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How to Plan the Perfect Inauguration Trip

By U.S. News & World Report

Inauguration weekend can’t come soon enough for many Americans, and you can witness the history and excitement up close in our nation’s capital. “It’s never too soon to start planning. Book your hotel room as soon as possible and leave your car at home,” advises Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination DC, Washington’s official tourism organization. “Joining the crowds on the National Mall for the swearing-in and later for the inaugural parade just takes patience, a warm coat and comfortable shoes,” Ferguson adds, highlighting that Destination DC offers a helpful online guide to the 2017 presidential inauguration. While many key event details will be determined by the Presidential Inaugural Committee after the new commander-in-chief is elected on Nov. 8, here’s a primer on top packages and tips for planning a successful inauguration trip.

[See: 16 Free Things to Do in the Top Affordable U.S. Destinations.]

Consider Getting Tickets for the Inauguration Swearing-in Ceremony and Parade

Many of the key inauguration events are free, including the swearing-in ceremony with inaugural address of our new president at the U.S. Capitol‘s West Lawn and the Inaugural Parade from the Capitol Building to the White House. But if you want seats for these free events, you will need tickets. The number of tickets is limited and demand is high, so reserve your spot far in advance. For seats at the swearing-in ceremony, contact either of your two U.S. senators or your U.S. representative. And for traditionally free bleacher seats along the parade route, apply to the Presidential Inaugural Committee, which will offer a website after Election Day.

If you want to stand on the National Mall and along the Pennsylvania Avenue parade route, you won’t need a ticket. Fortunately, Jumbotrons will show the ceremony and parade, enabling you to see and hear the action. Still, if you plan to stand on the National Mall, plan to arrive early and come prepared. You’ll need to clear one of the many security checkpoints along the Mall, so be sure to bring a valid photo ID for yourself and all family members and do not bring prohibited items such as backpacks or packages. Check the list of prohibited items in advance on the Presidential Inaugural Committee website to get prepared.

[See: 8 Amazingly Affordable Family Vacations.]

Attend an Inaugural Ball

Official inaugural balls are typically invitation-only events. President James Buchanan had only one inaugural ball in 1857, with a menu that included 400 gallons of oysters, 500 quarts of chicken salad, 1,200 quarts of ice cream, 60 saddles of mutton, eight rounds of beef, 75 hams and 125 tongues, according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies. If you don’t get invited to an official ball, try to get tickets to one of the many unofficial balls hosted by states, veterans’ organizations and other groups. Contact the Texas State Society for its “Black Tie and Boots Inaugural Ball” or the American Legion for its “Veterans Inaugural Ball,” a tribute to America’s Medal of Honor recipients.

Special Inaugural Packages

The Newseum, located along the parade route on Pennsylvania Avenue, will offer an all-inclusive “2017 Presidential Inauguration Celebration Experience” on Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The special package includes a panoramic view of the parade, food by Wolfgang Puck Catering, discussions by journalists and newsmakers about the 2016 election and issues facing the next president, talks with Newseum curators, access to the museum and more. The full cost is $500, but discounts are available. Hotels across the area will also offer inauguration packages. The Willard InterContinental‘s “Stay Like a President” inauguration 2017 Package, for example, costs $450,000, and includes two round-trip tickets from anywhere in the continental U.S. to D.C. on a private jet and a four-night stay in a presidential suite overlooking the inaugural parade route. Meanwhile, the Mayflower Hotel will be donating the entire $45,000 amount of its four-night inaugural package in the Presidential Suite directly to the Children’s National Health System in Washington. The hotel, which President Harry Truman dubbed “Washington’s Second Best Address,” includes two tickets to the Inauguration Day ceremony.

How to Get Around

Don’t even think about driving during the weekend of gridlock and street closures. Walk, bike or take public transportation. Buying a reloadable SmarTrip metro card in advance online is a smart way to dodge long lines. Each traveler age 5 and up needs a card. Check for up-to-date information on the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority’s website. And keep in mind that some stations closest to the National Mall, such as Smithsonian, Archives and Mt. Vernon Square, will be closed during Inauguration Day ceremonies. Another option is taking the DC Circulator, which offers inexpensive service across the city, with routes along the National Mall, Georgetown and other popular tourist areas. Bikes can also be rented at reasonable prices at dozens of city locations through Capital Bikeshare.

Where to Eat

The nation’s capital is now a foodie capital, newly validated by the prestigious international Michelin Guide that published a Washington, D.C. guide this October. Washington is only the fourth U.S. city, after New York, Chicago and San Francisco, to be honored with a Michelin Guide. For a meal to remember, check out the lively restaurants scattered throughout vibrant neighborhoods such as Dupont Circle, Georgetown and the U Street Corridor.

[See: 10 Top Historic Hotels Across the U.S.]

Other Can’t-Miss Cultural and Historical Attractions

Presidential election-related displays will be mounted by the Library of Congress, the National Archives and many museums across the city. To apply for a tour of the White House, contact one of your senators or representative up to 90 days in advance, and no less than 21 days in advance. You can also visit the only D.C.-based home of a former President, the President Woodrow Wilson House, a house-museum near Dupont Circle. George Washington’s stately home Mount Vernon is also an easy trip, just 15 miles south of the city, along the Potomac River banks. Ford’s Theatre, where President Lincoln was assassinated, is a museum honoring his legacy, as well as an active theater. All these attractions are in addition to classic landmarks, such as Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Washington Monument.

More from U.S. News

5 Historic American Cities Experiencing a Renaissance

5 Places to Experience African American History and Culture

8 Presidential Libraries and Museums to Visit This Election Year

How to Plan the Perfect Inauguration Trip originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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