- Meet Gee
To bring you the best experience when traveling to Thailand we decided to interview Gee.
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and what do you do?
I am a Belgian ( Flemish) guy of 54, living in Bangkok Thailand since 2 years, but before I traveled to Thailand 3 times a year for 20 years, so I know more from Thailand than most Thai.
When do you recommend travelers visit your location?
All year round, high season is dec, jan , feb.In April it is songkran festival, what most tourists dont like, as Thai are trowing with ice cold water to everyone.
How can a traveler avoid tourist traps and instead experience what local people do?
Avoid the tuktuks and the people who speak to you on the streets in touristic areas ( Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket)
What are several very special places or things to do which locals love but most travelers don’t know about?
Something that is not well known , but is surely worthwhile is biking through Bangkok, I have a Dutch friend who organizes this, and last year I organized with him 4 groups, and everybody was very enthusiastic. Also the Tiger temple and swimming with dolphins you should do once in your life
How can travelers get the most out of these special places to see, or special things to do?
In summertime avoid the south , due to rainy season, so if you travel summer go north, and central Thailand, wintertime central and south Thailand.
What’s the best way for a visitor to experience the local culture?
There are many ways, all depends the requests of the visitor: I like to do a lot by public transport, skytrain, boat etc…) and by walking,but some visitors prefer the airco in the taxis.
What local foods or drinks should travelers be sure to try?
For first timers, som tam and kow niow with kai yaang and also tom yam kung. For the more experienced travelers, kung then, dancing shrimps as they are still alive when you eat them. Also grasshoppers are very nice food.
How does the traveling experience in your area change throughout the year?
It does not changed too much, but my perception changed a lot since I live here
Is there anything else we forgot to ask that you’d like add?
People should attend classes, we have a one day vegetarian Thai cooking class in Kao San Road , which is really fun,but I also attended a 1 week massage training and this is wonderful too
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Posted by Localyte.com Team on March 15, 2009
- Meet Okoye Julius
To bring you the best experience when traveling to Nigeria we decided to interview Okoye Julius .
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and what do you do?
I am fun-loving, in the sense that I do things that keep my interest burning higher – just like what localyte represents. I am a motivational writer and author of the book titled: Motivation: A Self-help Guide .. I love photography and loves making friends, cooking for them and keeping them. Being a travel guide affords me the opportunity to tell people who are non-Nigerians the best places to be in Lagos-Nigeria and elsewhere in Nigeria. It also enables me to showcase the best side of Nigeria as I run my business with the fervour of a patriot.
When do you recommend travelers visit your location?
Travellers are free any time to visit me.
How can a traveler avoid tourist traps and instead experience what local people do?
A traveller can avoid tourist traps so as to experience what the locals have and do it their way by being vigilant as well as asking me direct questions before visiting Nigeria so that they will properly be guided.
What’s the best way for a visitor to experience the local culture?
There are numerous top-notch fun-places for a tourist to go catch fun without hassles and exposure to threats depending on one’s tastes. One thing a traveller must do that the locals love so much as it endears him to them is learning the local language. Sounds funny, but it makes everyone comfortable in each other’s company. I personally take tourists around so they have a feel of the fun out of their individual interests.
The best way for a visitor to experience local culture is by having a guide who tells him/her what to do to blend in a new environment and culture.
What local foods or drinks should travelers be sure to try?
A traveller should prepare his/her mind to try our soft drinks and local gin, eba, akpu with such soups as egusi, okro and ewedu.
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Posted by Localyte.com Team on March 15, 2009
Visit Romania
To bring you the best experience when traveling to Maine we decided to interview Adrian Suciu
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and what do you do?
I am Romanian, and I come from Piatra Neamt, a beautiful North-East region , close to the mountains. I have been living in Bucharest for 15 years now, but my strong roots are up in the “Neamt” region.
When do you recommend travelers visit your location?
The best time to visit Romania is early spring and early autumn but anytime is good.Northern part of the country should definitely be on the agenda. Also theWestern part (so-called Siebenburger The Seven Sites) Brasov, Cluj, Sibiu,Sighisoara, Targu Mures, Bistrita.
How can a traveler avoid tourist traps and instead experience what local people do?
Best way to avoid traps is to plan way ahead using good internet forums.Also a good practice is to ask friends and relatives(locals) about any rticular information that could be useful.For Bucharest I can say one word: beware of apparently good-intentioned people.It’s a fact that 80 per cent of the goodwill help offers become dangeroustraps in which your belongings may get stolen or damaged.
What are several very special places or things to do which locals love but most travelers don’t know about?
I personally recommend visits that are focused on the Northern culture (Maramures, Oas, Sapanta, Vatra Dornei). I also recommend visits specialized on Old Monasteries from Moldavia (North-Eastern part named Bucovina) .I can offer advice on pilgrimage .Another good area to experiment is Transylvania, with old Saxon villages and the best preserved inhabited medieval citadel: Sighisoara.One should note that around 23rd of August each year a Medieval Festival takes place in Sighisoara, where thousands of people gather at the old citadel and experience the local culture (music concerts, archery, etc.)
How does the traveling experience in your area change throughout the year?
There’s a strong seasonality in the traveling experience in my country. During extremely hot weekends of June/July/August it’s best to avoid the roads that go to the Black Sea Seaside.The 250km motorway between Bucharest capital city and Constanta - at the seaside becomes extremely crowded.You will find what I call bad “weekend” type of tourism and locations are busy and dirty. There’s also an outrageously high price practice especially on foreign tourists that may happen to visit the same area at that time of the year.An alternative way is to go to the mountains, especially in areas more remote and quiet: Apuseni mountains in the West may be a good choice.
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Posted by Localyte.com Team on March 8, 2009
- Meet Zarek
To bring you the best experience when traveling to Maine we decided to interview Zarek Cockar.
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and what do you do?
I’m a 23 year old Kenyan, born and raised. I grew up in Nairobi, but have been going on safaris around Kenya since I was born. I have lots of stories of encounters with wild animals when I was a toddler or baby.My upbringing has nurtured a love and passion for wildlife and the preservation of nature in general. The more I can learn about the intricacies of the natural world around me, the better. Along with that, the more I can contribute to changing the use of that world from wasteful to sustainable, the better.I’ve always loved the larger animals like Lions, Leopards and Elephants, but I find it frustrating and sad that most tourists and tour operators are only interested in the Big 5. Africa has so much more to offer! There’s nothing like watching a dung beetle try to roll a ball of dung 4 times its size up a slope.
When do you recommend travelers visit your location?
Kenya, as an entire country, is a great place to visit at any time of the year. There are, however, different areas of the country which are definitely better at certain times of the year than they are at others. Maasai Mara, for example, is best around July and August when the great wildebeest migration is taking place. Being one of the seven wonders of the natural world, with literally millions of animals crossing the Mara river, and the great Serengeti-Mara plains, its a definite must-see!
Mt. Kenya, depending on your preference, is popular between November and February when it’s not quite so bitterly cold at the summit. The climbing is slightly easier, with less ice to impede your progress on the final ascent.Samburu, Turkana, Meru, and Magadi are best during the cooler times of the year, like between March and April, and September and October, as they are usually the hottest areas in the country.The coast is great almost any time of the year, if you’re on the beach-front. If you’re not on the water-front, you’ll want to plan your trip around cooler temperatures to avoid uncomfortable heat.
How can a traveler avoid tourist traps and instead experience what local people do?
Nairobi has a reasonable nightlife, that the locals enjoy, but the clubs that are popular change every couple of months (if not weeks). A sure bet for the weekend is Gypsies Bar in Westlands, or Havana Bar, also in Westlands. The Simba Saloon restaurant turns into a popular pub later in the evening, and has been a favourite ever since I was a little kid.As far as seeing the country is concerned, if you want to avoid touristy traps, try a different type of tourism. Backpacking and volunteering are great ways to do things cheaply and to see the country from a different angle. You won’t be visiting all the big national parks and seeing “The Big 5″. Instead, you’ll be interacting with the people, riding in buses and experiencing the culture. Volunteering is a great way to show you care about the people and the country, while still seeing the country.Otherwise, just make friends with people that live here, and go on some trips with them.
What are several very special places or things to do which locals love but most travelers don’t know about?
Nairobi has several great places which are safe, cheap, and close to the downtown area. Catch a couple of Matatus (the local public transport mini-vans) and pay less than a taxi. Walk around, find a cheap cafe for some real Kenyan Chai (not like anything you’re used to from Starbucks) and a samosa. Lot’s of people will paint a not-so-pretty picture of Nairobi and other Kenyan cities and towns. They’ll tell you it’s not safe and it’s dirty. But there’s lots to see and do here, and if you try to blend in a little and walk with a purpose, you’ll be fine!
- Sensible clothes for an inconspicuous, comfortable experience: Trousers, cotton shirt, tennis shoes. In Nairobi, it would’t be a bad idea to carry a light sweater or jacket.
What local foods or drinks should travelers be sure to try?
In my opinion, restaurants are some of the most overlooked places in Kenya, and Nairobi, in particular, by tourists. Tour ompanies and “experts” always tell tourists to go to the same places, “Carnivore Restaurant, the Stanley Hotel, The Norfolk, Spur Steak Ranches, Pampas Churrascaria, etc”, all of which are expensive, and not frequented by locals much. There are so many amazing restaurants in Nairobi with food from all over the world. Our Italian restaurants are owned by Italians, our Chinese restaurants are frequented by Chinese , our Indian restaurants are shunned if their food doesn’t taste like grandma’s food ,our Ethiopian restaurants will fill your stomach for a song and our East African nyama choma is something you’ll never forget.Eat real Swahili seafood from a Swahili restaurant. They’re all over the place. And they’d absolutely love for you to experience their real hospitality. In my opinion, there is no seafood like Swahili seafood.
Is there anything else we forgot to ask that you’d like add?
Being a tourist in Kenya can be great. You can have the time of your life and see things that locals haven’t ever seen despite having lived here their whole lives. You could go out on safari to Nairobi National Park and see a Leopard kill. You’d be one of a very few people in the world who have seen that. But it’s not impossible. So don’t discount the tourist thing completely. Yet, at the same time, don’t ONLY do the typical tourist thing. Kenya’s forests are amazing places to walk around and see all sorts of different life. And our adventure tourism is growing. White water rafting and kayaking, bunjee jumping and kite-surfing are great ways to get that adrenaline rush in some of the wildest areas in Kenya.
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Posted by Localyte.com Team on February 25, 2009
Kayaking
To bring you the best experience when traveling to Maine we decided to interview Bryant Davis
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and what do you do?
I am from the Katahdin Region of Maine & I am a Maine Guide who outfitts & rents almost anything outdoor related. exp. fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, cabins.
When do you recommend travelers visit your location?
If canoe/kayaking May-June is high water but June thru September is very nice.
How can a traveler avoid tourist traps and instead experience what local people do?
Call me or hire a guide, I can help with trip planing that is part of my outfitting business.
What are several very special places or things to do which locals love but most travelers don’t know about?
Some of the waterfalls in the area are spectacular and most can be reached with a short hike.
How can travelers get the most out of these special places to see, or special things to do?
I do Moose Tours by canoe/kayak or pontoon boat and have group rates.
What’s the best way for a visitor to experience the local culture?
Maine has a virety of cultures from Down East on the coast to Arcadian in the St. John Valley, hire a guide or contact a local chamber.
What local foods or drinks should travelers be sure to try?
Maine is famous for its Lobster and it can be purchased anywhere in Maine to be cooked on a beach or purchased in a resturant.
How does the traveling experience in your area change throughout the year?
Maine has four seasons it is very green in the spring to a kalydascope of colors in the fall and a blanket of white snow which starts in December.
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Posted by Localyte.com Team on February 20, 2009
- Visit Lesotho
To bring you the best experience when traveling to Lesotho we decided to interview Motlatsi Rametse.
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and what do you do?
I am Motlatsi Rametse, Based in Maseru in the country of Lesotho. I am a tour organiser and tour guide. I specialise in handling small groups and family outings.
When do you recommend travelers visit your location?
Lesotho is a year round destination. People interested in culture, history, scenic beauty, adventure (abseiling, hiking, pony trekking, etc) are suitable from September to March. Skiing in July and August, sometimes in June. Ploughing experience September to November, harvesting of maize and beans in June and July. 4×4 trails throughout the year.
How can a traveler avoid tourist traps and instead experience what local people do?
There are no special requirements, Lesotho has a very low crime rate. Travelling around with tour guide makes life so much easier.
What are several very special places or things to do which locals love but most travelers don’t know about?
Ploughing experience, harvesting of maize and beans, staying with people in their homes and experiencing real culture.
How can travelers get the most out of these special places to see, or special things to do?
I would recommend using tour guides that organize these type of tours.
What’s the best way for a visitor to experience the local culture?
Living in the village for a few days.
What local foods or drinks should travelers be sure to try?
Local c, food in a village setting.
Is there anything else we forgot to ask that you’d like add?
This country is free of all tropical deseases like malaria, bilhazia, cholera because of its high altitude. It has a pristine environment, clean air, clean (you can drink water from a spring - its fresh and has a high mineral content). The people are very friendly and warm.
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Posted by Localyte.com Team on February 12, 2009
- Meet Sara
To bring you the best experience when traveling to Rome , Italy we decided to interview Sara.
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and what do you do?
My name is Sara (aka, Sarita). I have lived in the Greater Fort Walton Beach-Destin area of The Emerald Coast of Florida since 1981. I speak, read and write English, Spanish and French fluently and love to meet others who enjoy travel, art, the beach, language, and culture.
When do you recommend travelers visit your location and what should they see?
We have a year round attractive area here on the Emerald Coast. The time that you visit here depends on how you would like to spend your time. The best time for sun and fun at the beach, in my opinion, are the months of May, August, September and October. We great rates here from October to March and there are many activities in this area, which include a group called “Snowbirds”, people from the North that spend winters in this area. All through the year we have festivals and events. I would advise your to check out The Beaches of South Walton the NorthWest Florida Daily News on Friday for the Showcase magazine. You may also browse the major resort sites for this area, such as Sandestin Resort (Village of Baytown Wharf), Seaside, Florida, Grayton Beach, Florida, Rosemary Beach, Florida, Panama City Beach and Pensacola for jazz festivals, art festivals and wine festivals.
We have great shopping with one of the largest outlet malls in the world, Silver Sands Factory Stores and Santa Rosa Mall. There are concerts and lots of Art and Antique houses in the area.
What are several very special places or things to do which locals love but most travelers don’t know about?
The month of October has a couple of great festivals, the Mullet Festival in Niceville, FL and the Destin Seafood Festival which is held ad the end of the Desitn Fishin Rodeo every October.
How can travelers get the most out of these special places to see, or special things to do?
Most of the local resorts have programs ffor their guests, which include on site child care, free concerts in local parks and amphitheaters and great places to eat as well as watersports and boating.
What’s the best way for a visitor to experience the local culture?
Walking tours through Fort Walton Beach, Grayton Beach and Seaside, Florida.
What local foods or drinks should travelers be sure to try?
We have all kinds of great restaurants in this area from the well known chains to French Cuisine, Italian, American steak houses, Mexican restarants, brick oven pizzas and quite a few 5 star retaurants with beautiful views of the ocean. There’s also a few great tiki style locals places.
How does the traveling experience in your area change throughout the year?
Summer brings us lots of visitors who want to stay at the beach and enjoy the watersports and swimming activities. Summer brings us lots of visitors who want to stay at the beach and enjoy the watersports and swimming activities.
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Posted by Localyte.com Team on February 9, 2009
- Meet Stefania
To bring you the best experience when traveling to Rome , Italy we decided to interview Stefania Troiani.
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and what do you do?
My name is Stefania Troiani I am from Rome, Italy and I am the creative owner and founder at Rome Shopping Guide.com a custom tour planning business specialized in providing tailor made luxury services such as private shopping and wine tasting guided tours in Italy and especially in Rome and in the Tuscan wine area.These services cater to individuals or small group and to a wide range of companies in the travel and tourism fields included but not limited to tour operators, tourist boards, hotels and cruise lines. am extremely passionate, not only about showing you Rome’s treasures, but in providing the level of service usually tourists expect from the larger companies.
I combine my strengths to bring you the best of both in terms of service and guidance/advice. My goal is to show you the place I love, the REAL ROMA.Come and experience the genuine hospitality of the Roman people. I promise you: you will come as a tourist, but leave as a friend.
When do you recommend travelers visit your location?
Rome is a fascinating place to visit at any time because most attractions are open all year round; Rome is actually an open air museum!
If you are interested in a trip to Rome then the best times to visit Rome is during spring and fall seasons,is sunny but not too hot and touring around would be fun and exciting.But if do not like crowds then I suggest off season when prices are those of the low season and there are no lines at museums.
How can a traveler avoid tourist traps and instead experience what local people do?
Private tour guides are the best for exploring the city. They give you a personal touch, answer all your questions and take care of your specific needs.In my experience hiring a tour guide will help to avoid tourist traps. If you interested in a trip to Rome I highly recommend hiring a private tour guide which is dedicated only to you and your party and will look after you all the time. A good tour guide will efficiently maximize you time and keep you away from tourist traps. You will have a local expert to work as your personal assistant that can help you in arranging your well deserved trip to be special.It would be an excellent way to see a place from a local perspective including the many hidden gems outside the usual tourist path.I will always make sure you are given the best attention and care and ensure you avoid tourist traps so that you would enjoy Rome as the Romans do.
What are several very special places or things to do which locals love but most travelers don’t know about?
Rome is the most beautiful place in the world, rich of history and art but also of amusement and fun!
If you like Italian culture then you can enjoy the best that the Eternal City has to offer for next to nothing. Rome tourist attractions around the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps area are simply marvelous and free of charge!The city houses countless churches, monuments and galleries that can be visit for free such as the Vatican Museums that on the last Sunday of every month, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (the last admission is at 12:30 p.m.) are free of charge.Also national museums and other major galleries have deals that change constantly, and if you feel you have exhausted those, then step just outside the city center and take a relaxing walk in one of the several park scattered around town. Just to name a few I would recommend the gardens at Villa Ada and at Villa Borghese.
How can travelers get the most out of these special places to see, or special things to do?
If you would like to maximize your precious time then I would be delighted to be your personal tour guide in Rome.Rome Shopping Guide.com explores both familiar and hidden sites, enabling travelers to experience many aspects of life in this beautiful city. I offer exciting tour services for travelers visiting Rome.Whether travelling for business or pleasure, I would arrange the ultimate travel for you. As a local expert I personally design and execute private customized tours throughout Rome and the Tuscan wine area.
What’s the best way for a visitor to experience the local culture?
A great way to experience authentic Roman culture is to meet locals, have roman cuisine and tasting local wines. You can actually learn Italy through tastes and flavors of its cuisine and of its long wine tradition transforming yourself from a tourist into a traveler living an unforgettable experience.Then if you are you willing to experience Rome from a local’s perspective be personally introduced to local people and go to places inaccessible to tourists, I provide personal introductions to local places and people, native guidance and knowledge, and private visits with an authentic cultural immersion that will enrich your travel experience.
What local foods or drinks should travelers be sure to try?
Italy means pizza, pasta and gelato, but it is also so much more. The history of Italian cuisine is ancient and rich of regional specialties throughout the country. Roman cuisine tends towards good, genuine ingredients and simple recipes. Romans are demanding when it comes to the freshness and quality of the dishes that are served. For the locals, a full meal will consist of a starter (antipasto) which are normally cold appetizers, next comes il primo, (a first course) which is pasta. Il secondo (the second course) which is meat or fish accompanied by side dishes (contorni). The best known wines are those of the Castelli Romani of the surrounding vineyard area.
How does the traveling experience in your area change throughout the year?
Spring time is best time of the year for visiting Rome and its surrounding. During this season you can better appreciate the ferment of the city, spring Break in Rome is incredible! Spending Christmas in Rome is also wonderful. Italy has a very romantic feel to it with its cobbled pavements, cozy cafes and historic landmarks. The Eternal City looks even better during the festive period, with beautifully adorned trees. There are also plenty of other things to see during Christmas time besides the landmarks, including choirs, Christmas markets, like in the breathtaking Piazza Navona and Catholic Mass on Christmas Eve at St Peter’s Square. Just a wonderful time of the year to be in Italy!
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Posted by Localyte.com Team on February 1, 2009
- New York City!!
To bring you the best experience when traveling to New York City, United States we decided to interview Les Judd .
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and what do you do?
My name is Les Judd. I grew up in the suburbs of New York City and live in the Riverdale section of The Bronx now. I am President and founder of Green Boroughs, a company that helps people discover the greener side of NYC.
When do you recommend travelers visit your location?
The best time to visit New York City is the spring or fall but it’s a great place to be in any season as long as you are prepared for it.
How can a traveler avoid tourist traps and instead experience what local people do?
If you want to avoid tourist traps, do what the natives do. Look for restaurants, stores, museums and parks that are off the beaten path. Don’t be afraid to venture out to the outer boroughs of Queens, The Bronx and Brooklyn to see places that many tourists don’t even know about. For example, Wave Hill in The Bronx is a beautiful public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River. You can easily spend a day there just strolling the gardens, eating in the cafe, and shopping in the gift shop.Another example of out of the way places is The Queens Museum of Science. This museum has many inter-active exhibits that are fun for children as well as for adults. I could go on and on. Suffice it to say that the outer boroughs are full of places that are worth a visit.
How can travelers get the most out of these special places to see, or special things to do?
The Green Boroughs Walking Tours bring visitors to the newest, coolest, greenest retail stores, restaurants, community gardens, green buildings, and small parks in NYC. We have three tours - two in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn. Customized tours are also available.
What’s the best way for a visitor to experience the local culture?
The best way for visitors to experience the local culture is to read the local newspapers. Free concerts, lectures, plays and other events are always happening somewhere in New York City. Also, ask hotel concierges for restaurants, stores and other places that are off the beaten path. There are restaurants, businesses, clubs and other places for every taste but some of them are a little hard to find.
Is there anything else we forgot to ask that you’d like add?
New York City is a great city that is full of wonderful restaurants, museums, parks, stores, and other fun places to see and visit.You can’t possibly see everything in one or two days.
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Posted by Localyte.com Team on January 29, 2009
- Urban Adventours
To bring you the best experience when traveling to Boston, United States we decided to interview Andrew Prescott .
Tell us about yourself - where are you from and what do you do?
I’m originall from Connecticut, but have been living in Boston for about 9 years now. For the past five years I’ve been the owner of Urban AdvenTours, a unique, Green company that offers quality bike rentals and guided bike tours of Boston.
When do you recommend travelers visit your location?
Every season in Boston has its own charm, so people shouldn’t be afraid to visit outside of peak tourist season. I find the city really changes in the summer when all the college kids leave.
How can a traveler avoid tourist traps and instead experience what local people do?
One of the reason I started my company is because I think a bike is a great way to get off the beaten path in Boston. It’s not a very large city geographically, so the mobility of a bike can really help you find some interesting nooks and crannies in the city.
What are several very special places or things to do which locals love but most travelers don’t know about and how can travelers get the most out of these special places to see, or special things to do?
I love riding along the Charles River. In addition to the great bike paths on both sides of the river, Cambridge closes down a section of the river road on Sundays, opening it up to pedestrians and cyclists.One great thing about the tours offered by Urban AdvenTours is that we are able to ride to major tourist attractions, and out of the way ‘gems’ on the same tour. For example, a trolley bus is impractically large for exploring the beautiful squares in the South End or the winding roads in the North End.
What’s the best way for a visitor to experience the local culture?
Get off the bus! One of the reasons I ride my bike in the city is you feel more like a part of the city - your view is unobstructed, it’s easier to stop and check out a site or restaurant you see from the street, and you can interacts with folks who are out and about.
What local foods or drinks should travelers be sure to try?
This year my company is moving into a new space in the North End neighborhoods, and I think all of my tour guides are excited about
cannolis every day in this famous Italian neighborhood!
How does the traveling experience in your area change throughout the year?
There are so many colleges in Boston that, come the first week of September, the city feels much more crowded.
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Posted by Localyte.com Team on January 25, 2009
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