Trip Hacks DC

Most visitors to Washington DC do not take tours. In this episode, we hope to convince you that you should! And show you that tours and experiences can easily be the best and most memorable part of a trip. Rob is joined by guest Megan Marod—a licensed New York City tour guide, social media personality who runs The Megan Daily, and host of the Most Marvelous NYC podcast. We'll discuss not only why you should take tours, but also how to find good ones, which can be more difficult than you might think, and how to book your tours for the best possible experience.

Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website. 

There are many potential day trips you can take with Washington, DC as your home base. What are they? Is it actually a good idea to use valuable time on day trips? In this episode, we'll explore some potential destinations that make for great day trips and why you might want to consider them. We'll cover things to do, how to get there, and other important logistics. We'll also discuss a few places that might tempt you for a day trip but where you should resist that temptation.

Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website. 

A great Washington, DC trip itinerary includes a mixy of touristy federal government sites and less-touristy local things to do. If you want to rub elbows with locals and see how many live, attending a pro sports game is a great way to experience local culture. The goal of this episode is to make the experience of attending a game accessible and unintimidating. We'll introduce all of the local pro sports teams and talk through what a gameday experience is like, where our teams play, how to get to the stadium or arena, and the best places to eat and hangout nearby.

Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website. 

Spring is a magical time in Washington, D.C., marking one of the busiest seasons for travel and tourism. The famous cherry blossoms that paint the city pink and white are the major draw. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, spanning several weeks, offers a variety of fun and enjoyable events. If you're planning to visit the festival or hoping to catch a view of the blossoms, I've compiled everything you need to know about this time of year. With the right expectations and preparation, you can have the best possible experience.

Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website. 

What do you expect from your visit to Washington, DC? Do you expect beautiful weather? Believe the cherry blossoms are in bloom all year? Or think you'll spot politicians on every street corner? Many visitors arrive in Washington, DC with misconceptions about the city and these can ultimately impact your trip. In this episode, we'll talk through some common misaligned expectations  that people have and discuss what you can realistically expect when you arrive in Washington, DC.

Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website.

Washington, DC tourism has finally reached a state of equilibrium; but that doesn't mean it's the same as in the beforetimes! What changed exactly? In this episode Rob looks ahead to 2024 and what tourism might look like in the coming twelve months. He covers topics like the return of tourism seasonality, restaurant openings and closings and the impact of the upcoming presidential election. If you're thinking about a trip this year or already planning one make sure to listen so you know what to expect! 

Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website. 

In this podcast episode we're diving into the world of holiday traditions and how they might impact your travels. We'll cover the official federal government holidays, unofficial holidays and basically anything you might experience on a trip. Maybe you’re curious about what Washington DC is like on a specific holiday. Or maybe you already booked your trip and realized it’s over a holiday and now want to know what to expect. Whatever the case, we've got your back. 

Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website. 

It's not your imagination, Airbnb is different now! With a noticeable shift in the platform’s service quality and pricing structure over the past few years, and I am going to take a deep dive and explain why, in 2023, I can no longer recommend it for most Washington, DC travelers. However, since every traveler and trip is unique, there might still be some good reasons to consider it, and I'll talk about those too. 

Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website. 

Washington, D.C., is packed with history, culture, and sites. Planning your visit can be tough with so much to see and do. Most visitors don't have endless time, so making smart choices is key. In this episode, Rob breaks down the top tourist spots, sharing which ones are worth your time and which ones you can skip. Get ready to make the most of your D.C. trip!

Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website. 

Planning a trip comes with a lot of questions: When should you go? Where's the best area to stay? How do you put together a great itinerary? Every traveler is different, with their own likes, dislikes, and budgets. Over the years, I've learned some useful things about Washington, DC travel. In this episode, I'll share my personal opinions about planning a trip to the nation's capital. Whether you travel often or you're planning your first trip, you'll find practical tips to make your next visit a great experience.

Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website.