Here are some tips and recommendations for your trip to Washington, D.C.:
Weather:
Washington D.C. has a humid subtropical climate, and the nation’s capital experiences four seasons. Summers are usually hot and humid, while winters can be chilly and damp. The hottest months of the year are usually July and August, with average high temperatures of about 26°C to 31°C. The best times to visit Washington, D.C., are from September to November and March to May. Check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.
Transportation – how to get around in Washington D.C.:
The easiest way to get around the capital is on foot. The city’s wide sidewalks invite you to stroll past the inspiring monuments and museums found on the National Mall, as well as the museums, world-class theaters and amazing gardens in the city’s collection of neighborhoods.
Another fun way to get around the city is on two wheels. There are plenty of options for renting bikes, scooters or mopeds.
You could also climb on board the Old Town Trolley, which will transport you to more than 100 of the most significant sights in the city including most of the memorials and monuments, museums and historical attractions. You’ll also have the opportunity to hop-on and hop-off as often as you wish.
The Metrorail, Metrobus and DC Circular are the primary modes of public transportation in the city. They are convenient for getting around to most major sites.
If you’re driving, be prepared for traffic, so consider using public transportation for sightseeing. Parking your car can be a hassle in the city and it’s expensive. Street parking can be complicated with all the restrictions, a better option would be a parking garage.
Want to do some sightseeing? Here are some Must-Visit Landmarks:
The National Mall: This iconic stretch includes the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol building.
The White House: Though tours are limited and need to be arranged in advance through your country’s embassy, it’s still worth visiting from the outside.
Smithsonian Museums: The National Mall is also home to numerous Smithsonian museums, most of which offer free admission, like the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History.
Tours and Tickets:
For attractions with limited access like the U.S. Capitol, White House, or Bureau of Engraving and Printing, make sure to book tickets well in advance.
Consider taking a guided tour or using hop-on-hop-off buses to explore the city. It can provide valuable insights and cover multiple attractions efficiently.
Planning on staying overnight and need to find a place to stay?
There are plenty of hotels and accommodations in various price ranges. Staying near the National Mall can be convenient for sightseeing.
Safety:
Washington, D.C. is generally safe for tourists, but like any big city, be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
Food and Dining:
Washington, D.C. offers a diverse culinary scene. Don’t miss trying the local specialties like half-smokes, mumbo sauce, and Maryland blue crabs.
Additional Tips:
Many attractions and museums are free, but some special exhibits may require a fee.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking.
Consider exploring neighborhoods beyond the National Mall, like Georgetown or Dupont Circle, to experience different aspects of the city.
Remember to check for any updated travel guidelines or restrictions, as situations can change.
Now that you are planning on traveling overseas and want to stay in touch with your family and friends, or need to stay connected on your business trip, how do you avoid excessive roaming fees? Ever considered an eSIM? Download the Red Bull MOBILE Data App to avoid expensive fees.
eSIMs also allow for more flexible mobile plans, as users can switch carriers or plans without needing to physically swap SIM cards. This can be especially useful for international travel, as users can switch to a local carrier or data plan without needing to purchase a new SIM card.
How do you get an eSIM?
With an eSIM you do not need to physically swap out SIM cards to stay connected to the internet and avoid expensive roaming charges.
Simply download the Red Bull MOBILE Data app, choose your data plan for your destination, and follow the instructions on how to activate the Red Bull MOBILE eSIM data plan. Your device will prompt you to set up your eSIM, which typically involves selecting a mobile plan and confirming your activation. Once your account is activated you are ready to connect to the world without any basic or roaming fees. You will be able to email, chat, set up video conferencing and use your social media accounts. Connecting with your family and friends around the globe is instantaneous.
You don’t have to switch out SIM cards, just switch to your eSIM plan for data on your device while traveling and when you get back you just switch to your regular SIM card.
Are there more advantages to an eSIM other than traveling around the globe?
One of the many advantages of an eSIMs is that it can support multiple profiles, allowing you to use different carriers or plans on the same device. This can be useful if you travel frequently or have different needs for different situations. You could use it to separate your business account from your personal account for emails and phone calls by switching between those profiles. Please note, you can only use one profile at a time.
Another advantage of an eSIM is that you can access the Red Bull MOBILE Data app wherever you are. So if your travel plans change or you decide to go to a new country simply log in to the app, and choose a new destination and bundle, and you are all set!
Do all devices support eSIM?
Not all devices support eSIM, so you should check if your device is compatible with eSIM technology. You can usually find this information in the device specifications under Settings.
iOS devices: Go to Settings > Mobile Data or Cellular Data, if you have the Add Mobile Plan or Add Data Plan option, your iPhone supports eSIM.
Supported devices include iPhone XS, XR and newer models
Android devices: Go to Settings > Connections > SIM card manager. If you have the “Add mobile plan” option, your smartphone supports eSIM.
The majority of newer Android smartphones are supported including the Samsung Galaxy S20 or newer models, Google Pixel 3 or newer models, Huawei P40 and many more.
It’s worth noting that the exact steps to use an eSIM may vary slightly depending on your device and mobile carrier. So, it’s always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions provided by your carrier and device manufacturer.
Here are some tips on how to avoid expensive fees with eSIM for traveling:
Turn off automatic app updates: To avoid unnecessary data usage, turn off automatic app updates on your phone. This can be done in your phone’s settings.
Turn off background data: Many apps use data in the background even when you’re not actively using them. To avoid unnecessary data usage, turn off background data for apps that you don’t need.
Use a data monitoring app: Download a data monitoring app that can help you keep track of your data usage. This can help you avoid exceeding your data plan and incurring additional fees.
By following these tips, you can avoid expensive fees with eSIM for traveling and stay connected without breaking the bank.
Have a fantastic trip to Washington, D.C., and enjoy exploring the nation’s capital!
