How to Plan a Frugal Obamamania Trip to DC
Inexpensive Ways to Witness President Obama’s Inauguration
Nov 6, 2008
Cheap travel begins with research. Various hotels are offering charter bus deals leaving from Canada to Washington, DC, and most of them are around the $800 mark. While this may be within some lucky souls' budgets, and travelling by bus is relatively more environmentally friendly than taking a single car, it might not be for everyone.
Reduce Travel Prices by Organizing a Group
- Ask if anyone else is interested. Travelling with friends can be fun, not to mention, can save you money by sharing costs.
- Agree on a departure and arrival date and time. Settling on this ahead of time can prevent on-the-road arguments.
- Know your budget and your friends' financial limits
- Ask your friends what is the most they can afford and what is their limit.
- Look for travel websites and compare prices. Expedia, Fare Navigator, Travelocity, Tripso, might be a good way to start.
Cheap Ways to Get to Washington: Plane, Train or Automobile?
Currently, bus trips available through the Get On The Bus website, which features an Obama Inauguration travel package. Some train and airline packages might reduce their fees for groups, but might not give you the reduced rate if your group already includes reduced-fee travelers, such as students or seniors.
Call your airline of choice and see what your options are. You might not relish the thought of being on hold for an eternity while listening to insipid renditions of easy listening tunes, but your savings may be worth it.
Carpooling with friends could be a cost effective way of bringing everyone to the same destination on time: Everyone should agree that there should be no stops for errands along the way. Each traveler should be ready and packed well before departure time.
Renting a van could be an efficient method for bringing a larger group along for the ride without the worry of losing two or more cars. Decide on what the prices you are all willing to pay, who the driver(s) are, and what the backup plans are, in case of illness or delay.
Destination: Obama's Inauguration without Going Broke
Obamamania may result in fully booked hotels and motels, but there is the option of trying to rent an apartment. One website that is designed to find short-term apartments for tourists is Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO).
With sites in Canada, The U.S. as well as Europe, this is a handy tool to gauge your destination. If the cost still seems out of reach, there is always the time-honoured tradition of couch surfing.
How to be a Gracious Guest at an Obama Inaugural Party
While your friends or relatives may love a visit from you, they might not appreciate your inviting your group along without any notice. Here are some basic rules for billeting with friends and family.
- A good host needs to calculate how many rooms or beds are available, provide clean towels, and prepare enough food, so know how many people you can bring comfortably to your hosts' home.
- Ask about who has sleeping bags and be clear about sleeping arrangements with guests and hosts: Don't expect the host to provide beds or sleeping bags, especially if this is a last minute trip.
- Ask your potential hosts about having friends stay over weeks before you leave for your destination. Be clear about the numbers and reassure your potential hosts that they have the right to refuse a large group; it is their home after all, and you'll still love them long after the event is over.
- Don't invite anyone at the last minute. This puts the host in an awkward position and makes you look disorganized.
- Do not come to the door empty handed. A "thank you" gift shows that you appreciate the favour of providing lodging.
- A good guest eases his or her host's burden by paying for groceries for the entire household, or offering a token payment if it's done tastefully. (It's still less than several nights in a hotel!)
- Be the guest you would love to have: Clean up after yourself. Do not leave dishes in the sink, or towels on the floor.
- Write a thank you note. While email and phones may be faster and easier, there is nothing like receiving a formal thank you in the mail. It shows you really took the time to compose your thoughts and show you care.
Even Cheaper Options for Celebrating Obama's Inauguration
If travelling still seems unaffordable, or just inconvenient, try these fun ways of taking part:
- Host a weekend Inauguration Pyjama Party. You may be a grown up, but it could be fun to have friends show up for a mixed gender sleepover. Pillow fights are optional.
- Have a "Yes, He Did!" themed potluck while watching the inauguration.
- It may be brutally cold in January, but try an outdoor cookout: Bring out the barbecue from hibernation and make summertime favourites to celebrate.
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