Hamptons or Bust: Your Totally Unofficial Guide to Getting There From Boston
Ah, the Hamptons. Land of sun-kissed beaches, fancy yachts, and enough celebrities to make your Instagram feed jealous. But for us mere mortals in Boston, the question remains: how do we get to this slice of summer paradise without, you know, accidentally ending up on a yacht headed for Monaco? Fear not, fellow adventurer, for this guide is here to navigate you from chowdah to ros� with ease (and hopefully, minimal seasickness).
How To Get To The Hamptons From Boston |
Buckle Up: The Road Trip
Let's face it, there's a certain romance to a road trip. You blast your summer jams, sing along terribly, and make questionable snack choices at gas stations. Plus, you get to control the soundtrack and avoid the questionable stylings of your neighbor on the bus (we've all been there).
The Perks:
- Sing (badly) to your heart's content.
- Unlimited cheesy gas station snacks. Behold, the wonder that is deep-fried Twinkies!
- Detours! Discover that charming roadside lobster shack you never knew existed.
The not-so-Perks:
QuickTip: A slow read reveals hidden insights.
- Traffic. Let's just say saying "Boston traffic" is like saying "snow in winter" - utterly redundant.
- Your questionable sense of direction. "Hey, wasn't that exit supposed to look familiar?"
- The ever-present question: "Are we there yet?" from the backseat.
Feeling Fancy: Trains and Planes
Not everyone wants to deal with traffic and questionable snacks (although, deep-fried Twinkies are a compelling argument). For the refined traveler, there are more civilized options.
- Trains: Sit back, relax, and pretend to read a book while you watch the scenery fly by. Bonus points for fancy snacks you packed yourself (cheese and grapes, anyone?).
- Planes: The fastest route, but also the most likely to separate you from your precious deep-fried Twinkies at security. Pro tip: pack your snacks in your checked luggage.
The Perks:
- Relax and unwind (or catch up on work, you monster).
- Trains: Scenic views for the win!
- Planes: Get there faster and avoid the questionable gas station bathrooms.
The not-so-Perks:
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
- Trains: Can be slower than a sloth on vacation.
- Planes: The indignity of potential baggage fees and the aforementioned deep-fried Twinkie confiscation.
Arrived and Fabulous: Ferries and Shuttles (Maybe)
Depending on your final Hampton destination, you might need to enlist the help of a ferry or shuttle to get you across the water. This adds a touch of nautical adventure to your trip, and hey, who doesn't love a good boat ride?
The Perks:
- Ferries: Enjoy the salty breeze and pretend you're sailing the high seas (minus the scurvy).
- Shuttles: Someone else does the driving! You can focus on important things, like planning your Instagram post.
The not-so-Perks:
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
- Ferries: Limited schedules might not match your spontaneous spirit.
- Shuttles: Sharing a ride can be a gamble. Who knows what kind of music your fellow passengers will inflict upon you?
Hamptons FAQs
How to avoid looking like a tourist?
- Ditch the fanny pack. Invest in a cute beach bag.
- Forego the socks with sandals. Bare feet or stylish sandals only.
- Learn a few basic Hamptons phrases. "Where's the best lobster roll?" is a good start.
How to pack light?
- It's a Hamptons thing. Think breezy sundresses, crisp white shirts, and sunglasses bigger than your future.
- Leave the bulky sweaters at home. Unless you're planning on impressing the locals with your knowledge of obscure maritime knots (because, apparently, that's a thing there).
How to score a good deal on a hotel?
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
- Travel outside of peak season. Shoulder seasons offer better rates and fewer crowds.
- Consider alternative accommodations like AirBnB or cozy B&Bs.
How to get around once you're there?
- Rent a bike for a quintessential Hamptons experience. Bonus points for mastering a beach cruiser with a basket.
- Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also available, but be prepared for potential surge pricing.
How to avoid spending all your money in one weekend?
- Pack lunches for the beach. Fresh fruit, cheese, and crusty bread are a delicious