Welcome to the Smithsonian Resident Associates

You may call our 24-hour automated hotline at 202-633-8687 for up to date tour information. If you have any concerns about weather, we suggest you call our tour hotline prior to departing from home on your tour date.

2. How can I order a meal that fits my dietary needs (food allergies / vegetarian) on a tour that includes a meal?

Please call 202-633-8601 at least one week prior to your tour to discuss any dietary needs.

3. Where can I find the fringe stops listed in the Associate Magazine?

Here you will find maps and written directions to all current fringe stops.

4. I have a medical condition that necessitates a special seat on a bus, how can I ensure that my needs are met?

Our policy regarding special seating is to fax a doctor’s note and written request to 202-633-9250. This can also be mailed to:

Smithsonian Local Tours
P.O. 23293
Washington, DC 20026

5. Are gratuity and tips included?

Yes, gratuities and tips are included to all appropriate parties. Your Smithsonian Study Leader and Smithsonian Representative are professionals who do not receive tips.

6. Do tours operate rain or shine?

Yes, tours operate rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, tours may be rescheduled, please call our 24-hour automated hotline at 202-633-8687 for updated tour information prior to your tour.

7. Where can I park for tours?

Unrestricted weekend street parking may be available on 4th street between Independence Ave. and Madison Dr., as well as on Independence Ave. There is also a Colonial Parking lot at 6th and Maryland Ave., SW. The fee is $5 with a Resident Associate event ticket stub. The hours are 8am-8pm. (If your tour departs prior to 8:00 am or returns later than 8:00 pm, this is not a viable option for your tour).

8. Where do tours leave from?

Daytime, weekend bus tours usually depart from 4th & Independence, SW. Weekend overnight tours now usually depart from the Constitution Ave. entrance of American History. Weekday tours continue to depart from the DeSales St. side of the Mayflower Hotel located at 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW. Specific departure information will be printed on your ticket and updated on our tour hotline one week prior to the tour.

9. What if I have to cancel a tour?

You can cancel a tour 3 ways. Sometimes you are charged a fee and not every part of a tour is refundable.

By fax. Please cut up the tickets into pieces and photocopy them. Fax to 202-786-2034, with your name and daytime phone number.
At the Box Office. Our window in the S. Dillon Ripley Center is open 10am-5pm Monday-Friday.
By Mail.
The Smithsonian Associates Refund Department
P.O. Box 23293
Washington, D.C. 20026-3293.

10. Are there any cancellation fees?

For day-trips the following policy applies:
Prior to 10 calendar days before an event, for tickets under $40, the cancellation fee is $5 per ticket; for tickets over $40, the fee is $15 per ticket. There are NO REFUNDS made within the start of an event. Some programs have components that will not be refunded at any time, such as theater tickets or restaurant meals.

For Overnight Study Tours the following policy applies:
For cancellation up to 35 days prior to the study tour, there is cancellation fee of $15 per person. For cancellation between 15-35 days prior to the study tour, there is a 25 percent cancellation fee per person. There are NO REFUNDS made within 14 days of the start of the tour.

11. How do I know if I meet the physical requirements for the tour?

If you are doubtful of your physical abilities please contact 202-633-8601 to discuss physical requirements for the tour in which you are interested.

12. What do I need to bring/wear on tour?

Read tour description carefully to be prepared with appropriate clothes, hats, shoes, water, etc. If you have any questions, please call us at 202-633-8601

13. Is travel insurance available for day tours as well as overnight tours?

No, travel insurance is only advised for overnight, multi-day tours.

14. Why would I want to purchase travel insurance?

Overnight tours are non-refundable and emergencies do occur where last-minute cancellations may be necessary. Travel insurance provides additional coverage against unforeseen incidents.

15. Do I purchase travel insurance on my own or through TSA?

If a participant wishes to purchase travel insurance, they must do so on their own. TSA does not do this for them. Additional information

16. Do you wait for everyone before the tours depart?

Tours depart ON-TIME and do not wait for late arrivals. Please give yourself plenty of time to arrive at bus departure location.

17. How are seats determined on the bus?

Seats on the bus are first-come/first-served.