Did you go on a solar eclipse trip in 2017? We did! We drove all the way to Hopkinsville, Kentucky. It was a truly life-changing experience. In addition to the awe-inspiring eclipse itself, an eerie silence descended because the birds and insects thought dusk had come early that day. All this while fascinating shadows covered the ground. This is why we are excited about the solar eclipse 2024.
The U.S. will have another total solar eclipse April 8, 2024. The total solar eclipse is one of the three remaining worldwide this decade, and the last one visible from North America until 2044, so now is the time to plan a solar eclipse trip.
If you are staying in the U.S. for a solar eclipse trip, here are some tips.
Plan your solar eclipse trip now, while prices are low!
Tip 1: Pick a Spot Early for Your Solar Eclipse Trip
States in the path-of-totality are Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Mexico has great viewing sites too. Path-of-totality means that the moon will completely block the sun. The shoulder areas outside of it will have a partial eclipse.
Tip 2: Rent a Hotel Room Soon
Book for the night before and the night after. We rented in March for the August eclipse at a normal rate. But by the time the eclipse was nearing, the rates were running four times higher! The hotel even called us to see if they could resell our room.
Also, plan to stay the night after the eclipse. In 2017 the traffic was brutal as millions of people tried to leave prime viewing areas immediately after it ended.
Tip 3: Stay Safe
As it gets closer, there will be lots of cheap “protective” glasses for sale. Do your homework and get good ones now. To stay safe, follow the advice on NASA’s website.
Tip 5: Clouds During Your Solar Eclipse Trip
There is no guarantee that clouds will not ruin it. If you can’t arrange to be on a ship or in the desert, plan to be mobile. Otherwise, when choosing a viewing location, check the historical weather patterns there.
We had originally planned to experience the last eclipse in Carbondale but changed our minds to Kentucky. We were lucky, since Carbondale got clouded over and Hopkinsville didn’t. For 2024 we thought about Toledo but there is an 80% chance of clouds.
For your solar eclipse trip, consider Mexico, with a 10% chance of clouds.
Tip 6: Consider a Special Cruise
There are people who follow eclipses all around the world who take charter cruises and trips. Most of these are already fully booked.
So, for our next eclipse adventure, we are taking a cruise! And we get two fantastic experiences in one as it includes a full transit of the Panama Canal.
Our family is taking a 2024 solar eclipse cruise on the Emerald Princess. The captain will watch the weather patterns to try to make sure we have the best chance of experiencing the eclipse.
The voyage departs Los Angeles on April 5, 2024, sailing to Ft. Lauderdale. It includes the Mexican Riviera, through the Panama Canal and across the western Caribbean. The ship will catch the total solar eclipse on April 8 between Cabo San Lucas and Huatulco, Mexico. The itinerary also includes stops in San Juan del Sur Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Cartagena, Grand Cayman and Ft. Lauderdale.
Guests will gather on the top decks and be given special glasses they can wear to safely view the eclipse as astronomy and space exploration enthusiast Fred Cink helps guide their viewing experience. Guests will also enjoy specially themed drinks and bites during the coveted event.
“This rare occurrence in the cosmos is sure to wow millions but only the smallest fraction will ever experience this phenomenon via the ocean aboard an amazing cruise ship,” said John Padgett, president of Princess. “Princess thrives on ensuring our guests have authentic experiences that become once-in-a-lifetime moments.”
This cruise is sure to sell out so if you want to go, we encourage you to put a refundable deposit down soon.
Ready for More Great Travel Tips?
Every week we share our favorite travel secrets and tips. You can view them all here.
