The Grand Canyon: 10
Things to Know Before You Go
The Grand Canyon is located in northwest Arizona and
arguably the worlds most popular and natural tourist
attraction. The massive Grand Canyon is 277 miles
long, 18 miles wide, and at its deepest point, is
more than a mile from rim to river. Most of the
Canyon lies within the Grand Canyon National Park
and is managed by the National Park Service. It
incorporates three geographically separated areas:
the South Rim, the North Rim and the inner Canyon.
As you plan your vacation to the Grand Canyon, be
prepared for everything.
1. You must decide how you will get there. Will you
drive across country as a family road trip or will
you fly to save time and money? Taking in mind the
rising gas prices across the nation, and decide
which one will benefit you more, both physically and
economically?
2. Self vs. Travel Agent. How much time do you have
to properly research and plan a vacation? You must
decide if you should find a travel agency to help
plan out your vacation to the great wonders of the
Grand Canyon. Travel agencies can save you both time
and money, because planning the best vacations is
what they do for a living.
3. Child friendly environments. Depending on the
ages of your children, you need to know that your
destination is suitable for children. With babies,
find out if the hotel or resort where you will be
staying offers cribs or childcare during your visit.
Is a Grand Canyon vacation the right choice for your
children?
4. Pets care. Many people enjoy taking their pets
along with them on vacation. If you do, make sure
your hotel or resort allows pets on the premises.
Also be sure some of your destinations are pet
friendly too so you aren’t leaving your pet locked
up in a room all day while you are out having the
time of your life. If you decide not to bring your
pet, find a pet sitting service or boarding
facilities with a good reputation. Most animal
hospitals offer boarding, but if yours does not,
then ask your veterinarian for a referral to a
reputable pet care provider.
5. Protect your home. A visit to the Grand Canyon
averages four to seven days. Those are days that you
will be away from your home. Talk with your
neighbors and ask them if they can keep an eye on
your house while you are gone, or ask a family
member or friend to check in on your house every now
and then. You want to prevent your home from being
targeted by burglars.
6. Pack appropriate clothing, such as: a bandanna or
a hat (for sun and weather protection), cut off
pants for hiking, gloves, jacket, pants (heavy
duty), rain coat or poncho, shoes (suitable for
hiking), socks (cotton or wool for hiking), sweat
shirt or sweater.
7. First Aid Precautions. Accidents happen, when
they do, you can be prepared by keeping a personal
first aid kit at hand. What you should take with you
to meet an emergency situation depends on your
family, where you are going and how long you will be
staying. The minimum items to be considered would
be: Antiseptic, Ace bandage, Band-aids, Burn
ointment, Chap stick, First aid tape, Foot blister
pads/powder, Gauze compresses, salt tablets, sharp
knife and sun tan lotion.
8.Miscellaneous items. Compass, maps, water, ear
plugs, eye wash, fire starter, blanket, flashlight
(with new batteries), waterproof matches,
paper/pencil, sewing kit, antibacterial soap, sun
glasses, toilet paper, moist wipes.
9. Sun screen. SPF 15 or higher. Protect yourself
and your family from sun burns.
10. Toiletries. Laundry bag, mirror, sleep wear,
sanitary supplies, shaving articles, soap, tooth
brush, tooth paste, wash cloth.
Never carry all of your credit cards with you or a
large amount of cash. This can lead to excessive
spending, theft or simply losing it. When traveling,
your best bet would be travel checks or a travelers’
debit card, that will replace funds if lost or
stolen. Losing all your money or having your funds
stolen can end a great vacation in a heart beat. You
should prepare yourself for anything, even if it
requires over packing, and don’t forget to have a
safe trip.
