She can help you find a room in DC -- If a JourneyWoman has trouble finding a hotel room in Washington, DC. during those 'no room available' times, try contacting Ford Hospitality Services and speak to Maureen Ford. Maureen works on a finder's fee from the hotels, no charge to you. I've used her company many times and she has never failed to find me rooms for my visiting business colleagues. Actually, her business covers hotels throughout the entire U.S.A so hold on to her telephone number, ladies. It's 410.439.8271. Website: www.fordhospitality.com (Angela, Washington, DC)

Union Station is fun -- A great place to start or end your DC visit is Union Station, the magnificent Beaux Arts train station-cum-shopping mall-cum-food heaven in the nation's capital. Get your souvenirs (tacky or lovely hand-crafted ones from shops like Appalachian Spring). Grab a quick bite or enjoy a more leisurely meal (just people watching at rush hour) and plan your route - outta town or across town (both Amtrak and local trains originate here, plus there's a metro stop on the Red Line and always plenty of cabs. Easy walk to the Capitol, Supreme Court & top of the mall. Union Station is easily accessible by Metro's. P.S. We hear President Clinton did some of his Christmas shopping at Appalachian Spring when he was in the White House. (Lynda, Langhorne, Pennsylvania, USA)

Women's Rights Museum -- The oldest house on Capital Hill, the Sewall-Belmont House is the headquarters of the National Women's Party and also houses the Women's Rights Museum. Website: http://www.sewallbelmont.org/

Introduce your children to George Washington -- Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in America. Located just 16 miles south of Washington, D.C. and 8 miles south of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, the plantation rests on the banks of the Potomac River. Take a forty minute cruise down the Potomac River to get to the estate. Upon arrival go to the Ford Orientation Center where you see a 20 minute action adventure movie, “We Fight to be Free”. Visit the George Washington Pioneer Family Site, the mansion, and the graves of Martha and George Washington. Admission tickets for adults $15.00, children 3-11 are $7.00. (Sr. Discounts available!)

Two tips for your visit to Mount Vernon -- (1) A colorful map is free for families with the purchase of a youth or child’s admission ticket. This map guides children around the estate in a quest to solve nine puzzles by exploring outbuildings and the Mansion. It’s an engaging way for families to learn about Mount Vernon together. (2) Flag Raising Ceremony at the Gate. Each morning when Mount Vernon opens to the public, the American flag is raised above the Main Gate. Contact groups@mountvernon.org if you would like to do the honors! (Weezie, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA)

Wonderful opportunity for Christmas gift shopping -- The last time I was in Washington it was early November and time to begin my Christmas and Chanukah shopping. I was with a group of friends, and we had ooodles of fun at the Smithsonian gift shops. We got wonderful unique trinkets, books and educational 'stuff' for friends and family within a very fun shopping experience. (Sue, USA)

My favorite hotel and restaurant -- I travel to Washington D.C. for work every year. My favorite hotel is the Henley Park Hotel, located on 926 Massachusetts Ave., NW. The Henley is a beautiful, cozy, historical, small hotel with exceptional service and attention. Every room is different. There are even marble gargoyles, and stained glass windows. This hotel has been recognized by the Historical Hotels of America. It is central to museums, public transportation, the convention center, and minutes from the Smithsonium complex.

I recommend the National Geographic Museum, on 17th & M. They have fascinating exhibits, research, and expeditions portrayed. The visuals are truly awesome. The Museum is free, and not well known. Of course, the Smithsonium Museums, (19 of them), include Natural History, Air & Space, African Art, American History, Indian, and more.

My favorite restaurant is Zaytinya, 701 9th St., NW. They have a huge and diversified assortment of mezze, small plates of food from different Middle Eastern and Mediterrean cultures. Greek, Turkish, and Lebanese is widely represented. Vegetarians would have numerous choices here. Plenty of seafood, and meat mezzes, too. I have taken co-workers here, and now they are repeaters, also. (Jill , Wellfleet, MA., USA)

Get out and hike -- Washington is a great destination for really active women with a taste for the outdoors. Once you’ve had your fill of the world class museums, put on your hiking gear and head for The Billy Goat Trail for really exhilarating views over the Potomac River. (Robin, Toronto, Canada)