Let curiosity govern your time in Washington, DC!

Join John The Traveler for a unique travel experience

April 30 – May 4, 2026

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Washington Monument illuminated at dusk on the National Mall in Washington, DC

What is a CuriosiTrip?

A CuriosiTrip is an exploratory travel experience that focuses on curiosity leading the way.

This Washington, DC CuriosiTrip is designed for travelers who want cultural depth, flavorful local food, and meaningful connections—not checklist sightseeing. Expect neighborhood exploration, museums, and the annual embassy open house day.

Rather than following a rigid schedule, we have mapped out itineraries that maximize time in some of Washington, DC’s lesser-visited neighborhoods while remaining open to serendipity along the way.

Embassy Day Pass (May 2, 2026)

Visitors outside the Embassy of Peru during Washington DC’s annual embassy open house tour

Short on time? You can still experience the highlight of the CuriosiTrip weekend.

On Saturday, May 2, dozens of embassies across Washington open their doors for Passport DC’s Around the World Embassy Tour. I’ll be coordinating a small group to explore the embassies together, choosing our route in real time based on participating embassies, wait times, and group interests.

Expect cultural performances, international food samples, beautiful embassy buildings, and the chance to explore the world without leaving Washington.

Embassy Day Pass – $30 per person

Includes:

• Hosted coordination throughout the day
• Flexible embassy route planning
• WhatsApp group chat for real-time updates
• Celebratory ice cream stop after the embassies close for the day
• Optional dinner coordination or meetup afterward

Embassy open houses themselves are free public events. This pass covers the hosted CuriosiTrip group experience.

We’ll meet at a convenient Metro-accessible location near the embassy route, with exact details shared with participants in advance.

Reserve Your Embassy Day Spot

Small group · limited availability

Join us for one of Washington’s most unique cultural weekends.

Here are some of the highlights:

Neighborhoods

DC has many neighborhoods packed into a small space. We won’t have time to visit them all, but we will step away from the busiest areas to discover some of the city’s more interesting corners. We’ll soak up rich history, admire brightly painted murals, and pay homage to a few legendary spots that will make you forget you’re in the nation’s capital.

Food & Drink

Washington as a foodie destination? You bet. DC has some of the most diverse international cuisine around, but don’t forget to try local favorites like the half-smoke with mambo sauce or a plate of home-cooked soul food. Wash it down with some craft beer or distilled spirits made right in the District of Columbia.

Embassy Tour

This CuriosiTrip is centered around Passport DC‘s Around the World Embassy Tour, an annual event when dozens of embassies open their doors to the public for live music, food and drink, cultural performances, and more. A special “passport” booklet will be available to collect stamps from participating embassies.

Stone gargoyle detail on the exterior of Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC

Discover the Unexpected: DC is not just politics and museums! Step away from the well-trodden path and wander through local neighborhoods to find hidden layers of Washington, filled with history and culture.

Traditional Ethiopian meal with injera and shared dishes at Abuare Ethiopian restaurant in Washington, DC

A Sensory Journey: Allow your senses to experience the city’s many facets. From local cuisine to colorful murals and international melodies, DC is a smorgasbord of gems waiting to be discovered.

Visitors posing in traditional clothing during an embassy open house at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Washington, DC

Meaningful Connections: Join a group of like-minded explorers who are ready to embrace the unknown and see the USA’s capital as a true curious traveler would. Share experiences, stories, and forge lifelong friendships along the way.

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Group visiting the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC with George Washington portrait

What to Expect:

  • Curated Activities: Enjoy thoughtfully selected experiences that paint a picture of DC’s culture, history, and gastronomy.
  • Local Flavors: Try cuisines you may not have access to at home, like mumbo sauce or a half-smoke.
  • Free Exploration: Curated activities are balanced with free time, giving you the chance to see the city on your own terms or with new friends.
  • Optional Challenges: Ready to step outside your comfort zone? Participate in challenges designed to spark creativity and deepen your experience.
  • Community-Building: This journey is about more than just sights—it’s about building a community of curious souls who share a passion for exploration.
Fountain in the Enid A. Haupt Garden in front of the Smithsonian Castle in Washington, DC

What’s Included:

  • Selected meals and beverages that highlight local cuisine
  • Entry to special events and ticketed experiences
  • Public transportation for group activities
  • Suggested itineraries and sightseeing options for free time
  • Tailored sights and venues curated by an experienced traveler
  • Pre-trip community chat with other attendees

What’s Not Included:

  • Airfare
  • Accommodation*
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals and beverages not provided
  • Non-public transportation and rides to/from airport
  • Ticketed entry and other costs not specifically indicated

“Take a stand for what’s right. Raise a ruckus and make a change. You may not always be popular, but you’ll be part of something larger and bigger and greater than yourself.” ~Samuel L. Jackson (born in DC)

*Accommodation isn’t included to allow for varying budget styles and to keep costs reasonable for you. We’ll recommend some neighborhoods in and around DC that are located near public transportation, ensuring you’re well-placed to explore both with the group and on your own.

CURIOSITRIP SCHEDULE*

*Since curiosity determines our exact agenda, this schedule is subject to WILL change! Please be willing and ready to be flexible.

Curious travelers may already be in Washington getting a head start or will be arriving no later than noon today.


3:00 PM DC Time – We will kick things off at the National Portrait Gallery, admiring a few noteworthy pieces of art and architecture.

We’ll swing past Chinatown and the Friendship Arch before making our way through the Golden Triangle and notable spots like Ford’s Theatre and the Willard Hotel.

Finally we will arrive at one of DC’s most iconic venues for our official CuriosiTrip Welcome Dinner.

Before we retire for the evening, we’ll take a little stroll on the National Mall to behold its elegance at night.

Today starts off with a guided group tour of the National Cathedral. The sixth largest cathedral in the world, this renowned limestone edifice has hosted four state funerals and contains thousands of unique carvings. This visit also includes a special surprise, only happening this one weekend of the year!

We will then take a bus to Georgetown where we will break for lunch. You have a plethora of options to choose from, such as the place where John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier or maybe along the waterfront if the weather is nice.

After we’ve eaten, we can reconvene together and visit some noteworthy sites such as the Old Stone House, the C & O Canal, and one of DC’s most infamous landmarks made famous by an iconic movie. Alternatively, you may prefer to hit up some of Washington’s many free national museums.

We have the option to continue exploring in Georgetown, eventually walking across the Key Bridge over the Potomac River to Rosslyn, Virginia, where you can catch the Metro after riding the second longest escalator in the Western Hemisphere.

Head back to your hotel and call it a night or put on your cocktail attire and see what DC nightlife can be like. Just be sure to set an alarm for the next morning!

Grab your backpack, put on your walking shoes, and bring your passport* because today we will be traveling to several different countries without leaving the District of Columbia!

The Passport DC Around the World Embassy Tour features approximately 50 international embassies** that open their doors to the public during this annual only-in-DC event. Enjoy cultural celebrations, live music, food and drink, and special exhibitions.

You will have the chance to obtain a commemorative “passport” booklet to collect special stamps each country’s embassy provides. We will create an itinerary that maximizes visiting as many interesting embassies as possible while minimizing long lines. This is a popular event, so some crowds will be inevitable. Bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and patience!

Afterwards we will enjoy some delicious ice cream in the Dupont Circle area before officially ending for the day. We might first grab a bite to eat and rest our weary bones after a day of country counting.

*You don’t really need your passport. Souvenir passport-like booklets will be available to collect stamps in.

**Note that the participating embassies are non-European Union countries. The EU Open House is the following weekend on Saturday, May 9th.

The morning is yours! You may wish to begin your day earlier with some shopping at the iconic Eastern Market, which is close to where we will meet as a group to partake in a classic DC weekend ritual: Sunday Brunch.

After we’re sufficiently stuffed (and maybe a little buzzed), we’ll walk off those calories exploring Barracks Row and Capitol Hill‘s charming parks and row houses.

On our journey, we pass the Library of Congress to admire its ornate architecture from the outside. Unfortunately, it is closed on Sundays and Mondays but the Gutenberg Bible and stunning mosaics are worth seeing another day on your own.

Continuing along past the Capitol Building and Supreme Court, we will reach Union Station and admire her glory.

Options abound from here. We could make a brief stop at the National Postal Museum to see some rare but interesting stamps, ride the free DC Streetcar on H Street to the Atlas District, or continue walking to NoMa where we could end our day sampling some DC craft beer and browsing the many shops and restaurants at Union Market.

After your own morning sightseeing or sleeping in, we will converge to do more on-foot exploring of some hidden DC gems after lunch. If the group is keen on it, we might even visit a lesser-known museum and go have lunch together.


Starting with Blagden Alley, we’ll make our way towards Logan Circle. Along the way there are some quirky little attractions, distinctive architecture, vibrant murals, and some historical points of interest to capture our curiosity.

Eventually we will conclude the day on U Street with a CuriosiTrip Farewell Dinner featuring Ethiopian food. We will eat communally with our bare hands and close with a traditional coffee ceremony. DC has the largest Ethiopian population outside of Ethiopia, making it the perfect place to enjoy this piquant cuisine.

The trip may officially be over, but you might want to stick around for some of the free museums, such as the Museum of the American Indian, the Holocaust Museum, or the National Air and Space Museum. Be sure to book your time slots early, though!

For those who may be interested, we could do an excursion to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, located on the campus of Catholic University. Regardless of your religious affiliation, this is one of DC’s iconic structures and of significant importance in the Roman Catholic community.

We could visit a nearby brewery after that to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Still want to know more?

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Testimonials

John The Traveler is your perfect guide if you are looking for something a little different. He fully embraces “curiosity” and allows you to experience it with him.

I am generally not a fan of multi-day group tours (even when the group is smaller), but the CuriosiTrip was not a typical group tour. It felt like we were just hanging out with new friends, rather than trying to rush through a firm itinerary. I’d book another CuriosiTrip with John the Traveler!

John has a unique style of travel which is really a reflection of how he sees life, the world, and its cultures. His curiosity is relatable, engaging, and addicting. I have experienced travel with John The Traveler before and have and will enjoy any adventure he is open to. Sign me up!

CuriosiTrip group visiting Ben’s Chili Bowl on U Street in Washington, DC

See where your curiosity will take you!

Price: $649.00 USD

Purchase now to reserve your spot! This CuriosiTrip is limited to a small group size for a more intimate travel experience.

You will also receive access to the following:

  • WhatsApp group chat with group members and leader
  • Tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your trip
  • Recommendations for other things to see and do in DC
Book Now!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This Washington DC CuriosiTrip is designed for curious travelers who want to experience the city beyond the typical monuments and checklist sightseeing. Expect a small-group environment focused on culture, food, neighborhood exploration, and meaningful conversations along the way. Solo travelers, couples, and friends are all welcome.

The official kickoff event will be at 3:00 PM local time on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Arrive with enough time to settle in before our kickoff gathering and begin the CuriosiTrip experience.

We suggest a schedule that has you landing in Washington, DC no later than 12:00 PM noon local time. Washington, DC follows Eastern Daylight Time, which is on par with New York or three hours ahead of Los Angeles.

Of course, it is highly encouraged that you consider adding more time to your DC trip, whether it is before and/or after our CuriosiTrip.

While there will be free time to check out some of the more popular attractions and museums downtown, we will be focusing on some of the less touristy things on this trip. We hope you will stay longer and explore more of what this city has to offer.

In order to maximize our experience and accommodate a variety of budgets and travel styles, this CuriosiTrip will not include lodging. However, we will provide suggested neighborhoods to stay in and a few lodging options for your consideration.

This link is a page with lodging suggestions, neighborhood recommendations, and other accommodation resources for you to consider as you plan your trip or to aid your decision-making and budgeting.

The daily schedule will be tailored with a mind towards the composition and interests of the participants. As such, a detailed itinerary cannot be posted here.

Participants who sign up do receive access to an exclusive WhatsApp group where they can ask questions, get to know each other, suggest places of interest, share travel tips, and much, much more.

We are also open to hosting pre-trip video calls to address questions, discuss itinerary options, and do our best to ensure that everyone is prepared for the trip. Of course, we are always here to address as many questions as you have.

The best way to explore a city is to walk…A LOT! While we will be stopping several times, there may not always be a place to sit down or rest, or even eat a proper meal. However, we’ll do our best to minimize walking while maximizing our curiosity.

A good rule of thumb is to expect 8,000 to 15,000 steps on average. Be prepared to be outside and moving for several hours each day. Wear sunscreen and a hat, and always wear sturdy walking shoes. (Please, no Crocs or flip-flops!)

If you have mobility issues or do not think you will be able to walk as much but still want to go, feel free to take transportation to and from specific destinations. We may also opt as a group to use ride-sharing or taxis to save time or avoid long stretches of walking.

Our time together is short. Be sure to build in some time to rest after the trip.

This trip is designed to allow you some free time to explore a little outside of our group, or with a new friend. Of course, you are not obligated to attend every activity if you would prefer to explore more on your own. You can budget at least 3 hours each day to yourself, if not more. The only exception is Saturday since the embassy open house is pretty much all day (from 9 am to 5 pm).

We will have a better idea of specific timing as the trip gets closer and people sign up. The flow of the trip will be dependent on who is coming and what kinds of experiences we have. We want to be open to serendipity at all times.

We firmly believe that age ain’t nothing but a number! That said, this CuriosiTrip is not designed for children or minors. You should have some level of maturity and enough travel expertise to respect cultural differences. We will not be partying all day, nor will we be shuffling from museum to museum or sitting around.

The estimated age range is 35-75, but any age is welcome as long as you are able to know your limits. As mentioned above, the best way to experience this trip will be to be as mobile as possible. Solo travelers, couples, friend groups, and parents are all acceptable!

Yes! The DC Metro system (WMATA) has 98 stations across 6 different lines, covering a wide range in the metropolitan area. There is also an extensive bus network within DC and in the suburbs. Washington is also connected to Amtrak for rail service as well as the MARC system in Maryland and VRE in Virginia.

As part of this CuriosiTrip, a SmarTrip card is provided with a weekly pass to maximize public transportation usage. This is approximately $10 per day, which provides more value than individual ride tickets that could add up to $15-20 per day. According to the WMATA system website, the card “is accepted at all Metrorail stations in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, all Metro parking garages and lots, all Metrobus routes. It is also accepted at local bus systems in DC, Maryland, and Virginia — including ART, DASH, Fairfax Connector, Cue, RideON, TheBus, Loudoun County Transit, and OmniRide.”

SmarTrips come in either physical or digital cards, but you must choose one or the other. However, recently WMATA accepted the use of contactless credit/debit cards to tap in and out for Metro usage. Since you may need to use public transportation to arrive at our initial meeting point, this option may work best for you. Keep your receipts for any bus or Metro rides to our meeting point and receive an equivalent reimbursement in food and/or drink.

Once you have a SmarTrip card, you are able to register it online. This allows for you to monitor the balance, manage payment options, and report a lost or stolen card, among other actions. If you ever plan on returning to DC, you are encouraged to register and keep the card.

The greater Washington-Baltimore area has three airports.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the most convenient as it is closest to the downtown and most connected by the DC Metro system. A ride to Metro Center station is around 25-30 minutes.

Dulles International Airport (IAD) is also on the Metro, but is further west of the city. From the Dulles Metro station to Metro Center station in downtown DC, the ride is about an hour.

Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is closer to Baltimore, but often is used to get to DC and especially the northern suburbs. There are a few bus connectors to the DC Metro system via Union Station or Shady Grove. The journey can take between an hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic and your final destination.

If you are close enough to take the train, Union Station is connected by Amtrak, which runs along the eastern corridor.

While DC is the center of the nation’s government, it’s also a real American city with residents who are living with this on the daily! Yes, the National Guard and some ICE agents may be seen around town.


I can’t promise that our plans won’t be affected by potential protests, road closures, or other unforeseen circumstances. We will be quite close to government buildings, including the Capitol Building and White House. In fact, DC frequently sees such activity throughout the year, regardless of the administration. There is usually a way around these things.

We will monitor possible events and disruptions to the best of our ability and be prepared to change plans if needed. However, we highly doubt that we will be adversely affected.

Washington in spring is one of the prettiest times of year. Of course, spring also brings rain and allergies.

Average high temperatures for early May in DC are in the mid-70s, with nighttime lows in the mid-50s. Definitely bring a light jacket, umbrella, and layers for optimal comfort.

Washington can get a bad reputation, but as with most cities you need to be aware of your surroundings and be cautious at night or walking alone. There are some areas more prone to crime, but we will not be visiting them during this CuriosiTrip. Safety has greatly improved over the last 15 years, too.

Be sure to bring with you any necessary medications, vitamins or supplements you take regularly. There are plenty of pharmacy chains if you do need something over-the-counter.

Spring in DC can bring allergies, which can be severe. If you are prone to allergies or hayfever, you may wish to consult with your primary care provider for any recommendations.

You may wish to pack extra hydration packets such as Liquid IV to help keep you hydrated on the go. Bottled water is readily available. Tap water in the DC area is not known for its good taste, and we do not drink it. That said, it is not considered unsafe to drink.

We will be outside a lot, so bring sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher, and a hat. We may also experience rain, so pack an umbrella and appropriate footwear. Double check the forecast before you leave.

Insect repellent is a good idea to battle against mosquitoes.

Bear in mind that we have no medical credentials and these are just simple precautions and suggestions from years of travel experience and living in the DC area. Do your best to prepare and then deal with the consequences as needed, as sickness can occur anywhere at anytime. It’s just part of travel!

Final ticket sales are expected to end by mid-April 2026, or when all spots have been secured, whichever happens first.

The early bird pricing will only be available for a limited time. If you have any concerns about pricing or payment, please feel free to contact us directly.

Things can happen. We are requiring travel insurance to protect YOU. We have heard too many stories of travel mishaps that ended up costing thousands of dollars when insurance would have covered everything. Personally experience has also shown that having good coverage can pay off.

We’ve had good results with Allianz, which is why we’ve partnered with them. We get an annual plan with a level of coverage that matches our frequent travel habits. For other options, you can check out Insure My Trip, which allows you to compare coverage from different insurers.

Be prepared to show your coverage details to us when we meet in Washington, DC. You may also be asked to sign a waiver.

Yes, you are still welcome to join us! We encourage you to get WhatsApp, as we will have a group chat that will enable us to communicate with each other, changes, meeting points, etc.

Due to the nature of the trip, the itinerary may change frequently and we want you to be informed. There will still be time to unplug and be present on the trip.

CuriosiTrip group visiting international embassies during Passport DC in Washington, DC

The Fine Print

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