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South Shore Travel Resources

South Shore Travel Resources

Massachusetts New England, USA Travel Guide

Essential Apps & Websites

Essential Mobile Apps

  • MBTA mTicket

    Purchase commuter rail tickets effortlessly.

  • Google Maps/Waze

    Navigation, traffic, and transit directions.

  • Yelp/TripAdvisor

    Reviews for dining and attractions.

  • Local Weather App

    Real-time forecasts for New England's climate.

  • Uber/Lyft

    Convenient ride-sharing services.

Planning Websites

  • Mass.gov/Visit

    Official Massachusetts tourism site.

  • Plymouth.org

    Detailed tourism info for Plymouth.

  • SouthofBoston.com

    Regional resource for the South Shore.

  • MBTA.com

    Schedules, fares, and service alerts.

  • TheTrustees.org

    Conservation lands information.

Local Connections & Content

Social Media Accounts

Follow @VisitMA, @PlymouthMA, and local town accounts for updates.

Podcasts & Digital Content

Search for New England or Pilgrim history podcasts for insights.

Language Learning

English is the main language, so specific language learning is not required.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

  • Lp New England
  • Fodor's New England
  • Local Visitor Center Maps

Books About the Region

  • "Mayflower" by Nathaniel Philbrick
  • "Moby-Dick" by Herman Melville
  • Massachusetts history books

Local Publications

Newspapers & Brochures

  • The Patriot Ledger
  • Plymouth County News
  • Local Tourism Brochures

Emergency & Medical Information

Critical Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • 911 (Police, Fire, EMS)
  • Non-Emergency Police (Plymouth: 508-830-4218)
  • Poison Control (1-800-222-1222)

Hospital Locations

  • South Shore Hospital (Weymouth)
  • Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth
  • Steward Carney Hospital (Dorchester)

Urgent Care & Consulates

  • Numerous Immediate Care Centers Available
  • Nearest Consulates in Boston (International Visitors)

Lost Documents & Natural Disasters

Lost Document Procedures

  • Report to local police immediately
  • Get in touch with your embassy or consulate

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Follow local authority instructions
  • Tune into local media for updates
  • Have a basic emergency kit

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  • "American Experience: The Pilgrims" (PBS)
  • New England history documentaries
  • Naval history films

Music & Art

  • New England Folk Music
  • Artworks of coastal scenes
  • Art reflecting historical events

Online Communities

Reddit

Subreddits like r/massachusetts or r/travel.

TripAdvisor Forums

Forums for Plymouth or Boston Q&A.

Local Discussions

Seek tips from locals and fellow travelers.

Important Travel Tip

Before your trip, save important phone numbers (accommodation, airline, emergency contacts) in your phone and write them down on a physical card. This helps if your mobile phone loses power.

Pre-Trip Planning & Departure

Pre-Trip Planning

Months Before

  • Apply for U.S. Visa or ESTA

    International visitors require this step.

  • Book Flights (International/Domestic)

    Secure your travel during peak season.

  • Book Major Accommodations

    Reserve hotels, B&Bs, or vacation rentals.

Month Before

  • Book Rental Car

    If you plan extensive exploration.

  • Book Specific Tours

    Secure tickets for whale watches or Plimoth Patuxet.

  • Make Sure All bookings are confirmed

    Double-check flights, stays, car, and tours.

Home Preparations

Secure Home

Secure all doors and windows, activate any home alarm systems.

Mail & Utilities

Stop mail/newspaper, adjust thermostat, unplug electronics.

Inform Contacts

Provide itinerary and emergency contacts to a trusted friend.

Arrival Checklist

First Steps

  • Clear customs & immigration (international)
  • Collect luggage from baggage claim
  • Locate pre-booked transportation
  • Check into accommodation

Orientation & Essentials

  • Get a local map
  • Locate pharmacy, grocery, ATM
  • Withdraw USD cash
  • Purchase local SIM card (if needed)

Departure Preparations

Before You Go

  • Purchase souvenirs in advance
  • Check flight status
  • Allow time for rental car return
  • Settle all outstanding bills

Return Trip Essentials

  • Reconfirm travel details
  • Organize documents
  • Pack securely (adhere to baggage rules)
  • Arrive early at the airport (2-3 hrs domestic, 3+ hrs international)

Digital Document Tip

Create a simple folder on your phone for all digital copies of bookings, IDs, and emergency contacts. This provides easy access once you need it.