Massachusetts Town Called the ‘Best for History Buffs’ by Reader’s Digest
Every city has its own charm and personality. Some cities are known for their skyscrapers and modern architecture, while others have great history. Now, one Massachusetts town has been named the “best for having “best for history buffs” by the experts at Reader’s Digest.
This Massachusetts Town is the ‘Best for History Buffs,’ Reader’s Digest Says
In honor of Memorial Day weekend, the experts at Reader’s Digest have looked at cities across America to name their favorite destinations in various areas. “As the weather warms up and the days get longer, the urge to book a vacation is heating up, too,” they write. “And there’s no better way to start the summer than with an easy-to-get-to destination.” While this story is aimed at great Memorial Day vacations, really, you can enjoy these destinations any time of the year.
Before we get to Massachusetts and the town with historic charm, let’s look at some of the other choice destinations across the U.S. If you love lakes, they name Meredith, New Hampshire the best place for lake life. “Meredith is the perfect place to kick off summer family fun in northern New England,” they boast. They also suggest checking out the “historic Weirs Beach drive-in” or to “cruise along the lake on the M/V Sophie C,” which is the oldest floating Post Office in the U.S. and dates back to 1945. For those who love water parks, Phoenix, Arizona is a great spot, as Reader’s Digest says the city has around “300 sunny days a year and is considered to be the sunniest city in the U.S.” They add that the newest water park in the area is the AquaRidge WaterPark, “a 140,000-square-foot pool experience featuring a lazy river, adults-only area and three heart-pounding waterslides with views of the Sonoran Desert.” Sign me up.
Now, which Massachusetts town is the “best for history buffs” in America, according to Reader’s Digest? It’s Boston, of course. “The city that played a key role in the American Revolution hosts a patriotic Memorial Day ceremony at the USS Constitution Museum. And, of course, Boston is one of the best cities for history buffs any time of the year. “While there, you can walk the Freedom Trail, an easy-to-follow 2.5-mile path marked by red lines in the road, to visit 16 Revolutionary War landmarks,” they note. “The route starts at the Boston Common and takes in the Old South Meeting House, Paul Revere’s House, Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument, the USS Constitution and the site of the Boston Tea Party, among other history-steeped spots.” So, if you’re into history, this could be a dream vacation.
Tips to Maximize Your Vacation
1. Save Money
One great way to maximize your vacation is simply to save money. You’ll feel so much better on vacation knowing that you’re saving cash by doing things the right way. One major way to save money is to travel during an off season. Every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, look at the cheapest time to visit your destination, and go then. Find more tips on saving money on vacation, too.
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2. Don't Plan Every Minute of Your Vacation
Sure, you want to do some planning so that you don’t miss the big tourist stops in your destination. But, don’t book every blasted minute. Maximize your vacay by saving some time to be spontaneous. Take a day to just figure out what to do when you’re there. Maybe some locals will recommend a secret spot for you to visit during your “day off.”
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3. Do Plan Ahead, Though
While you don’t want to overbook your trip so that you’re always running from spot to spot, you do want to plan a bit. It’s not a good idea to do zero planning and just feel things out when you get there. Plan some big activities ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling last-minute.
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4. Plan Regular Mini-Vacations
If you only have one big vacation every year, you might feel under a lot of pressure to make it the most amazing experience ever. So, take away that stress. Plan mini-vacations throughout the year, so you aren’t under as much pressure to make your big trip the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your family. For example, in the fall, if you live in an area with beautiful colors, make an annual fall color tour trip and just drive around the state.
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5. Stay an Extra Day
If time and money allows, adding just one day to your vacation can open up a world of possibilities. Many people plan too short a trip, not realizing just how much they’ll want to do in their destination. So, add an extra day. You’ll be glad you did at the end of your stay.
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6. Take Time to Sleep
Sure, you’re on vacation. You want to soak up every minute of your trip. But, if you’re up late every night partying in the clubs and then up early to enjoy the sunrise, pretty soon, you’ll be too tired to enjoy your vacation. So, take time to get some sleep and feel rested.
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7. Let the Small Stuff Go
They say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s certainly true on vacation. Nothing is going to go totally as planned. So, expect the unexpected, and roll with it.
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8. Plan Some Recoup Time
When you get back from your vacation, don’t plan to start work the very next day. Take an extra day or two off after your vacation to recuperate, so that you hit the ground running when you’re back at work. The extra time at home will also give you a chance to savor your vacation.
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9. Pick an Experience
People often find experiencing more rewarding that physical things. So, make sure to plan an experience with your trip. Maybe there’s a huge concert you want to see on vacation. Perhaps it’s a sporting event. Whatever it is, plan an awesome experience.
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10. Learn for Next Time
Finally, when you’re home from your trip, decompress and look back on your vacation. What went wrong? What went right? Take notes and learn from your vacation, so you’ll know what to do better next time.
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