Traveling to archeological sites as part of your vacation plans, or for educational opportunities can be an enriching life experience for individuals of all ages. Whether you want to spend the day hiking through Native American ruins, or get your hands dirty sifting through the dirt in the White Mountains there are plenty of places you can go to fulfill your dreams. The key to making your trip a success however is, as always, planning.
Location, Location, Location:
There are many, many areas in North America, and the US specifically that can fulfill your quest for history. Sites in the West such as well known Mesa Verde in Colorado, or a Buffalo jump site in Montana are easy to get to, and easy to explore, with educational information along paths and at visitor centers, you can explore the land, and see ancient sites close up.
Want to go a little further? Mexico and locations all over Europe all also available for tour. The obvious areas of Egypt and Rome have a wealth of educational and archeological opportunities, but require more planning and of course, more money.
Research:
Once you have decided on how far you want to go, you need to decide what kind of site you want to visit. Do dinosaurs interest you, or Native American sites? How about historic towns or cultures? Decide what your focus will be, and then begin your research into possible tour and site locations. Online web searches will yield information on National parks, and historic sites open to the public. They will also tell you if the areas are closed for certain seasons, cost of entrance, and details on guided or hands-on tours.
Going it alone or with a tour group?
There are benefits to both kinds of travel when visiting archeological sites. Traveling solo offers you the ability to spend, as much time as you want at any site and more flexibility should other opportunities arise. Going it alone is easiest for the individual who is not traveling internationally. Familiarity with customs, money and culture make for easy planning and a more comfortable trip.
If you plan on checking out the sites in Europe or in other parts of the world, consider touring the sites with a structured group. A tour group can offer you easier planning and preparations when going international, as well as the comfort and security of persons who are familiar with languages and culture. Traveling with a group also offers you the opportunity to talk with people with similar interests, which may help to create a more enthusiastic atmosphere for the independent traveler.
Preparation:
Once you have selected your sites and focus of interest, its time to think of the nitty-gritty. Literally. An archaeological site can be in a physically demanding, dirty, hot and unwelcoming natural environment. Make sure you have appropriate clothing and well- worn, comfortable hiking or walking boots. Don’t make the mistake of picking up a pair of boots a day before your trip. Breaking in a new pair of shoes on a focused trip is not the best way to enjoy your vacation. Be prepared with good hydration and camping materials. Hats and sunglasses are always good to have along, as most sites you will visit are in bright sun, and may take a hike to get to.
Now that you are packed, be sure that your travel arrangements are in place. Are you flying or driving? If you are flying to your destination, make sure you have ground transportation to and from the sites you are visiting. Remember, summer is a peak time for families to travel, so reserve that car or truck well in advance to insure you have the ability to move around freely.
You also want to make sure you get the most out of your trip by insuring your camera is in working order, and perhaps by starting a travel journal for all your adventures. Take the time to record feelings, describe scenic vistas, and jot down notes on the archeological history of the areas that you are visiting. Create a lasting memory of your trip that you can look back upon with satisfaction.
The best part of traveling and exploring archeological sites is that you can immerse yourself in ancient history, be in and part of the nature around you, and come away with more than just a T-shirt. It’s definitely worth the effort.
