First Wow Deal Destination: New Zealand
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Explore the Top 17 Global Destinations
Explore Washington, D.C.
A hotel building boom means more rooms to fill on weekends in the capital. Balance your trip budget with a weekend in D.C.
Explore Paris
A favorable exchange rate, aggressive air prices and fewer visitors combine to make 2017 an affordable year to see Paris.
Explore Florida’s Gulf Coast
Beach-goers are looking at Florida’s Gulf Coast, where low-cost air and new hotels make for an affordable getaway.
Explore Peru
Can you do a World Wonder on a weekend? Machu Picchu package prices continue to drop, and a strong dollar goes far there.
Explore United Kingdom
Brexit has taken a bite out of the British pound, making the U.K. more affordable than it’s been in decades.
Explore New Zealand
New nonstops from three airlines in 2016 resulted in lower fares, as airlines try to build market share.
The Wow Deal Destinations at a Glance
New flights, new hotels, new reasons to travel: When destinations get easier to get to, or stay in, we find that deals follow. All of the six destinations we list have seen supply increase in 2017 due to expansion of airline routes or added hotel rooms. With these factors in mind, read on to see the deals and destinations that will “wow” you in 2017.
There’s More to Go Around
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If this trend continues, 2017 will again be a year that Americans should be collecting passport stamps.
The buying power of the U.S. dollar abroad continues to make international travel very accessible and affordable for American travelers. The U.S. dollar remains at or near its highest levels against many other currencies. The real costs of hotels, dining, attractions, shopping and other activities are 10%-30% lower than a couple years ago in many major destinations, including those we list below. Although we aren’t in the practice of forecasting foreign exchange rates, if this trend continues, 2017 will again be a year that Americans should be collecting passport stamps. The strong U.S. dollar has a secondary-effect -- it makes the United States more expensive for international travelers to visit. This serves to soften demand in major U.S. cities that traditionally see large international tourism numbers. As a result, hotels and attractions need to offer aggressive deals to entice travelers to choose their city.
Bigger Bang for the Buck
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Savvy travelers on a budget can get a jump start on making their New Year’s (travel) resolutions this year with Travelzoo’s list of 2017 Wow Deal Destinations. What sets this list apart is that it’s not just any “best-of” or “must-see” roundup. Our Wow Deal Destinations list is comprised of places where we predict we’ll be seeing amazing deals in the new year. After rigorous discussions and debates, our deal experts narrowed a world of nominees to a pick of six. Consider this your budget bucket list. Two themes were common among all the destinations our deal experts selected this year.
Why These Destinations Made the 2017 List
Washington, D.C.
Peru
Florida's Gulf Coast
Paris
United Kingdom
New Zealand
The 6 Wow Deal Destinations for 2017
Travel Checklist
Larger hotels in the city will have internet, but it may be harder to find at smaller boutique hotels or once you’re in rural areas.
You’ll need an adapter for a Type I plug and a voltage converter -- the U.S. standard is 120V and 60Hz while New Zealand is 230V and 50Hz. Consider packing a combined power plug adapter and voltage converter.
New Zealand is 18 hours ahead of New York.
Internet availability:
Time difference: 18 hours
Plugs:
Visa needed:
Money used:
New Zealand dollar
No
Yes
Passport:
Next Wow Deal Destination: United Kingdom
Marlborough
More than 77% of New Zealand’s total wine is produced in Marlborough. The region is best-known for its sauvignon blanc.
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Rotorua
Set on the North Island, Rotorua is home to geothermal pools and Maori culture.
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Queenstown
Head to the adventure mecca of Queenstown for white-water rafting or jump head-first off the Kawarau Bridge, the birthplace of bungee jumping.
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Christchurch
Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island; it’s just a two-hour drive from mountains, vineyards and bungee jumping.
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Auckland
This North Island urban city is the most populated area of New Zealand. There are bustling waterfront promenades, an abundance shops and exciting harbor activities.
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Book This Deal
Explore Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and more with vacation deals for 2017. Options include land only, air-inclusive, self-drive and escorted.
Search for flights to New Zealand for travel in 2017. International airports include Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown.
Palm Springs 4-Star Resort, Miramonte Resort & Spa
Look for Deals in New Zealand
With three airlines increasing the number of nonstop flights to New Zealand, record-low airfares have dropped the price of vacations to the island nation by up to $300 per person. That means a flight to New Zealand (from the West Coast) is often below $900 roundtrip. This makes flights and air-inclusive vacation packages more affordable.
Why 2017 Is the Year to Go
See What You Need
You’ll fall 439 feet from one of the world’s highest bungee jumps at Nevis Highwire in Queenstown.
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There’s 10,000 miles of coastline split along the North and South Islands.
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A strong U.S. dollar is still near 10-year highs against the New Zealand dollar.
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Sale prices for flights can be as much as $300 lower due to the increased routes.
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Three airlines have increased nonstop routes from the States to New Zealand.
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New Zealand by the Numbers
Rent a car, or better yet a campervan, and explore the country -- just remember they drive on the opposite side of the road here. New Zealand has 10 themed highways such as the Thermal Explorer Highway, which takes visitors from Auckland to the Waitomo Caves and Rotorua mud pools, and the Great Alpine Highway, which travels from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass National Park in the Southern Alps. If you’re a wine lover, you can sip your way through Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough and Marlborough on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail.
Try This
Best Time to Visit
Insider Tip
The seasons in New Zealand are flipped from the U.S. For warm summer weather with highs in the 70s visit over December-February, before cooler temperatures creep in over winter months June-August. Just like the weather, the price to travel here cools off closer to winter.
Get the most out of your flight by building a multi-city itinerary. The easiest and most cost-effective way to do so is through Air New Zealand. When you book an international flight to cities such as Wellington, Queenstown, Rotorua and others, a stopover in Auckland is free, and you can customize the itinerary further with stops in up to three additional cities for $100 each (excluding taxes and fees).
The natural beauty of New Zealand has been the visual inspiration for many films, most notably “Lord of the Rings,” “The Hobbit” and “Pete’s Dragon.” You can visit Middle Earth with a Hobbiton tour in Waikato or get a dragon’s-eye view of the forest from the Redwoods Treewalk, a series of suspension bridges in Redwoods Forest in Rotorua. There’s more beyond what film has even captured: the majestic peaks of Franz Josef Glacier, thrilling jet boat rides in Queenstown, world-renowned vineyards and a rich Maori culture.
New Zealand Is Known for
Back to Introduction
Time difference: 5 hours
Free Wi-Fi is widely available in bars and cafés.
The United Kingdom is five hours ahead of New York.
Bring an adaptor with you, as British plugs are three-pronged rather than two. Many hotels will have an adaptor, but it’s best to bring your own for multiple devices.
The U.K. currency is the British pound. Note that the smallest note is worth five British pounds, so get used to carrying a lot of coins. ATMs are found everywhere in the U.K., so it’s easy to get money at the airport upon arrival (always choose to be charged in GBP rather than USD).
Money used: British pound
Next Wow Deal Destination: Peru
London
The multicultural British capital along the Thames is a destination for foodies, the culturally curious, big business types and time travelers. Between sightseeing at the London Eye and Big Ben, and pints at the pub, make sure to get out and enjoy wide swaths of parkland.
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Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital knows how to party, with the internationally acclaimed art festival, Edinburgh Festival Fringe (or “The Fringe”), lasting a few weeks each summer and Hogmanay celebrations annually ringing in the New Year.
The Cotswolds
If you’re looking for thatch-roofed cottages nestled among dramatic rolling hills, this is the spot (spread across six counties). Picture-perfect, it’s also a great place for enjoying some afternoon tea.
Belfast
Northern Ireland’s capital city doesn’t shy away from its troubled past, but rather embraces it with Black Taxi tours. Be sure to check out Titanic Belfast, which the 2016 World Travel Awards named Europe’s leading visitor attraction.
Liverpool
Whether you’re a Beatles fan or not, this musical city along the River Mersey is a definite hit, full of attractions and festivals year-round. With the largest collection of listed buildings outside London, it’s a walkable historic feast for the eyes, too.
The Lake District
A popular vacation spot for Brits to camp, cycle and hike, this stunning region and national park in Cumbria encompasses England’s largest lake (Windermere) and highest mountain (Scafell Pike).
The AAA 4-Diamond Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells is just 35 minutes outside of downtown Palm Springs, but feels half the world away.
Kick back in a spacious 1000-square-foot Palm Springs condo and save 60% on regular rates.
Explore England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland with vacation deals for 2017. Options include land only, air-inclusive, self-drive and escorted.
Search for flights to the United Kingdom for travel in 2017. International airports include London, Manchester, Belfast and Glasgow.
Look for Deals in the United Kingdom
Thanks to Brexit, the June 2016 decision by which the U.K. decided to leave the European Union, the British pound has been in a bit of a downward spiral, hitting a 31-year low against the U.S. dollar in October. While this isn’t particularly great news for Brits, it’s convenient for Americans wishing to explore the U.K. at a long-awaited discount. Brexit also has sent airfares tumbling, making it cheaper to hop across the pond than we’ve seen in years.
Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate the 65th anniversary of becoming queen on Feb. 6, 2017.
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In 2015, 75 million passengers arrived/ departed Heathrow Airport.
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Four countries make up the U.K.: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
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It’s been 31 years since the pound was as low versus the U.S. dollar as it was in October 2016.
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United Kingdom by the Numbers
If you’re there on a weekend, be sure to eat like a local and get yourself a Sunday roast at a pub or a carvery. Expect a plate piled with meat, loads of veggies, and a Yorkshire pudding covered in gravy, perfect with a pint or two. On any given day, spend some time enjoying afternoon tea – a British tradition of tea, sandwiches, scones and cake.
Visit ASAP before the British pound recoups its strength against the U.S. dollar. Traditionally, the cheapest fares to the U.K. are found from November through mid-March. As the U.K. is subject to ever-changing weather, expect a bit of rain no matter what time of year you go. Note also that the U.K. is on the same latitude as Canada, so summers there aren’t the sweltering heat waves Americans are used to, but daylight hours do stretch longer.
Get up early to go and see attractions. Aside from restaurants and pubs, many places close early in the U.K. Unless it’s holiday shopping time, stores are usually closed by 6 p.m., so plan ahead.
Made up of Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and Northern Ireland, the U.K. is steeped in histories full of kings, queens, knights and castles. To this day, the royal family attracts media attention around the world, and travellers visit Buckingham Palace in London to see the Changing of the Guard and potentially glimpse the Queen.
United Kingdom Is Known for
Expect most hotels to have Wi-Fi or Internet. Check with your cellular carrier about phone service.
A visa is not needed if you are visiting with a valid U.S. passports. Travelers will get a 90-day tourist card upon entry.
There is no time difference between Peru and New York.
The voltage in Peru is 220V – or twice that in the U.S. You’ll need to bring an adaptor.
Time difference: No Change
The Peruvian sol, which is near 10-year lows against the U.S. dollar. Credit cards are accepted in major tourist places and cities, but it’s important to convert money for local markets and destinations that are off the beaten path.
Visa needed: No
Money used: Peruvian sol
Next Wow Deal Destination: Florida's Gulf Coast
Choquequirao
The lesser known sister city of Machu Picchu is still being unearthed. It’s much harder to get to – a grueling two-day trek is required, but the views once there are stunning.
Colca Canyon
Twice the depth of the Grand Canyon, one of Peru’s most popular destinations is a short day trip for Machu Picchu travelers.
Ballestas Islands
Considered Peru’s version of the Galapagos, these islands off the coast of Pisco don’t have the Darwinian history – but they do have sea lions, penguins and plenty of birds.
Nazca Lines
Best seen from the air, these massive geoglyphs in the deserts of southern Peru are millennia old and mysterious for their origins.
Iquitos
The world’s largest city that cannot be reached by road. Fly or take a boat into Iquitos to start your eco-adventure in the Amazon.
With an expert English-speaking guide at the helm, Machu Picchu awaits on this epic six-night trip.
$1849 -- Peru Small Group Tour Adventure w/Air, $1200 Off
Save $1200
The prestigious SkyTrax Survey names LATAM Airlines "Best Airline in South America."
$582* & up -- Los Angeles & Miami Flights to Peru, Nonstop
$200 Off
Search for international flights to Lima, Peru for travel in 2017. From Lima, visitors can fly to Cusco, Iquitos and Juliaca (Puno).
Explore Machu Picchu, Lima, Lake Titicaca and beyond with vacation deals for 2017. Options include land only, air-inclusive, self-drive and escorted.
Look for Deals in Peru
Can you do a World Wonder on a weekend? Despite visitation limits imposed by the Peruvian government to preserve Machu Picchu, vacation package prices to this ancient Incan fortress in the Andes continue to drop. But this isn’t the only draw to this South American country that has Amazon jungle, mysterious ruins and beaches for days. A strong dollar ensures that your vacation budget will go far.
Nonstop flights to Lima from the U.S. are between 5 and 8 hours. The good news – Lima aligns with the U.S. Eastern Time Zone – so jet lag is limited.
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There are 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Peru, including the city of Cuzco and the Nasca Lines.
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Peru has 1,500 miles of coastline – more than any U.S. state other than Alaska.
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Machu Picchu vacation deals are priced as low as $999 per person. That’s $200-$300 cheaper than a few years ago.
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Peru by the Numbers
Don’t miss the ceviche. This fresh fish dish is best if you’re close enough to the Pacific to hear the crashing waves. Enjoy the ceviche and the ocean views with a pisco sour.
With coastal, desert, mountain and rain forest climates, Peru’s weather can change dramatically on your trip. There are dry and wet seasons – but they are reversed on the coast and in the higher elevations. Spring and fall are the best times for deals on vacation packages.
If you’re planning to visit Machu Picchu, book with a vacation packager. Train tickets, trekking expeditions and entry permits can sell out months in advance. Vacation packagers can alleviate some of that stress with Machu Picchu excursions included in the trip cost. When visiting, get there as early as possible -- despite the limits on entry, it gets crowded. And if you’re up for it, take the extra hike up to the adjacent Huayna Picchu mountain for a bird’s-eye view. Before going, spend a few days in nearby Cuzco to get acclimated to the altitude. The city is actually higher than Machu Picchu.
Peru boasts natural beauty and vibrant culture amid the soaring peaks of the Andes mountains. With strong Incan, Andean and Spanish influences, as well as climates that range from desert to rain forest, and sea level to soaring peaks, Peru is a destination that packs a ton of diverse experiences into an area about twice the size of Texas. Adrenaline junkies can try bungee jumping, surfing and sandboarding. Foodies go here just for the ceviche. Whatever your reason for going, don’t miss the colorful local markets, Old World colonial architecture and Incan ruins that put Peru on many bucket lists.
Peru Is Known for
Rent a car – better yet, a convertible – to explore the 200 miles of coastline stretching between Tampa and Naples.
Sunbathe, Jet Ski or simply stroll Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches. Four beaches in Clearwater, Siesta Beach, St. Pete Beach and Fort Myers were named among the top 25 U.S. beaches by TripAdvisor (2016).
Getting to Florida’s Gulf Coast is made easy with flights on 10 U.S. carriers servicing international airports in Tampa, St. Pete and Clearwater, Sarasota and Fort Myers – this even includes low-cost airlines Allegiant, Southwest, Sun Country, Spirit and Frontier.
Things to do:
How to get around:
How to get here:
Search for a Florida hotel
Next Wow Deal Destination: Paris
Great Calusa Blueway
This 190-mile water trail through the inlets and bays of Southwest Florida is best explored by kayak or canoe. Along the way you’ll see ospreys, manatees and the curious dolphin.
Dali Museum St. Petersburg
This homage to the surrealist painter Salvadore Dali is the centerpiece of a thriving arts community in St. Petersburg. The waterfront museum houses 2,000 works by Dali – the largest collection outside Europe.
Siesta Key
Consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the U.S., Siesta Beach is well-named. Take a break on the quartz-crystal sand, then stop by the unassuming beach village nearby for cocktails and seafood.
Busch Gardens
While the theme parks in Orlando may be bigger brands, there’s plenty to do at Busch Gardens in Tampa with roller coasters, live shows and 12,000+ animals. Plus you’re a lot closer to the beach.
Ringling Museum Complex
The one-time estate of circus pioneer John Ringling, this 66-acre complex now houses the state art museum of Florida, an extravagant mansion and, of course, a circus museum with artifacts from the original show.
Find things to do across Florida’s Gulf Coast with deals for restaurants, spas, sporting events, shows and sightseeing tours.
Search for beachfront hotels along Florida’s Gulf Coast from the Tampa Bay area south to Naples.
Look for Deals in Florida's Gulf Coast
A laid-back beach vibe awaits on Florida’s Gulf Coast, from the Tampa Bay area south to Naples. New hotels and low-cost flights – there are four international airports which house low-cost carriers including Allegiant and Southwest – are making this coast an affordable beach getaway for sun-seekers.
More than 200 bird species call the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island home.
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Eight major league baseball teams hold spring training on Florida’s west coast.
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The average airfare to Tampa was 15% lower than the national average in 2016.
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Florida's Gulf Coast by the Numbers
You have to try the grouper. You’ll find this fresh fish served many ways along the Gulf Coast, but a grouper sandwich is the most popular – whether it’s grilled, blackened or fried.
Prices will be highest in February and March, when the combination of snowbirds escaping winter and baseball fans flocking to Grapefruit League spring training sites fill many available hotel rooms and vacation rentals. Summers can be steamy, although the Gulf breezes make it manageable for travelers looking for the lowest hotel rates. Spring and late fall offer the best combination of attractive weather and affordable lodging.
Sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are worth planning your day around. A favorite activity is to chase the “Green Flash”, that moment when the sun sets below the horizon and a green burst of light flashes across the sky. To fill your day before sunset, search for seashells along beaches on barrier islands such as Sanibel and Captiva. Or take a kayak through inlets along the coast to see dolphins and manatees.
Sugar-sand beaches, sunsets and a slower pace are calling from Florida’s Gulf Coast. Gentle waves from the Gulf of Mexico lap on some of America’s best beaches, drawing travelers west to enjoy a laid-back pace a couple of ticks slower than Florida’s Atlantic beach towns.
Florida's Gulf Coast Is Known for
Paris parks may have free Wi-Fi access points, but be wary of open connections for data theft.
Paris is six hours ahead of New York.
They are different in France – so you’ll need an adaptor. Many hotels will offer you an adaptor if you ask at the front desk. Bring a power strip so you can plug in multiple devices using only one adaptor.
Time difference: 6 hours
The French currency is the euro. It’s easiest to take money out of ATMs once you arrive for smaller purchases, and to use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees for other purchases.
Money used: Euro
Next Wow Deal Destination: Washington, D.C.
The Louvre
You could spend a week here and not see everything in the 650,000 square feet of gallery space. Consider buying a Paris Museum Pass, and you can visit several times during your trip.
Le Marais
Paris’ trendiest neighborhood is worth a visit for the winding “rues” (streets) that front historic buildings, bustling shops and hidden gardens.
Sacré-Cœur
While Notre Dame is the city’s most famous church, the views from this basilica on the hills above Montmartre are worth the trip.
Eiffel Tower
This is the icon of France and the world’s most popular selfie spot. It’s not as simple as it used to be to go to the top of the tower – expect heightened security and long lines.
Search for flights to Paris for travel in 2017.
Explore Paris with vacation deals for 2017. Opt for a Paris only itinerary or combine with a nearby city for a longer European getaway.
Look for Deals in Paris
Audrey Hepburn is quoted as saying, “Paris is always a good idea.” That’s even more true in 2017, as a favorable exchange rate, coupled with aggressive flight prices, lower than usual hotel occupancy and declines in tourism makes one of the world’s most popular destinations as affordable as it’s been in a long time.
The Louvre has averaged more than 9 million visitors a year since 2012.
9,000,000
Paris is divided into 20 districts known as arrondissements.
The Euro remains close to 10-year lows against the dollar, meaning Paris is 40% cheaper than it was in 2008.
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Roundtrip flights to Paris have been as low as $299 recently from the States.
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Paris by the Numbers
Stroll at night from the Louvre down along the Seine to the Place de la Concorde and, if you're ambitious, down the Champs-Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe, stopping along the way for a crepe au chocolat from one of the vendors near the Grand Palais. Plan it right and if you're at the Place de la Concorde at the top of the hour, you can watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle in the distance while standing on the nearby bridge.
The cheapest flights and vacation packages generally are found in the winter months (November through February.) Hotels during this time also offer some of their lowest rates. The weather is at its best in the spring and fall – longer days mean more opportunities for late afternoon walks through the arrondissements. Flights are most expensive in the summer, when the weather can get steamy and the city is filled with tourists. Of the summer months, August and September usually offer the lowest hotel and flight prices for travelers.
Do plan. Think ahead of what your absolute musts are and make sure your days (and nights) include these. That includes reservations for dinner, although many of the finest restaurants are less expensive and easier to find a table at during lunch. The Louvre is a must, but visit during evening hours on Wednesday or Friday for much smaller crowds – and don’t skip the city’s intimate Rodin, Picasso and Orangerie museums. Don’t overplan. Paris is best explored over a glass of wine at a cafe while the world passes by.
Paris is the place to see and be seen – and has been for hundreds of years. The city boasts one-of-a-kind style that has influenced culture around the world – from fashion to food to art and beyond. It’s a destination for romantics, for history buffs, for lovers of art and cuisine, for the avant garde and the old guard. First-time tourists will go for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysee. But the City of Light shines brightest when you embrace the daily rhythms of life – walking along the Seine, glace on the Ile de St. Louis, sunsets from the Sacré-Cœur, macarons and a picnic basket in Jardins du Luxembourg.
Paris Is Known for
The easiest way to navigate D.C. is by Metro. It picks up at the train station and all three airports, and stops at popular sites including the National Mall and Ford’s Theatre.
Visit the National Mall’s newest museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which features exhibits covering slavery, the civil rights movement, the diversity of African-American culture and a musical chronology.
D.C. is about three hours away from New York by train. East Coasters can hop aboard Amtrak, Virginia Railway Express and MARC trains for a quick trip. For those further out, the D.C.-area is serviced by three airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Dulles International Airport and Baltimore-Washington International Airport.
Search for a Washington, D.C. hotel
Next Wow Deal Destination: Washington DC
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Rock Creek Park
Check out this 1,800-acre park in northwest Washington, near the National Zoo. Here you can hike or bike the 32 miles of trails, check out a waterfall at Meridian Hill Park or stargaze at the planetarium.
Georgetown Waterfront
The collection of restaurants and bars here means the area is always hopping, particularly in the summertime when outdoor seating is at a premium.
Ford's Theatre
The venue where President Lincoln was assassinated is still an active theater. See a show or nab a free ticket to visit the museum in the basement, where there are loads of artifacts, including the gun used.
The National Museum of African American History & Culture
The latest new museum on the National Mall opened in September. Its exhibits chronicle slavery, the civil rights movement, African-American culture and music.
Search for flights to Washington, D.C. for travel in 2017. Visitors can fly into Washington Dulles, Ronald Reagan or Baltimore airports.
Search for hotels in Washington, D.C. with prime locations in Foggy Bottom and Georgetown or near Dupont Circle and Embassy Row.
Look for Deals in Washington, D.C.
The eyes of the world will be on Washington, D.C., during the presidential inauguration and the first 100 days of a new administration. The first year of a new presidential term often drives midweek business travel, but those people all leave town on the weekend -- meaning that there are deals to be had to fill rooms. Plus, 5,000 new hotel rooms are being added in 2016 and 2017, increasing competition for travelers. Politics aside, D.C. is a fantastic family-friendly destination, as many of its attractions (like the National Zoo, National Gallery of Art and the numerous Smithsonian Museums) are free.
There are 11 museums on the National Mall.
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There is one Darth Vader sculpture on the National Cathedral.
There are six lines on the D.C. metro (red, orange, silver, blue, yellow and green).
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In 2015, approximately 28.2 million people visited the Smithsonian museums and institutions (the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum each received 6.9 million visitors).
28,200,000
Hotel rooms often cost as much as 50% less during the weekends compared with midweek rates.
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D.C. by the Numbers
Take the Metro. It’s simple to navigate and the stations are surprisingly wide and clean. Fares are calculated by how many stops you travel, rather than one flat entry fee. Just note that it stops running at midnight Sundays-Thursdays and at 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Visit in the summertime when the politicians have left town for their annual break. The weather can be hot, but so are the hotel prices. (Hop in a free museum for some A.C.)
There is an overwhelming amount to do in this city, so you might want to pace yourself. Each museum can take a few hours, but you can give your head a break and recharge your batteries with neighborhood visits for shopping and eating. In the summertime, check out the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden to listen to some free jazz.
D.C.’s food scene has been on fire lately, with Bon Appétit magazine even naming it the restaurant city of the year for 2016. The city has welcomed a number of renowned chefs like Michel Richard and José Andrés, but these days, the great restaurants aren’t just in the center of town, but also in the neighborhoods.
D.C. Is Known for
