Washington DC: A TDY Survival Guide

Whether you stay with the federal government for five years or fifty, it’s inevitable that at some point you’ll be assigned to the Washington, DC area on a TDY (temporary duty) status for at least a few weeks.  Some of the best opportunities for training and advancement are offered inside the beltway, so it’s important to have an idea of what to expect while you’re here!

If you’re flying in by plane, you can arrive at either Reagan National (DCA) or Washington-Dulles (IAD), depending on which side of town you’re staying in.  Dulles is a nice airport on the western suburbs of the city, but you’ll need to arrange either a rental car, taxi, bus or shuttle to take you to your final destination.  Reagan is more centrally located in the city, and you can take the Metro train directly from the terminal.  As an added bonus, flying into Regan gives you a nice aerial tour of the city monuments on the Mall! 

Once you’ve arrived, I recommend getting familiar with the city’s Metro subway system just as quickly as possible.  Traffic in DC is terrible, even for the hardiest city drivers, so don’t pass up the chance to use public transportation.  The Metro trains run throughout the city and suburbs, and they’re usually going to be the quickest way to get across town.  For smartphone users, the Metro even offers a free app that you can download for maps, train schedules, and updated route information.

If your daily work takes you downtown, don’t pass up the opportunity to do some sightseeing while you’re there.  The museums at the Smithsonian Institution are free and conveniently located, so they’re a great option if you’re looking for somewhere to duck in for an hour or two between meetings.  You could make a full-time job of trying to see everything in their collection, so don’t overwhelm yourself!  When I’m in DC, I usually just pick out an interesting museum and let myself wander.  These museums are open every day except Christmas, so they’re always a consistent fallback plan during your spare time.

If you’re in the same area, you can’t beat the National Mall when it comes to people-watching.  As an added bonus, taking a stroll on the Mall is a great way to fight back those extra pounds that inevitably come with living in a hotel and eating out every day.  Budget at least an hour if you want to see all the monuments on the Mall, and even more if you’re a “sign reader” who likes to go inside and explore all the exhibits.  The outdoor Mall is one of the most memorable places you can visit during your stay in DC, but be sure to check the weather report first.  It’s one thing to brave the cold and wind to see the highlights of our national’s capitol, but you’ll definitely regret taking this walking tour in the rain!

Whether your stay in DC is for five days or five weeks, don’t forget to take advantage of this opportunity to see the sights while you’re here.  Like any other trip, the more research and planning you do in advance, the more satisfied you’ll be with the results.  And if you’ve been to DC lately, feel free to share your favorite “must-see” attraction in the comments section below!