It seems unlikely that you’ve managed to not hear about the
total solar eclipse that will be happening across the USA. If you are planning
to travel to see the totality of the eclipse, or even if you already live in
the area, you have to be prepared. We’re here to bring you some advice for what
might be one of the most crowded events in the past century.
Now something to keep in mind is that this is the first
total solar eclipse in the USA since 1979. No matter where you are, if you are
going to the totality area it is going to be very busy. Hundreds of thousands
of people are expected to travel to get into the path of totality.
First, if you’ve not made travel plans yet it is not too
late, but know you’ll be paying a premium for any hotels that are left, or that
you will have to stay a couple hours away from the path of totality and drive
in the day of.
If you managed to get a hotel room within a town in the
path, good job! Something to keep in mind though is that the town is going to
be overrun. Gas stations and grocery stores may run out of food. Bathroom lines
will be very long. Getting to eat at a restaurant will likely be impossible.
Our advice? Bring yourself a picnic lunch to eat during the eclipse, along with
beverages. Make sure you get gas before you get to town. As for bathrooms, you’re
simply going to have to wait in line.
And get ready for traffic. There is going to be an insane
amount of traffic. This is going to be true before the eclipse starts, during
the eclipse, and after, so be prepared. Give yourself plenty of extra time to
get from one place to the other. At least double the time, if not more. And if
it is cloudy where you are? Traffic to move locations is going to be even more
insane. Keep an eye on the forecast and don’t be afraid to change up your plans
if you need to.
Traffic and parking in actual cities will likely be very
difficult to find. You may want to head to a small town or somewhere very
rural, which will be less busy. If you want a spot to park, get to town early.
And maybe linger afterwards, as traffic will be very bad.
And remember that cell phones may not work, so do not rely
on them for GPS or communication.
Stay safe, and enjoy!
