A Week of Fall Color in New England: Boston, Stowe and North Conway

About USD 4,995 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 7 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.

Travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries (e.g., US, EU, UK, Australia) typically need an approved ESTA application and can stay up to 90 days. All passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date. Other nationalities, such as Indian citizens, usually require a B-2 tourist visa, which must be applied for in advance at a US embassy or consulate.

Yes, all three destinations are very safe. Boston has a low crime rate for a major city, and the rural areas of Stowe and North Conway are even safer. The main safety concerns are typical urban precautions like securing valuables, and in rural areas, being aware of wildlife like moose on roads, especially at dawn or dusk, and checking winter driving conditions.

The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted everywhere, but it's useful to carry some cash for smaller purchases, tips, or in case of rural areas with limited card processing.

Tipping is an essential part of the service industry compensation. Plan to tip 15-20% for restaurant waitstaff, $1-2 per drink for bartenders, 15% for taxi drivers, and $2-5 per bag for hotel bellhops. Failing to tip is considered poor etiquette.

The best time depends on your interests. For city exploration in Boston, spring (May-June) and fall (Sept-Oct) offer pleasant weather. For fall foliage in Stowe and North Conway, early to mid-October is peak, requiring early booking. Winter (Dec-Mar) is ideal for skiing and snow activities in the mountains.

From Logan Airport, you can take the free 'Silver Line' (SL1 bus) directly to South Station, which connects to the MBTA Red Line and commuter rail. Alternatively, take a free Massport shuttle bus to the Airport MBTA Blue Line station for subway access. Taxis and ride-shares (Uber/Lyft) are also readily available, costing approximately $30-50 depending on traffic and destination.

The most practical way to travel between these destinations is by rental car, which offers flexibility for exploring rural Vermont and New Hampshire. Boston to North Conway is about a 2-hour drive, and Boston to Stowe is roughly a 3.5-4 hour drive. Public transportation options are very limited for the rural segments of the trip.

Your cell phone will work well in Boston. However, cellular coverage, especially for AT&T, can be spotty to non-existent in the mountainous regions around Stowe and North Conway, including parts of the White Mountains and northern Vermont. Download offline maps and plan for periods without service in these areas.