<p>We flew in/out of Boston on one college visit trip, and and in/out of Hartford on another. Gotta say, Hartford was MUCH easier. </p>
<p>In Boston, remember that the rental car place won’t be right on the airport lot. So if you rent there, you have to figure out how to get to your first location AND how to get back to the rental place. I thought it was not as obvious as it is at some airports. A GPS would be a very good thing in that situation, and if I were you I would order a Boston map ahead of time just for backup Also, Mapquesting your destinations and printing those directions will give you a comfort level.</p>
<p>Emmanuel in Boston may be a good safety. What does your D want to study, Veruca? That could help people make suggestions. What kind of stats does she have at this point? Do you think she can get into schools just below the Ivy’s like Amherst?</p>
<p>I drive into Boston all the time, it is really fine. I have driven in worse places. Its very easy to get to the Mass turnpike from Logan airport.</p>
<p>teachandmom
She is just finishing her sophomore year -so we are a bit early. This is partly just a fun trip -she wants to see Boston.
I don’t think she could get into Amherst. She has a 3.6 unweighted GPA and no really good ECs. </p>
<p>She says she doesn’t want a party school and wants something a little more liberal than our Bible belt area of the south</p>
<p>I’m not from Boston but I am there frequently visiting friends/family and of course looked at colleges there with DD.</p>
<p>I understand your concern but it’s really not so bad. Just bring your GPS and leave extra time for getting out of the airport and driving in and around the city. I’ve made wrong turns leaving Logan – so we went a little out of the way getting to the Mass Pike. Not a big deal. Recently, I was warned like crazy about driving to Cambridge (biz trip) and it was not a problem at all. </p>
<p>As others have said, the ride out to Amherst is very easy - I would be more comfortable in my own car, at my own pace, etc.</p>
<p>Staying in Waltham is an excellent suggestion. Easy access to highways and variety of hotels to stay in. If being in the city produces anxiety for you, staying in Waltham is a great idea.</p>
<p>I would do Boston first for several days by public transit, since it’s so easy, fast, and cheap, then take the subway back to Logan, rent a car for a few days, and head out toward Amherst on route 90. You don’t need a car in Boston, and even apart from the aggravation of city driving, it’s expensive and inconvenient to pay for parking. But it’s much more efficient to have a car in western MA. Then drive the car back to Logan, turn it in, and you’re right there for your flight home.</p>
Also, Mapquesting your destinations and printing those directions will give you a comfort level.</p>