This is the year for a budget trip, and if you're in Washington, it's hard to beat the nation's capital for its long list of cultural freebies: the Smithsonian's 19 museums (the world's largest museum complex includes the National Portrait Gallery and the National Air and Space Museum), the Library of Congress and the Lincoln Memorial are must-sees. Destination D.C., the city's tourism office, is tempting visitors with a great deal. Guests who reserve a three-night stay, including a Thursday or a Sunday night, at one of the participating hotels, which include the Marriott Key Bridge and the Beacon Hotel (rates range from $71 to $199), receive a 30 percent discount on their total stay. There is also a list of 100 free — and almost free — things to do in Washington at www.washington.org.

AIRPORTS

YES, THERE IS A WAY TO BOARD A PLANE WITHOUT HAVING YOUR ID

If you check in for a flight and realize you've lost or failed to being your picture ID, don't panic. You can board your flight without ID, as long as TSA officials can verify your identity (this holds true at Honolulu International Airport). TSA spokesman Christopher White said it takes an average of six minutes to verify identity. If you lose your ID, arrive early and explain the situation to the officer at the document-checking station. You'll be asked to fill out a form, which officials will check against publicly available databases. If necessary, local police and TSA behavior-detection officers will interview you, and you might have to undergo additional screening.

PLANET EARTH

GEOGRAPHIC ODDITIES THAT ALMOST NO ONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT

Did you know? The oceans' deepest points have been visited less than the surface of the moon.