travel agency in washington dc

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DeSalvio Travel is a Virtuoso affiliate luxury travel agency serving clients around the country. We curate beautiful journeys that nourish your soul and leave you feeling fully transformed and connected with the world. We are your trusted advisors. Not only experts in the destinations of your choice, but experts in you and your unique travel preferences.

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Whether honeymooning in the most exotic locations for a relaxing, romantic escape or braving the farthest corners of the world for adventurous excursions, leave the planning to us. Our customized itineraries will help you escape your busy day to day life with ease and attention to detail. You can relax knowing that we’ve saved you over 40 plus hours of research time. Doors will open for you around the world thanks to our relationships and vetted connections.

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888.715.4518, cire travel washington dc, cire travel midcoast.

CIRE Travel Washington DC focuses on concierge-style planning for corporate travel, groups and meetings, luxury vacations and honeymoon clients. Our DC-based travel agents give CIRE’s clients access to a greater network of connections, both in the nation’s capital and around the world.

Washington DC-Based Travel Agents with A-List Connections

A long-time favorite among financial services firms, biotech companies, start-ups, family offices, celebrities and non-celebrities, Washington DC's most beloved corporate, leisure, and honeymoon travel service is CIRE Travel. Our charismatic, resourceful travel advisors who make impossible arrangements possible are at your beck and call with Eric Hrubant at the helm. Exceptional concierge-like service is CIRE’s status quo. Our travel planning services are backed by the power and reach of First in Service Travel.

Corporate, Vacation and Honeymoon Travel Planning We work with clients throughout DC and across the U.S. If you are a frequent business traveler, have a honeymoon approaching or want to connect with a professional travel agency, your best choice is CIRE Travel.

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Destination DC: 24 ways to get local in Georgetown

The third installment in our “closer to home” city series is here! First up was New York where we visited the hot spots in Brooklyn with CIRE luxury vacation advisor, Esther Klijn. Next, we headed to Boston to find out the favorite local hangouts of our trusted friends and partners in the travel industry.

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Best Travel Agencies in Washington DC: Let Experts Plan Your Trip

Planning a dream getaway can be exhilarating, but it can also be a daunting task. Fortunately, Washington, DC boasts some of the finest travel agents that can turn your travel dreams into a reality.

From securing visas to crafting the perfect itinerary, these travel experts have you covered. 🏝️

Travel Visa Pro

📌 1802 Vernon Street NW, Washington DC, 20009 ☎️ (202) 684-7150 🌐 https://www.travelvisapro.com/contacts/washington-dc

If your travel plans involve international destinations, securing the right visas can be a labyrinthine process. Enter Travel Visa Pro, your go-to destination for visa and passport services in Washington, DC.

Their expert team will simplify the visa application process, ensuring you have all the necessary documents and making your international adventure hassle-free.

Greener Travel

📌 1742 Kalorama Rd. NW Unit B, Washington DC, 20009 ☎️ (202) 599-0655 🌐 http://www.costaribbean.com/tailored-trips.html

For eco-conscious travelers, Greener Travel is the agency of choice. They specialize in sustainable travel, offering a unique blend of adventure and environmental responsibility.

Whether it’s eco-friendly accommodations, carbon offset programs, or immersive eco-tours, Greener Travel can help you explore the world while minimizing your carbon footprint.

Connoisseur Travel

📌 440 Virginia Avenue NW, Suite D101, Washington DC, 20037 ☎️ (202) 469-8900 🌐 https://www.ctltd.com/

Connoisseur Travel is your ticket to luxurious experiences. Their dedicated team curates personalized itineraries and experiences, catering to your every whim.

From high-end accommodations to exclusive tours, they excel in crafting travel experiences that are as opulent as they are memorable.

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Oasis China Visa Services

📌 2201 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 333, Washington DC, 20007 ☎️ (866) 312-8472 🌐 https://www.oasischinavisa.com/

Are you planning a visit to the Middle Kingdom? Oasis China Visa Services is your gateway to a seamless journey.

They specialize in facilitating Chinese visas, a process that can be complex for the uninitiated. With their expert guidance, you can embark on your Chinese adventure with confidence.

CIRE Travel – Washington, DC

📌 1875 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 12226, Washington DC, 20009 ☎️ (212) 339-2917 🌐 https://ciretravel.com/

CIRE Travel is the epitome of personalized service. Their Washington, DC branch is part of a global network of travel experts dedicated to crafting unique, tailor-made experiences.

They go above and beyond to understand your travel aspirations and transform them into reality. From multi-destination adventures to last-minute getaways, CIRE Travel has you covered.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by CIRE Travel: Luxury Travel (@ciretravel)

These top-notch travel agencies in Washington, DC cater to a diverse range of travelers.

Whether you’re planning a globe-trotting adventure, an eco-conscious retreat, a luxurious escapade, or a journey to China, these experts have the knowledge and experience to make your travel dreams come true.

They handle the details, so you can focus on creating lifelong memories. When it comes to travel, these agencies are your ideal partners, ensuring your trip is both seamless and unforgettable.

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We pride ourselves on taking the STRESS out of the travel planning experience. We are a Black-owned full-service travel agency dedicated to curating amazing travel experiences for world adventurers! With Passport Poppin, your only concern when it comes to a vacay is how good you will look on it! 

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Barcelona Cruise Oct 6, 2 024 - Oct 13, 2024

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We are a full service corporate travel agency located in the heart of washington, dc.

ALW Travels is your premier travel agency based in Washington, DC, working with clients from across the United States to customize all of your international travel planning needs. We create memories, not just trips!

Whether you’re looking for group getaways or solo travel, we can help plan your next journey and create memories that will last a lifetime. we are also romance travel specialists that will plan your romantic destination weddings and honeymoons., we specialize in luxury travel, adventure travel, cruises, corporate travel, and more. we also provide concierge-level travel where our travel agents are “with you” every step of the way. for all your travel experiences, contact (202) 907-8399 today..

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With cruises, you get unique advantages you won’t find anywhere else. Visit several destinations but unpack just once. Your transportation, dining, and entertainment all come along with you for the ride! But best of all, in every port, some new adventure awaits. Contact ALW Travels to see what kind of vacation packages we have to offer.

We specialize in group getaways! So whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or work associates, we can organize your next group trip so that all you have to do is get on the plane or cruise and enjoy yourselves. We cover everything, including airport transfers, hotel accommodations, and activities. So grab your crew and get away from it all!

We are certified romance travel specialists. We can plan your romantic escapes, destination weddings, and honeymoons. What could be more romantic than your very own luxury villa? When you plan with ALW Travels, you and your partner can experience a romantic getaway that will bring you closer together.

Solo travel presents unique opportunities to get away and experience the world. Our travel agency based in Washington, DC will help you design the solo adventure of a lifetime! So get in touch with us at (202) 907-8399 to start making your travel arrangements and get ready to make some memories.

I used ALW to book my vacation package to Belize. I was given several options to choose from within my budget and the final destination was a beachfront resort that was all inclusive and breathtakingly beautiful. I appreciate the attentiveness of my representative. He assisted me with finding additional excursions while in Belize on a budget. Highly recommend. Never felt pressured, just wanted me to be happy.

I used ALW Travels to go to Puerto Vallarta! Amazing trip! Great price! I highly recommend their services.

The ALW travels offers exceptional service. We contacted them with the request to suggest countries that we could travel to given the current restrictions with Covid. They readily suggested a few great destinations and looked into all four of them, one for Easter, two for the summer and one for Christmas. For Easter we could not go to Seychelles due to restrictions in our country, but we have booked our family trip to Jamaica and we really look forward to it. Leonte who was our contact point throughout this process is fantastic. Helpful, insightful, organised, always came back promptly with suggestions and solutions for all our requirements. It was a pleasure liaising with him and I am confident that we will have a great time during the trip he organised for us. It is not our first time travelling with The ALW travels and we'll definetely be organizing many more trips with them

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Always gets us the best deal! The owner, Leonte, is the best person to hire for your travel needs, the best!!

I went to Cancun (temptations resort) with ALW travels. Very professional and knowledgeable! Every moment of the trip was fantastic. Overall, great experience!

I went to Cancun (temptations resort) with ALW travels. Very professional and knowledgeable! Every moment of the trip was fantastic. Overall, great experience! -Mosharrat H.

I used ALW Travels to go to Puerto Vallarta! Amazing trip! Great price! I highly recommend their services. -Heather G.

The ALW travels offers exceptional service. We contacted them with the request to suggest countries that we could travel to given the current restrictions with Covid. They readily suggested a few great destinations and looked into all four of them, one for Easter, two for the summer and one for Christmas. For Easter we could not go to Seychelles due to restrictions in our country, but we have booked our family trip to Jamaica and we really look forward to it. Leonte who was our contact point throughout this process is fantastic. Helpful, insightful, organized, always came back promptly with suggestions and solutions for all our requirements. It was a pleasure liaising with him and I am confident that we will have a great time during the trip he organized for us. It is not our first time travelling with The ALW travels and we'll definitely be organizing many more trips with them. -Teeh J.

I used ALW to book my vacation package to Belize. I was given several options to choose from within my budget and the final destination was a beachfront resort that was all inclusive and breathtakingly beautiful. I appreciate the attentiveness of my representative. He assisted me with finding additional excursions while in Belize on a budget. Highly recommend. Never felt pressured, just wanted me to be happy. -Takeisha P.

ALW planned a trip for my wife and I to the Dominican Republic and we had the best time! So glad we hired ALW because it took the stress away from having to plan the trip. Overall, A+ service! -Phil G.

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Washington D.C.

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Discover both the past and the future in Washington D.C.

Home of the U.S. Federal Government, with all its monuments, memorials and museums, a vacation to Washington D.C. is a learning opportunity like no other. Most Smithsonian museums have free admission, but timed-entry passes are required regardless of age. When planning your next vacation to our nation’s capital, take advantage of member savings on your flight, hotel and rental car.

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The best things in Washington, DC with kids

Apr 9, 2024 • 6 min read

From the national narrative to splashing about in fountains, Washington, DC is a great destination for families © Marc Dufresne / Getty Images

America's capital city is a fantastic destination to visit with children in tow. It's filled with kid-friendly museums, has an abundance of parks in which younger visitors can burn off excess energy, and a logical, pedestrian-friendly layout (let's not forget that DC was designed to showcase urban planning at its very best). 

Here are our top tips for exploring the city with children.

Is Washington, DC, good for kids?

As America's first purpose-built city, Washington, DC, is, in many ways, a dream to explore with younger visitors. It's flat with very few hills, and roads and sidewalks are wide, smooth and well-maintained, perfect for parents pushing strollers. 

Almost all of DC's top attractions are refreshingly accessible – every Smithsonian Museum has ramps, for example, and most museums and major landmarks will have family-friendly restrooms. Generally, you'll almost always be able to enter with strollers, although the White House , which has some of the tightest restrictions, is one of the few places where strollers are on the banned list. 

The large number of gardens and parks means there are endless places for kids to burn off excess energy – the National Mall , for example, has over 20,000 trees and numerous dedicated picnic areas with benches and tables. Thirsty kids (and their parents) are also in luck – most businesses, including restaurants, museums and galleries, will happily top up water bottles, and you'll find public water fountains throughout the city, including 47 on the National Mall alone.

A tactical approach to timing can transform your holiday. If you're visiting during August and September (the hottest months of the year), you'll want to avoid spending too much time outside in the late morning and early afternoon. Take advantage of the extended opening times offered by many museums – crowds tend to thin out after 5pm, and the Library of Congress , the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art are just a few of the institutions that run so-called "late nights."

Catching public transport

Public transport in Washington, DC, is also incredibly accessible, and all train stations have ramps, elevators and extra-wide ticket gates designed with strollers and wheelchairs in mind. All Metro trains have priority seating, usually next to the train's doors. Almost all public buses have ramps, although if you're traveling with a stroller, check the size – most buses, including the DC Circulator buses, won't allow strollers more than 48" long and 24" wide. 

Getting around DC is easier than you think –  here's how

Best things to do in Washington, DC, with babies and toddlers

National museum of american history.

At the National Museum of American History , parents can take some time out at the Wegmans Wonderplace in the museum's west wing. This baby and toddler-friendly hangout has a playroom, family restroom and nursing area (complete with nursing pillows).

Rock Creek Park

The beautiful Rock Creek Park north of the city center has 1754 acres to explore and plenty of fantastic picnic spots (including several next to waterfalls). Toddlers will love the park's Discovery Room, filled with hands-on exhibits and children's books about wildlife, and many of the trails – including the Edge of the Woods Trail – have been designed with strollers and wheelchairs in mind.

Best things to do in Washington, DC with children

Us botanic garden.

The US Botanic Garden , which is free to visit, has a dedicated Children's Garden where younger visitors can help staff care for the various plants, along with a scavenger trail lined with rare plants – kids who spot certain species can get a passport book stamped.

A boat tour along the Potomac 

A riverboat tour is a great activity for kids, who can tick off the city's famous landmarks as they float along the Potomac. Capitol River Cruises offers a range of sailings, although their 45-minute scenic sightseeing cruise hits all the highlights. Tickets are priced around $25 for adults and $15 for children between three and 12. Kids under three are free.

Best things to do in Washington, DC with teenagers and tweenagers

Mount vernon.

Let's face it: teenagers and tweenagers are prone to occasional protestations of boredom, but we've got the perfect solution for anyone who starts to moan about being "museumed out." 

For a change of scenery, head across the water to the Mount Vernon estate, the former home of George and Martha Washington. You can explore the main house on guided tours, watch sparks fly in the blacksmith's shop and stop by the estate's working farm (activities here include sheep-shearing lessons and the chance to pet the ridiculously cute Hog Island Sheep). Not only will you learn about the Washington family – you'll also gain insights into the lives of people enslaved on the estate. The estate is 15 miles south of Washington, DC. To get there, take the metro's Yellow Line to Huntington Station before hopping on the Fairfax Connector bus to Mount Vernon.

The International Spy Museum

Wannabe James Bonds will love L'Enfant Plaza's International Spy Museum , which is filled with interactive exhibits, including ones that encourage them to take part in their very own undercover mission. Our only gripe is that this is one of the few museums that isn't admission-free. Entry fees vary according to the time of year, but children's tickets start at around $19, while adults' tickets start at around $29. Children aged under six visit for free.

Paddle across the Tidal Basin

This is a two-mile-long reservoir wedged between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. Teens and tweens can hire a paddle boat (from $38 per hour) and admire landmarks such as the Jefferson Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial from the water.

Planning tips

• Don't underestimate how accessible DC's transport network is – the city's bus and metro system is refreshingly easy to navigate.
• If you're visiting a museum or gallery, always ask what kid-friendly programs and events are taking place.
• DC has plenty of places to cool off, including lots of splash parks, such as The Yards Park in the Capitol Riverfront area. There's a large splash pool and brightly lit dancing fountains after dark. Another notable destination is Canal Park Fountains (also in the Capitol Riverfront area), which has numerous fountains and splash pools with stepping-stone crossings.
• Always ask what kid-friendly freebies are available. For example, staff at the US Capitol's visitor center have stashes of police badges to hand out to children.
• Whether it's a museum, gallery or landmark, always book in advance if tickets are required, even if tickets are free – you won't just get guaranteed entry but will also cut queuing times.

Keep planning your trip to Washington, DC:

These experiences  should be on your DC itinerary  And these incredible experiences  won't cost you a thing Get up close with nature and more history on  these day trips Get to know DC like a local in  these top neighborhoods 

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Douglas C-54 plane crashes near river in Fairbanks, Alaska

A Douglas C-54 aircraft transporting fuel crashed into a frozen river shortly after takeoff Tuesday in Fairbanks, Alaska, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

Two people were on board the plane, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which is also investigating the incident.

Preliminary information showed that the Part 91 fuel transport flight operated by Alaska Air Fuel crashed into the Tanana River after taking off from Fairbanks International Airport around 10 a.m. local time, officials said.

"The aircraft slid into a steep hill on the bank of the river where it caught fire. No survivors have been located," the Alaska Department of Public Safety said in a statement shortly before 2 p.m. local time.

The NTSB deployed agents to the scene of the crash and will recover the plane, the agency said.

The airport said in a statement that it is cooperating with the investigation.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. he

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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided  

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”  

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes. 

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.  
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.  
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.  

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

• Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.   
• Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.  
• Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.    
• Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

• Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .  
• Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.   
• Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.  
• DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.  
• In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.  
• DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

• Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.  
• Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.   
• Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease. 

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .