introduction

Massachusetts is a state located in the New England region of the northeastern US. Boston is the capital and the largest city of the state, which total area is 27,336 km². It borders Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north.

Most of its population of 6.4 million live in the Boston metropolitan area. In 2004, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legally recognize same-sex marriage.

surfing

During the hurricane season on the Atlantic east coast (JUN-DEC) you may be lucky and score some waves off the Florida coast. If your not, head up to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The entire coastline here is like an offshore swell magnet that will attract any thing in the area. Options tend to be reduced further north of this point and you will be limited to windswell activity. Any storm cell that passes across this coast will be heading east at a great rate of knots and so groundswell activity will be fleeting. Typically all you will receive will be whatever is blown behind the cells as they truck towards Europe.

travel

There are many ways of travelling in the US: by plane, private jet, train, bus, recreational vehicle (RV), motorcycle, thumb or car.

Trains are relatively expensive; private jets can begin at around $4000 per flight hour; buses are generally dependable, safe and affordable, though not available everywhere; renting an RV is up to your personal taste; motorcycling can be a thrilling way to see the country as well as travelling by thumb.

And of course, the idea of long-distance car travel is the most appealing to the majority of Americans. The United States is covered with a convenient system of U.S. and Interstate highways. Just keep in mind that the country is huge and be prepared to travel for hours behind the wheel, so pay attention to the comfort of the car you use. By the way, many of the country's major natural attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, are almost impossible to get to without a car.

where to stay

You shouldn’t have any problems with finding a place to sleep in Massachusetts. Motel is the most popular form of accommodation and they are usually located on the sides of the highways, so it’s very convenient for the road trippers. Don’t expect anything luxurious, but they will usually provide you with a clean room that includes the following amenities: bed, bathroom, TV, telephone. Price is also very reasonable. Motel 6 and Super 8 Motels are popular chains of motels that can be found all over the country.

Boston is the capital and the largest city in Massachusetts that offers a great number of options: budget options with B&B's, hostels and hotels (Yun's Place, The College Club of Boston; Beantown Hostel, Hostelling International; Boston Marriott Burlington Hotel, John Jeffries House, Midtown Hotel), mid-range (Holiday Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Boston Financial Distric, AmeriSuites, Doubletree Guest Suites) and splurge (Boston Marriott Longwharf, Four Seasons Hotel Boston, Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers, Omni Parker House, Sheraton Prudential Center, Liberty Hotel, The Copley Square Hotel, etc).

what to pack

Massachusetts has warm summers and cold, snowy winters. So pack dependinng on the season when you are going.

Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen and sunglasses. Better take your medicines with you, as the brands can be unfamiliar. Bring along your camera with lots of memory space, and don't forget to bring your charger!

All the gear if you plan to camp: a good sleeping bag and tent that are good for very low temp in winter (and waterproof in summer); special gas container u can use for heating food and water; a sturdy backpack or a cargo pack with a good daypack.  

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