I can find a way to spin almost anything—my parents always said I could find a way to write myself out of jail.

But pitching you on why you should buy my travel guide about Washington, D.C., in the middle of a global pandemic, a week after Election Day 2020, was tough.

Then, I thought maybe I would tell you to use the guidebook if you were coming to D.C. for the inauguration.

Needless to say, that wasn’t quite going to work, either.

Celebrating my birthday at Cafe Milano – outside and vaxxed! – in April 2021.

Now, as we approach the end of July 2021, I finally feel good telling you to visit Washington, D.C. Many of the must-visit sites in D.C. are outdoors. Local restaurants and shops need your support. And the District of Columbia and surrounding areas are 70% vaccinated.

If you’re planning a trip, there are two things you need:

1. The updated second edition of my guidebook, Moon Washington D.C., published in November 2020 by Hachette Book Group. Look, sure, there are some things that are closed, temporarily or permanently, and the city’s still a bit in flux. But my favorite walking-tour routes are as good as ever, and many of my favorite restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops are open for business and could use your support! (There are great day trips, too, if you’re a local who wants to avoid planes and trains this summer.)

2. Your COVID-19 vaccine. If you haven’t gotten your vaccine already, there’s no time to waste. The vaccines are safe and effective—and nearly all COVID deaths right now are among the unvaccinated. I got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in April, and aside from a slight fever and tiredness for about 24 hours after the shot, I had no negative effects—and no COVID, either. (If you have questions about the vaccines, I encourage you to visit www.COVIDVaccineFacts.org, a project developed by one of my clients.)

Have you traveled post-COVID? Do you have travel plans this summer? What did you like about my book, and what did I miss? Tell me in the comments or send me a note. And stay tuned for a quick update on some of my favorite spots that are still open in D.C. and need your support!

P.S. If you got the book already, I’d appreciate a review on Amazon.com or GoodReads!