Travel tips for attending Trump's inauguration in DC: expert weighs in

Americans flock to the nation's capital to celebrate the inauguration of the next president in the days leading up to President-elect Trump's swearing-in on Monday.

First-term presidents typically have larger inaugurations, according to Destination DC's data partners.

And although Trump's swearing-in will no longer take place outdoors, visitors may surround the area for the event.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia are the airports nearest to the nation's capital.

"Your commute during rush hour will be jam-packed and slow," said Petersen. 

"A lot of the city will shut down and many locations will be gated, so it's extremely difficult to move around the city." 

Petersen said she advises visitors to consider staying at destinations that are located outside the district on Metro stops if hotel costs in the area are outside people's budgets.

"You can always remove layers if temperatures increase," Petersen added.