How to Plan a Trip to Washington DC

The first item I have found invaluable to planning a trip is to write or email the prospective city's local Chamber of Commerce for any guides, maps, events, and 'things to do ' brochures. I purchased one packet of approximately 15 brochures, maps, and dining guides for around $13.59, which included the shipping and handling.

The next step in the process is obtaining an oversize calendar, one in which you can list several events per day. These are cheap, usually costing around $ 6.00 at a local Office Depot or Walmart store. The next step of course, is to select dates of travel, and then either elicit the assistance of a local Travel Agent for booking flights or one can be brave and 'do-it-yourself" online. I found that if you can book your flight at least six months in advance of the travel date, it costs much less. I purchased two round-trip tickets on a major airline from Denver, Colorado to Chicago, Illinois, then on to Washington DC and back for $ 1,500.00. Expensive perhaps, but much less than they would have been had we waited to book.

I personally like to book hotels myself online ,since it gives me a chance to look at the hotel and other ammenities they might offer. I found a Hilton Garden Inn four blocks north of the White House for $199.99 a night. Compared to others in the same radius, this is a steal. A restaurant is on the premises, as well as a gym, and internet services are available also. The location in the center of the city allows for walking in just about any direction to experience the full flavor and excitement of this great city.

Travellers are catered to in this District, and even city workers will gladly assist with directions when asked. Since it is the seat of government, there is no lack for a police presence, though without feeling threatened. All of the Smithsonian Institution museums offer free admission and visitors can spend days upon days exploring all the nooks and crannies of these great 'attics' of our country.

Dining can be as casual or as elegant as you wish, and meals range in price from $20.00 for two to $100.00, depending on the atmosphere you wish to experience. I plan my events of the day to wind up at a wonderful restaurant in the area, which enables me to dine on anything from Oriental Cuisine to American basics, never having to eat the same meal twice in three weeks!

Events occur daily, but the highlight of the yearly Folk Festival held in the National Mall for the whole month of July is an experience in dicerse cultures. This event is also free with daily guests ranging from Emeril Lagasse to Washington State horticulture students. The event offers delighted travelers constant surprises, but what amazes me most is how easy it is to fill the summer days with events, meals, and history all within easily navigated distances.

I spent three weeks in Washington DC in 2005, and the trip cost approximately $2,000.00 for two persons. This cost included airline tickets, hotel, and meals. Where else could one spend three busy weeks in the seat of a country? I visited museums daily, saw some of the most beautiful monuments in the country and the scenery changed daily depending on where we went. Watching the 4th of July Parade progress down Pennsylvania Avenue was a sight I will never forget. That, and enjoying spectacular fireworks while laying on the grass in the National Mall under the Washington Monument is forever imprinted in my memory.

So, go out and get your calendars, write to the Chamber of Commerce in any city you would like to visit, and have a great summer!