Colorado Travel Guide

A Google search of the word ‘Colorado’ reveals a list of websites ranging from the website of the Government of Colorado to the websites of various educational institutions and universities. Among the diverse tourism websites mentioned, the one that catches your eye is visitcolorado4less.com. A click on the link fills your screen with beautiful ice capped peaks of Colorado. A brief overview of the website further assures the browser that he is at the right web link. The website offers exhaustive information about the State which is vaguely situated in Central USA.

The name Colorado traces its genesis to Spanish’ color red. The Centennial State or Colorful Colorado, as it is commonly called, has Denver as its capital.

Colorado is essentially famous for its winter sports, but it seems to cater to everyone’s hobbies. Fishing, skiing, rafting, rock climbing, camping, hiking, museums, historic sites – you find it all here. Apart from its scenic beauty Colorado has much more to offer.

The state has numerous mountains, the highest peak being Mt. Elbert. It is also the home of the Rocky Mountains. Mountaineering becomes especially delightful during spring season when wild flowers are in full bloom. There is also a Colorado Mountain Club which is dedicated solely to the mountain activities. Colorado also has 8000 miles of rivers, offering water activities all over the state. As a result the first water garden society in the world has been founded here. The scenic beauty of Colorado is enhanced by the fact that water is virtually present everywhere. The best way to appreciate this beauty is through camping and horse riding.

Leaving out the adventurers, Colorado offers a lot to the historians and the philosophers. There is a Colorado Shakespeare Festival organized annually in which hundreds of people gather together to produce the various Shakespeare classics. Dotted with ghost towns and mining sites, the state has enough history available to satisfy everyone’s intellectual appetite. Other attractions include the Colorado Brewer’s Festivals and numerous happening casinos.

If one is on a holiday with the entire family, he may visit the Butterfly Pavilion and Insect Center which is an artificial shelter of numerous insects like centipedes and beautiful butterflies. Other venues can be the Cave of Winds in which one can see the stalactite and stalagmite formation, Colorado Gators which homes alligators, Krabloonik – a kennel of sled dogs and Rock Canyon Water Slide which is a mini water park.. Tiny Town and Railroad are especially liked by children. Started in 1915, this children attraction includes 100 of miniature buildings which includes a toy store, a bank and a church. An open steam train gives a tour of this Tiny Town.

Shopping is the ultimate activity which completes a holiday. And so we have Denver and Aspen the shopping hubs of Colorado. While both are known for its antiques, there are other avenues to indulge in as well.

Colorado is also saturated with boarding houses and lodges, each famous for its own experiences. Accommodation is available of every cost, class and style. The Cottonwood Cove ranch is a cozy niche that offers a variety of outdoor activities and is good for fishing. Snowmass Village is a world class ski resort which offers plenty of summer activities as well. Another unique experience is the Vista Verde which is set in wilderness.

With all these activities to do teamed with a comfortable stay, Colorado is the decisive destination where you should head to.

Winter Car Travel Safety

Know What to ExpectWeather forecasts are never 100 percent, but it is always a good idea to start watching the weather for your home and your route a few days before your trip.

Consider your entire route, because you can have gorgeous weather in your start and end cities but have a storm in a mountain range between.

Be Prepared to Change PlansIf you see that bad weather is approaching, consider leaving a day early to miss it altogether if it is on your route and expected to pass before your return home. Also, see if there is another, safer route where bad weather is not expected.

You might also consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance for an expensive trip featuring reservations that cannot be canceled (or have high fees for doing so). Be sure to read the fine print, however, and ensure whether cancellation for bad weather is covered.

Also, be sure you know the cancellation policies for all your reservations. Have print-outs in the car during your travels that are kept in the glove box, allowing you to quickly call and cancel or change them.

Be Prepared for Winter WeatherBefore you travel, you must have a winter weather kit for the car. It is best to assume you will be in your car, without heat, for a stretch of time. This is especially important with kids. You should bring:

•Blankets•Water bottles•Snacks•Fully charged cell phone (even one with a closed account is better than none. You can still dial 911).•Flares•Jumper cables•First aid kit•MedicationsAlso be sure to travel with some sort of roadside protection. AAA is an option, but not the only choice. Your car warranty might automatically include it, and many auto insurance companies offer it for just a couple bucks a month extra. Be sure you not only have it, but have the information to reach someone in your glove box.

Also, don’t let location make you complacent. Freak storms can hit in the deep south, and it takes very little snow in mild climates to make roads treacherous.

Handle Winter Weather When it HappensIf you are caught in winter weather, don’t be afraid to pull over for a nasty condition to pass or to stop en route and stay an extra night. Safety should be the top concern.

It is also a good idea to travel with tire chains. Be sure you know how to properly use them. Also, realize that chains and four-wheel drive vehicles are not crash-free and precautions are still needed.

Also, be sure you know how to drive in the bad weather. Do not slam on the brakes if you start to slide, for example.

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