Are you planning for Lifetime Travel in USA? A solar eclipse in April is creating buzz throughout the world of travel as the countdown is on for the first total solar eclipse since 2017. An estimated 31 million people reside in the narrow corridor that stretches from Maine to Texas, known as the “path of totality,” where lucky spectators will witness the awe-inspiring total eclipse. As the moon gracefully aligns itself with the sun, this celestial event will cast a shadow on the land, engulfing the sun in its entirety. Outside this path, people will experience a partial eclipse, where the moon will obstruct varying degrees of sunlight, ranging from a mere sliver to a near-total blackout.
Lifetime Travel in USA
The rare solar total eclipse happens April 8, leaving with just a few weeks for eclipse enthusiasts to lock in their travel plans. Cities along the path of totality in the U.S. are seeing the biggest spikes in hotel searches for the eclipse, according to new data from Expedia. These spots include Burlington, VT (+1,155%); Little Rock, AK (+985%); Dayton, OH (+705%); Buffalo, NY (+645%) and Indianapolis, IND (+545%)..
“The total solar eclipse in April is less than one month from now, and there are still hotel deals available in Dallas for $126 a night and $107 in Dayton,” said Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations. “This close to the eclipse the rates tend to be lower in the bigger cities where there are more hotels, and higher in areas like the Hill Country outside Austin.”
Hotels along the U.S. path of totality, which stretches from Texas to Maine, are in high demand, but the good news for last-minute eclipse chasers? It’s not too late to book, says Expedia.
Solar Eclipse in April: Lifetime Travel in USA
Hotels and vacation homes along the U.S. path of totality for the Solar Eclipse in April, a swath that stretches from Texas to Maine, are in high demand. But inventory still exists in these solar eclipse path destinations:
1. Austin, Texas: Lifetime Travel in USA
Three-star hotels in the Austin area with availability currently start around $187 per night. Rooms remain available at top-rated hotels with One Key member perks including:
2. Dallas, Texas
Three-star hotels in the Dallas area with availability currently start around $126 per night. Rooms remain available at top-rated hotels with One Key member perks including:
3. San Antonio, Texas
Three-star hotels in the San Antonio area with availability currently start around $108 per night. Rooms remain available at top-rated hotels including:
+ Marriott San Antonio Airport
4. Indianapolis, Indiana
Three-star hotels in the Indianapolis area with availability currently start around $193 per night. Rooms remain available at top-rated hotels including:
5. Dayton, Ohio: Lifetime Travel in USA
Three-star hotels in the Dayton area with availability currently start around $107 per night. Rooms remain available at top-rated hotels including:
Solar Eclipse in April: Lifetime Travel in USA
Plan for crowds: With spring breakers also on the road during the week of the eclipse, travelers can expect the roads and airports to be busy. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure and plan ahead for more traffic than normal.
Things to do: Many hotels may require a minimum stay of three or more nights, so check out activities and attractions nearby to round out the trip, like renting a kayak at Austin’s Lady Bird Lake for $25 per person or booking an immersive art experience in San Antonio.
Save a bundle: Car rental is also expected to be competitive, due to spring break travel during the week of the eclipse. Save by adding a car to a flight or hotel booking for bundled rates.
Book once, earn twice: Input airline mileage plan or hotel loyalty details at checkout to cash out on this rare celestial event.
Solar Eclipse in April: How to Prepare
Total solar eclipses are rare occurrences, leaving eager sky gazers longing for the next opportunity to witness this extraordinary event. Regrettably, many Americans will have to wait more than two decades for another chance. The next total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. is set to grace the skies on August 23, 2044.
But as the anticipation builds, an important question arises: Do we really need eclipse glasses? The answer, unequivocally, is yes. The significance of proper eye protection during a total solar eclipse cannot be overstated.
Except for the fleeting period of “totality,” lasting approximately three or four minutes when the sun is entirely obscured by the moon, observers must diligently wear specialized eclipse glasses. These glasses shield the eyes from the intense rays of the sun, preventing potential harm and permanent damage to the delicate retinas. It is crucial to emphasize that during the phases leading up to and following totality, as well as throughout a partial solar eclipse, eye protection remains an absolute necessity.
How To Do IT Best
The American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that even a brief glimpse of the sun without proper eye protection can result in severe eye injuries, including solar retinopathy, which can lead to blindness. Thankfully, specialized eclipse glasses and hand-held solar viewers offer a solution. These specially designed devices feature filters that allow only a minuscule fraction of visible light to pass through, with some being more than 1,000 times darker than ordinary sunglasses, as noted by the American Astronomical Society.
While eclipse glasses are the recommended method of safe viewing, alternative methods can also be employed. Pinhole projectors, camera obscuras, and even colanders can be used to cast an image of the eclipse onto the ground or a wall. However, it is crucial to avoid attempting to observe the eclipse through telescopes, binoculars, or unfiltered cameras, even while wearing eclipse glasses. Regular sunglasses, no matter how stylish, lack the necessary protection for safe eclipse viewing.
Eclipse Draws
As the eclipse draws near, it is important to exercise caution when purchasing eclipse glasses. The American Astronomical Society’s (AAS) Solar Eclipse Task Force has warned of counterfeit glasses flooding the market ahead of the 2017 eclipse. This year, the group has taken measures to request testing information from various manufacturers. However, some unscrupulous sellers have resorted to using the names and designs of reputable companies to peddle fake eclipse glasses. To ensure safety, the AAS recommends consulting their website for a list of recommended eclipse glasses and solar viewers made by trustworthy manufacturers.
Merely relying on products claiming to comply with the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard may not be sufficient, as some vendors have falsely advertised their untested glasses as meeting the standard. The AAS advises caution when purchasing from online marketplaces such as Amazon, eBay, or Temu, and suggests exploring the option of obtaining glasses from the more than 13,000 public libraries across the country that are distributing 5 million eclipse glasses free of charge.
Conclusion: Lifetime Travel in USA
To ascertain the reliability of eclipse glasses, NASA Goddard representatives caution against testing them directly against the sun. Instead, hold the glasses up to a bright lamp or flashlight. If the lit bulb is either invisible or very dim, and there is no glow around it, the glasses are deemed safe. For those considering using older pairs of eclipse glasses, it is essential to inspect them for any scratches or damage that may compromise their protective capabilities.
As the day of the eclipse approaches, the importance of proper eye protection cannot be overstated. By adhering to the recommended safety measures, we can all marvel at the celestial ballet unfolding before our eyes, ensuring that this rare and breathtaking event remains a cherished memory, untarnished by the potential harm it could cause.
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