Washington, DC Traveling Tips | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

5 Vital Things To Know When Visiting Washington, DC

A trashcan will become your best friend.

48
c1.staticflickr.com
Diana Xavier

Just recently a group of friends and I made a trip up to Washington, DC. We went in the wintertime and boy was it cold! There wasn't as much snow as I'd thought (it was a little disappointing) but the wind was killer!

One of the things that was great about this trip was that I gathered knowledge from the experience! Here are 5 things that are vital to know when you visit Washington, DC!

1. The security at the Museums and Monuments is serious!

Giphy

The security in Washington, DC is serious. For good reason, but unfortunately, even snacks and pocket knives are on the list. As a country girl, this was a bummer. There is nothing that southerners love more than their pocket knives and food.

If you visit any indoor monument or museum, be sure to leave your food and weapons in your hotel room.

2. The Metro is a godsend!

Giphy

When you visit Washington, DC there is a lot of walking. I mean a LOT. But if you buy a metro card, it makes everything so much better!

The metro is warmer, there isn't any wind, and it isn't as crowded in the wintertime!

We still walked a lot, but towards the end of the trip, we mainly stuck with riding the metro as we got more tired.

3. Trash cans are epic hiding places!

Giphy

Not for people! But for the aforementioned pocket knives and snacks.

When I was in DC, I had a whole backpack of snacks, some scissors I had forgotten about, and probably a pocket knife. We went to go into the capital and they don't let you take in any food or metal objects (unless its the metal part on your belt).

So, like any normal people, we tried to hide our stuff. But, unfortunately, it didn't work. Ultimately, one of the security guards outside the doors suggested that I place our stuff in an umbrella bag and put it in the trash and hope for the best.

Thankfully, when we were finished touring the Capital all of my stuff was still in the trash can! The security guards had changed, but after I pulled out my bag, I turned to the new ones and gave them a thumbs up before we left. My best friend thought I was crazy, but hey, it worked!

4. Doughnuts make even the cold bearable!

Giphy

Warm doughnuts covered in chocolate are great motivators to brave the cold! If you visit Washington, DC, in the wintertime, keep an eye out for the hot and ready sign at Krispy Kreme! Walking to all those monuments will leave you cold and tired, but doughnuts will definitely help you to forget about you freezing limbs and aching feet!

5. Don't be afraid to ask for information!

Giphy

The layout of Washington, DC, isn't too bad, but it can still be confusing. Several times we had people ask us for directions and we had to ask others for directions. So don't be afraid to ask those around you for information, most people are pretty nice and very helpful!

Overall, the trip was awesome and I had a great time! Riding the metro was a great experience and all of the monuments and museums were amazing! I'll definitely visit it again, especially since I didn't get to see all of the museums! Maybe I'll pick a better time to visit though, some time that's not too hot and not too cold would probably be best.

If you have traveled to Washington, DC, and have some helpful tips or knowledge that you've gained from it, feel free to comment!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189948
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14747
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457725
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26562
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments