I saw a total solar eclipse in 2017 and 2024. Both were worth the long drive to the path totality, and I learned some things along the way to share.

What to buy

Besides the typical travel stuff, buy those solar eclipse glasses months ahead of time, just in case they take a while. Luckily they are easy to produce and ship flat, so it shouldn’t be an issue.

There are some cool shadow effects when light would normally create small circles, such as when reflected on a disco ball or shined through a cheese grater. Bring some items that can let you see this phenomenon!

Travel to and from

Crowds and traffic are probably not going to be as bad as you expect. There are thousands of square miles of prime eclipse viewing area. When choosing a viewing site, look at the throughput of the roads to the nearest metropolitan areas outside the path.

You can probably get a hotel 30-60 minutes away from the path of totality a few days before, but plan ahead.

For example we viewed the eclipse from near Muncie, IN. Detroit has options way closer, Chicago has southern IL or Indianapolis or towns nearby it, so driving back on country roads was simple.

Viewing Site

Small state parks are probably best. Avoid population centers, and just find somewhere with enough parking but enough green space to enjoy your time.

A decent-sized body of water is nice too. The reflections and colors on the water are beautiful during and around totality

During Totality

Many types of lights will turn on once the totality occurs. If this is important to you, find a place without street lamps or automatic lights. It didn’t ruin my experience but I always forget about it.