•Use public transit but expect delays. The Metro system will start running at 4 a.m.

•Study visitor information sites ahead of time so you are aware of restrictions on what you can carry and where you can go.

•If you have a hotel reservation, confirm it by calling the hotel directly.

•Dress for the weather, and be prepared to stand for six hours or more.

•While cell phone infrastructure has been beefed up, it may still be inadequate. Try texting instead.