Determine how you will get to Washington, D.C. Fly into either Reagan National Airport or Dulles International Airport. Plane tickets for summer travel range from $100 to $450 round trip. Book early to secure the best price. If you live on the east coast, consider taking an Amtrak train into Washington, D.C.
Arrange for the care of your home while you are gone. Determine who will care for your pets and plants. Make arrangements for the post office to hold your mail or a neighbor to pick it up while you travel. Give someone your emergency numbers should a problem arise in your absence.
Pack according to your planned activities and the weather. Average summer temperatures in Washington, D.C., range from the mid-70s in May to the mid-80s in August. Evening lows range from about 50 to the mid-60s. Comfortable clothes are the rule for most activities, especially for touring the capitol area. Bring a formal outfit if you plan to attend a theater.
Try to find a hotel near your desired activities. Shop around for the best price--for example, you could spend anywhere from $200 to $315 per night if you stay near the capitol area. Reserve your room early and keep receipts handy.
Get maps of the city and determine what to see and how to get there. A shuttle from the airport to your hotel can cost as little as $15, while a taxi ride can cost $40. Traffic can get very congested in the capitol. Take advantage of D.C.'s excellent train system, the Metro Rail, which is the best way to get around. Regular fares range from $1.35 to $3.90 during the high-traffic rush hours. Up to two children 4 and under ride free with each paid adult fare. D.C. also has a great bus system. Walking is a great way to travel, since many attractions are close to each other.
Check out U.S. government buildings, many of which offer frequent scheduled tours during the week. Government places of interest include the White House, the Capitol Building and the National Archives.
Visit a museum. The world-renowned Smithsonian Institution is located near the government buildings and is home to some of our nation's most important treasures. Among its more than 10 museums are the National Museum of American History, the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American Art.
Visit D.C. on a budget. Most of the monuments are free to visit (and some are available on a 24-hour basis). The White House, National Archives, Washington National Cathedral, Embassy Row and Arlington National Cemetery are just a few places that won't hurt your pocketbook. Children, especially those 8 and older, will find these places interesting.
Consider the daily tours offered throughout D.C. Trolley tours hit the major points, and other tours highlight important sites in American history. Try a themed tour, such as the Spy Tour, or a bike or Segway tour.
Take the kids to see real money being made at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Let them enjoy hands-on play at the National Museum of Natural History and learn about George Washington at his home in Mount Vernon. Don't miss Ford's Theatre, the site of President Lincoln's assassination.
