WASHINGTON -- Yes, it will be crowded. But for those hoping for a glimpse of history, here are some tips to make the journey to the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States a little more bearable.

WHEN: Inaugural events run from Jan. 15 through Jan. 20, when President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office at the West side of the U.S. Capitol.

GETTING TICKETS: 250,000 tickets are being given away free to the public. They will be distributed a week before the event to the Obama/Biden offices as well as Senators and members of 111th Congress to give out to their delegations. So to get them, contact your members of Congress.

Charlotte's congressional delegation has been getting flooded with calls and their offices say they don't know how many they're going to get yet. Rep. Sue Myrick's representative said those who want tickets should email them at myrick@mail.house.gov starting Dec. 1. They'll be taking requests up until Dec. 16.

Sen. Burr's representative said they've been getting requests since January and they're doing it first come, first serve. They've gotten thousands of requests they likely won't be able to fill but encourage everyone to come and enjoy from the National Mall. Burr's representative says the office will be open to constituents during inauguration if anyone needs a place to warm up.

Several ticket brokers are also selling them online for thousands of dollars, but event organizer Howard Gantman warns "buyer beware." Since the tickets haven't been released yet, the brokers may not get the tickets they're promising you.

OTHER FREEBIES: Anyone can be on the Mall in DC, between the Capitol and the Washington Monument. In Inaugurals past, there have been huge displays set up to show the events on the platform. There will also be a parade to the White House after the event with public accessibility (you don't need tickets if you want to stand). There will also be plenty of free rallies on the Mall throughout the week.

WANT YOUR MARCHING BAND IN THE PARADE?: Bands hoping to march in the parade can apply to the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee by 5 p.m. EST on Friday, Nov. 14. Applicants can apply by mail or through the Web (online applications are preferred), with photographs and audio/video recordings optional. The application calls for a descriptive narrative. The Presidential Inaugural Committee will make the final selection.

Click here for the official application.

PARKING: The inauguration will be held on the West side of the Capitol and the parade will run along Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.

Click here for a map of the route and close metro stops.

Gantman warns visitors not to try to park in the city and says metro is the best option. If you get tickets, your ticket will tell you which entrance to come in and which metro stop is closest. Gantman says there also may be a shuttle from RFK stadium parking lot to the inauguration, but details are still being worked out.

BUDGET AIRFARE: As of Nov. 11, we could find flights on search engine kayak.com from Charlotte-Douglas to Baltimore Airport (which is a quick 30 minute train ride to DC) for under $140 and flights directly into Washington-Reagan airport for $210. If you drive the 400 mile trip, it will take you about 6 1/2 hours.

Click here for driving directions from Charlotte to DC.

HOTELS: If you are coming, book soon. Hotels are filling up and the costs are skyrocketing--standard rooms are running about $800 a night to be close to the action. You can find better deals (in the $200 range as of today on expedia.com) if you are willing to stay outside of DC and take the train in, or check out Craigslist.org to check out homeowners renting out rooms or their entire place. Several Republicans are even trying to leave town for the event and might be willing to house swap. If money is no object, plenty of luxe hotels including the Ritz Carlton, Hyatt and the Mandarin Oriental are offering packages for $25,000 to $90,000 that include spa treatments, chefs, limo services and more. Keep in mind most hotels are requiring stays of two to five nights.

SCOOP ON THE INAUGURAL BALLS: There are plenty of balls to choose from at just about every price range. The "Black Tie and Boots" Texas ball used to be the premier "see and be seen" ball in the past, but Tammie Hagin with the Hyatt hotels says that could change since the President-elect is neither a Republican or from Texas. Several states also have their own balls--Hawaii's has already sold out, several others don't have tickets on sale yet. The Obamas will likely make appearances at most sanctioned balls. In 2005 there were nine sanctioned affairs.