BY CLAY LARROY
There is nothing more exciting than travelling. Whether
you are going for a road trip to see something new in your own state, or
heading off to somewhere for the very first time to visit a city you have
always dreamed of, there are some travel
basics that you should know. Travel in the
off seasons from November to April, to avoid crowds,
save money and enjoy temperate weather. In those months, many families with
children cannot travel due to school commitments, making many tourist
attractions much less crowded. This may also result in lower costs for airfare
and hotels. When
you are ready to plan a vacation contact me!
Some tour operators
specialize in astronomical vacations while others use astronomy as a theme for
special tours or cruises. In almost all instances, the tour company will employ
experts to guide the tour group and to act as an instructor during the trip.
Work with your travel consultant to choose a good tour operator and to obtain
the greatest possible values in your air and lodging accommodations.
Tour operators act to
arrange the logistics of your astronomy tour. A good tour operator will develop
the itinerary, arrange for equipment transport (your own and theirs), provide
transportation at the destination and look to meals and other creature
comforts. As noted above, tour operators will most often furnish a guide for
the duration of the trip that will be an expert in astronomy to assist with
questions, viewing advice and who will provide lectures to the group.
Tour operators will
frequently contract with one or more lodging options at the destination.
Discuss with your travel consultant your preferences with regard to your
lodging, whether you will require a single or double accommodation or any other
options that might be available. Your tour operator will probably also arrange
for other activities in the area during those times when you are not viewing
the skies, such as local cultural opportunities, nightlife or other
entertainment.
Some
tour operators specialize in astronomical vacations while others use astronomy
as a theme for special tours or cruises. In almost all instances, the tour
company will employ experts to guide the tour group and to act as an instructor
during the trip. Work with your travel consultant to choose a good tour
operator and to obtain the greatest possible values in your air and lodging
accommodations.
Tour operators act to
arrange the logistics of your astronomy tour. A good tour operator will develop
the itinerary, arrange for equipment transport (your own and theirs), provide
transportation at the destination and look to meals and other creature
comforts. As noted above, tour operators will most often furnish a guide for
the duration of the trip that will be an expert in astronomy to assist with
questions, viewing advice and who will provide lectures to the group.
Tour operators will
frequently contract with one or more lodging options at the destination.
Discuss with your travel consultant your preferences with regard to your
lodging, whether you will require a single or double accommodation or any other
options that might be available. Your tour operator will probably also arrange
for other activities in the area during those times when you are not viewing
the skies, such as local cultural opportunities, nightlife or other
entertainment.
Some astronomical
tours occur on cruise ships which have a couple of interesting advantages.
Cruise ships are very maneuverable and can often respond quickly to changing
conditions, avoiding weather or clouds, positioning for the most advantageous
viewing. Visibility is usually 360 degrees. On a cruise ship, your lodging is
always close at hand, so it is easy to reach your accommodations for comfort’s
sake. Cruises also provide additional entertainment and amenities often not
found in more remote viewing areas.
A bit of planning
goes a long, long way to ensuring that you will receive the greatest possible
value from your astronomical tour. When choosing a destination, make sure to
fully consider the season and the climate of your visit. Your tour operator
will brief you on such issues, as well as providing you with a checklist of
clothing, gear and other equipment recommended for your trip. If viewing night
skies, time your travels if possible to view under a new moon, especially for a
southern sky or auroral trip when the light of the moon might interfere with
optimal conditions. Likewise, try to travel when the climate is the driest so
to lessen the chances of cloud cover.
If your destination
is at altitude, it is good to know how you react to the effects in advance.
Many people are not aware that altitude has a physical effect on individuals to
varying degrees. Discuss with your tour operator and your physician any
considerations that should be taken for your destination.
If traveling with
others, make sure that everyone is as interested in the core reason for your
trip as you are, or that the tour operator makes provisions for others in your
party to keep them entertained. Likewise, if traveling with children, discuss
with your tour operator what provisions are available.
Preparing for your
astronomical tour is a relatively simple matter. You will probably want to
obtain some guide book materials on your destination. Your travel consultant
can recommend some destination materials and can provide good advice with
regard to your travel logistics. Research in advance the phenomenon you will be
viewing, and acquaint yourself with aspects of the local culture.
Make sure to pay a
visit to a doctor experienced in travel medicine if you are going to any area
of the world that requires special health considerations such as third world
countries or areas at altitude above 8,000 feet. Most astronomical tours are
not physically taxing and will require no special conditioning or physical
training, and can be accomplished by persons in reasonable physical condition
or with physical disabilities under normal circumstances. However, be sure to
ask your tour operator about any limitations your condition might present at
your destination so that your hosts can make adequate arrangements.
Finally, make sure
that your travel documentation such as passports and visas are arranged and are
current. Now, you are all set to go, and the sky’s is no longer the limit!
REFERENCE SITES:
This sight... is by far the noblest astronomy affords.Edmond Halley
Live life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!
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