Indulge Your Wanderlust Now by Planning for Future Travel

(BPT) - As travel restrictions begin to slowly lift, millions of Americans are looking to travel again. Put that energy to good use by planning for your future trip.

Preparing for and anticipating your next vacation can be almost as enjoyable as the vacation itself. Whether it’s with friends, a partner or the whole family, travel planning allows you to stay socially connected while remaining physically distant. Organizing your next vacation will help lift spirits and build excitement around what is to come.

Consider these top ideas for indulging your wanderlust so you’re ready to travel when it’s safe to do so again:

1. Decide What Type of Trip You Want to Take.

Many people may shift travel plans from big cities to more open spaces where you can explore Mother Nature. Travelers are also looking to drive instead of fly so expect a revival of the great American road trip. For example, Wyoming’s open roads and beautiful scenery make it an ideal state for road trips. With more than 50% public lands, Wyoming is the least populated state in America with only one resident per every 111 acres. Its small-town charm paired with all levels of outdoor opportunities attract everyone from young families to expert-level adventure seekers.

Some examples of things to do throughout Wyoming include:

• Explore the natural wonder and take a mineral-rich soak at the Hot Springs State Park, Saratoga Hot Springs Resort or Granite Hot Springs.
• Enjoy world-class mountain biking in Curt Gowdy State Park outside of Cheyenne and Laramie, or Green River Bike Park in Sweetwater County.
• Hit the water on a boat, float trip or river rafting throughout the state, including the Snake River in the west, the North Platte River spanning the central and eastern portion, Bighorn River in the north, and the Green River and Flaming Gorge in the south.
• Whether novice or expert, hiking within Wyoming’s eight national forests, two national parks and two national monuments is unforgettable. Wyoming is also home to many firsts, including the country’s first national forest, park and monument, including Shoshone National Forest, Yellowstone National Park, and Devils Tower National Monument.

2. Explore Your Possibilities.

In anticipation of your next vacation, explore travel websites, including state tourism sites, to get a taste of what adventures your next trip has to experience. For example, the Wyoming Office of Tourism runs travelwyoming.com. You can explore the state’s history, attractions and unique information, including virtual tours of monuments, museums and parks that include live camera views, interactive material and more, to help plan your next trip. You can even make this a fun project for kids to get them involved in the planning process. They can share what adventures they’re most interested in, and build on the excitement of the next family vacation.

3. Create a Travel Dream Board.

For hands-on fun, consider using a poster board or other large pieces of paper or cardboard to add pictures, phrases and information on the destination you want to visit. Each person can have their own or you can build one as a family. Hanging your dream board in a location you see often will help build excitement around your next trip.

4. Explore a Variety of Accommodations That Highlight the Outdoors.

Choose a destination that offers a variety of accommodations with flexible travel options throughout the year. Whether it’s a traditional hotel with ample amenities or campgrounds and cabins in Wyoming’s state parks, national forests or national parks, there are many options to match your travel style and bring Wyoming scenery to your doorstep. Dude and guest ranches are another fun option, offering the opportunity to live out the western way of life, even for just a short time. Guest ranches in Wyoming range from luxurious resorts to working ranches, so there are options for everyone.

5. Select a Versatile Destination.

Because no one knows when travel will fully rebound, choose a destination that excites you and your travel group with activities for every season: outdoor adventures in the summer, hunting and hiking in the fall, skiing and snowmobiling in the winter, and fishing and festivals in the spring. Remember, museums and history centers, like the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Laramie Plains Museum, Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, and National Historic Trails Interpretive Center are open all year long!

Be sure to check for updates on any closures and restrictions to your destination while planning your next trip. For travel information and inspiration, visit travelwyoming.com.