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The fanny packs are coming: 8 million tourists to D.C.

By WTOP Staff

Andrew Mollenbeck, wtop.com

WASHINGTON – Fold-out maps and fanny packs are coming to a Metro line near you.

According to the American Public Transportation Association, 8.3 million visitors will arrive in Washington this summer.

“Of those 8 million people, about six out of 10 will be using public transportation to get around to see some of the sights,” says Mantill Williams, a spokesman for APTA.

The survey, conducted in mid-May, projects an increase in the number of people visiting the national capital region.

Only Chicago ranks ahead of Washington for the country’s top summer tourist destination.

Of those who are planning a summer trip to a city nearby, nearly 60 percent plan to use local public transportation to save money and avoid the hassle of driving and parking a car in a downtown area, the nationwide survey found.

Williams gives the annual reminder about the summer seatmates on Metro.

“Instead of sitting next to someone with a suit, you might be sitting next to someone in shorts and flip-flops or someone that might engage you in conversation,” he says, joking about the Washington norm of reading a paper or checking mobile phones during the commute.

APTA is providing tips for tourists on how to “Travel like a local” to make it easier for both tourists and locals. Check them out below:

  • Visit www.publictransporta tion.org to find out information on the local public transit system in the city you will be visiting.
  • Use the system’s trip planner, or Google Transit to plan your routes.
  • Choose a hotel near a public transit line; you can eliminate or significantly reduce your need for a car during your trip.
  • If arriving by plane or train, look for ways to use local public transit to get from the airport or train station into the heart of the city – this is usually significantly cheaper than a taxi and you can check out what’s going on in the city rather than worrying about which turn to make.
  • Consider buying a day or week pass rather than paying by the trip. These passes are often more affordable, and allow you to get to your destinations quicker since you won’t have to stop and pay a fare each time you ride.
  • Utilize that smartphone. Many systems have apps available that make using their systems even easier, helping you locate stops on a map, telling you when the next train or bus is coming – it’s like having a personal assistant.
  • Travel off-peak to avoid the crowds. You will also avoid making all the worker bees jealous of your care-free vacation mode demeanor.
  • Wear comfortable commuter shoes – fashionable ones of course. Remember you will be doing some walking and getting exercise as you visit the sites.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask. The drivers and staff are there to help you, and most fellow passengers are happy to help as well.
  • Have fun! You’re on vacation after all. Use the time you are riding to your next destination to plan where to dine, what exhibit to see or what to do next.

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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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