Money

Generally, lodging, restaurants, and attractions are most expensive in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Richmond, suburban Washington, and resort areas, especially Ocean City and Virginia Beach. Gas prices tend to be higher in the mountainous regions. Lodging and restaurant costs are considerably lower in the western Maryland mountains and rural Virginia.

Coupons for hotel discounts and services in Maryland and Virginia can be printed at www.travelcoupons.com.

Prices throughout this guide are given for adults. Substantially reduced fees are almost always available for children, students, and senior citizens.

Worst-Case Scenario

All your money and credit cards have just been stolen. In these days of real-time transactions, this isn't a predicament that should destroy your vacation. First, report the theft of the credit cards. Then get any traveler's checks you were carrying replaced. This can usually be done almost immediately, provided that you kept a record of the serial numbers separate from the checks themselves. If you bank at a large international bank like Citibank or HSBC, go to the closest branch; if you know your account number, chances are you can get a new ATM card and withdraw money right away.

Credit Cards

It's a good idea to inform your credit-card company before you travel. Otherwise, the credit-card company might put a hold on your card owing to unusual activity—not a good thing halfway through your trip. Record all your credit-card numbers—as well as the phone numbers to call if your cards are lost or stolen—in a safe place, so you're prepared should something go wrong. Both MasterCard and Visa have general numbers you can call if your card is lost, but you're better off calling the number of your issuing bank, since MasterCard and Visa usually just transfer you to your bank; your bank's number is usually printed on your card.

Reporting Lost Cards

American Express. 800/992–3404 in U.S. www.americanexpress.com.

Diners Club. 800/234–6377 in U.S. www.dinersclub.com.

Discover. 800/347–2683 in U.S. www.discovercard.com.

MasterCard. 800/622–7747 in U.S. www.mastercard.com.

Visa. 800/847–2911 in U.S. www.visa.com.

Tipping

Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars. Waiters receive 15%–20% of the total bill, depending on the level of service; for groups of six or more, a 15%–20% gratuity may be tacked onto the bill (if gratuity is covered, additional tips aren't necessary). Bartenders get $1–$2 or more, depending on the number of drinks and the number of people in the party. Taxi drivers are generally tipped 15% of the total price of the ride; more if they have been particularly helpful. Doormen carrying bags to the registration desk and porters carrying bags between the lobby and the room are usually tipped $1 per bag, as are Red Caps at the airport or the train station. Chambermaids are generally tipped $1 to $3 a night for inexpensive-to-average hotels and up to $5 a night per guest for high-end properties. Barbers, hairdressers, and masseuses are usually tipped 10%–20% of the total cost of the service, depending on the place and the amount of time spent.