TIPS FOR TRAVEL
Book the flight
Although you could always try your good luck for the last minute tickets, I would recommend that you book your flight 2 months in advance.
Specify an airport would cost you more than specify a city/ town. Avoid leaving from Thursday to Sunday, or public holidays; or you may choose another vehicle, e.g. train or bus, then you could treat yourself to a bus/ train sightseeing. Remember, you could save either money or time.
If you drive, you could rent a car. However, you should think about parking in tourist cities.
Book the hotel
If you travel with a group, book a room with 2 king-size beds, so that you could share with other 3 people without extra cost. It's better if the breakfast is included. Otherwise, you should tip 15% of the bill for your breakfast or lunch; 10% for your dinner at a restaurant.
Travel in a city
The most convenient public conveyance is metro (subway). Subway maps are available at the station or any tourist centers. In big cities, a subway map is also your tour guide. Study the map carefully to plan your trip.
To save money, try daily pass with unlimited rides. Commuter bus is sometimes free for transit between your departure and the metro station, or between the station and your last destination. To qualify, you must either buy the metro ticket before taking the bus, or have it stamped at the station before boarding.
In cities where public transportations are not developed, you should buy a tour. Remember to tip your tour guide 15% of the tour price.
Tourist's Attractions
- Get in line
Reserve a certain amount of time for lining up, especially at sites that are not in the mainland, and/ or need special transportation. On weekends, it may take up to 3 hours before you could actually see the place.
- Admission
Free admission is offered at almost everywhere in Washington DC. All you need to do is to come to the ticket booth to reserve your visit.
If you have student's ID, or International Student Identity Card, or International Youth Travel Card, or International Teacher Identity Card, you will be given discounts on entrance to tourist's attractions even in 106 countries worldwide.
Admission to places of entertainments is usually very expensive, since it includes all the shows and rides. You should schedule your time to take the best advantage of the package.
If you like performances, you could try your good luck in a lottery. Before some Broadway Shows, those who could not buy a ticket may write their name in a piece of paper and hand it in. The wheel is spinned to pick 20 luckiest names. Or you can also wait in line until the show has sold out. You may have a chance to buy a stand ticket, that costs you 1/5 of the ordinary ticket.
- Security Check
All your belongings will be scanned at almost all the sites. To avoid troubles, do not bring so many things with you.