Your questions answered by Joan Scales
What are the best family-friendly options in Boston?
Q We hope to travel to Boston, in the US, for two weeks in May. We have three babies (two-year-old twins and a six-month-old), so the self- catering option suits us best. I’ve trawled the internet, looking for apartments in central Boston or out near Harvard, but to no great success. It would also be great to find self-catering accommodation that would provide travel cots (and possibly a high chair). Would you know of any companies in Boston that could cater to our needs?
GC, Dublin
A number of companies and agencies rent self-catering accommodation in Boston, which they call short-term or BB accommodation. Go to www.BostonUSA.com, click on the Where to Stay section and then select BBs from among the categories.
Among the choices are the BB Agency, and Boston Harbor Bed Breakfast Agency (00-1-617-7203540, www.boston-bnbagency.com), featuring more than 150 historic private homes, Victorian town houses and restored 1840s waterfront lofts, as well as a fully furnished studios, one- and two- bedroom condominiums and corporate suites. Agency owner Ferne Mintz says they will probably be able to recommend somewhere to hire travel cots and high chairs.
Another company, 1st Choice Bed Breakfast (00-1-617-2362227, www.firstchoicebnb.com), offers private furnished apartments. Its website has information for travelling with a family, including a few services and ideas for you and your family while you are visiting Boston. It also links to www.babysawaynewengland.com, where you can rent cribs, high chairs, buggies, car seats and more.
Aisling Bed Breakfast (00-1-617-2068049, www.aisling-bostonbb.com) is an Irish-owned and -operated BB in a gracious Victorian brownstone in the south end of Boston. Not completely self-catering, but it has a kitchenette, and they provide extra services, such as picking you up at the airport and a great breakfast.
Q We are two ladies who hope to travel to Istanbul for a first-time three-day visit. We are interested in culture and cuisine. Could you advise on the best itinerary and tours to make the most of the short stay? Not up to too much walking. Also, what will the temperature be like in February?
EM, Dublin
First things first: the average weather in February is three to eight degrees with a chance of rain.
Abbey Travel (01-8047100, www.abbeytravel.ie) begins weekend packages to Istanbul from February 12th to March 16th, with a three-night stay at the Oran Hotel from €339pps, including direct flights.
Primera Tours (01-6311077, www.primeratouris.ie) has four-night escorted citybreak tours of Istanbul in April and May from €599pps.
Otherwise, you can get there directly on Turkish Airlines (www.thy.com), flying from Dublin on Mondays and Thursdays. You could search for a hotel on www.1800hotels.com or www.hotels.com. A travel agent will also be able to sell you tickets on Turkish Airlines and book you accommodation.
The two most famous places to visit in Istanbul are the Topkapi Palace, the traditional home of the sultans, but watch the time, as it closes early in winter. The other is the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. A cruise on the Bosporus is also a must-do in Istanbul.
Turkish food features a wide variety of ingredients and cooking styles, with influences from Greek, Armenian and Jewish cultures. Fish is also good here; you will find restaurants serving fish in the Galeta Bridge area.
You’ll find traditional charcoal-grilled meat and other dishes at Feriye Lokantasi (Ciragan Caddesi 40, www.feriye.com/english). Mado (www.mado.com.tr) is a chain of dessert restaurants that sell dondurma Turkish ice cream. Hala (Istiklai Caddesi 211, Beyolglu) specialises in stuffed pancakes and Turkish ravioli.
Q I am planning a trip to Canada in September. Any quotes I have received from travel agents are very high, so am looking into doing it myself and have come across an airline called Air Transat. Have you heard of it?
KMcC, Leitrim
Yes, I have heard of Air Transat. It flies from Ireland to Toronto from the end of May to the beginning of October, four days a week. It has some very competitive fares to Canada; you can fly to Toronto Pearson airport from about €415, including taxes and charges. You can book online, at www.airtransat.com, or ask your local travel agent, who should be able to give you the same price.
Also operating to Canada on a weekly basis during the summer is Flyglobespan; it, too, has very competitive fares, with a round trip to Toronto Hamilton airport from €364, including taxes. You can book on www.flyglobespan.ie.
Go Contact: E-mail questions with your name and address to jscales@irishtimes.com