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!