Business Travelers
For the increasing numbers of travelers who come to the city for business, most hotels have on-site facilities including fax machines and in-room Internet access. There are various 24-hour FedEx Kinko’s including one at 12th and Market Streets and 20th and Market Streets. For shipping, call the local UPS service.
International Travelers
Philadelphia has become an increasingly popular destination for international travelers. It is in the Eastern time zone, so it is the same as New York and three hours ahead of the West Coast. English is the language spoken and U.S. dollars are the currency. There is an American Express office at 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard where you can cash travelers checks or change money. The International House on the University of Pennsylvania's campus also serves as a great resource for international visitors. It offers information, social and cultural programming, language lessons, and affordable short- and long-term accommodations for students or anyone affiliated with a university.
Students
The Greater Philadelphia region has the second-largest number of colleges in the nation and the second-largest concentration of college students living on the East Coast. There are around 120,000 students attending college in the city and nearly 300,000 in the entire metropolitan area. Including colleges, universities, and trade and specialty schools, there are more than 80 schools in the region. The biggest colleges and universities include: University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, Drexel University, The Art Institute of Philadelphia, Villanova University, Arcadia University, Bryn Mawr College, Haverford College, La Salle University, and St. Joseph’s University. Students should check for student discounts at many sights and movie theaters throughout the city. If you’re considering studying in the area, be sure to check out Campus Philly for a wealth of information and resources for students.
Traveling with Children
Philadelphia is an extremely popular destination for families with children. The many kid-friendly, interactive attractions make it a favorite for school trips or for parents to teach their kids about history. With the exception of the very high-end restaurants, kids can be found dining out with parents in most of the city’s restaurants. When traveling with children in the hot summer months, consider booking a hotel with a pool or take a visit to one of the city’s public pools.
Traveling with Pets
Philadelphia is a pet-friendly town, especially in Center City and in the northwest section of the city. With plenty of green spaces, and several specifically designated dog parks, there are plenty of places to walk your dog. Some hotels also allow pets, but you should always check in advance, as there may be a surcharge or limited rooms available. Some restaurants and bars with outdoor seating allow well-behaved pets to sit with you while you eat and drink. Friendly servers will often offer your dog water. Visit www.dogfriendly.com for listings of dog parks and dog-friendly accommodations and businesses.
Women Traveling Alone
As with most places, women traveling alone should exercise extra caution, especially at night. Most, but not all, parts of Center City are generally well lit and filled with people except very late at night. When venturing out after dark, it’s always best to travel in groups or take a cab. Muggings and purse snatchings do occur, so be alert and hold your purse tightly, or better yet, don’t carry one at all at night if you can avoid it. As a general rule, whenever you don’t feel safe for any reason, step inside the nearest open business and wait there while you call a cab.
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