Destination Boston: Two limited-time activities

There's a 95 percent chance Senior Editor Christine Sarkis is thinking about travel right now. Follow her on Instagram @postcartography and Twitter @ChristineSarkis.

Christine Sarkis is an SATW-award-winning journalist and executive editor at SmarterTravel. Her stories have also appeared on USA Today, Conde Nast Traveler, Huffington Post, and Business Insider. Her advice has been featured in dozens of print and online publications including The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, and People magazine. She has also shared travel tips on television and radio shows including Good Morning America, Marketplace, and Here & Now. Her work has been published in the anthologies Spain from a Backpack and The Best Women's Travel Writing 2008. She is currently working on a travel memoir.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: The Trtl Pillow. It's easy to pack and comfortable, and makes it so I can actually sleep on flights.

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of somewhere warm, like a glass igloo or hot spring.

Travel Motto: Curiosity is an amazing compass.

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: Aisle all the way.

Email Christine Sarkis at editor@smartertravel.com.

See recent posts by Christine Sarkis

Boston is in the nearing the end of its sixth summer restaurant week, but some restaurants are extending the promotional fixed price three-course $20.06 lunches and $30.06 dinners through all or part of Labor Day weekend. Here’s a list of restaurants with extended restaurant week dates: 33 Restaurant & Lounge, Bambara, Caffè Umbra, Harvest, Lumière, Olives, Sage, Truffles, Upstairs on the Square, and the Wine Cellar. Call the restaurant you’re interested in going to for dates and details. For general restaurant week information, visit Opentable.com.

In other news, there’s a giant helium balloon on Boston Common that elevates up to five passengers at a time, giving those with a fear of heights 300 feet of reasons to freak out, and those who can handle the altitude a rare view of Boston and the Freedom Trail. It’s a 10-minute ride that costs $15 for adults and $10 per child. Paying adults can bring up to two children for free, though kids have to be at least 46″ tall. The balloon ride will be around until September 12, and can be found on the Charles Street side of the Common.

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