Discover Delightful DC

Discover Delightful Washington DC

Last summer we had the unique opportunity to host a 3-generation trip.  Since three of our sons live in Washington DC, it was a perfect destination for our first big trip with Mark’s Dad since he became a widower.  MeRoy and Carol had loved traveling together and he was apprehensive about taking a big trip without her. He decided that the opportunity to see Timothy, Matthew, and Luke with the ease of Mark and I doing the majority of the planning was too good to pass up.

There are many excellent resources to help you plan your trip to this wonderful place, but here are a few practical tips we have found helpful:

Make a Plan (but not in stone)

Few places in the US offer quite so many historic, significant and interesting places to visit as DC, however in the middle of July it can be pretty hot so we knew we tried not to overload each day, or we would get exhausted. Choose 2 or 3 sites each day that are near each other to minimize trekking all over town and back again.  Intersperse indoor and outdoor sites and lighthearted and more somber or serious sites.  Be warned – the Holocaust museum will likely leave you needing some time for emotional recharging.

Travel Light/Drink Water/Pace Yourself

Learn to pack in just one suitcase so you can easily transition from the airport to motel avoiding lines at baggage claim and reducing the chance of lost luggage.  When you travel light it is also easier to use mass transit. Whenever you travel it is important to remember to stay hydrated and also to choose those things you really want to see or experience.  If you try to “do everything” you will not “enjoy anything” as much.

Mass Transit

Speaking of mass transit, the subway and bus systems in DC are very convenient and in our experience, efficient.  You can download maps ahead of time to get an understanding of routes and stations.

Monuments and Memorials

Washington DC is a wonderful city to see inspiring architecture and monuments to historically significant people.  When our kids were young, we often got “Cornerstones of Freedom” books from the library that, in about 30 pages, gave a fabulous summary of the importance of what we were seeing. I seriously cannot recommend this enough.  Young or old will benefit from these books!

The Smithsonian Museums

The Smithsonian is actually a series of 17 museums, galleries and a zoo.  They are all free of charge and full of interesting collections and artifacts covering every topic from art to zoology.  You will want to research ahead of time to plan your visit – and don’t try to get to everything during one trip – your brain will not be able to appreciate all of it!!