Assistant retail manager, Thomson, Worthing
Visiting Massachusetts on Travel Weekly’s Cover Stars trip was the perfect way for Thomson assistant retail manager Stacie Guiel to experience the US for the first time.
Now she’s keen to spread the word. She’s even trying to persuade her dad to include Boston as a twin-centre with New York for his 50th-birthday trip next year with the whole family.
Q: Why did you want to be a Cover Star?
A: The main thing that appealed to me was the chance to go to Boston. I have never been to the US, and while I might have gone to New York, I might not have thought about Boston. And what a great way to see it – and have a makeover in the mix. It was the perfect way to visit the US for the first time. It’s inspired me to go back and see more of the country.
Q: What was your accommodation like in Boston?
A: I stayed at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston. Now I’ve been, I wouldn’t stay anywhere else. It was in a great location by the park, the rooms were spacious and it had a personal touch. I couldn’t fault it. And, of course, I have been telling everyone about the hotel’s dog in reception, Catie Copley.
Q: What are your Boston highlights?
A: The Skywalk Observatory is a must visit as the views are amazing. I loved every minute of the Boston Duck Tour, as it was a great way to learn about Boston.
Q: How would you describe your makeover?
A: My makeover at the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets shopping mall was a bizarre experience. People were stopping and taking photos of me – that was the awkward bit.
It’s hard to pose when people are waving at you. I was the first one to have a makeover, so I was a bit nervous. I wore a gorgeous lace top, but I don’t usually wear jeans, so it was a little different for me; the stylists were going for a natural, festival look.
Everyone was shopping while I was having my shoot, so they were on a mission throughout the rest of thetrip to get me to the shops because I had missed out.
On the last day, we found a couple of hours to go back and everyone was helping me to get my shopping done. I managed to get a Michael Kors handbag. There is something for everyone in Boston, even people such as my dad or my boyfriend, who hate being dragged around shops, would enjoy it.
Q: What did you think of Cape Cod?
A: If you want something completely different from Boston, Cape Cod on the coast is a great alternative to tie in on a trip. I would never have thought to sell it with Boston and I didn’t know anything about it before I visited.
It’s traditional and really unspoilt. You can learn about the history of the Kennedy family, go to the beach, sip cocktails while watching the sun set or go on a 4×4 tour over the sand dunes, even in the quieter, off-peak months. I would definitely go back – and it’s easy to drive to from Boston, as it’s just 60 miles along one straight road.