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One Week, One Trip: How We Did D.C. & VA Without Breaking the Bank

  • Writer: Leigh Morrow
    Leigh Morrow
  • 6 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Sometimes the hardest part of planning a vacation isn’t finding the time—it’s figuring out where to go and how much to spend. Over my next few blogs, I’m sharing three different trips my family has taken, all built around just one week of vacation. One on the budget-friendly side, one mid-range, and one where we splurged a little. 


Let’s start with the budget option: Washington, D.C. A week in our nation’s capital gave us incredible history, world-class museums (many of them free!), and plenty of family memories without a big price tag.


Travel agent Leigh Morrow with a historic statue of Thomas Jefferson

Washington, D.C. Trip Highlights (Budget-Friendly) 


  • Smithsonian Museums – Air & Space, Natural History, and American History (all free!) 

  • National Monuments & Memorials – Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial 

  • U.S. Capitol & Library of Congress – guided tours and stunning architecture 

  • National Archives – see the original Declaration of Independence and Constitution 

  • The National Zoo – free admission, perfect for a family day 

  • Walks on the National Mall – wide open green space for picnics and relaxing between sights 

  • Day trip to Arlington National Cemetery – history, reflection, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony 

  • Ford's Theater -- tour the historic theater where Lincoln was assassinated, visit the museum and Peterson House, see the presidential box, and learn about the aftermath—plus attend live performances in the still-active playhouse.


Optional add-ons if budget allows: 


  • Spy Museum or Newseum (when open) – unique, interactive experiences for kids and adults 

  • Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass – affordable way to see a lot without the stress of driving/parking

  • Bike Tour of the National Monuments & Memorials


Williamsburg, VA (Free Activities) 


  • Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area – stroll Duke of Gloucester Street and enjoy the atmosphere (outdoor areas are free; costumed programs/buildings require tickets). 

  • Merchants Square – window shop and enjoy the colonial-style marketplace. 

  • College of William & Mary Campus – walk through the second-oldest college in the U.S., with historic buildings and the beautiful Sunken Gardens. 

  • Governor’s Palace Gardens & Public Green – portions of the gardens and outdoor spaces are free to wander. 


Charlottesville, VA (Free Activities)


  • University of Virginia- tour the historic Rotunda & walk the Lawn (a UNESCO World Heritage site).

  • Monticello-- see the historic home of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president and author of the Declaration of Independence. Located just outside Charlottesville, Virginia, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and National Historic Landmark. Monticello admission is $32 per adult.


Budget Tips We Used: 

  • Timing: We went over Thanksgiving break—a full week off school without taking extra days, which worked perfectly. 

  • Hotels: Staying just outside the city (Arlington or Alexandria, VA) saved hundreds compared to downtown rates, and the Metro made it easy to get in and out. 

  • Transportation: Skip renting a car—parking is expensive. The Metro is affordable, safe, and convenient. 

  • Meals: We mixed in quick casual spots and food trucks for lunch, then enjoyed sit-down dinners just once or twice. 

  • Extras: Since most museums and memorials are free, we kept paid activities to a minimum—one or two “special” splurges (like a Bike Monument tour or Monticello) gave us balance without breaking the budget.


Ready to turn one week off into a memorable (and affordable) getaway? Let’s start planning.

Want to work with Leigh? Visit her page to fill out a quote request form, or contact her below!


504-621-3518

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