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Five things to know when planning a Washington, D.C. vacation
Chances are that a lot of the visitors to the Nation's Capital this week are visiting town for the Rally for Sanity, March Against Fear or the Marine Corps Marathon. Combine this with Halloween, which already draws record crowds to places like Georgetown's M Street for annual parties, and you can assume that D.C. will be experiencing significantly higher-than-average traffic this weekend.
1. Learn how to ride the Metro. Properly.
Nothing annoys locals more than tourists who don't know how to ride the metro. Make everyone's lives easier by putting enough money on your fare card (or investing in a plastic SmarTrip card if you're planning on using Metro parking) and by familiarizing yourself with a Metro map before visiting. When using the escalators, follow the cardinal rule: walk on the LEFT and stand on the RIGHT.
2. The Mall is not a shopping destination.
The National Mall, where, if you're visiting for the Rally or March, is where you'll spend most of your time, is not a shopping plaza. Do not expect a visit to Nordstrom or the Gap to be on your itinerary. Bounded by the Capitol on one side and the Washington Monument at the other, this grassy stretch features many Smithsonian museums, but very few shops (unless you really like gift shops, in which case we'd suggest the one at the National Gallery of Art -- it's quite good).
3. Pay attention to traffic rules.
One way streets, traffic circles, and strange parking restrictions? We have lots of those. Pay attention when driving, and by all means stay off your cell phone. Not only is talking whilst driving illegal, but attempting to snap a photo on your iPhone while navigating Dupont Circle is likely to get you or that innocent bicyclist into an accident.
4. Dress ... appropriately.
Yes, D.C. gets a lot of flack for its lack of fashion sense. But that doesn't give you an excuse, dear tourist, to trudge along in your "I heart DC" hoodie and Obama-emblazoned fanny pack. Nor should you sport six-inch hooker heels. We are not New York - runway models will not be discovered on the street. We are not Seattle - grunge is not cool. Think classic with a touch of prep and you'll blend right in.
5. Leave the politics at home.
This one may seem strange, particularly with midterm elections fast approaching and a Rally or March to attend. But please, don't engage the locals with your opinion of how Obama is amazing, or how you wish Sarah Palin would be our next President. We live and breathe this stuff daily, and chances are ... we know more than you. Unless you'd like to listen to a 15-minute diatribe of statistics, quotes, and overtly partisan speeches ... keep your opinions to yourself. Or at least among your fellow tourist bretheren.
Filed under: North America, Talking Travel
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
McLean Oct 27th 2010 2:40PM
Very funny, Nick. They're pretty strict about the no food/drink policy.
William Beem Oct 25th 2010 12:52PM
Wow. Seldom does one read such a bitter travel advice post.
Alex Oct 25th 2010 2:31PM
I second that. It really makes you want to go to DC, huh?
I imagine it's mainly because the city is filled with mostly east coast urban a$$holes. In other parts of the country (or abroad) people would be happy to help a tourist find their way around the subway in a strange city. It's called being civilized.
Not in DC I guess.
Watkins Oct 25th 2010 9:19PM
i think the writer is saying that locals dont want to or have time to hold your hands to guide you because you cant follow a simple color coded map. People use the metro to go to work also, its not just used to enjoy the sites of the city. People have a schedule to follow. Who wants to miss their bus because you cant tell the blue line from the red line???
McLean Oct 25th 2010 9:15PM
William,
I am sorry you find the tone bitter. Please look for other D.C. posts this week about where to dine, explore and have fun.
Best,
McLean
travelgirl Oct 25th 2010 9:15PM
Alex.... As far as people being rude and not helping with directions, I went to Chicago and got confused while traveling on the L. Instead of helping me out some jerk in a suit sat there and laughed and made fun of me. There will be people like this every city, not just DC.
I love DC and can't wait to move there after I get done with grad school. Its a beautiful city and the vast majority of people I have met there are absolutely wonderful.... including my husband!
Cutie Oct 26th 2010 7:08AM
Save yourself some hassel. If you are going to be there for a week or so just buy a $20 card and then you can use it in and out when you travel and it deducts the fare, as they change from rush hour to non rush hour. If you try and get a fare round trip you'l;l stand there trying to figure out the time of day, the destination and it takes time. Even a 5.00 fare can get you where you want to go and back if you need more it will tell you to go back to the kiosk and add money to the ticket.
martin Oct 26th 2010 4:11AM
not bitter, true, lol, but whatever..... its amazing watching the "national" news or Faux and how much B.S. there is and how uniformed and uneducated the american people are ( ever watch Jay Leno do his simple questions about america bit, when he asks waspy americans things like , who's the vice president , etc,, ??!?!?!!? ) hell, im amazed whenever i travel to thru the 48 contiguous how 90% dont even know that DC residents pay taxes w/o representation!!! ( and 80% of those folks are like " that shit aint right!!!" ) ROFL, its all stupidity and big money buying folks votes and minds, but hey,, whats a person to do ?!?!?!!? good ole boys and faux christianity,, but hey isnt that what brought jesus down back in the day?? ( good ole boys and the religious!??!?!?! ) ROFL!!!!! history does repeat itself, today its republicans and christians!
Aglaia761 Oct 25th 2010 2:23PM
Nothing like arresting a 12 y/o and a pregnant lady to let people know you mean business.
Santa Oct 25th 2010 8:37PM
Goober...It is a nice stroll late at night!!!
chris Oct 25th 2010 8:42PM
Also, remember to completely dismiss seeing the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution at the Archives since, according to our president, these documents are meaningless.
dscott1575 Oct 25th 2010 8:56PM
and watch out for extremist goofies, who are everywhere now. You all but stumble over them. Everywhere.
Sandy Oct 26th 2010 12:38AM
I had not heard that about our present president, President Obama. I do recall hearing that the former president, President Bush had called the constitution just a G--D piece of paper.
marilyn Oct 25th 2010 8:52PM
Just visited Washington DC. Very impressed. Some tips I wish someone had given us: If you want to sit in the Visitor's Gallery of Congress, stop at the Hart or Russell Building and see your Representative or Senator's aides for tickets BEFORE you tour the Capitol. Otherwise, it's a long walk back and forth. Also, for tickets to go up the Washington Monument you must be there at 8 AM. They go fast! Washington is great for kids--lots to do and see. The on/off trolley or bus is a great option. Allow at least 3 full days to sightsee; 5 would be even better. Great town--lots of security so we felt absolutely safe!
Marilyn Oct 25th 2010 9:15PM
Marilyn,
Thank you for your insightful and useful comments - these are GREAT things for tourists to know!
Best,
McLean
Bruce Oct 25th 2010 9:10PM
That's a rather snotty article. Is that the Washingtonian tone? I rather abuse from New Yorkers, thank you.
McLean Oct 25th 2010 9:15PM
Bruce,
I am sorry you find the tone snotty. Please look for other coverage this week of great restaurants, things to do other than Smithsonian museums, ect.
Best,
McLean
M Schepers Oct 25th 2010 11:23PM
Been to DC a couple of times. Metro is easy to use, we love it. Feel safe too. We have had people volunteer to help us, and we have helped first timers ourselves. Busy city, but not claustrophobic like Philly
Mary Oct 25th 2010 9:22PM
Thought this was a great article. Thought there were a lot of jerks writing comments too. Go figure. They live EVERYWHERE.
Jenny Derfler Oct 25th 2010 9:49PM
As a resident of the DC area, I can tell u that it's not that great--well, the suburbs aren't!! But that's just my opinion--and a lot of people do not agree w/ me. Anyway, I have been trying for years 2 get outta the area and I'm only 20!! Really, I'd prefer New York, Chicago, Denver, Boston--heck, even London!!! But this isn't coming from a killjoy who thinks her life is pathetic--and btw, my life isn't pathetic--but from someone who has itchy feet!!!