Tours with students in Washington, D.C., have become some of the most educational and fun trips for students. The city is home to some of the most famous landmarks and memorials in the United States, with so much history to learn about. But with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. That’s why we’ve put together this guide for touring Washington, D.C., with students. Keep reading for our top tips on making the most of your time in the nation’s capital!
Six ways to best enjoy a trip to Washington, D.C with Students
1. Plan Ahead: One of the best ways to make the most of your time in Washington, D.C., is to plan ahead and research what you want to see and do before you go. This way, you can ensure you hit all the highlights you’re interested in and don’t waste time wandering aimlessly. Many great resources online can help you plan your trip, like this one from Smart Student Travel!
2. Dress Appropriately: Remember that you’ll be doing a lot of walking on your trip, so dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes! It’s also a good idea to dress appropriately for the weather; summers in Washington, D.C., can be quite hot and humid, so pack accordingly.
3. Travel During Off-Peak Hours: If possible, avoid traveling during peak hours (weekday mornings and evenings), as public transportation can get very crowded. Instead, plan to travel early in the morning or late at night when there are fewer people out and about. You’ll also want to avoid traveling during rush hour if you’re renting a car, as traffic can also be very heavy.
4. Utilize Public Transportation: Speaking of public transportation, make use of it as much as possible during your trip! The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) operates an extensive network of buses, trains, and subways throughout the city, so there’s no need to rent a car unless you’re planning on leaving town for a day trip (more on that below).
5. Visit the Top Attractions: Of course, no trip to Washington D.C. would be complete without visiting some of the most popular attractions, like
- The National Mall
- Smithsonian museums
- The Lincoln Memorial, etc. But don’t feel like you have to cram everything into one day—take your time exploring each site and just walking around and soaking up the atmosphere of this historic city.
6. Take a Day Trip: If you have some extra time, consider taking a day trip outside of Washington, D.C. There are plenty of great places to visit nearby, like Alexandria, Virginia, or Annapolis, Maryland. Or, if you’re ambitious, you could even take a day trip to Philadelphia or New York City! Make sure you give yourself enough time to get back into town before public transportation shuts down for the night (most trains and buses stop running around midnight). Do you have other tips for touring Washington, DC, with students? Share them with us in the comments below! Happy travels!
Washington, DC is truly a unique and amazing place full of history, culture, and landmarks that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime Whether you’re a student or not, we hope this guide has given you some helpful tips for making the most out of your time in our nation’s capital! Do you have any other tips or recommendations? We’d love to hear from you, so feel free to comment below or contact us! And don’t forget, follow us on Social Media for more travel tips 🙂
