I live in D.C. Come mid-January, hoards of tourists are going to descend upon my city. I love 'em, but I think there's going to be a few too many for my taste. So I'm getting out of town.

I've never been to Boston or San Francisco or Hawaii (I'm thinking of Kauai). I haven't been to Las Vegas since I was 7 or so. I should have Friday-Sat-Sun-Mon-Tues for this trip, including travel days, of course. I think HI might be a little far for such a short time, though there are good air fares out there.

I've been to Chicago, Portland/Seattle, NYC, Philly, Baltimore, Miami (didn't like), no interest in LA or really San Diego.

Do you have any recommendations or preferences for me? I'm not made of money, but I am used to DC prices...

That time of year I would try to head south for better weather. Hawaii is definitely too far for that short. Even West Coast may be. Do you want only cities? Cities can be a lot of fun even during the winter but it may be brutal weather.

Do you have a passport? There's direct flights and some good deals to places in Mexico and the Caribbean. If you go to the Travel section of www.washingtopost.com and then to "Special Reports" on the left side of the screen, you can find recent articles on Beaches 2008, Cruising 2008 and Islands 2008 which should give you some good info.
If you don't have a passport, you should be able to get an expedited one in 2 weeks once you submit the paperwork.

Boston, too cold. Hawaii, too far. San Francisco - just right!!

Really, if you fly in on Friday, you'll arrive mid-day due to the time difference. You'll have part of Friday and all of Saturday, Sunday and Monday to explore, and then fly home on Tuesday after the madness subsides!

I suspect that there will be madness at all the DC-area airports on Tuesday. But you're absolutely right about the crowds, I haven't encountered so many instances of "We're going, too" since Woodstock.

Hi Myownheroine, since you are in DC it probably won't bother you but if you come here to San Francisco do expect rain and cold weather.

I love north of Boston. It is TOO cold in January!

Why don't you check out Florida or the Caribbean?

Good luck!

How about Key West? We love Hawaii and Boston, but agree they are too far and too cold respectively.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm not actually that much of a beach person-I've just heard HI is so beautiful.

I guess I'll try SF.

SF is always fun!

Since you are leaving town, can I book the local Democratic Club into your house? There are only three hundred of us and we will gladly pay!

Kidding--actually peoople are renting their homes for thousands of dollars just for the inauguration.

I hope it doesn't end up costing them thousands to fix them when the party is over! No way would I rent my home out during that event!

We're also avoiding the masses and heading to New Orleans. Hoping for decent weather and good food and music.

Hawaii is *WAY* too far for a 5 day trip from DC imho!

Suggestion:

Go to Dodge City, Kansas and purchase yourself an authentic

"Get the Hell out of Dodge" t-shirt.

I promise you that there will be almost zero tourists milling about there on January 20.

It's a good time of year to come to New Orleans.

You can get good deals at the Ritz Carlton, Windsor Court, and other really good hotels (less than $200/night).

You can also visit some nearby plantations.

Vegas has some great deals going on and you can stay at 5* hotels and really do it right for cheap.
Expedia has air/hotel/car for $751 leaving out of Reagan 1/16-1/21 on Continental for the Wynn Hotel!
Also included is a $100 food and gambling credit.
Try direct too.
The resort rooms are heaven with the 1,000 count sheets, down pillows and service that is exquisite.
Go see a show, relax and go to some great restaurants.

Wynn is one of the best hotels in the US.

You can eat at the deli, sushi at Okada and room service for the best kids meal of cheeseburgers/fries.
3 meals for about $100.

You can do Maui at the Ritz-Carlton for really cheap too on expedia with the combo air/hotel/car..

Let us know what you decide.


www.wynnlasvegas.com
www.expedia.com