartphone – … [Read more...]
San Francisco Trolley Tours
One of San Francisco’s hottest attractions is its world-famous cable cars, referred to by some as trolleys, which have been traveling around the city since the 1870s. Today, cable cars are used by tourists and residents alike to travel around downtown San Francisco. This is the last permanently operational, manually operated cable car system in the world, so they’re worth the visit while they’re still around. Use our great deals in San Francisco with the Go San Francisco Card or the Go Select San Francisco Pass, and check out these San Francisco Cable Car and Trolley Tours: Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tours The Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour allows you to explore San Francisco at your own pace by providing you with drop-off and pick-up locations throughout the city. There’s an hour between each departure, giving you time to check out some authentic trolleys Hop-On … [Read more...]
Visiting Boston: 7 Fun Things to Do in the Winter
Though it may be a bit chilly, winter is a wonderful time to visit the historic and quaint city of Boston. You can embrace the joy of the season in Boston with these fun things to do in the winter. Not a fan of the cold? That's okay! Many of these activities are indoors, so you can stay toasty and warm even when the weather outside is frightful. So let it snow! Climb the Bunker Hill Monument Get the best of history and scenery when you climb this 221-foot tall monument built in 1842 and located right on the site of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War. You're bound to keep warm as you climb the 294 steps to the top, where you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view overlooking the city and the harbor. Best of all, admission to the Bunker Hill Monument is free year round. Tour the Samuel Adams Brewery While in Boston, you'll … [Read more...]
Where to Go for Your Winter Getaway
With winter just around the corner and the busy holiday season approaching, it's time to start thinking about your travel plans for the winter months. Winter can be a really fun time for some people, with hot chocolate and ice skating and holiday cheer. However, for most of us, the season lasts a little longer than we'd like, and by January or February, the below-freezing temperatures and Nor'easters get a bit old. On the bright side, this just means another opportunity to plan a fantastic vacation to rejuvenate your spirits! So, where should you go for your winter getaway? We've put together a list of our top 5 winter getaway destinations, complete with all the information you need for a relaxing and refreshing getaway in the sun. Miami For a winter break that feels like a summer vacation, head to Miami, FL, where the palms sway and the sun glows. Of course, … [Read more...]
