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While there are no campsites or RV campgrounds within the District of Columbia, nearby sites are practical. Cherry Hill Park is served by municipal bus and tourbus lines and is just 3 miles (5 km) from the Greenbelt Metro stop. Capitol KOA runs free shuttle buses to the metro.

TicketPlace sells half-price theater tickets at its booth at the Old Post Office Pavilion. Tickets become available on the day of the performance. It is also a Ticketmaster outlet, so regular reservations can be made here.

Discount hotel rates become available during summer, when Congress is closed, and in the last two weeks in December, and early January. Many hotels offer weekend packages. April through June is the most expensive time to visit.

When making reservations at a hotel, ask whether any discounts are available. Many hotels provide discounts for AAA (American Automobile Association) and AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) members. The Visitors’ Center (see Sources of Information) can book rooms at a discount rate for many hotels.

One resource for finding lower airfares is often neglected today: an experienced travel agent. Fares contracted through a reputable travel agency are almost always lower than those offered by airlines. Similarly, online air reservations can save money. Expedia (www.expedia.com), Travelocity (www.travelocity.com), and Orbitz (www.orbitz.com) are the most popular.

Many smaller hotels that do not have room service or a full-time restaurant will allow patrons to order takeout, delivered to the hotel.

Delis and produce stores serve every neighborhood. Picnics take finesse in high-security times: if you plan to visit museums or government buildings, you can’t carry a knife. Think bite-size items such as cherry tomatoes and pre-cut cheese, and buy drinks on site. You also can’t take food inside, so plan an outdoor spot.

Take advantage of free entertainment whenever you can. The film and concert series at the Library of Congress are wonderful. The Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center has a great free performance every day. The National Gallery of Art also has a concert series, and the Hirshhorn Museum (see Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden) shows movies.

You won’t find the traditional $3.99 meatloaf dinner in Washington anymore, but Washing-tonian Magazine ’s “Real Cheap, Real Good” list is a great starting point for affordable food in pleasant surroundings – entrées for as low as $8 in genuinely good restaurants (see Washingtonian Magazine).

There is only one hostel in the city, and it is, not surprisingly, in very great demand. Reservations are essential, made as far in advance as possible.