How to Navigate Washington, D.C. Without Going Nuts

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Only use the Metro if you have good knees and don't mind smelling someone's armpit during rush hour. It is better to visit D.C. in the off season, not during the summer, not during spring break, not around any major holidays. The region is crowded enough during the peak seasons with workers and tourists. Research a time like January, February, early March, early May, September after Labor Day, October, November before Thanksgiving. Those are the best months to drive around D.C., during the day. Get back to your hotel before rush hour. Best drive times during those months 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Rush hour starts at around 3 p.m. Best days to be out and about in a car are Tuesday through Thursday. Mondays and Fridays are hell days on the roadways. Don't go wandering around the National Mall after dark. While security does exist, it cant' stop all criminal elements that permeate the city after dark. Go to ATMs in with others during daylight hours. Stay out of neighborhoods Southeast D.C. Not a safe place for tourists. Northwest D.C. in and around areas connected to where Walter Reed is closing down also has problematic areas. Use common sense. Personally, I would recommend a trip to Hawaii. It is a lot more fun.

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