ARLINGTON. By working closely with many of the most popular museums, attractions and tours in the DC area, this service can offer travelers great deals and and can help you plan an itinerary customized for you or your group. This is a convenient service for those planning business meetings, group trips or family get-togethers. Several special packages are available.

FAIRFAX. Inside the former Fairfax Elementary schoolhouse, this is more than a typical visitor's center. It offers all of the information you could want about the area, with maps, brochures, booklets and newspapers that guide you to the best attractions, special events and businesses in the area ­ much of it for free. The gift shop is a great place to pick up postcards, souvenirs, or books about the area and its history, and the knowledgeable staff is a great source of information about area businesses.

DOWNTOWN. This downtown FedEx Kinko's Office and Print Center store is often packed with students and area business people taking advantage of the numerous services offered. With plenty of computer terminals and a large staff, they have no trouble accommodating everyone's needs. Internet service, word processing, graphic design, color printing, large-size prints, binding, laminating, and package shipping are just a few of the handy services available.

ALEXANDRIA. Business travelers will appreciate the convenience of this nationwide chain, where printing, copying, and graphic design services are the specialty.

ALEXANDRIA. This historic home serves as the Visitor's Center for Alexandria, with a huge array of maps, brochures and booklets that steer you toward the area's top attractions and tours. Being a historic home, it is also one of the area's top attractions. Built in 1724 by Alexandria's founder, William Ramsay, the carefully restored building is the oldest home in Alexandria. Look for the unique gambrel roof and the original porch, with its lovely views of the Potomac. METRO: King Street