Total Solar Eclipse Travel Plans

For the first time in 26 years, a total solar eclipse will be visible from the United States, easily becoming the must-see event of the summer. In 1991, a total solar eclipse occurred with clear visibility over Hawai’i and Mexico, but this summer’s occurrence is expected to be even greater.

The phenomenon occurs when the moon, in the New Moon phase, orbits between the Earth and the sun. This balance casts a dark shadow over the Earth with just a sliver of sunlight bursting over the moon’s edge.

The way in which the moon comes between the Earth and sun is only visible from a certain location on Earth for a brief moment of time. The moon’s distance from the Earth is important because it has to appear to be the same size as the sun for the moon’s shadow, or umbra, to block out the sun — creating a total eclipse.

Luckily for North American residents and celestial enthusiasts, a total eclipse will be visible in the contiguous United States Aug. 21, for the first time since 1979. Numerous eclipses can be seen all over the world at various points in the year, but visibility across the United States isn’t expected again until April 2024.

Being such a rare occasion, it seems a better time than ever for coastal residents to plan a summer vacation and road trip through the United States — even if only to see the eclipse for a couple of minutes — literally. The projected longest eclipse viewing duration is expected in Kentucky for approximately 2.5 minutes.

There will be plenty of heartland states primed for total eclipse viewing, but travelers need to plan ahead to get a good view.

The eclipse will be visible in central South Carolina, northern Georgia, parts of central Tennessee, southwest Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon.

Each state will offer locations with clear visibility in specific locations. Resorts and hotels have taken measures to ensure travelers have an overall amazing experience viewing this rare occurrence, and spaces are filling up quickly.

Insight Cruises and Sky and Telescope teamed up, creating the ultimate four-day eclipse Field Trip package in Hopkinsville, Ky., and Nashville, Tenn. The trip begins with optional educational tours through the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the Marshall Space Flight Center. This option delves into the most comprehensive collection of U.S.-operated spaceflight hardware in the world, where America’s space program began.

The tour officially kicks off in Nashville, Tenn., and continues to the greatest eclipse location, Hopkinsville. General information is available on the site with pricing and important details to consider.

The narrow line across the United States showcasing the total solar eclipse has been named the “path of totality,” and St. Joseph, Miss., will be right in the middle of it. The St. Joseph Tourism Board has taken the liberty of breaking down the best places to stay and things to do for those chasing the eclipse’s path. Staying in local hotels, campgrounds and hunting down viewing parties will be a breeze with the help of the tourism board.

Wyoming is proving an early favorite for eclipse sighting, with Riverton, Casper and Douglas falling perfectly within the path of totality. The Amangani and Teton Lodge resorts offer top-notch accommodations, amenities and idyllic panoramic views on a good day, let alone during a total solar eclipse. The resorts tend to fill up fast, but often offer a waitlist for those still shopping around for higher-end accommodations.

Some unique stays in Wyoming would include any of the many dude ranches available. From Moose Head Ranch to Lazy L&B Ranch, these accommodations provide activities, natural beauty and outdoor fun for guests before and after the eclipse.

Camping enthusiasts should head to Salem, Ore., for an authentic, one-with-nature eclipse experience. There are complete lists of RV parks and campgrounds located within the path of totality in Salem, but for more luxurious camping and open-air lodging, Glamping Hub has a myriad of affordable options.

Check in to Youngberg Hill for award-winning wine and a breathtaking balcony view. Late August is a beautiful time to visit Oregon anyway, but with the added eclipse casting over the rolling hills and expansive vineyard, this location will be an ideal summer getaway.

Travelers should be sure to do their research and find the best location along the path. Vacancy for each resort, hotel, ranch, motel and campground will vary and some may be just outside of the total eclipse viewing line.

Whether staying with friends, at an Airbnb, camping under the stars or taking that final summer excursion, the 2017 total eclipse is certainly worth the trip.