There seems to be more and more cheap flights to Washington DC on offer and as a consequence, more and more folk understand what a terrific city it is. Upon arrival at the Dulles International Airport, which is actually 26 miles away in Chantilly, Virginia, the vastness of the place becomes apparent. There is a 16 mile access highway dedicated to all airport users, and taking into account the size of the place, the transfer transport into the city is exceptional. There are the Washington Flyer Taxicabs, found at lower level in the main terminal, Washington Flyer Coach service, and Super Shuttle van service, all vying to get the visitors to downtown DC as quickly as possible.

Many people arriving on Washington DC flights are a little apprehensive at first, apparently under the misconception that the city is widely spread, but actual movement around the place is incredibly easy. The streets are laid out logically, helping to make this the Nations top city for walking. A taxi is never far away, there are over six thousand servicing DC alone; alternatively, the metro rail subway is both clean and efficient. There is also the metro bus and a recent introduction, the DC circular, which is proving massively popular due to its really low charges.

On flights to Washington DC, tourists will prepare a must see list of attractions and the National monuments and memorials will be high on most itineraries. Famous names such as Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt feature and an evening visit is all the better, as everything looks so much more striking when it is lit up at night. The three major government buildings of the White House, the Capitol Building and the US Supreme Court are also not to be missed. Take an on-off trolley tour of the Old Town for a real history lesson; but above all the Smithsonion Institute is the one place that is worth the airfare to Washington DC, there really is something for everybody.

Georgetown, at the historic waterfront, hosts all the leading brand names in what is effectively a shopper's paradise. Other excellent places to shop are at Dupont Circle and the Penn Quarter. At the same time, check out the lines for restaurants of all nationalities and cultures, from ethnic to traditional. Some of the world's most respected chefs are in residence in DC; food cannot have a greater endorsement really. Night-life in Washington is widely diverse with options galore. The JF Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts, where anything from musicals to huge scale concerts take place, might well appeal, but conversely, for the drinkers, there are masses of bars. Local favourites include the Old Dominion Brew House, Black Finn American Saloon, and Lucky Bar for all the live sports.