I day - arrive 1 or 2 days before?

L

Lauriecbw

5-Year Member
Joined
Apr 23, 2012
Messages
10
Shocking, cost of flights have just dropped. So trying to decide if we will be ok arriving at BWI around one the day before I-day? Or do we need to arrive the day before that? I have read that some set up bank accounts at the credit union the day before. What do we need to do the day before I-day? Any suggestions appreciated.

Nervous mom of soon to be 2016 plebe
 
I know that my father and I are doing a 2 week road trip, and will be in Annapolis 1 week early. We are renting a car, and then my dad is flying back home. Don't know if that is any help!
 
There is no need to arrive more than the day before I-Day.

As to whether you want to . . . here are some things to consider.

1. Have you been to Annapolis before? If you haven't been there before, you may want to spend a day finding out what there is to do, where things are, etc.

2. Are you coming from the west coast? If so, the extra day may make getting up early on I-Day a bit easier.

3. Are there cheaper flights if you arrive early?

If the above don't apply, arriving the day before is more than sufficient and you'll save a night of hotel costs.
 
DS was able to set up his credit union account by mail. I believe the paperwork was in the permit to report packet. We arrived in Annapolis in time to figure out how to get to the Academy and have dinner the night before I-Day.
 
usna1985 said:
There is no need to arrive more than the day before I-Day.

As to whether you want to . . . here are some things to consider.

1. Have you been to Annapolis before? If you haven't been there before, you may want to spend a day finding out what there is to do, where things are, etc.

2. Are you coming from the west coast? If so, the extra day may make getting up early on I-Day a bit easier.

3. Are there cheaper flights if you arrive early?

If the above don't apply, arriving the day before is more than sufficient and you'll save a night of hotel costs.
Click to expand...

I know for us, two of the three apply. We have never been to Annapolis, and being from the west coast, getting used to the time change is a must. Also, my father and I have never done a road trip, so we are sorta' killing two birds with 1 stone.
 
Our experience

The answers depend on your preference, budget, etc. We left home a couple of days early, stopped to visit friends in Quantico, visited Marine Corps museum, had a relaxed day in DTA and on the yard prior to I-day. Got other family members familiar with the area so that MidMom and Mid Dad could concentrate on DS and the parent briefings without worrying about the others being lost or neglected. This worked for us and we had some family members who had not been to Annapolis so it helped them. We had a 7+ hour drive so the relaxed time helped keep everyone sane. Good luck.
 
Man2112: It sounds as though you and your father will have several days in the Annapolis area, and while Annapolis is very interesting with lots to see and do, you probably should plan on some fam tours of DC and Baltimore to fill in the extra few days. Washington has a good trolley tour that will get you to most places you probably would want to visit. Another interesting tour is the night tour of DC - usually less crowded and cooler, and some of the monuments really come alive at night - try the Korean War Memorial just southeast of the Vietnam Wall. Not too sure about B-more as much has changed since I haunted the place, but do know they have done a great job on the harbor area, and there also is Ft McHenry. Have a great trip with your dad and travel safely. I did a crosscountry drive with my dad, and it was really different from the trips as a kid, as you might imagine.
 
WWII Memorial

1964BGO said:
Man2112: It sounds as though you and your father will have several days in the Annapolis area, and while Annapolis is very interesting with lots to see and do, you probably should plan on some fam tours of DC and Baltimore to fill in the extra few days. Washington has a good trolley tour that will get you to most places you probably would want to visit. Another interesting tour is the night tour of DC - usually less crowded and cooler, and some of the monuments really come alive at night - try the Korean War Memorial just southeast of the Vietnam Wall. Not too sure about B-more as much has changed since I haunted the place, but do know they have done a great job on the harbor area, and there also is Ft McHenry. Have a great trip with your dad and travel safely. I did a crosscountry drive with my dad, and it was really different from the trips as a kid, as you might imagine.
Click to expand...

Last summer I got to see the World War II Memorial at night. It is something everyone should see. And don't forget the Navy Memorial with the Lone Sailor.
If you're in the DC area on a Tuesday be sure to attend a Sunset Parade by USMC. It is on the grounds of the USMC Memorial (Iwo Jima Statue), which is just a couple stops away on the DC Metro Blue Line from Arlington National Cemetery. My son and I spent an afternoon there and caught the train up to the memorial. It made for easy parking, travel and a memorable time with my son.
Cheers...

http://www.navymemorial.org/Visit/LoneSailorStatue/tabid/110/Default.aspx
http://www.marines.mil/unit/barracks/Pages/sunsetparade.aspx
 
Last edited:
Arriving early worked for us ... it gave us a chance to adjust to the time change (West Coast) ... and to the humidity .... well, as much as anyone can adjust who hasn't lived there for years! It also gave us time to explore DC and Annapolis a little before the big day. Good luck! Can't believe DS will be a Firstie in the fall ... it's been a wild ride!
 
Southwest is always great if you can get there from where you are to BWI. If you have a Southwest connect to your nearest airport get their frequent flyer rewards.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top