If you’re looking for cheap airfare, it’s not far away. These days, there are tons of ways to find good fares. For starters, there’s skyauction.com. This site allows you to bid on airfare, hotels, and trips just as you would bid for a TV on ebay. Direct fares are also available through the site but the best deals are found by bidding. Bidders can scan the site to see what auctions are ending and jump in at the last minute to secure a cheapo flight.
Kayak.com is also a nice little site. The site allows you to run multiple airfare searcheson popular booking sites like orbitz, cheatickets, travelocity, hotwire, priceline, etc. so you don’t have to go through them one by one. Kayak also informs you when the best times to buy tickets will be. If fares are set to increase next week, a graph will show how costs of your travel is about to rise – convincing you to book now before that happens. The reverse is also true. If rates are set to fall for your journey, the fare graph will convince you to hold off on buying until the rates drop.
The drawback to Kayak.com is that it doesn’t search the real discount carriers like Spirit Air, Southwest Airlines, or Virgin America – now offering coast to coast travel for around $220. To take advantage of these airlines, sign up for their newsletters.
Spirit recently ran a $99 sale to Costa Rica I took advantage of only because I get their newsletter. The fare lasted 24 hours so if I wasn’t addicted to my crackberry, I never would have gotten to Costa Rica for $200.
Last but not least is Priceline.com. You’ve all seen the commercials; you can get cheap airfare and hotels on this site but you have to be a bit savvy. The site seems to inflate the prices of things so that when you bid on a fare, you think you’re bidding much lower than you are. Example: I searched for airfare from Boston to DC and got a rate of $200. When I checked Orbitz, I got a rate of $160. I had planned on bidding 30% under the Priceline rate, $140, but that would have really been a bid of about 12% under the real fare, $160. So be sure to get the rates on a site outside Priceline before bidding on something.
Happy Travels.
Categories: Tips from the book
Tagged: airfare, tickets
If you’re like most people, you buy a book new, read it, shelve it for a few years, and throw it away when you move into a new place and are trying to cut down on the junk you have to box up. Sound like you? There is an alternative.
The company is called Better World Books. It is a non-profit organization that organizes book drives – book donations – across the country. People donate used books for free and the company sells them on their website, to libraries, and through other distribution channels cheaply. On their website, www.betterworld.com, the average book costs $3.00. Profits from sales fund third world literacy programs.
Betterworld.com host a couple million titles, including textbooks, so you’ll likely find what your looking for unless it is brand new.
Categories: Tips from the book
Tagged: books
Freemoviescreenings.net lists links to movie studios’ offering free tickets for flicks. Most links allow users to print out tickets – though some require personal information.
Categories: Free Stuff · Tips from the book
News 24-7 near Chinatown hosts a ladies’ night every Wednesday where women eat for free. A three-course meal (salad, entree, and dessert) is served from 5-10 p.m. in the bar.
Categories: Free Stuff · Tips from the book
Tagged: Ladies Night
On the first Wednesday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m., the food shops in the FANEUIL HALL MARKETPLACE offer free samples.
Categories: Free Stuff · Tips from the book
Andrew Brett Einhorn, author and editor of Broke in Boston, signs two copies of his book for the Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick while at a book signing at the Eastern States Exhibition Fair in Springfield, MA. Gov. Patrick is seen here listening to Einhorn discuss why and how he wrote the book.
Categories: In the News! · Reviews
September 10, 2007 · 2 Comments
The Big E Welcomes Local Author of Broke in Boston: A Guide to Living Cheap in the City
New England’s largest fair showcases first-time author and CT native
September 9, 2007 – For the first year ever, the largest fair in the Northeast welcomes Colchester, CT native Andrew Einhorn, author of Broke in Boston: A Guide to Living Cheap in the City, to hold its local author booth from September 14th – 30th, 2007.
Attracting over one million spectators annually, the Big E (1305 Memorial Ave West Springfield, MA) provides New Englanders free top name entertainment, major exhibits, The Big E Super Circus, New England history and agriculture, rides, shopping, crafts, daily parades and food from around the world.
Mr. Einhorn will be the fair’s only featured author. He will be available for book signings. Copies of the book will be available at a discounted price of $10.
Broke in Boston is sold at major retailers including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Hudson Booksellers for $16.95.
Categories: Uncategorized
Would you believe that the large, beautiful pond in Jamaica plain is stocked with salmon? Well it is. Actually, it’s stocked with salmon, trout, bass, hornpout, and perch. Fresh, clear water, abundant wildlife, and a myriad of footpaths surrounding the pond create a beautiful backdrop for a morning, afternoon, or evening walk, run, or fishing trip.
Categories: Free Stuff
Looking for a cheap date spot or maybe just a place to wind down after work? Try making the trek up to the top of Summit Avenue in Brighton. About .3 miles off of Comm. Ave sits a small park with a phenomenal view of the city. Grab a bottle of wine, some cheese and crackers, and watch the city from afar. The park is most romantic at night, and is a welcome refuge from the urban shuffle of the area.
Categories: Free Stuff
Generally speaking, the three best places to find cheap furniture around Boston are along Route 9, which becomes Huntington Ave, on Harvard Ave in Brighton/Allston, and at the Ikea in Stoughton, MA (781-344-IKEA)–about 30 minutes from Boston.
However, you can find everything super cheap, albeit in varying degrees of used, on www.craigslist.org. Since so many people are constantly moving in and out of apartments and dorms in Boston, amazing deals may be found on this website by those in a rush t drop their stuff and get out of town.
Specific places are listed in Broke in Boston: A Guide to Living Cheap in the City
Categories: Tips from the book
For $10, you can spend the day at Puopolo Park/Mirabella Pool in the North End. The park sits on the Harbor, across from the Navy Yard. 475 R. Commercial St.
For $15, you can buy a pool pass for the year, but you have to buy in mid-May.
Categories: Tips from the book
PRACTICAS — Asistente de relaciones públicas y publicación
Marketing and Publishing Internship
AE Enterprises, LLC
www.brokeinboston.com
AE Enterprises, a publishing company, seeks motivated and outgoing bilingual (Spanish/English) student for sales and marketing internship. Duties revolve around promoting a new book, Broke in Boston: A Guide to Living Cheap in the City, to Boston’s Latino community. Intern would be exposed to various aspects of the publishing and communications fields, with the opportunity to take on additional business responsibilities.
This is a fun position that provides a great deal of networking opportunities and an opportunity to learn form colleagues in publishing, journalism, marketing and business. Interns who prove themselves smart, capable, and motivated will be considered for employment.
Responsibilities:
· Coordinating with small-business owners to throw promotional Latino cultural events at bars and restaurants
· Devising marketing plans and distributing marketing materials such as press releases, professionally designed posters, giveaways, and informational kits
· Drafting and pitching press releases to the media in English and Spanish to gain press for the promotional events
· Serving as media relations liaison
· Attending Boston networking and vendor events
· Marketing to students and Boston residents
· Assisting Editor-in-Chief and Publisher in day-to-day operations
Qualifications:
· Ability to work autonomously with little supervision while still meeting goals
· High Initiative
· Excellent Communication Skills
· Ability to work from home computer when necessary as AE Enterprises, LLC operates a virtual office
· Prefer business, marketing, communications, or public relations majors (or related field)
· Demonstrated professionalism, excellent interpersonal skills, innovation, and the ability to self-motivate and excite others
· Some sales or marketing experience is desirable but not essential
· Experience as orientation leader/staff member, member of student government, or student activities planner also desirable
· Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Quark or InDesign not required but a plus
· Working knowledge of social networking websites (myspace, facebook, etc.)
· Comfort with sales and people
Compensation:
· Unpaid with opportunity to make 25% commission from sales
Time Commitment:
· Estimated time commitment: 10-15hrs/wk minimum beginning ASAP but flexible for the right person
To Apply:
Send resume and cover letter describing experience, interests, and other obligations/plans to Andrew@brokeinboston.com.
Categories: Jobs
Marketing and Publishing Internship
AE Enterprises, LLC
www.brokeinboston.com
AE Enterprises, a publishing company, seeks motivated and outgoing student for sales and marketing internship. Duties revolve around promoting a new book, Broke in Boston: A Guide to Living Cheap in the City. Intern would be exposed to publishing business from the ground up with the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities.
This is a fun position that provides a great deal of networking opportunities and an opportunity to learn form colleagues in publishing, journalism, marketing and business. Interns who prove themselves smart, capable, and motivated will be considered for employment.
Responsibilities:
· Devising marketing plans and distributing marketing materials such as press releases, professionally designed posters, giveaways, and informational kits
· Serving as media relations liaison
· Attending Boston networking and vendor events
· Coordinating with small-business owners and reporters to throw promotional parties at bars and restaurants
· Drafting and pitching press releases to the media
· Providing customer service
· Wholesaling book to bookstores
· Marketing to students and Boston residents
· Assisting Editor-in-Chief and Publisher in day-to-day operations
Qualifications:
· Ability to work autonomously
· High Initiative
· Enjoyment of people
· Excellent Communication Skills
· Ability to work from home computer when necessary as AE Enterprises, LLC operates a virtual office
· Prefer business, marketing, communications, or public relations majors (or related field)
· Prefer 20+ years of age
· Demonstrated professionalism, excellent communications and interpersonal skills, innovation, and the ability to self-motivate and excite others
· Some sales or marketing experience is desirable but not essential
· Experience as orientation leader/staff member, member of student government, or student activities planner also desirable
· Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Quark or InDesign not required but a plus
· Working knowledge of social networking websites (myspace, facebook, etc.)
· Comfort with sales and people
· Intern must have own computer and live in Boston
Compensation:
· unpaid with opportunity to make 25% commission from sales
Time Commitment:
· Estimated time commitment: 10-15hrs/wk minimum beginning ASAP but flexible for the right person
To Apply:
Send resume and cover letter describing interests and other obligations/plans to Andrew@brokeinboston.com.
Categories: Jobs
Join the Broke in Boston team by sending an email and resume to customersupport@brokeinboston.com.
Categories: Uncategorized
side-kick-steal-jpg.docThe Boston Globe touts Broke in Boston!
November 11, 2006 “Bargains by the book. [Einhorn's] tips for frugal but fine living include suggestions on where to shop, eat, drink, visit, and live.”
Categories: In the News!
Broke in Boston was featured on “Gossip with Gabby” on Boston’s Neighborhood Network (BNN)! The coverage included footage from our party at the Hong Kong and an exclusive with Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Andrew B. Einhorn.
Categories: In the News! · Reviews
From the Editor-in-Chief
After several years of living in Boston post-college on a meager, nonprofit salary, I began scouring Boston’s newspapers, websites, and bookstores for information on how to live on a tight budget. Frustrated by the time it took to find ANY information, I decided to develop a comprehensive guide for those looking to slow spending and save money.
To ensure this guidebook details all the coolest and cheapest places in the city, I’ve enlisted the help of financially strapped recent graduates and journalists from Boston University, Boston College, Harvard University, and Brandeis University, as well as graphic design and cartography specialists.
The guidebook, Broke in Boston: A Guide to Living Cheap in the City, covers all of Boston’s major areas, including Boston Proper, Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville.
Categories: About the Book
While many resources are available online, it can take hours upon hours to answer the questions covered in Broke in Boston, and even longer to retrace those answers weeks later. The guide addresses nearly every way a Boston resident can limit spending. This information has never before been consolidated and took a devoted staff of seven people well over a year to put together.
Every aspect of the book was designed with you, the reader, in mind
The book’s dimensions (4.75” Wide x 7” Long) make it an extremely portable reference that can fit easily into a back pocket or purse. The chapters are laid out in the order they would be needed by someone moving to the city. Explicit directions for reaching destinations are provided throughout the book. Even the mundane tasks of obtaining parking permits, avoiding parking tickets, finding the right cable and internet providers are addressed.
Use the 200-plus pages of information and state-of-the-art, digitally-designed color maps to inexpensively navigate your way through Boston’s exciting and historic streets, restaurants, bars, clubs, neighborhoods, parks, landmarks, and water bodies!
Categories: About the Book · Blogroll
The book contains information on:
- Cheap places to eat
- Cool, Cheap Date Places
- Discount clothing & furniture stores
- Annual festivals, police departments, hospitals, cab numbers, and helpful websites
- Orienting to the city and its culture
- Apartment hunting and safety
- Boston’s hottest clubs and dance venues
- Gay & lesbian nightlife
- Entertainment for those under 21
- Historical landmarks
- Inexpensive excursions
- Free and inexpensive sources of entertainment
- A complete set of maps detailing the entire metropolitan area
- Public transit maps and schedules
- Neighborhood descriptions
- Dating tips
- Inexpensive food & drink recipes
- Free wireless internet providers
- Cheap cable, DSL, telephone, and utility providers
- Obtaining a parking permit
Categories: About the Book
IN THE NEWS: Daily Free Press Endorses Broke in Boston
www.dailyfreepress.com –>keyword search: broke in boston
BU grad writes on leading the ‘broke’ city life
Marcos Lopez
Issue date: 10/3/06 Section:NEWS
Just months after hanging up her mortarboard and hitting the job market, Boston University graduate Lindsay Holst has teamed up with three other students from Boston-area colleges to assemble Broke in Boston, a guidebook on how to live cheap and find the best deals at bars, restaurants and clubs in the city.”We took to writing something that pointed out the hidden spots, the hidden gems,” Holst, a 2006 College of Communication graduate and former Daily Free Press reporter, said.”Typically, you only acquire knowledge of these places after living in the city for a couple of years. After a while, you kind of want to impart that knowledge on others.”The book is a guide to living cheaply in the city,” she continued. “It’s aimed at anyone who’s on a tight budget, anyone who wants to go out and enjoy the city. I certainly would have appreciated something like this when I was a freshman.”Andrew Einhorn, 27, spent two years living in Brookline and Brighton after graduating from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. While living in the city on a tight budget, he searched unsuccessfully for an updated book to give him some guidance.While completing his graduate degree in Washington, D.C., Einhorn hired one student from four colleges — Holst from BU, Kevin Collins from Boston College, Joelle Hobeika from Harvard University and Rebecca Dreilinger from Brandeis University.”I tried to get local expertise working on the project so that the small, grittier places that have the great deals would be put on the book,” Einhorn said. “There are places in there that list where to take guests or your parents when they come to town, good date places, free entertainment and all the cultural things that happen in the city.”According to the authors, Broke in Boston is aimed at anyone living in Boston with a small budget, not only undergraduate students.”It works as a guide for saving money and a guide for Boston,” Einhorn said. “Even if you live in Boston, that doesn’t mean that you can’t be a tourist to the city. A lot of people don’t take advantage of everything the city has to offer because they live there, and they take it for granted.”
Categories: Blogroll · In the News! · Reviews
Daily News Tribune Touts Broke in Boston!
http://www.dailynewstribune.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=76095
Guide provides students with money saving hints
By Christopher Rocchio/ Daily News Staff
Friday, October 13, 2006
One of the reasons Maryland native Rebecca Dreilinger decided to attend Brandeis University was because of Boston’s vibrant environment for students and young professionals.
But as a freshman, she was completely overwhelmed, and had a tough time finding a guide that was geared towards the interests and budget of her age group.
“I was eager, but didn’t know where to start,” Dreilinger said. “That’s why I contributed to ‘Broke in Boston.’ It’s a tangible, realistic and useful resource for young Bostonians.”
Published earlier this year, “Broke in Boston” is a guide to living cheap in the city. The book was put together by Andrew Einhorn, who commissioned four college students from Boston to help create a comprehensive, insider’s guide for combating the ills of being young and broke in the Hub.
“When I moved to Boston from Atlanta, I was in culture shock,” said Einhorn. “I wanted to experience everything Boston had to offer, but it was very hard on the wallet.”
Having also traveled around Europe, Einhorn said he was used to referencing guides that eliminate much of the trial and error that normally comes with moving to a new city.
“I wanted to give young people in Boston the book I wish I had when I was living broke in the city,” said Einhorn, who now resides in Washington, D.C. “It’s a great resource for people that want to get a lot out of living in Boston without spending too much.”
“Broke in Boston” splits Beantown into more than 12 areas, from Allston-Brighton to Cambridge and everything in between. Chapters include everything from where to bring parents, guests and dates, to hot spots that are worth a splurge, as well as cheap places to find food, drinks, entertainment, furniture and clothes. The book also features fast facts, local recipes, city maps, MBTA schedules and additional information on numerous other aspects of the city.
“There are some really fun tips and insight in the book that you can’t get anywhere else,” said Dreilinger.
Einhorn hired students from Boston College, Boston University and Harvard University to help write the book.
“There were many areas of the city I knew well, and other parts I didn’t know at all,” said Einhorn. “I knew I had to get some research assistants to find the nooks and crannies of Boston that students flock to and cost next to nothing.”
After graduating from Brandeis in 2005 with a degree in journalism, Dreilinger said she met Einhorn in the Washington, D.C. area and the two immediately started discussing the project.
“I couldn’t resist helping out because I love Boston and miss it dearly,” said Dreilinger, who currently resides in nation’s capital working as a communications coordinator for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. “I thought it was a great opportunity to expand my journalism experiences, as well as to give back to the city I embraced for four years.”
Einhorn self-published “Broke in Boston” through AE Enterprises LLC, and said if the book does well, he plans on creating a similar guide to the Washington, D.C. area.
“‘Broke in Boston’ was 15 months in the making, and I’m happy with the way it turned out,” he said. “It definitely saves you from spending too much in Boston while still allowing you to have a good time.”
To learn more about “Broke in Boston” or to purchase a copy, visit www.brokeinboston.com.
Christopher Rocchio can be reached at 781-398-8009 or crocchio@cnc.com.
Categories: Blogroll · In the News! · Reviews
So i’m your average, run of the mill broke college student and figured I would write about my woes. It seems every stupid job I take does not pay anything so I’m left with nothing. But, I refuse to let myself just sit around in the underwear hoping friends will come over with beer to party. I was bored one night and came across what I thought was a joke at first but ended up turning out to be the best book I’ve ever read…It lays out tons of information about living in Boston without money, namely places to buy cheap drinks, cheap clothes, inexpensive excursions, cheap eats, free entertainment, and everything you’d need to know to move to a new city. I’m contacting you to see if you would hire me for some assignments since I
Categories: Blogroll · Reviews
Summit Avenue park
For those of you who are looking to take advantage of the last days of summer but are too broke to take your girlfriend for a romantic weekend, you may want to consider going to Brighton, MA. That’s right, there is a hidden treasure in Brighton that even the most unromantic guy can appreciate…because it’s free. Just take Summit Ave from Comm Ave to the top of the hill. There is a little park up there that overlooks downtown Boston. During the day it is relaxing, at night it is a prime hookup spot so bring a blanket, a bottle of wine, and some cheese and crackers and you will be deemed Don Juan in no time. If you need more information, check out www.brokeinboston.com.
Categories: Blogroll · Tips from the book
Believe it or Not: Top of the Hub Can Be Done on the Cheap
I know it sounds ridiculous but if you haven’t taken your date or significant other to the top of the Prudential Tower, you are seriously missing out a great romantic opportunity on the cheap. First off, dinner is absolutely out. It is way too expensive. But, go to the bar later in the evening when all of the older people and tourists have cleared out. You can sit down at a table and guess what, the view is the same as at the dinner tables. But, instead of paying $40 per plate, you’re paying about $8 per drink–the same you’d pay ANYWHERE in the city. Not bad considering it’s the best view in the city. Be a little more romantic and order a desert and two coffees. Either way, the bill is only $20 with no time limit for gazing over the city from 500+ feet above.
Categories: Blogroll · Tips from the book
