46 replies to this topic

[mrflibbles]

I'm/we're thinking about making the 2027 one an excuse to also visit Spain and Portugal.

 

2026 is over Greenland and Iceland. While Iceland is awesome I have now been twice. Not that there is anything wrong with going a third time, it's just I want to travel the world as much as possible, but we only have finite funds   Since I have never been to Spain or Portugal, seems like a way to kill 3 birds with one stone. With also the same mentality as my last trip to Mazatlan's eclipse: if we get clouded out, were still in Spain. Greenland might be nice, but the path is not over a populated area, the possibility of clouds would be strong, and it's a 2 minute totality, as opposed to Spain's 4. Plus 3 years will give us plenty time to save.

 

My wife has now been converted She was playfully making fun of me before the trip (she did agree to go) that I was an astronomy nerd for travelling to Mexico for the eclipse. However during totality she leaned over and said " thanks for convincing me we should do this" Then after the day was over turning in to bed at the hotel. "So where is the next one? and we should go"   

 

Then there is Australia or New Zealand in 2028

[kfiscus]

I'm trying to convince my wife to do Spain in 2026.  That's quite a lot of $$$ to come up with in 2.33 years.  She is VERY much pro-totality but she is also a realist.

[winstar]

I'm/we're thinking about making the 2027 one an excuse to also visit Spain and Portugal.

2026 is over Greenland and Iceland. While Iceland is awesome I have now been twice. Not that there is anything wrong with going a third time, it's just I want to travel the world as much as possible, but we only have finite funds Since I have never been to Spain or Portugal, seems like a way to kill 3 birds with one stone. With also the same mentality as my last trip to Mazatlan's eclipse: if we get clouded out, were still in Spain. Greenland might be nice, but the path is not over a populated area, the possibility of clouds would be strong, and it's a 2 minute totality, as opposed to Spain's 4. Plus 3 years will give us plenty time to save.

My wife has now been converted She was playfully making fun of me before the trip (she did agree to go) that I was an astronomy nerd for travelling to Mexico for the eclipse. However during totality she leaned over and said " thanks for convincing me we should do this" Then after the day was over turning in to bed at the hotel. "So where is the next one? and we should go"

Then there is Australia or New Zealand in 2028

I’ve deposited for Luxor in 2027, and hoping to go to Australia in 2028. Probably skipping 2026 sadly and focusing on the longer duration eclipses.

Kind of got the blues after the last eclipse-high and ready for my next hit. 😎

[Look at the sky 101]

Spain in 2027 for my wife and me,

[Starry_Spruce]

I'm eyeing the 2028 Australia one. I have a young family so we'll have to see where things are at. Long way to travel, but never been to Australia. We're big hikers. If 2028 doesn't fly, next realistic prospect is 2037 Australia, unless we're feeling more in a Japan mood and could hit 2035. Over a decade away, but the time will fly by. I probably should find some other things to obsess over in the meantime

 

Ooh, looking a little closer at 2037 vs 2038 (both Australia) it's tough. 2037 is longer totality, but 2038 is Australia's summer and the path goes through the mountainous southeast region. I guess 2037 would be our summer, which bodes well for school break. Got some time to think it over...

Edited by Starry_Spruce, 17 April 2024 - 08:20 PM.

[Alan D. Whitman]

I’ve deposited for Luxor in 2027, and hoping to go to Australia in 2028. Probably skipping 2026 sadly and focusing on the longer duration eclipses.
 

We have been booked for Luxor with Astro Trails for over a year. Hopefully the tours of the archaeological sites will be done between 6am and 10 am to avoid the worst of the heat. I figure that I can survive the heat since I will be in air conditioning for 19 or 20 hours per day. The 6.5-minute eclipse in Egypt will be the longest totality in anybody's remaining lifetime. Why turn it into just an average-length eclipse by going to Spain?

 

We also plan to do Australia in 2028 although we will be in our 80s. Having been to Australia five times (and survived driving on the "wrong" side of the road) we will probably make our own arrangements if we stay in the dry part of NSW. But we might book a tour if we decide to go to the Western Australia desert. Australia is the same culture as North America, but without the guns. By the luck of the draw, most of the finest splendours in the sky are in the far southern sky.

 

2026 is rather short unless you see it in beautiful but climatologically iffy Iceland. My wife and I were booked with Astro Trails for 2026, but then they cancelled the tour to Iceland and my wife got dementia. It's expensive to do a tour by yourself, so I'm waiting until closer to the eclipse to decide whether to go by myself (and put my record of never having been clouded out at risk...)

[aztrodog]

Hi Alan,

 

I want to assure you those of us planning on heading to Spain in 2027 will be okay with our average length eclipse experience. We’ll compensate for the shorter totality experience with tapas, sangria and flamenco performances 

 

Olė!

 

Angel

[mrflibbles]

Hi Alan,

I want to assure you those of us planning on heading to Spain in 2027 will be okay with our average length eclipse experience. We’ll compensate for the shorter totality experience with tapas, sangria and flamenco performances

Olė!

Angel

Couldn't gave said it better.

Egypt would be pretty cool. But we were honestly thinking about Spain and Portugal even before we knew an eclipse was going to happen. The eclipse just solidifies it for us. Gibraltar and the surrounding Mediterranean cities along spain also look quite interesting.

I do have a slight worry about the stability of the North African countries. Except for Morroco, but totality is right at the tip of Morroco, but like I said we have been thinking about Spain already. Plus Madrid or Lisbon are much cheaper to fly to. Things are bound to change but thinking about flying into Madrid then flying out of Lisbon, or vise versa.

[bunyon]

I love Spain and Portugal (and Iceland).

 

The 2027 path in Spain isn't in "Spain". It's sequestered in the furthest southern reaches (I know you all know this already). Crowds and mobility will be an issue as all of Europe, a lot of Asia and the Americas, descend on it. Book early and be ready to be cheek to jowl with your neighbor.

 

I'd spend a week in Malaga under pretty much any conditions but I'm more wary of the Spanish crowds than north African political instability. 

 

Each to his own, of course. I'm certain anyone on the Spanish coast in 2027 will have a great time.

[VStwKE]

Spain in 2026 and in 2027, the latter maybe in Morocco - depends how the negotiations with my wife come out. 

[adlibitum]

We have been booked for Luxor with Astro Trails for over a year. Hopefully the tours of the archaeological sites will be done between 6am and 10 am to avoid the worst of the heat. I figure that I can survive the heat since I will be in air conditioning for 19 or 20 hours per day. The 6.5-minute eclipse in Egypt will be the longest totality in anybody's remaining lifetime. Why turn it into just an average-length eclipse by going to Spain?

 

We also plan to do Australia in 2028 although we will be in our 80s. Having been to Australia five times (and survived driving on the "wrong" side of the road) we will probably make our own arrangements if we stay in the dry part of NSW. But we might book a tour if we decide to go to the Western Australia desert. Australia is the same culture as North America, but without the guns. By the luck of the draw, most of the finest splendours in the sky are in the far southern sky.

 

2026 is rather short unless you see it in beautiful but climatologically iffy Iceland. My wife and I were booked with Astro Trails for 2026, but then they cancelled the tour to Iceland and my wife got dementia. It's expensive to do a tour by yourself, so I'm waiting until closer to the eclipse to decide whether to go by myself (and put my record of never having been clouded out at risk...)

Hi,

 

I'm looking for a tour operator for Egypt 2027. I take it you would recommend Astro Trails since you've booked with them for Luxor. I'm wondering if their cancellation of Iceland 2026 concerned you at all? In general does Astro Trails have a good reputation? Thank you.

 

Dan

[adlibitum]

I’ve deposited for Luxor in 2027, and hoping to go to Australia in 2028. Probably skipping 2026 sadly and focusing on the longer duration eclipses.

Kind of got the blues after the last eclipse-high and ready for my next hit.

Hi,

 

May I ask with whom you signed up for the Luxor 2027 eclipse? I'm also looking to book, but have never used a tour operator, so far I've seen 2017 and 2024 TSE on my own planning.

 

Thanks,

 

Dan

[mrflibbles]

I thought about the crowds, but as long as I cn get a veiwing point, I'm good. I actually enjoyed being in a crowd in Mazatlan. Mind you that entailed sitting with a group if people we travelled with, getting $#@&faced off of all inclusive drinks, but hey 🤷

Edited by mrflibbles, 18 April 2024 - 02:03 PM.

[thesmiths]

I checked the map and an almost perfect location for the 2027 eclipse is the lovely city of Benghazi, Libya. 

Edited by thesmiths, 18 April 2024 - 04:37 PM.

[Diana N]

Unless life forces me to alter my plans, I'll be heading to Spain in 2026, Luxor Egypt, in 2027, Australia in 2028, and Namibia in 2030.  After that, who knows?  I've put every total solar eclipse (and a couple of annular ones) that are occurring while I am still likely to be alive into my Tripit account, for planning purposes just so I will remember the dates.

[Diana N]

Hi,

 

May I ask with whom you signed up for the Luxor 2027 eclipse? I'm also looking to book, but have never used a tour operator, so far I've seen 2017 and 2024 TSE on my own planning.

I'm not winstar, obviously, but here's my opinion.  Astro Trails, Sky & Telescope/Insight Cruises, and Spears Travel all have good reputations and are planning tours for the 2027 total solar eclipse - but they are not the only good tour operators out there, just the ones I am most familiar with. 

 

I am signed up with Astro Trails for the 2026 eclipse in Spain, Sky & Telescope/Insight Cruises for Luxor in 2027 (and traveled with them to Indonesia in for the total solar eclipse 2016), and have traveled with Spears Travel on non-eclipse astronomy trips in the past.  While I haven't yet been on a trip with Astro Trails, they have been in business since 1979; they would not be still in business if they were a bad tour company because word does get around.

[kfiscus]

We very much liked our experience w/ Spears in Mazatlan.  Check w/ them and Sirius Travel for eclipse trips they're planning.

 

I'd also recommend checking into European cruise companies that may be doing eclipses.  You gain safety and mobility if clouds become an issue.  Our 1991 and 1998 total eclipses were both saved from clouds by Carnival Cruise Lines.

Edited by kfiscus, 18 April 2024 - 04:28 PM.

[Diana N]

MelitaTrips is also worth keeping an eye on, as they do a lot of astronomy-themed tours, including solar eclipse tours - but they don't yet have anything up on their website about tours for the 2027 eclipse.

[Nicole Sharp]

No.  I am eclipsed out.  I have the hotel reserved but not sure yet about going to Ocean City (Maryland) for the March 2025 Solar Eclipse.

 

Traveling for a Solar eclipse is extremely stressful.  I have completed the trifecta for Partial Solar Eclipse (June 2021 in Pennsylvania), Annular Solar Eclipse (October 2023 in New Mexico), and Total Solar Eclipse (April 2024 in Vermont).  I don't know if I will go anywhere in 2045.  I might be too old and tired by then :-( .

Edited by Nicole Sharp, 18 April 2024 - 05:32 PM.

[mrflibbles]

I'm not winstar, obviously, but here's my opinion. Astro Trails, Sky & Telescope/Insight Cruises, and Spears Travel all have good reputations and are planning tours for the 2027 total solar eclipse - but they are not the only good tour operators out there, just the ones I am most familiar with.

I am signed up with Astro Trails for the 2026 eclipse in Spain, Sky & Telescope/Insight Cruises for Luxor in 2027 (and traveled with them to Indonesia in for the total solar eclipse 2016), and have traveled with Spears Travel on non-eclipse astronomy trips in the past. While I haven't yet been on a trip with Astro Trails, they have been in business since 1979; they would not be still in business if they were a bad tour company because word does get around.

Thank you for the information! The tours on astrotrails look very interesting.

Might think about self guiding Portugal for a week or so and then join one of those. Definitely something to think about.

[Alan D. Whitman]

Hi,

 

I'm looking for a tour operator for Egypt 2027. I take it you would recommend Astro Trails since you've booked with them for Luxor. I'm wondering if their cancellation of Iceland 2026 concerned you at all? In general does Astro Trails have a good reputation? Thank you.

 

Dan

AstroTrails has a very good reputation, and they are usually not quite as expensive as other top eclipse tour companies like TravelQuest. The AstroTrails owner is very knowledgeable -- for example, last year when people on SEML (Solar Eclipse Mailing List) had questions about the accessability of the isolated peninsula in Western Australia that the 2023 path of totality crossed, he gave very full informed answers on SEML.

 

AstroTrails cancelled their Iceland tour for 2026 just because people were almost all choosing to sign up for either their Greenland or Spain tours. They promptly returned my deposit. I may just go to tour Iceland without the eclipse (that way I won't be putting my never-clouded-out record at risk), or I might go eclipse-chasing by myself, Iceland being probably about the safest country in the world.

Edited by Alan D. Whitman, 18 April 2024 - 06:31 PM.

[Diana N]

AstroTrails cancelled their Iceland tour for 2026 just because people were almost all choosing to sign up for either their Greenland or Spain tours. They promptly returned my deposit. I may just go to tour Iceland without the eclipse (that way I won't be putting my never-clouded-out record at risk), or I might go eclipse-chasing by myself, Iceland being probably about the safest country in the world.

The Astro Trails Greenland cruise has some stops in Iceland, as well as pre- and post-tour Iceland extensions.  The biggest downside is cost, if you're going as a single traveler.  The single supplement most cruises charge is brutal!

 

I opted for Spain only because I've already seen Iceland but have not yet visited Spain.

[adlibitum]

AstroTrails has a very good reputation, and they are usually not quite as expensive as other top eclipse tour companies like TravelQuest. The AstroTrails owner is very knowledgeable -- for example, last year when people on SEML (Solar Eclipse Mailing List) had questions about the accessability of the isolated peninsula in Western Australia that the 2023 path of totality crossed, he gave very full informed answers on SEML.

 

AstroTrails cancelled their Iceland tour for 2026 just because people were almost all choosing to sign up for either their Greenland or Spain tours. They promptly returned my deposit. I may just go to tour Iceland without the eclipse (that way I won't be putting my never-clouded-out record at risk), or I might go eclipse-chasing by myself, Iceland being probably about the safest country in the world.

Thank you very much for your response. What is the Solar Eclipse Mailing list, is that something proprietary to Astro Trails? 

Thanks.

[adlibitum]

ok, I assume it is this group? https://www.mreclips...al/SENLinfo.htm

 

I sent a message asking to join.

[Chris Boar]

The problem with Egypt is it's possibly the worst most corrupt nation to visit, especially as a tourist. I certainly wouldn't want to take any equipment with me.

 

Check out the experiences of this YouTuber Chef who tried to film in Egypt. Corruption started right at the airport. 

 

https://youtu.be/8Lz...1AcgUI4JYSDuHl7