The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, 2 Copley Place, Suite 105, Boston, MA 02116-6501 (tel. 888/SEE-BOSTON or 617/536-4100, 0171/431-3434 in the U.K.; fax 617/424-7664; www.bostonusa.com), offers a comprehensive visitor information kit ($10) and a Kids Love Boston guide ($5). The kit includes a travel planner, a guidebook, a map, pamphlets, and coupons for shopping, dining, attraction, and nightlife discounts. Smaller guides to specific seasons or events are often available free.

For information about Cambridge, contact the Cambridge Office for Tourism, 4 Brattle Street, Suite 208, Cambridge, MA 02138 (tel. 800/862-5678 or 617/441-2884; fax 617/441-7736; www.cambridge-usa.org).

The Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 4510, Boston, MA 02116 (tel. 800/447-MASS or 617/973-8500; fax 617/973-8525; www.massvacation.com), distributes information about the whole state. Its free Getaway Guide magazine includes information about attractions and lodgings, a map, and a calendar.