Lodging tips - don't give up!

I've been seeing some posts on social media that say things like:

• Hotels, Air BnB's etc are charging excessive rates 

• There are stories where people are booking at one rate, then the hotel/Air BnB, etc. call them, and say the reservation would be cancelled if the prospective client does not pay a significantly higher rate than the original 

People seem to be giving up and choosing not to go to the totality path because of this. 

My suggestion is: don't give up!

I've been looking at hotels, for example, and I'm seeing some in the areas suggested below that are at reasonable rates. You just have to be looking for them.

Here are some thoughts:

• Look for places to stay that are in the path, but closer to the edge (with a shorter totality)- you can watch from there or try for a longer totality 

• Look for places to stay outside of the path (but close to it) - with the intention leaving very early and driving to the totality path in plenty of time

• If possible, try for a completely different region (though it may not be your first choice) 

• Use a travel agent

• Keep trying every few weeks- things can change

• As a last resort, for the night leading into the eclipse, be willing to go a small step down in quality just for that one night (i.e. something more simple, not something unclean or uncomfortable)

• If a hotel, AirBnB, etc. changes the rate after the reservation is made to a higher one, and threatens cancellation, go to the management, headquarters, etc. to file a complaint and get an agreeable solution - or just cancel with them (after you find something else) From what I've been reading, this may be illegal - and it certainly is not a good business practice! (This may be another good reason to use a travel agent) 

I'm not an expert, but if something appears that is a good price, don't rule out making the reservation - but make sure to understand the cancellation policy! 

Please look at the posts on this blog (past and future) for inspiration- getting to the totality path is worth the effort, especially for those who live relatively close to it. For many of you, this is the best opportunity for you to experience this incredible event. There will be other total solar eclipses in other parts of the world, but those will be farther away and likely require more expenses and time. 

(Yes, that's my opinion, but I speak from experience, and I've seen MANY reports of total solar eclipses from many people that share that same sentiment).

There are beautiful, amazing things that you can see and experience during totality that you can't experience at any other time. 

Does anyone have other suggestions? Please comment below!