Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Road Scholar is a spin-off of the vener-
able
Elderhostel
(
&
800/454-5768;
www.elderhostel.org), which offers an
enormous variety of programs to travelers
55 and over (a younger companion is per-
mitted on many tours). Its “learning
adventures” include everything from ses-
sions with college instructors to behind-
the-scenes experiences at cultural events.
ADVENTURE TRIPS
The
Massachusetts Audubon Society
(
&
800/AUDUBON
or 781/259-9500;
www.massaudubon.org), the largest con-
servation organization in New England,
owns and operates wildlife sanctuaries
across the state and offers programs that
help people of all ages connect with
nature. Classes, workshops, programs,
and special events of all types, many
designed specifically for children and
families, take place throughout the year.
Memberships start at $44 per year.
A good introduction to New England's
diverse terrain is an excursion with the
Appalachian Mountain Club
(
&
617/
523-0655;
ww.outdoors.org). The recre-
ation and conservation organization is
perhaps best known for its indispensable
trail guides and maps, but it coordinates
volunteer-led activities that range from
walking dogs on a beach to multiple-day
backpacking tours. Though closely asso-
ciated with the White Mountains, the
AMC has chapters all over the Northeast
and offers many activities in the Boston
suburbs. First-time membership costs
$40 for an individual, $60 for a family, or
$25 if you're under 30 or over 69.
VOLUNTEER & WORKING TRIPS
The Greater Boston chapter of
Habitat
for Humanity
(
&
617/423-2223;
www.
habitatboston.org) welcomes individual
volunteers as well as groups to help con-
struct and renovate affordable housing for
low-income families. Be prepared and
dress appropriately for 7 hours of con-
struction work, which can be strenuous.
Volunteers are responsible for their own
transportation and should bring lunch,
drinks, and work gloves. The minimum
age is 16 years old, and 16- and 17-year-
olds must have an adult with them. There
is no maximum age. Note that you must
complete a 1-hour orientation before you
can start work, and those sessions fill up
quickly.
The
Massachusetts Audubon Society
and the
Appalachian Mountain Club
(see “Adventure Trips,” above) rely heav-
ily on volunteers. Most Mass Audubon
activities are long-term commitments,
but some are one-shot deals suitable for
out-of-town visitors. AMC opportunities
range from a day of trail-clearing to lead-
ing a longer-term program.
13 Staying Connected
TELEPHONES
For calls within the United States and
to Canada,
dial 1 followed by the area
code and the seven-digit number. In east-
ern Massachusetts, you can leave off the 1
but must dial all 10 digits.
For other
international calls,
dial 011 followed by
the country code, city code, and the
number you are calling. To place
interna-
tional calls to the United States,
dial
your country's international code plus the
country code (1), the area code, and the
local number.
Most long-distance and international
calls can be dialed directly from any
phone. Many convenience groceries and
packaging services sell
prepaid calling
cards
in denominations up to $50; for
international visitors, these can be the
least expensive way to call home.
Generally, hotel surcharges on both local
and long-distance calls are astronomical, so
