Spring is a magical time in Washington, D.C., marking one of the busiest seasons for travel and tourism. The famous cherry blossoms that paint the city pink and white are the major draw. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, spanning several weeks, offers a variety of fun and enjoyable events. If you're planning to visit the festival or hoping to catch a view of the blossoms, I've compiled everything you need to know about this time of year. With the right expectations and preparation, you can have the best possible experience. Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website.  ..read more

What do you expect from your visit to Washington, DC? Do you expect beautiful weather? Believe the cherry blossoms are in bloom all year? Or think you'll spot politicians on every street corner? Many visitors arrive in Washington, DC with misconceptions about the city and these can ultimately impact your trip. In this episode, we'll talk through some common misaligned expectations  that people have and discuss what you can realistically expect when you arrive in Washington, DC. Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website ..read more

Washington, DC tourism has finally reached a state of equilibrium; but that doesn't mean it's the same as in the beforetimes! What changed exactly? In this episode Rob looks ahead to 2024 and what tourism might look like in the coming twelve months. He covers topics like the return of tourism seasonality, restaurant openings and closings and the impact of the upcoming presidential election. If you're thinking about a trip this year or already planning one make sure to listen so you know what to expect!  Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website.  ..read more

In this podcast episode we're diving into the world of holiday traditions and how they might impact your travels. We'll cover the official federal government holidays, unofficial holidays and basically anything you might experience on a trip. Maybe you’re curious about what Washington DC is like on a specific holiday. Or maybe you already booked your trip and realized it’s over a holiday and now want to know what to expect. Whatever the case, we've got your back.  Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website.  ..read more

It's not your imagination, Airbnb is different now! With a noticeable shift in the platform’s service quality and pricing structure over the past few years, and I am going to take a deep dive and explain why, in 2023, I can no longer recommend it for most Washington, DC travelers. However, since every traveler and trip is unique, there might still be some good reasons to consider it, and I'll talk about those too.  Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website.  ..read more

Washington, D.C., is packed with history, culture, and sites. Planning your visit can be tough with so much to see and do. Most visitors don't have endless time, so making smart choices is key. In this episode, Rob breaks down the top tourist spots, sharing which ones are worth your time and which ones you can skip. Get ready to make the most of your D.C. trip! Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website.  ..read more

Planning a trip comes with a lot of questions: When should you go? Where's the best area to stay? How do you put together a great itinerary? Every traveler is different, with their own likes, dislikes, and budgets. Over the years, I've learned some useful things about Washington, DC travel. In this episode, I'll share my personal opinions about planning a trip to the nation's capital. Whether you travel often or you're planning your first trip, you'll find practical tips to make your next visit a great experience. Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website ..read more

This is a milestone episode for the Trip Hacks DC podcast! Almost five years after this show launched we've reached 50 episodes. Rob invited some friends and former guests back to ask questions and give you a behind the scenes view into being a tour guide, running a tour company, and creating travel content on the internet. Thank you to all listeners for helping the podcast get this far!  Full show notes are available on the Trip Hacks DC website.  ..read more

How has Washington DC's restaurant scene changed since Covid? Is Georgetown a good neighborhood to go for a meal? Can you trust influencers on TikTok for restaurant tips? Jessica Sidman returns to the Trip Hacks DC podcast to answer all of these questions and more! Jessica is the food editor for Washingtonian Magazine where she covers the people and trends behind D.C.’s food and drink scene. Full show nots are available on the Trip Hacks DC website.  ..read more

Visiting Washington, DC should be a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. In this episode, we're talking about tips for travelers with disabilities or those who need accommodations. We'll cover everything from how to choose a hotel, public transportation, and how to get around, to the best way to navigate the major tourist sites in the nation's capital. Joining this conversation are Kelsey Ibach and Jenny Burke. They are the co-founders of The Inclusive Traveler, an accessibility-focused travel community that spreads awareness, encourages others to travel, and promotes an accessible futur ..read more