Epic Solar Eclipse Trip to China in 2020

With another solar eclipse fast approaching, now is the perfect time to make some astronomy vacation plans with the family.

The next eclipse of this kind will occur June 21, 2020, but it won’t be equally visible from just anywhere — hence mention of a well-timed vacation with the science and astrology fans in your crew. Make it an epic educational vacation with the whole crew or a couple’s getaway with an interesting hook — either way, it’s a limited time natural occurrence worth traveling for.

This next annular phase solar eclipse will be most visible from parts of Africa, including the Central African Republic, Congo and Ethiopia. Other locales you can view the eclipse include China, northern India and the less-likely Pakistan.

If China caught your eye, we have a tour suggestion designed to impress avid travelers while ushering novice explorers through the countryside with ease.

Summer Under the Eclipsed Sun in China, a new tour from Tropical Sails Corp. boasts an extensive lineup of activities from Tibet to Shigatse, China. The standard nine-day Tibet & Annular Eclipse tour, June 15–23, 2020, (with an optional five-day or 10-plus-day extension) includes epic eclipse views, of course, but additional immersive experiences throughout.

The Potala Palace in Tibet, China. Photo: Hxdylzj | Dreamstime.com

Introduce the kids to new religions and cultures with experiences, including incredible Tibetan monasteries complete with prayer halls filled with chanting monks. The active travelers in the family will love the scenic hikes and stunning high-altitude walks also included in the tour. Prepare for some serious edge-of-the-world views filled with impossibly high mountains. Learn more about the locals on pilgrimage walks while Tibetan travelers come together to celebrate the Saga Dawa festival in Lhasa.

In addition to the guided tour’s many immersive experiences (seriously, you will feel like a local) and prime eclipse viewing, the tour also includes all hotel accommodations; daily hotel breakfast, lunch and dinner; transfers and tours as listed on the itinerary; private eclipse-viewing arrangements, including tables, chairs, tables, beverages and snack service during the eclipse; pre-eclipse site inspection, including an astrology briefing and lecture by a resident expert along with dinner; post-eclipse report and celebratory dinner; English-speaking and translation services during all guided tours; all fees for tours, guides, drivers, parking and more; an expert Tour Manager; travel documents; eclipse-viewing glasses; and memorabilia. Safe to say, you will be taken care of.

Check out the itinerary for more information. Read through the additional activities and experiences to gauge whether this one is for the whole crew, your partner or just you, as prices begin at $5,000 per person.