Atlas Packed Guides 101 - The Basics
As a 9-5er with a full-time day job, limited time, resources, PTO, and attention span I hit the must-see and best things to do when I travel. I normally focus on visiting new places because I love ticking places off my list and putting a pin in my travel map to mark off where I’ve been. When I really love a place, I’ll go back. Returning to a destination previously visited has a few benefits. First, it makes trip planning a lot less stressful. I already know the ins and outs of the city’s transportation system (a huge plus when traveling internationally), great restaurants to revisit, where to stay, and what to expect. Second, it allows me to see, do, and experience more. This creates an overall more immersive and enriching experience. To this end, each guide will include a go further section for when you have extra time at a destination, for when you want to return, or if you enjoy slow travel and deep diving in the areas you visit.
All Atlas Packed guides strive to follow the same format and include the same type of information.
Guides will include a quick glance section with key information for initial planning, such as:
Location:
Time needed (minimum noted):
When to Visit:
Activities:
Advanced Reservations Required:
Lodging Style:
Where to Stay:
Fixed Costs:
Transportation:
Road Trip Option:
Accessible Activities:
The body of the guide will have the following sections with more detailed information:
Introduction
Why go
Location
Time needed (minimum noted)
When to Visit
Highlights (List and details)
Accessible Activities
Lodging Style
Where to Stay
Fixed Costs
Transportation
Road Trip Option
Tips
Go Further
Introduction
The guide introduction will define the scope of each guide and information you can expect to learn from the guide.
Why go
The why go section explains why you may, or may not, want to visit a destination. It provides an overview of why the destination is worth visiting and notes key things to do.
Location
This section includes details on the site location and recommended starting points for your trip.
Time needed (minimum noted)
I note the minimum amount of time needed in a location to cover the highlights. If additional “go further” activities are needed, then I’ll recommend additional time for these additional activities.
When to Visit
This section will cover the different seasons in an area and the ideal time to visit the destination.
Best Things To Do & Must See
The best things to do and must-see section will cover top activities, attractions, and sites for the destination being reviewed.
Accessible Activities
Every attempt will be made to note accessible options when available.
Lodging style
Lodging style will note the available travel options or styles available to include budget, mid-range, luxury, and camping. All of these terms, and their price points, are highly subjective. One person’s budget trip, is another person’s luxury trip. One isn’t better than the other – it’s just different choices and tradeoffs.
Camping: Tent and or car camping. If you didn’t bring it, then you don’t have it.
Budget: 1-2 star hotels offering clean and safe rooms with no amenities.
Mid-range: 3-star hotels offering comfortable accommodations. There may be extras like free breakfast, wifi, or coffee in the lounge.
Luxury: 4-star+ accommodations focusing on exceptional service and experiences. Hotels typically include on-site restaurant, bar, spa, etc.
Where to Stay
Where to stay notes closest major cities for lodging.
Restaurants/Food
The Restaurant/food section notes whether food options are available at venue or in the Park. We also try to recommend a few dining options near the Park or venue. We will note when we haven’t personally had an opportunity to eat somewhere, and strive to recommend establishments that are known for top reviews from locals for serving local/area specific specialties)
Fixed Costs
Fixed costs will note costs for mandatory costs associated with noted highlights such as entrance fees or tickets. Lodging, airfare, and transportation costs are not included in this section because the amounts can vary greatly on availability and personal choice.
Transportation
The transportation section will note whether a rental car is mandatory or types of public transportation available.
Road Trip Option
This section will note whether the destination can be turned into a road trip to visit multiple destinations.
Tips
The tips section will include any additional information not yet covered to enhance your trip and make you a more confident traveler.
Go Further
Go further activities offer a more immersive experience at the destination. Details and recommendations in this section may be activity specific, redundant of highlights, or simply help you explore the destination in a deeper way with additional time.
