46 replies to this topic

[mrflibbles]

I can't recommend Iceland enough. The only downside is that it's rather expensive. We took one of those northern lights tours and got lucky. But we were of the mindset, that if we didn't see northern lights at least we would have clear night and non light polluted skies. Im not sure where the bus went but we drove for over an hour. Besides Reykjavik, iceland is sparcly populated. I wasn't astronomy knowledgeable back then so I don't know the Bortle, but i can say it was pretty low from memory. While expensive the bus tours know where exactly to go. It was too long ago to remember which one we took. Just choose one with a good rep. So even if you don't go for an eclipse, you will likely enjoy it.

[winstar]

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

Hi Dan,

I probably should have shopped around more, but I went with Sky & Telescope’s (Insight Cruises) option 2:

https://skyandtelesc...vel/luxor-2027/

There are at least 3 of us here who booked the ms Hamees. It seems their options are filling up fast and that may partially be because they’re high up in search results.

[Diana N]

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

Thanks.

https://groups.io/g/SEML

[Seachange79]

I've looked into other eclipses....I'd love to go to Iceland. Australia, South America, etc...
I've looked at flights, cruises, calculated costs of the trips...then I really think about how flying gives me panic attacks and I get seasick on boats of any size, and I realize I can't do it...
So, I'm just making plans, in case I'm still around in 2044 and 2045...I'll continue to look at worldwide eclipses, and maybe my desire to see another total eclipse will outweigh my brain's inability to cope with the air and the sea.

[musicengin]

I'm looking at the Sirius Iceland 2026 trip, if that is still on. I just sent them an email asking.

 

If it's not, I'll be looking for other Iceland options, and if anyone can point me to any I'd be very interested.  I'm a big hiker (me and friends snowshoed 2000 feet up Mt Coburn in Maine for this one, and it was glorious), and I'll sleep in a tent or in a car if that's the best accomodations for the best view. Or spend for a proper guided trip, either is great.

[RonH47]

I don't travel internationally anymore, due to my age and concern about safety in foreign lands. To those who do try it, I wish them well and safe travels, just not for me.

 

I would look forward to the 2045 eclipse in the USA, but it's doubtful I will be alive or ambulatory then. 

[ericjaakkola]

Spain for 2026, which is a long-shot due to it basically happening at sunset.

The thought that you might be able to watch it with the naked eye (like any sunset) is compelling though, and that the sun/moon always appear larger when on the horizon.

Probably Morocco for 2027.  Travel in Egypt sounds like a nightmare.

Australia in 2028?  We'll see how saving goes.  What a miserable flight though.

[Alan D. Whitman]

Australia in 2028?  We'll see how saving goes.  What a miserable flight though.

It is a long flight, but I have been to Australia five times and survived 8 flights (went to Australia twice by ship). I do live near the west coast of North America so the flight is from Vancouver. Get up and walk up and down the aisles a few times to protect yourself from blood clots which can be fatal. Almost nobody does, although it is universally recommended. If you can manage connections through somewhere like Honolulu, that would be better.

 

The reward (besides totality) is that most of the finest splendours in the sky lie hidden in the far-southern sky!
 

[thesmiths]

Define perfect.  Being blown up by a suicide bomber or kidnapped for ransom?  I can only assume your wording of "perfect location" and "lovely city" is sarcasm.

 

Benghazi and Libya as a whole is characterized by the most dangerous cities/countries in the world for Westerners.https://travel.state...l-advisory.html

 

Sarcasm? On CN, I think that's not allowed.

 

"crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict" -- A few downsides, but they on the other hand, a high chance of good weather.

 

"Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or a power of attorney. Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, funeral wishes, etc." -- These are just good travel practices.

[bunyon]

Louisiana has the highest murder rate in the USA. Not that it matters to this discussion

[Alan D. Whitman]

I'm looking at the Sirius Iceland 2026 trip, if that is still on. I just sent them an email asking.

Well, thank-you, you got me off my butt, and I registered with Sirius for Iceland 2026 yesterday, only to be thanked for joining their waiting list. But this morning they told me that I am in.

 

It was my wife who originally wanted to visit Iceland, but she will never be able to travel again because of her health problems due to old age. Their website says that the single supplement is $1100.

Edited by Alan D. Whitman, 21 April 2024 - 11:39 AM.

[Chris Boar]

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

We were booked with Astro Trails for the Chile eclipse back in Dec 2020. For obvious reasons we didn't go. They gave us a full refund and were very cooperative and prompt with communications. 

[Anhydrite]

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

Yeah, thats interesting.  Wonder how they are going to handle all the Eclipse Chasers with cameras and long lenses.

[Diana N]

Yeah, thats interesting.  Wonder how they are going to handle all the Eclipse Chasers with cameras and long lenses.

It’s a good reason not to bring high-end cameras and super expensive long lenses! That’s not a question I’d want to risk receiving the wrong answer on.

[SporadicGazer]

Yeah, thats interesting.  Wonder how they are going to handle all the Eclipse Chasers with cameras and long lenses.

Ka-ching?  (At least in my nightmares.)

[Diana N]

Ka-ching?  (At least in my nightmares.)

That's my worry, too.  Also, someone on the SEML mailing list described the Cairo airport as being a disorganized nightmare, where you WILL find yourself separated from your carryon at some point, with the carryon not always in your sight.  Sounds perfect for some light-fingered larceny!

 

For that reason, the only gear I think I will be taking will be an old pair of 9x28 Pentax binoculars fitted with some homemade solar filters.  The click-lock on one eyepiece isn't working right, but the binos have good optics and are still useable.  If they disappeared I'd be upset, but not furious (as opposed to my 8x42 Zeiss Victory binoculars disappearing).

[lewdwig]

I've always wanted to go to Alaska (2033).

[kfiscus]

I've always wanted to go to Alaska (2033).

Yabbut, you'll probably be clouded out on the ground.  Seeing one from an airplane seat doesn't appeal to me.

[nemesis256]

I've always wanted to go to Alaska (2033).

That one is tempting for me, as it happens on my birthday! And then there's another one in 2052!

[Tim in GA]

I'm moving to Southeast Asia in 2029 for retirement. Looks like several I can travel to easily:

2030: Total - Austrailia

2031: Annular - Sarawak (where I plan to live)

2035: Total - Japan

2041: Annular - Japan

2042: Total - Sarawak (April)

2042: Annular - Sarawak (Oct)

2053: Total - Indonesia or Maldives (if I'm alive) 

[musicengin]

I'm signed up for the 2026 Sirius Iceland trip! Looking forward to it.

[Greg Mueller]

The wife and I are going to the 2027 eclipse. Probably not Egypt.

 

https://www.youtube....h?v=8LzuZrkEY18