Traveling alone, whether for business or pleasure, can be an eye-opening experience. It's a chance to do things that only you would do, without having to worry about entertaining or accommodating others. Go to the museums, eat hot dogs from a cart, spend the day laying on the beach, or cuddle up in your hotel bed with room service and free HBO. Whatever you choose to do, traveling solo is a great way to experience a new or familiar city.
On a recent trip to Washington, DC, I was reminded of all the things I loved to do in our nation's capitol - the Smithsonian, a morning run through The Mall, shopping in DuPont Circle, strolling down Embassy Row, and the list goes on. My past trips were with nieces and nephews or business partners, which meant I set the itinerary to cater to someone else. Not this time - I was taking on Washington, DC, my way! Next time you're up for a visit to DC take some time to explore your favorite things about the city, and if you get lost I've listed a few must-sees for you:
Educate. The older we get, the more information we want. Do you remember where you were when the Challenger Space Shuttle exploded, or when the Vietnam War ended? Take a trip to the Newseum and recall the most pivotal points in our nation's history, and the people who brought you the news. Plan to spend a few hours here and relive some of your favorite parts of history, and pay respects to the moments that changed our world. When you're done, opt for something a little more light-hearted like the First Lady wing at the National Museum of American History. Rate the inaugural gowns of the First Ladies from years past and imagine yourself waltzing through the White House.
Engage. Immerse yourself in the culture of Washington, DC, by spending some time in DuPont Circle. The neighborhood is a hodge-podge of cultures ranging from bohemian to billionaire. On one block you'll find street musicians playing tunes for coffee shop patrons and on the next street you'll shop 'til you drop at pricey boutiques and retail outlets. While you're in the area, take a walk down Embassy Row and admire the homes that house some of the world's most powerful minds.
Explore. Get out of town for a day and take a side trip to Old Town Alexandria. Washington's subway system, the Metro, takes you directly into Old Town where you can shop, eat and browse your way through one of Virginia's most historic neighborhoods. You'll step off the train and immediately be transported back into time, looking for the cavalry to come galloping down the side streets.
Experience. No trip to Washington is complete without a quick walk down Pennsylvania Avenue. Experience the thrill of standing only a few feet away from the most powerful front doors in the world. Combine this sightseeing with a little fitness -- start at Pennsylvania Avenue and make your way to the Washington Monument, via the National Mall and The Lincoln Memorial. You'll get an amazing workout thanks to walking a few miles, and you'll take in the most monumental structures along the way.
Eat. You gotta eat! But now that you're alone, you don't have to go someplace where the daily feature is chicken fingers and fries (unless, of course, that's what you want). Treat yourself to a great brunch at Art + Soul, executive chef Art Smith's namesake restaurant; have dinner at Bistro Bis, one of the top French-infusion restaurants on Capitol Hill (and the martinis aren't too bad, either); and indulge your inner-child with plate-side S'Mores at the XandO coffee shops, located throughout the city.
Traveling alone can be a daunting experience, but if you plan ahead and mark some must-sees into your calendar you'll find there's something liberating about seeing a new city on your own.
Submit Your Feedback