November 10th, 2008
08:55 AM ET
8 years ago

Inauguration prompts travel rush to Washington

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Dennis Madsen is planning to drive from Atlanta to Washington so his son, Adlai, can see the inauguration.
Dennis Madsen is planning to drive from Atlanta to Washington so his son, Adlai, can see the inauguration.

(CNN) - It may be freezing in Washington in January, but the city is a red-hot destination for people around the country and the world eager to see President-elect Barack Obama sworn into office.

he nation's capital is preparing for a massive influx of visitors on Inauguration Day - January 20, 2009 - and the surrounding period of festivities, galas and celebrations.

"We've had a tremendous amount of interest from travelers who want to be here for the big historic moment," said Rebecca Pawlowski, director of communications for Destination DC, Washington's official convention and tourism corporation.

"It's certainly safe to say [crowds will be bigger compared to] the last inauguration, just because whenever there's a change in administration and whenever there's a change of party, it always fuels a little more interest."

Some Americans began making their travel plans well before the election, excited by the possibility of seeing the first African-American become president of the United States.

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Filed under: Candidate Barack Obama • Joe Biden • Transition 2008
soundoff (54 Responses)
  1. The Blessed One

    Oh my goodness what an adorable little baby.

    November 10, 2008 12:57 pm at 12:57 pm |
  2. Genie, New York

    The baby will most likely steal the show or part of the show from Obama

    November 10, 2008 01:48 pm at 1:48 pm |
  3. Ann Indiana

    For those that think the liberals are taking their money (by the way it is NOT your money); that the car companies should be allowed to flounder (3 million plus jobs lost – many of would be getting unemployment). To suggest that people should vote for those that really want to take your rights is ludricous and to lower the equality of life with hair brained ideas like – no taxes. Does anyone ever really think these ideas through? Obviously not. But I need to remember that people like that are actually a minority and I shouldn't let there negative views affect this moment in our history.

    November 10, 2008 01:57 pm at 1:57 pm |
  4. Brandy lee

    I can't wait to witness history with the world. very excited... book now if you didn't everything is sold out!! good luck

    November 16, 2008 01:55 pm at 1:55 pm |
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