What are the best free museums in DC that you and your family can visit while you are in the state? Well, if this is something that you have been searching for, then I have the best thing for you!
Washington, D.C., is home to so many amazing museums. The best thing, though? A lot of them provide free admission. You can research history, science, culture, and the arts for free. And if you want a list of them, then you will find this article to be of help!
Keep reading this blog till the end to learn more…
Which City Has The Highest Number Of Museums?
With 85.4 museums per 100,000 people, Washington, D.C. is the US city with the highest number of museums per capita, according to a 2019 report by the American Alliance of Museums.
There are numerous explanations for Washington, D.C.’s abundance of museums. First of all, being the nation’s capital and the seat of government, it is home to numerous national institutions and museums, including the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian Institution, which is composed of 19 museums and galleries.
Moreover, museums are a big draw for tourists to Washington, D.C., another well-liked vacation spot. The city’s museums are accessible to all, offering a broad range of topics from science and technology to art and history, and many of them are free to the general public.
Ultimately, a great deal of Washington, D.C.’s museums are dedicated to preserving and presenting the city’s rich cultural legacy. For instance, the National Museum of the American Indian focuses on the history and culture of Native Americans, while the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in 2016, is devoted to telling the story of the African American experience in the United States.
15 Best Free Museums In DC That You Need To Check Out!
Every day, scholars, researchers, visitors, and locals are drawn to our nation’s capital. The diversity and caliber of free museums here attract the crowd. However, with so many choices, selecting an itinerary might be difficult.
That is the reason why I have come to your rescue. In this article, I have planned and listed the top 15 free museums in DC that you can visit! So, without further ado, let us get started! Here are the best free museums in Washington DC that you need to visit:
1. National Gallery Of Art
This renowned art gallery spans two significant buildings joined by an illuminated tunnel. It also has an indoor waterfall and a six-acre (2.4 ha) sculpture garden. It features both traveling exhibitions and a changing exhibition of works from the permanent collection.
The permanent collection offers a marvelously thorough selection of the best artwork. It spans from ancient to modern times, including masterpieces like da Vinci, Degas, and Calder.
The National Gallery of Art is a fantastic family outing. It offers free public programming like art history films, classical performances, and kid-friendly hands-on activities.
Check out the ice skating rink in the sculpture garden if you’re here in the winter.
Every day from 10 am to 5 pm, the National Gallery of Art is open at 6th Constitution Avenue North West, Washington, DC, 20565.
2. United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
One of the biggest disasters in human history, the Holocaust of World War II, teaches us some of history’s most difficult lessons.
Except for the children’s-oriented Daniel’s Story exhibit, it is intended for visitors 11 and older due to the nature of the issues covered in this museum’s exhibitions.
The Holocaust is a permanent exhibition that offers an insightful look at this historical tragedy through a wealth of artifacts, videos, and human accounts.
James Ingo purposefully evoked architectural characteristics of various historical Holocaust places in the Freed building. He does so in an abstract, open-ended manner without making direct parallels to any of these locations.
Four commissioned works of art are also on display within the museum: Consequence, a wall drawing by Sol LeWitt; Gravity, a monolithic sculpture by Richard Serra; Loss and Regeneration, a sculpture by Joel Shapiro; and Memorial, a grouping of four white wall sculptures by Ellsworth Kelly.
Due to COVID, timed-entry tickets are required, and they can only be purchased in groups of six or fewer. Additionally, there is a $1 processing fee for online ticket purchases.
This museum deserves a place on the list of the best free museums in DC. Everyday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the museum is open. In Washington, DC, 20024, at 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place South West, is the location of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
3. National Museum Of Natural History
There are 147 million specimens and artifacts on display at the Natural History Museum with the highest visitors in the world. Some of them are The Hope Diamond, meteorites, ancient Egyptian mummies, and live insects, including butterflies.
The focus of traveling exhibits on natural history issues is on plant and animal biodiversity as well as human history.
To further improve your experience, they also offer do-it-yourself, free, printable exhibitions.
Because the museum is so big, it’s a good idea to take a break and unwind in one of their two cafes or the Garden Lounge, which has live plants.
Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Washington, DC 20560, at 1000 Madison Drive North West, is where you may find the National Museum of Natural History.
4. National Museum Of American History
Explore the over 1.7 million objects that span over 300,000 square feet (27,870 square meters) and tell the narrative of America with the four million visitors who flock here each year.
The “Star-Spangled Banner“‘s inspiration, the Greensboro lunch counter from the Civil Rights demonstrations, Julia Child’s kitchen, the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, and Lincoln’s stovepipe hat are just a few of the most well-known and well-liked exhibitions.
In addition to exceptional events like guest lecturers and performances, the museum offers regular programming as part of some exhibits like Spark! Lab and Wonderplace.
The National Museum of American History is located at 1300 Constitution Avenue North West, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm.
5. Hirshhorn Museum And Sculpture Garden
Next on the list of the must-visit free museums in DC, we have Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. This museum is a must-visit for art enthusiasts because of its enormous collection of contemporary and modern art from throughout the world.
Featured and well-known artists include Yayoi Kusama, Henry Moore, and Pablo Picasso.
Over 30 sculptures are on display at the sculpture park, including Yoko Ono’s well-known Wish Tree.
One of the most well-known American modern art museums, the Hirshorn has been open for 50 years and provides a platform for contemporary art and culture on a national scale. For special exhibits, timed passes can be necessary.
The museum offers exciting educational opportunities like storytimes, guest speakers, their mobile Art Cart, and film festivals in addition to its permanent and special exhibits.
The on-site cafe, Dolcezza, offers pastries, gelato, specialty coffee and tea in a beautifully decorated space.
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is located at Independence Avenue South West & 7th Street South West, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm.
6. National Museum Of The American Indian
In this relatively recent addition to the National Mall, explore the richness of culture, language, history, tradition, and futures of indigenous peoples of the Americas.
Visit the engaging, fun-filled imaginative Activity Centre (Tuesday–Sunday) for children ages 10 and under to learn the traditional cultural and scientific knowledge of many indigenous peoples.
The National Native American Veterans Memorial, a stainless steel circle balanced on a carved stone drum with intricate symbolic carving, was inaugurated at the museum in November 2020 to honor and remember the Native American military veterans.
Take a mouthful of some traditional food at the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe, which offers Native American foods at five themed food stations.
The museum offers a number of special events and programs, including performances, special guest lecturers, film festivals, and concerts, to share indigenous traditions with people of all ages in addition to permanent and temporary exhibitions.
The National Museum of the American Indian is located at 4th Street South West, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm.
7. National Museum Of African American History And Culture
Visit the one and only national museum that was established in the autumn of 2016 and is dedicated to preserving and promoting African American life, art, history, and culture.
With an exhibition area of 85,000 square feet (7,897 square km), it will take at least two hours to see everything.
Discover African American cuisine at the Sweet Home Cafe with its four themed stations and occasionally offered “Chef’s Tables” special meals, such as those for Black History Month.
You need a free-timed admission pass. The National Museum of African American History and Culture is located at 1400 Constitution Avenue North West, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
8. National Museum Of Asian Art
Visit the Freer Gallery to learn more about Asian art. The Sackler Gallery is home to ornamental and religious items. The Freer Gallery was the first Smithsonian institution designed purely to keep art.
They collectively house about 45,000 items with a 6,000-year history. It includes some American artworks in the Freer Gallery. For example, the greatest collection of James McNeill Whistler’s paintings in the world.
Recent substantial improvements to the galleries have given the museum new energy and technology. Additionally, the museum presents a number of special events and programs, including workshops, performances, films, and guest lecturers.
In Washington, DC, 20560, at 1050 Independence Avenue South West, lies the National Museum of Asian Art.
9. National Museum Of African Art
Next on the list of free museums in DC is the National Museum of African Art. It was initially founded in 1964 and was bought by the Smithsonian in 1979. It collects and exhibits traditional as well as modern and contemporary art from Africa.
A variety of media and issues are covered in the exhibitions, such as photography, portraiture, sculptures, film, and more on tradition, history, slavery in America, politics, and African cinema. They offer a variety of performances as well as notable speakers as part of their special programming.
In Washington, DC, 20560, at 950 Independence Avenue South West, lies the National Museum of African Art.
10. National Archives Museum
The three most significant historical documents in American history are kept there. There is also the museum and the National Archives and Records Administration.
Discover more important documents that affected American history at the Rotunda’s interactive Public Vaults permanent exhibit. It features the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
The David M. Rubenstein Gallery houses one of the four remaining original copies of the 1297Magna Carta. It is the ongoing exhibition of the Record of Rights. There is also a 17-foot (nearly 5-m) touch screen on the national discussions surrounding subjects like citizenship and free speech.
Additionally, the museum hosts a variety of passing exhibits. It includes a featured document display and the Boeing Learning Centre. Here visitors can check out white gloves and a magnifying glass to examine replica documents like an actual archivist.
The National Archives Museum is located at 701 Constitution Avenue North West, Washington, DC, 20408. It is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm.
11. National Air And Space Museum
Visit the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, for a fun-filled free museum.
Visit the renowned National Air and Space Museum to learn more about the power of flying and how it propelled humans off the planet.
The Air and Space Museum, like many other museums, is undergoing renovations that will last until 2025, although eight new exhibits are already open.
The Wright Brothers & the Invention of the Aerial Age explores the history and force of flight with a special emphasis on its creators.
Discover how we reached the moon in 1969 and why and how we are returning in the new blockbuster-level exhibit Destination Moon. You must have a free timed admission pass, otherwise you can skip the queue.
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Centre, their secondary location, is located in Chantilly, Virginia, about 40 minutes from Washington, D.C. Here, you may learn about human spaceflight and World War II aviation while also seeing planes and a space shuttle.
The National Air and Space Museum is located at 600 Independence Avenue, Washington, DC, 20560, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm.
12. National Zoo
Bears, lions, and tigers, and so much more! Discover a variety of animal species from all over the world, as well as daily animal demonstrations and habitat displays.
There are entrance passes that must be purchased in addition to paid parking passes in advance (if you decide to drive and park there).
A few same-day passes will be available on-site, although it is advised to make a reservation in advance.
Visit the Kids’ Farm, the unusual Me and the Bee playground, and the seasonally open Squirt Zone if you’re traveling with children.
Kids will enjoy the Speedwell Conservation Carousel, but keep in mind that each ride costs $4.
Two to three hours are suggested or anticipated for a trip to the zoo; be sure to wear shoes that are suitable for walking around in.
You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks (no glass bottles), though they do have some food options on-site.
The National Zoo is located at 3001 Connecticut Avenue North West, Washington, DC 20008, and is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm.
13. National Portrait Gallery
Discover portraits of some of America’s most prominent people in the visual, performing, and new media arts, including artists, politicians, scientists, innovators, activists, as well as entertainers.
The museum is home to the only comprehensive collection of presidential portraits outside of the White House, which includes works by renowned artist Gilbert Stuart.
For a customized visit with your group, schedule a tour five weeks in advance for ten or more people, or try your luck with the walk-up tours on Saturdays as well as Sundays at 12 and 2.30.
The National Portrait Gallery is located at 8th Street North West& G Street North West, Washington, DC, 20001, and is open daily from 11.30 am to 7 pm.
14. American Art Museum
Discover the country’s first collection of American art. It is one of the most significant and comprehensive collections of American art in the world. It is also a unique world-class chronicle of the American experience.
The museum has taken the lead in seeking out, gathering, and displaying exceptional as well as outstanding representations of American visual art culture.
In addition to the conventional, expected kinds of art in a museum, there is photography, current folk and self-taught work. There are also frequently unsung cultural arts, such as African American and Latino, and even computer games.
The museum has two locations. However, they are only a 25-minute walk apart. The Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) is in the downtown cultural center. The Renwick Gallery, which specializes in craft and decorative art, is close to the White House.
Check out the Experience America exhibition, which captures American culture in a variety of artistic mediums. There is also Janet Echelman’s 1.8 Renwick, a commissioned colorful fiber and lighting piece dangling from the ceiling. Moreover, it highlights the relationships between people and the natural world across time.
The SAAM site is open from 11:30 am to 7 pm, as well as the Renwick Gallery is open from 10 am to 5.30 pm. Both locations are open every day.
While the Renwick Gallery is located at 1661 Pennsylvania Avenue North West #1 in Washington, DC, the SAAM is housed in the same building as the National Portrait Gallery at G Street North West & 8th Street North West.
Last but not least, on this list of the free museums in DC that you must visit is the National Postal Museum. Who knew using the mail could be so much fun? Learn about the practicalities of how your letter gets from your mailbox to its destination as well as what it’s like to work for the postal service. You can also learn about the transportation used by the postal system.
In this amazing stamp collection, you may engage with stamps in ways you never thought possible. Along with regular special programming including story times, art programmes, reading groups, talks, and even multilingual options like Hello, Museo for kids, daily tours are also offered.
The National Postal Museum is located at 2 Massachusetts Avenue North East, Washington, DC 20002, and is open daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm.
Bonus: Phillip’s Musuem
Nestled amidst the exquisite row houses of Dupont Circle, this modern art museum was founded in 1921 within a Georgian Revival mansion that had previously served as Duncan Phillips’ family home. The location is a favorite among Washingtonians because it is both sophisticated and intimate. Impressionist and modern art are the main foci of the modern art museum, and it excels in both areas. Renoir’s well-known “Luncheon of the Boating Party” and pieces by Georgia O’Keefe, Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Richard Diebenkorn are among the highlights of the permanent collection.
A single bench is surrounded by four of the abstract expressionist artist’s paintings in a small but cozy Rothko Room. In celebration of the centennial of The Phillips Collection, visual artist Daniel Canogar created a digital piece that melds 550 pieces from the museum’s collection into a captivating, swirling projection using an algorithm.
Wrapping It Up!
I hope that this guide has been of help to you in finding the best free museums in DC. Is there more that you want to know? Feel free to scroll down and leave your queries at the bottom of the page. And I will be there to answer them all for you!
Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.
A multi-trip travel insurance policy covers unexpected financial losses for multiple trips throughout the policy period. It can be related to a medical emergency, baggage loss or trip cancellation.
As you research online, you might come across a wide range of travel insurance for multiple trips. How do you choose the most affordable multi-trip travel insurance policy?Â
Here are a few factors and tips that you can consider while looking for a budget-friendly multi-travel insurance plan.
Key Features: What To Look For In An Affordable Policy?
A‍‌‍‍‌ multi trip travel insurance is a policy that covers you financially against different types of risks, e.g., a trip cancellation, medical emergencies, etc., that may happen to you during multiple trips within the period of the policy.
The insurance is generally bought for a year and is therefore mostly referred to as an annual multi-trip holiday insurance policy.
Compare key coverage features, such as the ones below, across different multi-trip holiday insurance plans available online.
Medical Expenses - These may include the
Transportation,Â
vaccination, andÂ
Repatriation of the mortal remains,Â
Dental treatment,Â
Daily allowance in the case of hospitalisation, and many other things.
Trip Expenses - Delay of the trip, cancellation, interruption, missed connections, and so on.
Loss of Baggage - Delay or complete loss of checked-in ‍‌‍‍‌baggage.
Choosing An Affordable Policy: Does It Meet Your Needs?
While you consider a multi-trip travel insurance policy instead of a separate travel insurance plan for each trip, ensure it covers all your specific needs.Â
Look out for the following aspects:
Flexible features to customise the multi-trip travel insurance to your advantage.
Online convenience and customer support to seek assistance on queries.
Seamless claim settlement process and high claim settlement ratio for a reliable experience.
1. Review Your Needs For Cost-Effective Coverage
While selecting basic and customisable coverage, review your needs carefully and choose the most important features. Determine the extent of coverage required based on possible risks that can affect your financial situation.
Taking this step can help you compare more effectively and lead to a better multi-trip travel insurance policy at an affordable premium.
2. Calculate Premium And Save For Multi-Trip Insurance
Calculate the premium for the various annual multi-trip holiday insurance plans. It will be available on the specific insurer’s official website. Compare the price against the coverage features and benefits offered.
Some reputable insurance providers, such as Reliance General Insurance, offer premium rates for their various multi trip travel insurance policy options to make the comparison easier.
3. Save More With Exclusive Discounts
As you compare features and premium rates, keep an eye out for discounts. These may apply to specific policy types, travel seasons, coverage levels, and more.
Ensure it helps you reduce the premium for an affordable policy without compromising coverage features or requirements.
4. Plan, Buy Early, And Save More
Compare and buy a multi-trip travel insurance or single-trip multi-destination travel insurance plan well in advance.
Buying it much earlier can help you secure a more affordable policy by taking advantage of lower demand, better premium rates, and added coverage benefits.
What Multi-Trip Travel Insurance Does Not Cover?
The first thing you should pay regard to is the limitation of every single possible length of the trip.
Next, do not allow any pre-existing medical condition. And finally, the instances that are not covered if you participate in high-risk sports.
Key Exclusions You Need To Know About
1. Pre-Existing Medical Conditions:Â
Most of the standard checked policies will not take on the costs related to medical conditions that have existed prior to buying the insurance.
Only a couple of insurance companies may offer an extra provision at a higher price to cover the acute flare-ups! However, the planned treatments are always in the list of exclusions.
2. High-Risk Activities
Suppose your program includes adventure or extreme sports such as skydiving, bungee jumping, or mountaineering.
In that case, you will understand that these activities are generally not included in a multi-trip standard policy. So, you will have to sign up for a specialised insurance policy.
3. Alcohol Or Drug-Related Incidents
Suppose the event, disease, or injury happens when you are using alcohol or illegal drugs, or you are misusing prescription medication. In that case, you will most likely find that your claims will be rejected.
4. Travel Against Official Advice
Insurance for incidents occurring in a specified area will most likely be voided! In case you travel to places with government advisories or warnings (e.g., war, civil unrest, or natural disasters)!
5. Self-Inflicted HarmÂ
Generally, the inclusion of such injuries caused deliberately by
Oneself,Â
Suicide attempt, andÂ
Disorders related to mental/emotional conditions (like anxiety or depression),
6. Loss Due to Negligence
In a nutshell, the insurer will not compensate you for lost or stolen personal items if it finds that you were negligent (e.g., leaving items unattended in a public place or not using a hotel safe). ​‍​
‌‍​‍Common Limitations You Will EncounterÂ
Maximum Trip Duration: This is perhaps the most significant restriction that comes along with multi-trip policies.
If you are after unlimited trips in a year, remember that the limit is set per trip, most of the time 30, 45, or 60 days, depending on the plan you select.
Age Limits: Generally, multi-trip insurance policies have an upper age limit for applicants to be covered; this limit is usually set at about 70 years.
It may be necessary for your elderly family members to look for specialised single-trip insurance policies.
Coverage Limits on Valuables: It is important to note that there are typically sub-limits on compensation for lost or stolen valuables, such as cash, jewellery, or electronic items.
Specific Documentation Required for Claims: You must furnish all required documentation to make a successful claim!
For instance, original receipts, medical records, and a police report (which should be filed within 24 hours in case of theft)! Otherwise, your claim is likely to be turned down.
As a precautionary measure, always make sure you have read the fine print of the policy you are considering and discussed any clarifications, doubts, or planned activities with the insurance company before the purchase.‌
Read Also:
Coverage For Special Occasions: Travel Insurance For Canadian Festivals And Events
The Convenience Of Online Long Stay Travel Insurance
Top 8 Travel Medical Insurance Trends to Consider
The USA is a safe country for female solo travelers. It has secured the 37th position in the “Women Peace and Security Index” among 177 nations in 2023.
Further, the 2023 report of the TrustedHousesitters says that there is a massive increase in the number of female travelers booking solo trips.
Specifically, the report registers a 193% growth in the number of solo female travelers in 2022.
Now, women often find themselves solo.
It can be a breakup, a change of job, a need for some space and me-time amidst so many responsibilities…or just the much-awaited introspection time!
It’s great that the best places to travel solo female in the US await you with eclectic experiences.Â
While Savannah in Georgia spills history and wins hearts with its architecture, Miami emerges as a stunner for its coastal fun and vibrant nightlife.
So, let’s discover the best places to travel solo female in US.
Best Places To Travel Solo Female In US: 8+ Destinations You Will Fall In Love With
“Take a break, girl!”
Has this been on your mind for the longest time? It’s time to enjoy your own company and explore new places at your own pace.
Solo traveling is cool in many places in the USA. However, to begin with, you can check out the following places.
I have enlisted the places based on our in-house “Solo Travel Safety Meter” scores out of 5.
Further, our “Solo Travel Safety Meter” has assessed the availability of basic amenities, safety provisions, and things to do at those places.Â
Moreover, we have done research on online reviews to pick the best places to travel solo female in US.
1. Miami, Florida
Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 4.4
Best Time to Visit Miami: December to February and March to May
Miami is for the social butterflies and mermaids!
You can spend the day by the famous beaches of Miami and enjoy the best nightlife at the nightclubs. Further, you will love the Latin cuisine in Miami.
Have a look at the best beaches in Miami.
South Beach
Haulover Naturist Beach, North Beach
Haulover Dog Beach
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Moreover, if you want to chill at nightclubs, consider exploring places like El Patio Wynwood, Tipsy Flamingo, Club Space, etc.
2. Savannah, Georgia
Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 4.3
Best Time to Visit: March to July
If you visit Savannah between March and July, you will cherish the warm weather and flowers in full bloom.
Further, Savannah is home to the Wormsloe Historic Site, William Scarbrough House, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, and many other ancient and prominent architecture.
So, you can call Savannah the historical hub of the country. Savannah is also known for its warm hospitality.
3. Seattle, Washington
Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 4.1
Best Time to Visit: July to September
Seattle or the Emerald City will offer you the best of urban and rural lives. Space Needle and Pike Place Market are some prominent places to explore when you are in Seattle.
From the Space Needle, you will enjoy a 360-degree view of Mount Rainier, the Olympic mountain ranges, Cascades, and downtown.
Moreover, in Seattle, you will enjoy a ferry ride to islands nearby and the coffee plantations of the city will mesmerize you.
4. Charleston, South Carolina
Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 4
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
If you are looking for a relaxing solo traveling experience, Charleston will be your go-to destination.
Further, if you are a dark academia fan, you will love taking a stroll along the cobblestone streets of the historic district.
You will also come across scenic plantations in Charleston. Moreover, for the most peaceful experience, you can enjoy a short walk in Battery.
You will enjoy the most beautiful view of the harbor from here.Â
5. Asheville, North Carolina
Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.9
Best Time to Visit: September to November
The beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains graces Asheville in North Carolina.
Along with being a place of great scenic beauty, it is also known as a hub of art and culture.Â
Further, when in Asheville, you can explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Pisgah National Forest.
Moreover, Asheville offers you the best farm-to-table dining experiences.
HomeGrown, Chestnut, Vivian, and Corner Kitchen are some of the best locations for farm-to-table dining indulgence in Asheville.Â
6. Austin, Texas
Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.8
Best Time to Visit: March to May and September to November
Austin will win you over with its vibrant culture.
It is the biggest draw for the music and gastronomic enthusiasts. Austin houses some of the best BBQ joints in the country. You can visit any of the following places to cherish the taste of Texas-style BBQ.
Smokin' Brew-B-Q
Terry Black's Barbecue
The Salt Lick BBQ
Did You Know?You will get the South Texas barbecue style in the eateries of Austin. Here, the smoked meat is served with molasses-based barbecue sauce. This sauce preserves the moisture of the meat. So, you enjoy a moist and flavorful delicacy.
Moreover, Austin has the Colorado River. If you are an adventurous soul, you can take part in multiple outdoor activities along that river.
7. Hot Springs, Arkansas
Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.6
Best Time to Visit: April to May and September to October
Are you looking for a relaxing getaway? Hot Springs, Arkansas, will be the ideal destination for you.
Named “the Valley of the Vapors” by native Americans, Hot Springs has natural hot springs producing water with a temperature of “143 degrees Fahrenheit.”Â
Bathhouse Row and Quapaw Baths & Spa are some of the best places to indulge in the natural spa experience.
8. Alamogordo, New Mexico
Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.5
Best Time to Visit: May to October
Alamogordo is home to the White Sands National Park. You will love the long stretches of gypsum sand dunes here. In fact, it is the largest gypsum dune field in the world.
However, the fossilized footprints of humans and animals are the most fascinating things in the park. These footprints are from the Ice Age.
Despite being one of the best places to travel solo female in US, Alamogordo is underrated. You will love its wine and have it with some pistachios for the best experience.
9. Anchorage, Alaska
Tour and Travel Safety Meter Rating: 3.3
Best Time to Visit: March to November
One of the best places to travel solo female in US, Anchorage is great for cruise trips. The cruise trips in Anchorage are great as you enjoy the bliss of solo travel and enjoy the company of a group with similar interests.
The exchange of knowledge and experience always works when you are traveling to a new place.
The cruise trip in Alaska will make you meet the big five of the state: caribou, bear, Dall sheep, moose, and wolf. Further, as a solo female traveler, you will enjoy the following activities here.
Dog sledding
Watching the Northern Lights
Visiting the Glaciers
Moreover, you can stargaze and enjoy a midnight stroll in Anchorage without safety concerns.
Also read
Why Include Whale Watching In Your LA Itinerary.
Traveling On A Budget: Tips For Affordable Adventures.
From Cocktails To Kickflips: Must-Try Activities In San Diego.
Long-haul flights are dreadful. The stark, urbane terminals and the long nights of tiresome, cram-y seating sure work you up just thinking about it. The flights that roll over to the next morning always have some drama up their sleeves.
Then came the rescue team from Taiwan- EVA Air, which is currently one of the 10 Skytrax 5-star airlines in the world. Would you believe it if I told you it was little known even up until a few years back? It was founded in 1989.
However, I started hearing about this flight in the early 1990s when my extended family would talk about this new carrier with non-stop flights on B747-400 jets. Back then, it sounded like a story from another realm. I would hear them talk about the aroma of delicious noodles when woken up from sleep by a flight attendant as a late-night snack. I also heard of the very non-conforming Sanrio aircraft that were Hello Kitty Jets, decked out completely from the headrests to the meal cutlery. Everything featured the widely adored character.
I finally had the chance to board it. Despite all the different things that this airline was revolutionizing, the most exciting part as a young traveler still remained the all-new cabin category between the economy and the EVA Air business class. This change was surprisingly affordable, and I was willing to upgrade for my 14+ hour flight home.
Here I am going to share my experience of flying from New York to Taipei. Stay tuned because you are about to find out the hype behind Eva Air flights and a pretty up-close EVA Air Premium Economy review.
The Beginning Of EVA Air Premium Economy
Image Source: www.evaair.com
The press releases from the airline say that AVA Air’s first trans-Pacific debut took place on December 12, 1992. It had four cabins, which was a first at that time. The four cabins included Super First, Super Deluxe, Economy Deluxe, and Economy. With Economy Deluxe, the airline became the first to introduce an improved economy cabin that is the Economy Deluxe.
It became a benchmark for the airline as most others took two to three decades to introduce this cabin to their list of offerings. Recently (last summer), KLM debuted its premium economy. The seat prices are reasonable with business class-like perks. My Taipei experience was very endearing to me because of its convenient pair-up of high quality and affordability. The street food, the stationery, and the convenience stores all added to my love for Taipei. The EVA Air flight was a big cherry on top because all of that now comes in an aircraft.
Read More: Here’s What I Found Out About Aha Airlines!
A New Version 30 Years Later
Image Source: www.evaair.com
Three decades since its first flight, I booked the Premium Economy class for my way back to Taipei from NYC. The perks of this flight began even before I boarded it. This airline offers free shuttles from 2 Pennsylvania and 5 New Jersey locations toward JFK Airport. Dallas to Houston Airport also offers a free shuttle service. It has successfully removed one of the biggest issues of international travel, which is simply getting to the airport.
I took a $20 Uber to the Jersey City stop, which would have otherwise been a $130 Uber ride all the way to the airport.
Being a part of the Star Alliance, I was granted access to the lounge with my United Gold status. It allowed me to upgrade my boarding from Zone 4 to Zone 1. As soon as I got into the cabin, it felt luxurious. They used sweet endearments with my name in Mandarin. They helped me settle in my seat and confirmed my meal selection, which I had previously made online.
The seats had a 2-4-2 arrangement, and I had managed to secure a front-row seat, which meant no under-seat coverage but plenty of leg space. On my seat, there were slippers, a water bottle, noise-canceling headphones, and a cozy blanket that felt like a cloud. The blanket was quilted on one surface and had faux fur on the opposite side.
How It Went
An attendant soon came and gave me an overnight bag. It was a Kipling amenity kit consisting of Hudson Made New York products. It had the brand’s trademark monkey keychain with a scene of Taiwan’s Yilan on the bag. My entire EVA Air flight felt like a warm, pamper session with juice, fruits, and snacks while suspended at 30,000 feet mid air.
The breakfast was amazing, with Chinese-style scallop congee with egg & Chinese sausage. There was an option for another Western version that comprised smoked turkey accompanied by cheddar cheese. There was also a “leisure delight” meal in between the meals with BBQ chicken-filled brioche roll.
The restrooms were clean, and I can say so because I went three times, and it was clean each time. To clarify, I took a private plane recently that got filthy by the last hour of the flight, which was one-third the duration of the EVA Air.
When I took the return journey, I wanted to take things further, getting myself the business class name Royal Laurel. It featured 6.5-foot-long lie-flat seats, a retractable armrest, a cocktail table, and a shoe cabinet. This cabin had a 1-2-1 configuration with dated seats compared to other airlines. EVA Air raised the bar, however, with their Rimowa & Salvatore Ferragamo branded care kit and a complementary Jason Wu pajama set. All the passengers ended up wearing it, and I, too, could not resist it. I wore it all the way home.
The plaid duvet was so snug and comfy I asked where I could buy one. At one point, I fell asleep and dreamt of those noodles. But it was not my dream… they did bring noodles in between our slumber, and it just completed the experience all around.
Wrapping Up
Have you flown EVA Air before or recently? What was your experience like? What do you think about the Premium Economy class? If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
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