Tag Archives: travel

Tips For When Visiting Utah’s Zion National Park

Zion National Park covers 229 square miles in Southern Utah and it is widely regarded as one of the best travel destinations in the entire state, especially for those that love the outdoors. While most people think about something simpler and more luxurious, like cabin rentals in Utah, many are now interested in having a vacation that revolves around nature.

Zion National Park is around 160 miles away from Las Vegas and 300 from Salt Lake City. Its history is really long with establishments being present for those that came to the area. You surely want to make the most possible from the visit so if this is the case, here are some great tips that will help you to get away from the high crowds that often appear and have a more memorable getaway.

Hike The Narrows

Those that feel particularly adventurous and that do not mind if they get wet should seriously consider hiking The Narrows. This is, just as the name implies, Zion Canyon’s narrowest section. The Virgin River is often just around 20 or 30 feet wide in numerous parts. This may not seem special but on the sides there are rock walls that go as high as thousands of feet. You want to just go for shorter walks if you are just interested in the sights but many actually spend hours here as they travel upstream. Just remember that rocks are very slippery and the water is quite cold.

Visit The Emerald Pools

Zion National Park’s Emerald Pools can be reached through 3 trails. They have varying difficulty levels and lengths. The Lower path is 1.2 miles round trip, the Middle Pools trail is 2 miles round trip with wide sidewalks and the Upper Pool trail is 2.5 miles round trip. This last one is made out of sand and uneven rock surfaces.

You can choose to visit a pool or all the 3 pools. However, remember that you are not allowed to touch the water. This is because the National Park Service is working hard right now to restore the natural beauty of these pools.

Go Rock Climbing

Zion has numerous 2,000-foot high sandstone cliffs that are renowned around the world for the huge big wall climbs that are available. These are rare and very popular among the experienced climbers. Those that are not experienced should not actually consider this because of the high difficulty level.

In the park you can also consider enjoying some bouldering. Two main areas are available, both accessible from the south entrance. During summers heat is high so it is recommended to enjoy this between March and May or September and November. Do not climb when rain just hit as the sandstone becomes weaker. You want to talk with the park rangers to see if there are cliff closures you have to know about.

Consider Canyoneering

Canyoneering is a really interesting activity that combines problem-solving, hiking, swimming and rappelling. The sport is quite fun and it can be experienced in full glamour at Zion National Park. You can be really experienced or just a first-timer and still have a wonderful experience. You can explore so many different places in the park and play all the games you would want.

Visit Angels Landing

This is not a place for those that are afraid of heights. If you are not and can go through a pretty challenging hike, Angels Landing should be visited. This is basically a 4 hour hike that takes you through an elevation of 1,400 feet, all in 5 miles. There are many long drop-offs and a narrow ridge when you reach the summit.  Once you manage to reach the top, you will not regret it since the views are incredible. Just look online for some pictures taken there and you can instantly realize what you could be seeing.

Follow The Rangers

The rangers in Zion National Park now offer different programs that help people to make the most of their time between April and November. A highlight that should be considered is the 2 hour daily shuttle tour that takes you through various parts of the park while a park ranger narrates the experience. This shuttle tour is quite popular though so you do want to plan ahead. Seats are now limited but the great thing is that reservations are completely free. Also, the reservations need to be made at the visitor center, in-person. You cannot do so online or call ahead.

The Open-Air Tram

This is another great way to see the Zion National Park. You can be a part of a scenic drive narrated tram tour. This is closed to the private vehicles if during the busy season, which is April to October. The drive is around 70 minutes long and takes place in an open-air tram. You get close to Virgin River and will receive personal headsets that guarantee the narration will be fully heard.

Final Thoughts

Utah’s Zion National Park is one of the most impressive travel destinations in the state. It offers so much more than what many visitors expect so do be sure that you allow yourself more time to experience the various different activities that are available, including those that were mentioned above. You can surely find something that you are going to appreciate, all based on personal preferences. Just take the time you need to plan your experience and enjoy Zion.

How to Prepare Yourself for Traveling to Somewhere New

Traveling to another country, especially alone, can be a daunting undertaking—but there’s no reason to stress yourself out. Being prepared is key to ensuring your travel experience is a positive one. So, read on for tips on how to prep yourself for traveling to another country.

Side note: If you’re reading this to prep, but really aren’t ready for a full country travel, opt for a small vacay. Search out Bald Head Island rentals and other seaside resorts to get some traveling experience.

Snag Your Passports, Certifications, and Necessary Travel Documents

Before you even book a flight, hotel, or transportation when you get there, make sure your travel documents are in order. Every destination is different in traveler requirements, so update your passports, make sure your vaccinations are on point, and research about any certifications you might need.

Research the Demographics, Stories, and Safety Regulations of Your Destination

Some destinations are dangerous—just sayin’. And some cultures have beliefs that could make those destinations moreso dangerous to naïve travelers. Ergo, the best thing you can be is prepared. Follow up on news stories, demographics and statistics (crime rates), and safety regulations about the area. Read past traveler experiences and prepare yourself until you feel comfortable enough to know that you can avoid negative situations in a new-to-you destination.

Plan and Set Aside a Travel Budget for Everything (i.e. Food, Transportation, Activities, etc.)

While hopping on a plane and traveling the world in an impromptu adventure might sound exciting and spontaneous, smart travelers always have a plan. Don’t galivant to somewhere foreign and expect to know where to go from there. You need to plan and set aside a budget for all that you want to do, see, and eat.

Focus on Learning the Culture, Language, and Respect for Both

As aforementioned, most destinations, especially in other countries, have their own cultures, beliefs, and languages. Respect them by researching them and building a knowledge of those customs before you journey to your intended location. Think of it this way—you wouldn’t want a stranger to start a fire in your backyard, so avoid offending someone just because you don’t understand their customs. Respect goes a long way when you’re a traveler.

Capturing your Travels through Photographs

nevada

Keeping memories of your travels forever is accomplished through photographs and video. Finding the perfect spot to capture a special moment is difficult sometimes. Some of the best travel photos come from candid shots and random captures. When you have the time, actually setup your shot and make sure it’s framed right to have the exact memory saved forever.

When in Motion
Taking photos when you’re in motion and not seeing blur is so difficult. If you don’t have a fancy camera and your cell phone doesn’t have an anti-blur or motion feature, you’ll have to make stops every time you want to take a great photos of Nevada or other locations you’re visiting. It may take more time to get to your destination or scheduled activities, but the perfect photo takes you back to that specific moment every time you view the photo.

Changing Natural Lighting
If you’re taking photos at sunrise or sunset, it can change the way your photo looks. It is important to set your camera or cell phone to take multiple shots to ensure that you have at least one shot that you are happy with as lighting can change quickly as the sun rises and sets. If storms are rolling in, they make dramatic backdrops and you will likely need to use your flash so that you don’t lose any details of the natural landscape.

Picking a Good Backdrop
Natural backdrops are everywhere. It is important, however, to make sure that your photos are centered and that no protrusions of the landscape are coming from your behind your body as those can easily become awkward photos that may be an opportunity for friends and family to poke a little fun at you.

Angles
The angle of your photos is beyond important. The wrong angle can completely change the theme of your photo. It can take an innocent candid moment and turn it into an onslaught of inappropriate commentary. Always review your photos and delete those that do not capture a moment as you thought it would to prevent the negative commentary that could arise.

Closing Thoughts
Sometimes the candid, unexpected photos from your travels make the best stories. You’ll remember the exact moment the photo was taken and how the situation came to be. It may have you booking accommodations for your next trip so that you can relive special moments and capture even more special moments. If you ask a stranger to take a photo, make sure you’re close enough to keep an eye on your camera or cell phone.