Looking for free things to see and do in DC? It’s a stunning city in the US and more planned out than any other. If you’re short on cash, DC is a great place to visit – most monuments and buildings are free to the public. Here are our top choices for saving cash without sacrificing fun.

1. Cheap Transportation – the Chinatown bus. For those who have travelled the world with a backpack on their shoulders, this seems to be a relic from another country. As the cheapeast way to get around the northeastern seaboard, you can use the Chinatown buses to get from DC to New York, Boston and most major northeastern cities for a price lower than any other means of transport. Many companies exist, but here’s a good start: Find your Chinatown bus>>

2. Stick to the National Mall – the large green strip running through the center of the city, this is the center of EVERYTHING. Take the metro to the capital building and make your way west. Here are a few of the places worth seeing on the national mall:

• Capitol building (may have to wait a while)
• Library of Congress (behind the capitol)
• National Art Museum
• National History Museum
• Air and Space Museum
• Washington Monument
• White House
• World War 2 Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial (at far west end)
• Jefferson Memorial (the only monument not directly on the Mall)

3. Where to eat – food courts abound under a lot of the government buildings and are inexpensive to eat at (comparatively). Avoid the many nice restaurants that dot the mall itself, and swerve off a block or two to find budget eats. More than likely (if the weather’s right), you’ll also find hot dog vendors on the mall itself or near one of the metro exits selling food for cheap. And if you’re REALLY lucky, you’ll arrive during one of the cultural festivals on the mall. During the Asia festival in July 2008, for example, every country from eastern Asia set up food pavilions selling culturally-accurate food for the masses. Delicious!

4. Arlington Cemetary – as the final resting place of America’s soldiers, it’s an amazing place to visit and take in.

5. Union Station – for a backpacker going by train, this will be your introduction to the city. Worth a quick view if you’re near the capitol building, it’s America’s most intriguing rail station.

6. Where to stay: hostels aren’t as plentiful in the US as elsewhere, and choices are limited. If you stay in the city, the HI Hostel in downtown is an option. Another good option for the US is the use of priceline.com.  If you’re traveling in a party of 2 or more, it is a GREAT way to get a room for discount prices. A general rule of thumb is only pick hotels in the area where you are comfortable with and start bidding at 40% of the market rate. If you don’t get it, no problem – try again the next day.

What NOT to see: There’s not a lot in DC that is should be avoided, but here’s a short list:

• National Aquarium – located in a relatively small basement and costing decent cash to enter, this isn’t worth your time
• Ford Theatre – this has been closed for what seems like forever. Located a 20 minute walk from the mall, it’s not worth the time
• American Indian Museum – amazingly stunning from the outside, the museum fails to send a cohesive message or give exhibits of comparable grandiose to those nearby.

Want to see some photos of DC? Check out our Washington DC Free Photo Gallery>>

Savannah for many folks is an idyllic southern locale, home to Paula Deen, haunted old homes and live oaks that seem wrap everything in spanish moss. As one of the country’s major tourist destinations, it’s an amazing place of history and culture. And everything you’ve heard about Savannah’s historic district is completely true.

So what is there to see and do in Savannah? As a native of Savannah, I’ve spent a lot of time in the city and have an idea for a few mainstream and off-the-beaten path activities. Want to visit the city and truly live like the locals, here are a few ideas to get you started:

- Tybee Island: It’s the anti-Hilton Head. With people of all kinds coming to this nearby beach just east of the city, it’s a glimpse into how the city really lives. Read more on Tybee Island>>

- Mrs. Wilke’s Dining Room: The “original” family dinner restaurant in Savannah, Mrs. Wilke’s has been around for generations. Unlike Paula’s restaurant, you’ll be surrounded by many locals as they come to eat great local food. Make sure to get there before it opens – they are only open for lunch from 11-2. Visit their website>>

- Mighty Eighth Museum: This is probably the best museum in town, albeit’s located the farthest from it. Situated on I-95 to attract passers-by, this museum is a tribute to the men that founded what we now know as the modern US Air Force. Check it out, it’s entertaining for all ages. See more on the Mighty Eighth Museum>>

- Savannah Music Festival: The largest music festival in the Southeast, this party kicks off several days after the end of the St. Patrick’s day festivities (which I recommend for the adventurous). With bands playing for nearly 3 weeks, there’s no better place to see spring kick off. Find out more about the Savannah Music Festival>>

When you’re done, make sure to combine your personal photos with a map of the city in a custom frame-ready poster from TravelRelic.com. Start your Savannah RELIC Print now>>