Alexandria attracts thousands of visitors all year round, partly thanks to its historic Old Town, beautiful architecture, and stunning location on the banks of the Potomac River. Conveniently positioned just six miles away from Washington, D.C., and within easy reach of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Alexandria is a great base for your next getaway.
A vacation to Alexandria needn’t break the bank; savvy travelers are using Hipmunk to find discounted hotel deals and cheap flights to the city.
Bargain Flights to Alexandria
Seven airlines serve Ronald Reagan Airport and they offer a range of flights to major cities throughout the U.S. including to Los Angeles, Portland, Austin, Denver, and Salt Lake City. Check out JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines for some low-cost flights.
An online flight aggregator is the quickest way to compare flights to Alexandria. Hipmunk is fast earning a reputation as one of the best travel compare websites around. They differ from other sites by comparing all available flights on an easy-to-view grid which provides you with an instant visual overview of when flights are departing and how much they cost.
Finding Affordable Hotels
If your visit falls over a holiday, it is always a good idea to book your hotel with plenty of time in advance to avoid disappointment. If you are staying during the week or during the slow season, then you are more likely to find some last-minute hotel discounts. Let third-party and comparison sites do the hard work for you, as many hotels will avoid slashing rates on their websites to prevent upsetting customers who have already booked at the full rate.
Airbnb offers another option for alternative accommodations in Alexandria. Airbnb works by letting hosts list their house, apartment, spare room, or even a tent in their garden, so that you can have a cheap place to crash while also enjoying a more unique and authentic stay. Hipmunk also compares Airbnb results alongside hotels.
Free Sightseeing
Luckily for the budget-conscious traveler, Alexandria has a number of free and fun things to do year-round. A leisurely stroll down Alexandria’s main drag, King Street, is the perfect way to start any trip and soak up the electric vibe of the city. The Torpedo Factory Art Center, the Athenaeum, and the National Inventors Museum all have free admission for guests, while a number of free events such as outdoor entertainment, festivals, guided walks, and farmer’s markets are held throughout the year.
Getting Around Alexandria for Cheap
Why not travel in style by jumping on one of the decorative trolleys that regularly make their way up and down King Street? Not only do they look spectacular but they are also completely free to use! Public buses connect the city to the outskirts and beyond, and bicycles can be hired to explore the city on wheels.
Follow the above advice and you will be well on your way to a wallet-friendly trip to Alexandria. Enjoy!
Author Bio:
Zachary Katz-Stein graduated from Kenyon College in December 2012. He now works as a writer for the Hipmunk City Love Project when not teaching yoga classes.