How to Get From Rural Pennsylvania to Washington DC

As a transportation engineer, I get to read and talk about the different modes of transportation. However, since I live in Florida I mostly use my car to get everywhere. A couple of months ago, I wanted to see some of my friends that live in DC after a work week in rural Pennsylvania. I had a rental car but I didn't want to drive to DC during rush hour traffic on a Friday afternoon so I did the following:

I started by driving 2 hours to Baltimore Airport where I had rented the car. From the rental car center I took the shuttle to the main aiport terminal. Then I took the bus to the Amtrak station close to the airport. I took the Amtrak train towards Union Station in DC. I got off at Union Station and dropped off my bags with my friend's husband. (He drove to work that day just for this reason). My friend and I took the subway towards U street to have dinner. We stayed out late with my cousin and other friends. We took a taxi to my friend's place instead of the metro. We slept for 4 hours and then she drove me to DCA airport where I took my early morning flight to Tampa.

I'm not sure if this was the easiest/fastest way to make it to Washington. I love public transportation in the Northeast. I never got lost and it was easy except for the part where I had to carry my luggage and laptop bag everywhere. I wanted to drive to the most northern metro station in Maryland, but returning the rental car at a different location it was going to cost me an additional $300.

I had not been to DC in over 6 years. It was the City where I wanted to live for a long time. Those few hours there reminded me how much I love it. I can't wait to go back and stay longer. During my flight, I took a nap and when I landed in Tampa it was almost Emma's nap time. Andre surprised me by bringing her to the airport. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.  She was standing next to where the airport shuttle arrives. I was so happy to be home and hug my little girl after a week away. 

I drove a car, rode the bus, took the train, a taxi and an airplane just to spend one night in DC. I don't see my friends as often as I would like, so I have to say that it was all worth it. 

The Best of Washington DC In a Weekend

The main tourist attractions in Washington DC are located around the National Mall. There are several metro stations that can take you there. I created a walking tour map for my sister who will be traveling to DC soon. Hopefully this map will help her see most of the main monuments - except the Jefferson Memorial which is a little out of the way. If you still have energy and time, this monument is worth a visit. There are countless ways to see the monuments, this is just a suggested itinerary. 

This map starts at the Capitol South Station (Blue/Orange Line of the Metro). The first stop will be the Library of Congress. There is a copy of the Gutenberg Bible here. The building is beautiful and since it's free why not take a look inside. Next to the library is my favorite building in DC, the US Capitol, house of the US Congress. I've never been inside, but I know that there are ways to get tickets if you plan a visit in advance. After taking a good look at the Capitol from outside, keep walking along the mall. Decide if you want to stop by any of the many museums along the Mall. 

Library of Congress

US Capitol at Sunset

The Washington Monument is closed after the earthquake last August, but you can still admire the magnificent Obelisk. While you keep walking towards the Lincoln Memorial, visit the National World War II Memorial, walk by the Reflecting Pool, and visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial.

Washington Monument

Lincoln Memorial seen from the Washington Monument

The Capitol seen from the top of the Washington Monument

Korean War Veterans Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

After you catch your breath, visit the Vietnam War Memorial and keep walking towards the famous Pennsylvania Avenue to see the front of the White House. 

Protesters outside of the White House

After a long day of walking, take a cab towards Georgetown's Water Front and relax by the Potomac River.The metro doesn't go to Georgetown, but you can take the bus. If you still have energy to shop, this beautiful neighborhood has many unique shops and stores. This is my favorite neighborhood in DC.

If you have more time, go to Old Town Alexandria and the Arlington National Cemetery. These places are located in the State of Virginia, but they are all connected to DC with the metro system. I was never interested in visiting the Cemetery until my dad insisted that we had to see JFK's eternal flame. I was surprised, I loved this place. The grounds are beautiful and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and change of guard are worth a visit. It is a very peaceful place. I'm glad that my dad insisted on this.

Old Town Alexandria

Arlington National Cemetery

There are many other things to see and do in DC. My visits have always been short and I always get to see something new. It helped to have my best friend as my local guide.  I would recommend spending time at the Museums if you can. They are free and there is one for every interest. You will never be bored if you to to Washington DC.

Favorite Places in Washington D.C.

I've always liked to play tour guide at the places that I know very well. Washington D.C. is one of those places. I took several weekend trips to this City between 2006 and 2008. DC has a special place in my heart, not only because one of my best friends and my cousin live there. This was the first place were I did a semi-solo trip and after that I was hooked on taking short trips. Since my best friend hosted me, I was not completely alone. However, I was alone during the day while she worked. I loved it. I spent as much time as I wanted visiting the museums and the monuments and at night I had the best company that I could ask for. Every trip I took, there was always something new to see and a great restaurant to try. I wanted to move there, until I visited during the winter and confirmed that I can't like in the cold. I still have it at the top of my list if I ever move out of Tampa.

My sister and my nephew are going to Washington next month. Sadly, starting next week, I can't fly until my baby arrives. Otherwise, I would have been planning a weekend trip to DC. Years ago, I promised my 8 year old nephew to give him a trip to New York City for his 10th birthday. I will keep that promise and give him that trip next year. After looking at some of my old pictures, I got inspired to make a list for my sister and nephew to make the best out of their weekend in DC.

The view from the Lincoln Memorial

One of the best parts of walking around tourist attractions alone is that there is only room for 1 more. I remember that the line to go up to the Washington Monument was very long. Since I was alone, there was room for 1 more and I was able to skip the line. The view from the top is worth the long line.

Washington Monument

View of the Lincoln Memorial from the Washington Memorial

One of those great trips to DC was when I went with my parents. I really enjoyed showing them around one of my favorite Cities. My dad and I love history and my mom and I love art. It was great to share these things with them. We took the tourist hop on hop off bus to see as much of DC as possible in 3 days. This was the first time that I took the bus and I was surprised by how much I liked it. I highly recommend it if you only have a few days in the City. The only way to see the National Mall is walking, but the bus is a great way to get to George Town, the Arlington National Cemetery, and the Washington Cathedral which are not so close to the metro.

National Gallery of Art

JFK's Eternal Flame at the Arlington Cemetery

U.S. Capitol

Jefferson Memorial

Does anyone has any advise for visiting DC with kids? There are so many museums to visit in DC that there is never enough time. My parents and I decided to go to the National Gallery and the Holocaust Memorial.  I have also been to several other Smithsonian Museums, but never with the intention of traveling with kids. I know that my nephew would love the Air and Space Museum. Anything else? I'm going to look through my old travel pics and my maps to give them a nice itinerary in another post. 

ABCs of Travel

Some of my favorite travel bloggers did this post last year. I loved learning more about them and reading some old posts. I kept thinking what my answers would be for these questions. Here they are but I will never top Andi or Oneika's list. My travel bug didn't start until after college. I really regret not doing a study abroad year or even just a summer. During my undergrad I was too worried trying to graduate fast and with honors. I wish I had known that "grown ups" only get 2 weeks of vacation a year!!!!!!

Age you went on your first international trip: 18!!! Blame my parents for not taking me out of the Country. Just kidding. I was happy going to San Andres Island since I was 3 years old once or twice a year. When I was growing up I always wanted to travel to Orlando and visit Mickey Mouse. Our US visa was in process for 13 years, so my first trip to this Country was when I moved here. My travel obsession began only a few years ago because I didn't want to be around certain people. I traveled alone during weekends and stayed at my friend's house. I loved not having to depend on someone else to travel because I couldn't afford hotels by myself. That is probably why I went to the same places over and over. Traveling helped me to open my mind to many things. 

San Andres Island

Best foreign beer you’ve had and where: I don't drink beer but I love Aguila light Micheladas (served in a glass with lime juice and salt)

Cuisine (favorite): Italian

Destinations – favorite, least favorite and why: Most of my life my favorite place was San Andres Island. I don't think I can pick only one favorite place. Some of the Cities that I love are Venice, NYC, DC, Cartagena, and San Francisco. I like them for many reasons but mostly for the architecture. My least favorite is San Juan, Puerto Rico. I expected a lot from this trip and was disappointed plus it is expensive it rained the whole week.

The Painted Ladies

Event you experienced abroad that made you say wow: Seeing New York City's skyline as I landed in the big apple for the first time. I was there for 3 days and I loved every single minute. I have been to New York several times and I still find it fascinating.

Favorite mode of transportation: I love flying. It is fast and someone else does the driving. Did I mention that I hate driving?

Greatest feeling while traveling: Probably when the pilot says "Welcome to..."

Hottest place you’ve traveled to: When you go into the hiding tunnel of the San Felipe Fort in Cartagena, Colombia is the hottest and most confined place that I've ever been. It is worth seeing so please do not be stopped by the heat. However, I live in Florida and all the summers are hot and humid.

Incredible service you’ve experienced and where: Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Everyone was nice in Mexico!!

Journey that took the longest: After our wedding in Colombia going to our honeymoon in Hawaii. We started flying from Cali, Colombia to Miami. Then we drove home to Tampa (4 hours) to catch 2 flights the next morning to Hawaii. We missed our connection in LAX and spent the night in LA. It was more than 48 hours in transit. Hawaii is so beautiful that it was all worth it.

Keepsake from your travels: I started my souvenir collection buying souvenirs for others. One coworker collected Hard Rock Cafe pins and I stated buying one for her. After a few trips I started buying one for me as well. Now all my friends buy me pins if they travel. I also liked to get magnets for my mom's collection and suddenly I started collecting them to. I used to get just one per site but I got 10 from our last trip to Quito. I also like to buy things typical of the place visited like a mask, a ceramic, or a picture frame. All I can say is that I'm a big souvenir person.

Hawaiian Tiki

Ecuadorian Mask 

Our Fridge

Colombian Chivas

Ecuadorian Magnets

Let-down site – why and where: El Yunque, Puerto Rico. We paid around $70 to visit the rain forest. I grew up in a tropical Country, so the vegetation was the same!!! I was in the same tour with other Hispanics and we were all bored. All of the Europeans and Americans LOVED it. I can't say that it isn't worth visiting, it just depends on what you have seen before. For me it was just another mountain.

Moment when you fell in love with travel: The exact moment was when I went back to Colombia after 4 years of not going home. I went back 4 times in the following 6 months. I was in Grad school, with a flexible schedule, and a broken heart. Then I decided to start get a real job :(

Flying over Colombia

Nicest hotel you’ve stayed in: The Waldorf Astoria, NYC was probably the most elegant. I recently stayed at Viceroy Hotel in Miami and I am in love with the pool and the spa. I also loved the Ganseenvort South Beach and the ShoreClub South Beach. Miami has very chic hotels where I would love to stay for a weekend. 

Obsession – what are you obsessed with taking pictures of while traveling: Everything!!! I can't stop taking pictures while traveling. Sometimes I feel that I am missing out because I am too busy taking pictures. I just got a new camera and this is probably about to get worse.

Passport stamps, how many and from where: I don't know... I have 2 passports and I get a stamp every time I go into and out of Colombia. I haven't been to a lot of Countries because I always get home sick. Im working on that.  

Quirkiest attraction you’ve visited and where: New Orleans. I was 18 and the nice places were 21 and up. I was with 2 (old) aunts trying to go into a live jazz bar. We ended up in the weirdest place on Bourbon Street. 

Recommended site, event or experience: I really liked the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. I've always been intrigued by World War II probably because of my dad who has read many books about it. I spent almost all day inside looking at the many objects from the Holocaust, watching stories of survivors, historic 1940s films, and reading about the horrors of it. There was also a moving exhibition about the genocides in Darfur. I left the museum crying. During this trip, I traveled alone to D.C. and stayed with my best friend. She was at work while I walked around the City. This was my first of many trips to D.C. I loved doing the tourist sites alone without pressure and meeting my friend at night to share the pictures. Years later, I took my parents to this museum and again spent many hours inside.

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Splurge, something you have no problem forking over money for while traveling: Nice hotels!

Touristy thing you’ve done: I love all touristy sites. They are famous for a reason. The key is to travel in low season to avoid the crowds. How can you miss out on Times Square or the Golden Bridge Gate just because they are full of tourists?

Unforgettable travel memory: Traveling with my parents to D.C. and this time I was the their guide. That same summer we traveled to Hawaii along with one of my sisters. After many years of not taking vacations with my parents I really enjoyed it. I would love to travel with them again. They are going to Germany in May for my dad's 70th birthday. I am trying to see if Andre and I can go with them.

Visas: I don't have one, never had one. I moved to the US as a permanent resident. I will need one for China and I don't know where else... I don’t need a visa to go to Brazil because of my Colombian passport. Where do I need a visa to go to?

Wine, best glass while traveling and where: The home made wine that we got in Venice for just 3 Euros. We had a second bottle of another wine with lunch and I got a little drunk. I never drink during the day and during the whole trip back to Rome I had a terrible hang over.

Italian Home Made Wine

eXcellent view and from where: 230 5th Avenue, New York City. This bar is located in a rooftop and it has the most amazing view of the Empire State Building.

Years spent traveling: 27

Zealous sports fans and where: I'm not into sports and I tend to stay away from the stadium if there is a game. I almost stayed in Madrid for a Real Madrid game. Our flight was canceled and later it was just delayed. I would like to go to La Bombonera in Buenos Aires for a River vs Boca Juniors game just to have the experience. I don't really care about any team.