TRIP PLANNING ASSISTANCE
A short course in booking Boston
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Getting the most out of a campus visit starts with picking the right dates for the trip. Sounds simple enough, but it's actually a challenge: the best times to see the colleges are also the most popular times to visit the Boston area.
If your travel schedule is flexible, you'll want to heed the expert advice that follows before clicking to our specials page, calendar of events, or reservations service.
But if you already know your dates then click right to our Travel Center and book your hotel reservations and enjoy discounts with our partners at Amtrak. Or find out what there is to do in Boston and the top places to dine.
From April through November, when almost all campus visits are scheduled, Boston's hotels are virtually standing room only. That's the bad news. The good news: In most cases, Campus Visit can help you right online ... beginning now:
The earlier you book, the better.
Begin checking availability as soon as you know your travel dates. With occupancy levels as high as they are, a month prior is not too early. Two weeks out is cutting it close, and anything less is definitely a roll of the dice.
Check out our travel discounts to save on hotel and travel reservations.
Secondly, we suggest contacting the hotels listed in our discounts section first. Not only are they well-regarded and convenient to campus, but whenever possible, they will extend a special discount. Just ask for the Campus Visit rate. However, when the hotels know they'll be selling out, you may be able to get a room, but not a discount. Fact is, many recent visitors report they were thankful to find a room anywhere.
In reality, Boston is worthy of a visit almost any time of year. But, if you can be flexible with your trip plans, you can save money and avoid the crowds by choosing dates that are not "high season" in the city. Here's a little guidance from our team of top admissions and tourism professionals:
MARCH-APRIL
Through early April, admissions offices are heavily involved with reviewing applications, so scheduling may be difficult. The rest of April is a great time to visit schools, especially for juniors eager to get an early start. Though it's exciting to be in Boston during the time of the Boston Marathon (4/21/08), getting a hotel room and just navigating the streets may be more difficult because of the influx of thousands of people who come to town for this event. Call the school(s) you want to visit to check on their Spring Break dates. It's best to see yours while they're in session.
MAY-JUNE
This is a beautiful time to visit, but most schools are not in full session, so you won't get the complete picture. This is also peak time for area hotels, so call well in advance for the best deals.
JULY-AUGUST
Boston's at its best and most beautiful. However, like May-June, schools are not in full swing. Upside: Great chance to turn your trip into a full-fledged family vacation.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
Considered the best and most traditional time for campus visits. Many schools host open houses, so check with Admissions for special visit programs. Hotels are full of weekend leaf-peepers and weekday business types, so expect to pay a premium. The long Columbus Day and Veterans Day weekends are among the most popular dates. Best to pick alternate dates.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
After the first week of November, hotel occupancy drops significantly, so call around for best rates. With the exception of Thanksgiving (11/27-30) and after December 15th, these are good dates to meet with Admissions and catch the schools in full swing. Best to stay away during final exam dates.
A short course in booking Boston
PRINT ARTICLE: TEXT
Getting the most out of a campus visit starts with picking the right dates for the trip. Sounds simple enough, but it's actually a challenge: the best times to see the colleges are also the most popular times to visit the Boston area.
If your travel schedule is flexible, you'll want to heed the expert advice that follows before clicking to our specials page, calendar of events, or reservations service.
But if you already know your dates then click right to our Travel Center and book your hotel reservations and enjoy discounts with our partners at Amtrak. Or find out what there is to do in Boston and the top places to dine.
From April through November, when almost all campus visits are scheduled, Boston's hotels are virtually standing room only. That's the bad news. The good news: In most cases, Campus Visit can help you right online ... beginning now:
The earlier you book, the better.
Begin checking availability as soon as you know your travel dates. With occupancy levels as high as they are, a month prior is not too early. Two weeks out is cutting it close, and anything less is definitely a roll of the dice.
Check out our travel discounts to save on hotel and travel reservations.
Secondly, we suggest contacting the hotels listed in our discounts section first. Not only are they well-regarded and convenient to campus, but whenever possible, they will extend a special discount. Just ask for the Campus Visit rate. However, when the hotels know they'll be selling out, you may be able to get a room, but not a discount. Fact is, many recent visitors report they were thankful to find a room anywhere.
In reality, Boston is worthy of a visit almost any time of year. But, if you can be flexible with your trip plans, you can save money and avoid the crowds by choosing dates that are not "high season" in the city. Here's a little guidance from our team of top admissions and tourism professionals:
MARCH-APRIL
Through early April, admissions offices are heavily involved with reviewing applications, so scheduling may be difficult. The rest of April is a great time to visit schools, especially for juniors eager to get an early start. Though it's exciting to be in Boston during the time of the Boston Marathon (4/21/08), getting a hotel room and just navigating the streets may be more difficult because of the influx of thousands of people who come to town for this event. Call the school(s) you want to visit to check on their Spring Break dates. It's best to see yours while they're in session.
MAY-JUNE
This is a beautiful time to visit, but most schools are not in full session, so you won't get the complete picture. This is also peak time for area hotels, so call well in advance for the best deals.
JULY-AUGUST
Boston's at its best and most beautiful. However, like May-June, schools are not in full swing. Upside: Great chance to turn your trip into a full-fledged family vacation.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER
Considered the best and most traditional time for campus visits. Many schools host open houses, so check with Admissions for special visit programs. Hotels are full of weekend leaf-peepers and weekday business types, so expect to pay a premium. The long Columbus Day and Veterans Day weekends are among the most popular dates. Best to pick alternate dates.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
After the first week of November, hotel occupancy drops significantly, so call around for best rates. With the exception of Thanksgiving (11/27-30) and after December 15th, these are good dates to meet with Admissions and catch the schools in full swing. Best to stay away during final exam dates.