Time
New England is in the Eastern Time Zone (1 hour ahead of Central, 2 hours ahead of Mountain, and 3 hours ahead of Pacific Time). The Eastern Time Zone is 5 hours behind for the United Kingdom and 6 hours behind for most of Europe. 

Suggested Clothing
Medium weight clothing is suitable for most of the year, although lightweight garments are recommended during the summer months and a warm coat is a necessity during the winter. For the most part, dining in New England is casual. Formal dress (tie and jacket for men) for dinner is required at some restaurants in Boston and at some resort properties.  Remember to pack comfortable shoes as you can explore many New England towns and cities on foot.

New England Public Holidays
Most of New England celebrates the following national, state and local holidays. Banks and municipal buildings will be closed on many of these dates. Contact individual businesses for information about holiday schedules.

• January 1 – New Year’s Day
• January – Third Monday, Martin Luther King Day
• February – Third Monday, Presidents Day
• March 17 – Evacuation Day (Boston Holiday)
• March – First Tuesday, Town Meeting Day (Vermont only)
• April – Third Monday – Patriots Day (holiday in MA and ME)
• May – Last Monday – Memorial Day
• June 17 – Bunker Hill Day (Boston Holiday only)
• July 4 – Independence Day
• August – Second Monday, VJ Day (Rhode Island only)
• August 16 – Battle of Bennington Day – (Vermont only)
• September – First Monday -Labor Day-
• October – Second Monday, Columbus Day
• November 11 – Veterans Day
• November – Fourth Thursday, Thanksgiving Day
• December 25 – Christmas Day

Tipping
Gratuities are seldom added to the bill for small groups so it is usual to add 15-20 percent of the bill for meals and drinks served in hotels or restaurants.  An 18 percent gratuity is typically included on the bill for large groups.  Other tips: 15 percent for a taxi; $1.00-$1.50 per bag for airport porters and hotel bellmen.

Electricity and Voltage
The U.S. operates on 110 volts. Electrical outlets accept two-pin plugs.

Cell Phones
If traveling with a cell/mobile telephone, check with your provider to see if you will have coverage throughout New England.  You may be able to have coverage with your international provider in larger urban areas of New England but often along the coast and in the mountain areas coverage may be intermittent.
If traveling for a period of time throughout New England consider purchasing a ‘pay as you go’ telephone which is inexpensive and useful.  One suggestion would be www.tracfone.com