Thousands of people will pour into Western New York for the total solar eclipse on April 8. Many made plans already.
That means if you’re looking last-minute, get ready to pay a pretty penny.
“We’ve never had an event like this that we didn’t have to bid on, that’s going to attract hundreds of thousands of people,” explained Patrick Kaler, the president and CEO of Visit Buffalo Niagara.
As this once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse moves from a matter of months to a matter of weeks, excitement is reaching new heights.
“There are people around the world who will travel to watch a total solar eclipse,” Kaler said.
But for travelers, perhaps eclipsing the eclipse is its price tag.
“Rates that are $400 all the way up to $1,000 at this point,” he added.
With multiple night requirements from hotels, and many Airbnbs, it all adds up.
“Give the little guy a break too,” said Terry Harman, a Fairfield, Pa. resident. “We want to enjoy celestial events just like anybody else.”
Terry Harman lives about a five-and-a-half-hour drive away from Buffalo. The eclipse has been on his radar for about two years.
“[We] wanted to come up visit and check out the local scenery,” he said. “Maybe hit up the Anchor Bar [and] get some wings. Stuff like that.”
But he never booked.
Over the past two years on April 8, hotels in the area have been about 53% occupied, with an average price of $111 per night, according to Visit Buffalo Niagara.
Right now, prices are five to 10 times that, if not more.
“That would make more sense if it was $1,200 for three nights instead of $1,200 a night,” Harman said. “We were looking to stay at least a day, maybe two. Yeah, that’s not happening.”
It’s not just the Buffalo area. Places across the path of totality are pricey.
While frustrating to some travelers, that will be a boost to those economies.
“Not only will those people be staying in the hotels, they will also be eating in restaurants. Going to attractions. Going to our breweries. Doing all kinds of things,” Kaler added.
With various activities and events planned in the area, it’s certainly a place to be.
“Buffalonians and people in Erie County are really going to roll out the red carpet for the thousands and thousands and thousands of people that will be coming to our destination on the days leading up to and after April 8,” Kaler said.
It is still on the to-do list for Harman.
“If anything pops up, we will gladly jump on it,” he said.
He’s eyeing up camping locations, or just doing a day trip to a more-drivable spot like Erie, Pa.
At this point, he’s doing whatever it takes.
“I want to create a memory with my family and I’m going to make it happen one way or another,” he said.
If you plan on driving to location to view the eclipse, whether nearby or far away, prepare for traffic.
Once the eclipse is over, thousands of people will hit the roads to get back home or to their hotels.
Be prepared to wait, either in the location you’re at or in traffic.
