In less than a month, people will look to the sky as the moon passes between the sun and Earth in a celestial event known as total solar eclipse. The phenomenon is scheduled for April 8, 2024, and the next phenomenon visible from the contiguous United States will take place. August 2044, it is therefore not surprising that eclipse fever is gripping the country. Between 1 and 4 million it is expected that people will take the path of totality, joining the 31 million people who already live there.
Among the tours, cruises, hotels and even scenic flights offering their own version of the total solar eclipse experience, here are six tips last-minute planners should keep in mind for this special day.
1. Figure out where you want to go
Thirteen US states are in the path of this year's eclipse: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine (small parts of Tennessee and Michigan are also on the way). Of all these states, all of them will be in two national parks – Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas and Cuyahoga National Park in Ohio – and they are expected to be crowded. Let us instead consider one of more than 100 national parks along the way, some of which are more unnoticed. If you're more of a city dweller, you can also experience the totality in major cities, including San Antonio, Austin, Cleveland, and Rochester.
Also think about the weather. According to NOAABased on past weather records, April weather appears to bring more chances of rain, meaning more potential for cloud cover, in the Northeast than in the South.
2. Consider the length of the whole
Aiming for a destination on the path to totality is a no-brainer, although the amount of totality you'll get depends on where you're going. The closer an area is to the center of the path of totality, the longer the total eclipse lasts. Take Austin and Dallas: While both are in the path of totality, Austin will get 1 minute and 46 seconds of totality, while Dallas will get 3 minutes and 52 seconds of totality. The longest you can get for the entire thing is about 4 minutes and 30 seconds. Places particularly suitable for travelers to maximize your time in the dark are Texas Hill Country towns like Kerrville (which will get about 4 minutes and 24 seconds of totality and is partnered with NASA) and Fredericksburg (which is expected to get 4 minutes and 23 seconds of totality). Texas Hill Country is also one of The best places to go according to AFAR in 2024.
Enjoy nature's company to the fullest with a solar eclipse camping trip.
Photo by Heidi Besen/Shutterstock
3. Consider camping
If you want to have a solar eclipse experience surrounded by nature rather than people, camping might suit you better. But reserving developed campgrounds in well-known national parks and natural sites will likely be difficult at this point. As an alternative, search for private land through platforms such as Horse camp or look for dispersed campsites in a national forest, like Ozark National Forest Or Green Mountain National Forest. Even though outback locations don't have amenities, they can be perfect for those seeking solitude.
Additionally, be sure to check a park's capacity when it comes to handling the influx of visitors for April 8. For example, the Erie tourism office is discouraging visits to Presque Isle State Park to avoid bottlenecks from its single entry and exit point.
4. Discover a city, a festival or a last minute visit
Many places in the path of totality put their own spin on the solar eclipse with dedicated festivities. Enjoy an educational experience at the Rochester Museum & Science Center ROC the Eclipse Festival, a three-day event that includes lectures titled “Frontiers of Plasma Physics” and “The Search for Earth-Like Planets” led by scientific experts. Or lean into greatness during the four days Texas Eclipse Festival in Burnet, Texas; its programming includes musical performances, yoga sessions and immersive artistic experiences. (If you're heading to Texas for the eclipse in general, check out this interactive map special activities happening across the state.)
If just the thought of navigating travel logistics gives you a headache, check the availability of some solar eclipse tours. Some tours are still available, like the huge 22-day Solar Eclipse Cruise across North America. Others, like that of Travel Quest Copper Canyon Total Solar Eclipse Tour in Mexico, only have places on the waiting list. But don't lose hope: As last-minute cancellations come in, a quick call could secure your spot.
The High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid, New York, still has rooms available for travelers stopping for the total solar eclipse.
Courtesy of High Peaks Resort
5. Try to get a last minute place in hotels on the way to totality
The hotels are look into the solar eclipse experience also, and properties are hosting celebrations and events dedicated to the solar eclipse just for the event. Miraval Austin Resort and Spa organizes a viewing session with his astrologer, while Swexan Hotel in Dallas offers wellness activities for the solar eclipse the evening of April 8 which includes a meditation, a sound bath and a Reiki healing session.
Keep in mind that booking last minute can be expensive. Properties throughout the entire band record exorbitant prices-even budget hotels. Similar to booking tours, do your due diligence and call to verify a cancellation.
6. Prepare yourself
Of course, you should wear solar eclipse glasses to avoid permanent damage to your eyes. If you are going to an event, check if they will be provided or if you will need to bring your own. If you don't want to buy them, you can use household materials like cardboard to make your own. pinhole projectora contraption that allows you to see the sun change shape as the moon passes in front of it.
In addition to bringing materials for the day of the event, plan ahead. The entire duration is less than five minutes, but the traffic that follows can disrupt your plans for hours. If you're coming from a park or a crowded city, be careful and come prepared with extra snacks and water.
