How to plan a trip for a total solar eclipse

Planning for an eclipse requires booking accommodation at least 12 months in advance, as rooms sell out and prices skyrocket within the path of totality. Use interactive maps like Xavier Jubier’s to pinpoint your exact coordinates for maximum duration, then monitor weather patterns 48 hours out to stay mobile.

1. Select your target location using path maps. Do not aim for the center of a major city if you want to avoid crowds. Use the NASA or Xavier Jubier interactive eclipse maps to find a location within the 'path of totality.' Being on the centerline provides the longest duration; being even 10 miles outside the path means you will miss the total eclipse entirely.
2. Book accommodation 12-18 months early. Standard hotels in the path will triple their prices or book out entirely. Look for short-term rentals, campsites, or local community event lodging. If you cannot find a room in the target town, look for a secondary base 2-3 hours away and rent a car to drive in early on eclipse day.
3. Prioritize mobility over luxury. Clouds are the enemy. Rent a car so you can pivot. If your chosen location is forecasted for 80% cloud cover while a location 100 miles away is clear, you need the flexibility to drive there overnight.
4. Verify your safety gear. Purchase ISO 12312-2 compliant eclipse glasses. Buy them directly from manufacturers listed on the American Astronomical Society (AAS) website. Order these at least 3 months early, as they sell out globally as the date approaches.

Can I just look at the eclipse through my sunglasses?

No. Ordinary sunglasses provide zero protection. You must use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses at all times until the sun is 100% blocked by the moon.

How bad is the traffic?

Extreme. Expect 6-10 hour traffic jams immediately after the event ends as thousands of people attempt to leave rural areas via two-lane highways.

Do I need to be at the exact center line?

Being on the center line gives you the maximum duration of totality (up to 4+ minutes). Moving toward the edge of the path significantly reduces your viewing time to mere seconds.