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The flight path into Logan Airport in Boston gives a birds eye view of Civil War era stone fort and star-shaped prison, Fort Warren on Georges Island (one of Boston Islands), guarding one of most famous harbors in world — Boston Harbor — once plied by Clipper Ships, frigates, and revolutionary privateers. The oldest commissioned ship in U.S. Navy, - U.S.S. Constitution — sails out to fort once a year - on 4th of July.

Boston is really where patriots fomented their philosophies and oratories to fire up and forge a new nation on a new continent. But natives to region once lived on Boston Islands long before battle cries were in air.

I was on my own tea party — at one of Boston's most prestigious hotels in newly renovated Old Boston Harbor area. The Seaport Hotel is ranked as one of best places to stay according to readers who placed it on Gold List in 2003 Condé Naste Traveler Magazine poll.

The best way to get from Logan Airport to Seaport Hotel is by sea - on city water taxi ($10), but you have to jump on Checkerboard Fleet tender because it is only one that goes to old wharf area. The Checkerboard Fleet has most Boston Bay stops from Harborside Hyatt where you embark, with direct service to entire Boston waterfront:

The Checkerboard Fleet services Anthony's Pier 4, Fan Pier, U.S. Courthouse, Barking Crab Restaurant, Museum Wharf/Congress Street, Long Wharf at Christopher Columbus Park (the main wharf for downtown Boston), Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, Louis Wharf, Burroughs Wharf, North Station/Fleet Center, Constitution Marina and U.S.S. Constitution (berthed in Charlestown), Shipyard Quarters Marina, and Boston Boat Yard and Marina. Call fleet at 617/422-0392 or catch Harborside Hyatt airport ground shuttle to docks, ring big brass bell, and taxi pulls up right to watery curb. The boats even service FleetBoston Pavilion steps from Seaport Hotel where I caught performance of Jack Johnson first night I was in town. Conventioneers attending conferences at World Trade Center across street from Seaport Hotel are offered easy access to a superb hotel setting. For return visits to airport, doorman, concierge, or hotel front desk can order a a tender to pick you uo.

Beantown native and taxi driver (sailor?), Bill, pointed out Seaport Hotel from water's edge. The Boston Harbor and wharf area has been undergoing a tremendous refit, renovation, and refurbishing, and although Seaport Hotel is quite new (opened May 1, 1998), Federalist Revival architectural style makes 17-story tower a seamless blend with older warehouse brickwork. I enjoy places that do not become garish from their surroundings, and it is evident that much thought went into hotel's planning.

I reasoned that Seaport Hotel's proximity to World Trade Center across street was why it has been bestowed all those "best of" award, including: "The Pinnacle Award" from Successful Meetings Magazine; "The Inner Circle Award" from Associations Meetings Magazine; "The Excellence of East Award" from Meetings East Magazine; "The Planner's Choice Award; and "The Gold Key Award" from Meetings and Conventions Magazine.

The World Trade Center juts over water offering 250,000 feet of exhibition space, with 425-guest room Seaport Hotel offering an additional 17,000 total square feet of convention space and a luxurious 8,200 square foot ballroom. You can even register at hotel at World Trade Center. How is that for convenient? The hotel offers expert meeting planning staff with ResourcePlus services. The hotel is also close to Boston's financial district (guests receive complimentary shuttle service),

Most of these awards were granted for Seaport's high level of service, quality of food and beverage, flexible function space, and good value on room rates. But I found that hotel is also a great family destination getaway.

Upon check in front desk issues kids swim goggles, a sea themed gift, and Ben and Jerry's Phish Food ice cream — delivered to your room, with "Vacation By The Sea Package". The kids will love pool in Health Center - it has piped in underwater music!

First, know your budget. Know what is most you can spend. Many people often rack up large debts from a trip to Disney and that is just not wise. So, knowing what you can and can’t afford is most important factor.

Then, you can start considering large expenses for your Disney vacation. Begin with how you will get there as that is one of most expensive parts of your Disney Land or Disney World vacation. Flying is most likely means of transportation that you will have to utilize. But, is it more cost effective to drive? Even if it does take eight or more hours, it may be a great way of cutting costs. Also, flying at odd times of day and week can help to lower this cost.