We love to travel, and 2020 was supposed to be a big travel year for us. Like the rest of you, that hasn't happened.
We're still dreaming about travel, reading about new destinations, and making (tentative) plans for the future. We hope all of you are well and staying safe... and that you find some inspiration here for YOUR future travels.
With vaccines arriving, let's hope we can be traveling again in 2021!
The cool thing about finding things to do in Washington DC for free is that it's easy....
There are lots of free things to do.
That can make Washington DC a good deal for the frugal traveler.
For starters, all of the Smithsonian Museums are free.
According to the Smithsonian website, there are nineteen museums and the National Zoo.
All by themselves, the Museums and the zoo could keep you going for several days.
The Smithsonian Castle is a good place to start. Then branch out from there.
If you want to see tons of money but still see something in Washington DC for free, take a free tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing....
See stacks and stacks of money... there must be tons... and watch them make it.
Walk to the Willard InterContinental Hotel.
It's a landmark hotel having been on the Washington DC scene since 1850, and it's just two blocks from the White House.
Sit in the lobby and check out the bar. It was from the "wheeling and dealing" in the lobby of this hotel that the term "lobbyist" came into being.
Many historic events have taken place here; one recent one was when Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote his "I Have A Dream" speech while staying here.
It's easy to see historical documents in Washington DC for free... the original Declaration of Independence, the U.S.Constitution and the Bill of Rights are all free to see in the National Archives.
See the Library of Congress. An hour long free tour will let you view the Main Reading Room with it's soaring dome, the marble columns, and circle of wooden reading desks.
All sessions at the Supreme Court building are open to the public and are free. You can see the courtroom even if the Justices aren't there.
Visit Arlington National Cemetery.
See President John F. Kennedy's grave-site and the
Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and the Arlington House.
President Lincoln was assassinated in Ford's Theater. The National Park Service operates a museum in the theater where you can see artifacts and look into the theater for free. If you want to see a play there, you must buy a ticket.
You can see the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for free. And an actual performance in Washington DC for free? Yes, everyday at 6 p.m. there is a performance or concert that's free to the public.
If you're into stamp collecting, or even if you're not, visit the National Postal Museum.
Get into the neighborhoods beyond the Mall. There are free self-guided walking trails marked with signs to tell you about these historic areas.
The National Geographic Museum at Explorers Hall is a little further out, but you can check out free exhibits that highlight research the National Geographic Society is sponsoring.
The list really does go on and on. Check monthly schedules to find out about free performances and special art exhibits.
There are plenty of things to see and do in Washington DC for free.
You can't eat for free, but you can get a hotdog and a soda from a street vendor on the mall for only a few dollars.
The National Park Service operates a few refreshment stands, located in the front of various memorials and museums.
There are museum cafes too. They are a little more expensive, but they are convenient to eat in so you don't have to take a cab ride or metro to a restaurant.
Happy travels... even if you don't travel the world... just remember that life is a journey... embrace and enjoy it! Judy and Mark
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Thanks, Judy and Mark
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The New Year is here...
And we're ready to put 2020 behind us.
What are your resolutions? To lose weight? To Exercise more?
We're hoping for an end to this virus and the travel restrictions so...
Why not a FUN resolution!
Resolve to TRAVEL!
It's a good time to plan your travels...
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…Or just make a resolution to explore more pages here and get ideas for travel destinations and how to get there.
NOW is the time to start planning for a great trip this year.
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Our 2020 travels were slim. COVID kept us home too. One trip to the Three Guyanas, but dreaming of travel next year.
Love discovering less touristed regions? The three Guyanas are tucked up in the north east corner of South America that doesn’t get much attention.
On our 2019 travels, it was independent travel, a custom tour and a group tour. All work beautifully... just depends on where you’re going and what you want.
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