It is possible to visit Washington D.C., and wing it, but there are so many must-see things to do that require tickets (both free and paid) that it is really in your interest to plan ahead, especially if you are going for a short visit or vacationing during the holidays or the peak travel season.

Almost all the government tours require tickets, and some of these tours have very limited windows of opportunity, especially after the terrorist attacks of September 11. For instance, the White House was closed to tours by the general public for over two years and reopened with a much more limited public touring policy. It is now possible to have a guided tour only through your member of congress. These self-guided tours of ten people may visit the national residence between 7:30 A.M. and 12:30 P.M., Tuesday through Saturday, excluding Federal holidays. However, there is an ongoing process trying to open the White House to more public access, so call the White House information line at 202-456-7041 or check its Web site at www.whitehouse.gov to see if any more tickets have been added or if the hours have been expanded.

To plan a trip through your member of congress, it is now suggested that you call your representative's or senator's local office six months before your trip. You can find the phone numbers in your local phone book, call information, or search on the Web for his or her Web site. You can also write to him or her at the following address:

Write the words “Advance Tickets” on the envelope. If you're short on time, it might be worth your while to call the Washington office and fax your letter. You may also be able to apply for tickets online through your representative's office.

In addition to the White House tour, government tours and sites that require tickets include: