Washington, D.C.
Our nation's capital gives new meaning to the phrase “it's a free country!” Practically every monument, museum and memorial is free of charge for visitors. The city itself is a huge money factory, where the Bureau of Engraving and Printing makes $700 million a day. Consider this a monument to your Benjamins!

Since sightseeing doesn't cost much, you can spend more on meals, but you don't have to. The Adams Inn in the eclectic Adams-Morgan district includes a continental breakfast and a dash of down-home comfort. For lunch, bend your knees under the same counter where MLK Jr. came for the best chili “half-smokes” in the city. This bastion of civil rights is now a fortress for civilian bites of fast food. Today's visitors include modern day activists such as the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

The buttoned up D.C. crowd loosens their collars at Chef Geoff's for $5 burgers at nightly happy hour. Geoff is one half of a Washington power couple — he's married to NBC correspondent Norah O'Donnell. A visit to Washington D.C. provides, liberty, justice and bargains for all!

Ben's Chili Bowl
Ben's Chili Bowl is located in a one-time silent movie house. But the prices on the menu are worth shouting about. Bite into their famous chili “half-smoke” and slurp down a shake. A bargain lunch at just $9 with tax and tip.

But chili is only one of the reasons people keep coming back. Ben's has been the gathering place for African American luminaries including Martin Luther King, Jr. and Duke Ellington — making Ben's a cultural monument. 1213 U Street NW, Washington D.C., 20009; 202-667-0909

Adams Inn
From politics to pillowtalk at the Adams Inn. Vote for a double room — only $113 with shared bath. Even better when split between political parties. Your stay also includes a very democratic breakfast! $56.82 a person/night; 202-745-3600; www.adamsinn.com

National monuments
Sightseeing won't cost you a mint. Doors at the national monuments and museums are wide open.

• Washington Monument: Located at the western end of the National Mall
• The Reflecting Pool: Located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial: http://www.nps.gov/linc/
• Printing and Engraving: 202-874-3188; 202-874-2330; www.moneyfactory.com
• Air and Space Museum: Independence Ave. and 6th St. SW, Washington, D.C.; 202-357-1729; 202-357-1686; movie information: 202-357-1729; www.nasm.si.edu
• Jefferson Memorial: Tidal Basin, South Bank, Washington, D.C.; 202-426-6821; www.nps.gov/thje
• National Gallery: Constitution Ave. between 4th and 7th Sts. NW, Washington, D.C.; 202-737-4215; 202-842-6176
• The National Museum of the American Indian is the newest Smithsonian showpiece and features nearly a million Native American artifacts. Fourth Street and Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C., 20560; 202-633-1000

Chef Geoff
The friendly service and bargain burger and beer are a winning ticket at only $11. 13th St. between E and F NW, Washington, D.C.; 202-464-4461

• Hotel room: $113.65 with tax, $56.82 per person
• Monuments: free
• Smithsonian Museums: free
• Breakfast: free (at hotel)
• Lunch (Ben's Chili): $9 (with tax and tip)
• Dinner (Chef Geoff's): $11 (with tax and tip)
  Grand total: $76.82 per person in Washington, D.C.

For more travel tips, visit www.travelwithval.com.

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