Chapter 16: Planning Your Trip to Utah
Once a dusty little desert corner, Utah has hit the big time, booming economically and demographically from the 1990s through today. It’s no big secret why people are coming to Utah in greater numbers—its natural beauty is unrivaled and its communities are clean and relatively small, by East and West coast standards. But the increased tourism means that advance trip planning is essential. Hotels and restaurants fill up much more quickly than ever before, and traffic is thickening. But this wide-open state is still full of amazing, undiscovered surprises in literally every corner. Take the time, and drive the extra mile.
Utah is an easy state to visit—roads are good and generally uncrowded, and you can often expect to pay less for food and lodging than you would in other parts of the country. But once you leave the Wasatch Front—the area around Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo—distances between towns are long, with few services along the way. Plan your trip carefully and make reservations far in advance for popular areas such as the national parks, and for popular times, such as ski season.
The presence and influence of the Mormon Church—officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)—makes visiting Utah a unique experience, from ordering an alcoholic beverage to visiting a historic home with two identical bedrooms—one for each wife. To learn more about modern Mormonism, as well as Utah’s history in general, see chapter 2, “Utah in Depth.”
Getting There
Regions of Utah
By Plane
Utah’s only major airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (
800/595-2442 or 801/575-2400; www.slcairport.com), located just north of I-80 at exit 115, on the west side of the city. Its airport code is SLC.
Airlines serving Salt Lake City include American Airlines (www.aa.com), Continental Airlines (www.continental.com), Delta Air Lines (www.delta.com), Frontier Airlines (www.frontierairlines.com), JetBlue Airways (www.jetblue.com), Southwest Airlines (www.southwest.com), United Airlines (www.united.com), and US Airways (www.usairways.com).
An alternative for visitors planning to go to southern Utah is to fly into McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada ( 702/261-5211; www.mccarran.com), which is only 120 miles southwest of St. George. Budget-conscious travelers should check airline and vehicle-rental prices at both airports to see which will provide the better deal for their particular circumstances.
By Car
Utah Driving Distances & Times
About 80% of Utah’s visitors arrive by car, in part because it’s so easy: The state is accessed by I-80 from the west or east, I-70 from the east, I-15 and I-84 from the north, and I-15 from the southwest. Salt Lake City is 600 miles from Albuquerque, 500 miles from Denver, 430 miles from Las Vegas, and 650 miles from Phoenix. Keep in mind that there will be long distances between services when traveling in and around Utah.
International visitors should note that insurance and taxes are almost never included in quoted rental car rates in the U.S. Be sure to ask your rental agency about any additional fees. They can add a significant cost to your car rental. While the minimum age for driving in Utah is 16, many car-rental agencies will not rent a vehicle to anyone under 25 years of age; others have a minimum age of 21.
By Train
There are four Amtrak stations in Utah along the California Zephyr line, which runs from Chicago to Emeryville, California: Salt Lake City, Provo, Helper, and Green River. Call 800/872-7245 or visit www.amtrak.com for details. In state, Trax runs in metro Salt Lake City, and the FrontRunner train connects Salt Lake City and Ogden. Call 888/743-3882, or visit www.rideuta.com for additional information.
Getting Around
By Plane
Attention visitors to the U.S. from abroad: Some major airlines offer transatlantic or transpacific passengers special discount tickets under the name Visit USA, which allows mostly one-way travel from one U.S. destination to another at very low prices. Unavailable in the U.S., these discount tickets must be purchased abroad in conjunction with your international fare. This system is the easiest, fastest, cheapest way to see the country. Inquire with your air carrier.
By Car
Most visitors to Utah travel the state in a car. In fact, in some areas, it’s a necessity. Planes, trains, and buses do not cover many areas of the state.
Before you set out on a road trip, you might want to join the American Automobile Association (AAA; 800/222-4357; www.csaa.com for Northern California, Nevada, and Utah information), which has hundreds of offices nationwide. The Salt Lake City office is located at 560 E. 500 South ( 800/541-9902 or 801/364-5615), and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm. AAA also has offices in Ogden ( 801/476-1666), Orem ( 801/225-4801), St. George ( 435/656-3990), and several other locations. Members receive excellent road maps and emergency road service, and AAA will even help you plan an exact itinerary.
Gasoline taxes are already included in the printed price. At press time, the average price for a gallon of gas was $3.45. One U.S. gallon equals 3.8 liters or .85 imperial gallons.
If you’re visiting from abroad and plan to rent a car in the United States, keep in mind that foreign driver’s licenses are usually recognized in the U.S., but you may want to consider obtaining an international driver’s license.
By Train
International visitors can buy a USA Rail Pass, good for 15, 30, or 45 days of unlimited travel on Amtrak ( 800/USA-RAIL in the U.S. or Canada; 001/215-856-7953 outside the U.S.; www.amtrak.com). The pass is available online or through many overseas travel agents. See Amtrak’s website for the cost of travel within the western, eastern, or northwestern United States. Reservations are generally required and should be made as early as possible. Regional rail passes are also available.
By Bus
Greyhound ( 800/231-2222 in the U.S.; 001/214-849-8100 outside the U.S. with toll-free access; www.greyhound.com) is the sole nationwide bus line. International visitors can obtain information about the Greyhound North American Discovery Pass. The pass, which offers unlimited travel and stopovers in the U.S. and Canada, can be obtained outside the United States from travel agents or through www.discoverypass.com.
Tips on Accommodations
Utah offers a variety of lodging options, from typical American chain motels to luxury hotels—primarily in Salt Lake City, Park City, and Deer Valley—plus delightful bed-and-breakfasts, rustic cabins, and pleasant and inexpensive mom-and-pop independent motels.
The chains here are the same ones you see everywhere else in America: Best Western, Comfort Inn, Days Inn, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Motel 6, Quality Inn, Sheraton, Sleep Inn, Super 8, Travelodge, and so on. They look about the same as those found elsewhere, and have the same levels of service. In most cases, their rooms are little more than boring boxes of various sizes, with beds and the appropriate plumbing and heating fixtures. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a decent view out the window. Because enjoying the magnificent indoors is probably not one of the main reasons you’ve come to Utah, these chains might be all that you require.
On the other hand, if you are exploring Temple Square and enjoying the numerous cultural offerings in Salt Lake City, the best choice for lodging would be the Inn at Temple Square. At Bryce Canyon National Park, go for one of the delightful Bryce Lodge cabins. And if you really want to be pampered after a hard day on the slopes, you can’t beat the upscale properties at Park City and Deer Valley.
Another option is a B&B. Numerous bed-and-breakfasts are discussed throughout the book, and when you take into consideration the delicious breakfasts prepared at most of them, the rates are fairly reasonable. Why spend $90 for a boring motel room and then another $10 to $15 for breakfast when, for just a bit more, you can instead sleep in a handsome home, often uniquely decorated, and be served a delightful home-cooked breakfast?
Other lodging choices in Utah include cabins and a handful of small independent motels. Both are usually fairly inexpensive, although they often lack the facilities, such as pools, spas, exercise equipment, and so on, that you’ll find in most chains. The cabins and independents are still preferable because they’re often a very good value, and the rooms usually have at least some personality (can anybody actually describe the decor of the last Super 8 or Days Inn he or she stayed at?)—and cabins, although sometimes a bit primitive, are often in beautiful settings.
In some areas, like the national parks, your options will be fairly limited: You can either camp, stay in one of the few in-park lodgings, or choose from one of the lodgings in a gateway town. You can save some money at Utah’s numerous ski resorts by staying in a nearby town and taking a bus (often a free shuttle to the slopes). The accommodations in Salt Lake City are very reasonable, even in peak ski season, when the room rates at Snowbird and Park City go through the roof. The rates drop precipitously in the winter in southern Utah, and there are many nice days to be had in the national parks when the crowds are sparser and the weather mild.
For camping throughout Utah, you can make reservations through either Utah State Parks ( 800/322-3770; http://stateparks.utah.gov or www.stateparks.utah.gov) or the National Parks Reservation Service ( 877/444-6777; www.recreation.gov), depending on the park or recreation area. Keep in mind, however, that some campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
To learn more about camping and bringing your RV through Utah, see chapter 4.
Saving on Your Hotel Room
The rack rate is the maximum rate that a hotel charges for a room. Hardly anybody pays this price, however, except in high season or during holidays. To lower the cost of your room:
• Ask about special rates or other discounts. You may qualify for corporate, student, military, senior, frequent flier, trade union, or other discounts.
• Dial direct. When booking a room in a chain hotel, you’ll often get a better deal by calling the individual hotel’s reservation desk rather than the chain’s main number.
• Book online. Many hotels offer Internet-only discounts, or supply rooms to Priceline, Hotwire, Orbitz, Travelocity.com, Hotels.com, or Expedia at rates much lower than the ones you can get through the hotel itself. Comparison shop on hotel websites for great deals on hotel rooms and multiday packages.
• Remember the law of supply and demand. Resort hotels are most crowded and, therefore, most expensive on weekends, so discounts are usually available for midweek stays. Business hotels in cities are often busiest during the week, so expect big discounts over the weekend. Avoid holidays and school vacations, typically busy times for families and school groups.
• Look for family-friendly pricing. Many resorts and chain hotels entice families with big breaks on kids’ costs, from letting kids under 12 stay free in a parent’s room or promoting a “kids-eat-free” policy. Ski resorts often offer “kids-stay-free” or “kids-ski-free” incentives. Families looking for ways to cut costs can take advantage of these incentives or look for price breaks on ski-equipment rentals or lessons.
• Look into group or long-stay discounts. If you come as part of a large group, you should be able to negotiate a bargain rate. Likewise, if you’re planning a long stay (at least 5 days), you might qualify for a discount. As a general rule, expect 1 night free after a 7-night stay.
• Sidestep excess surcharges and hidden costs. Many hotels have the unpleasant practice of nickel-and-diming their guests with opaque surcharges. When you book a room, ask what is included in the room rate, and what is extra. Avoid dialing direct from hotel phones, which can have exorbitant rates. And don’t be tempted by the room’s minibar offerings: Most hotels charge through the nose for water, soda, and snacks. Finally, ask about local taxes and service charges, which can increase the cost of a room by 15% or more.
• Book an efficiency. A condo or a room with a kitchenette allows you to shop for groceries and cook your own meals. This is a big money saver, especially for families on long stays.
• Consider enrolling in hotel “frequent-stay” programs, which are upping the ante lately to win the loyalty of repeat customers. Frequent guests can now accumulate points or credits to earn free hotel nights, airline miles, in-room amenities, merchandise, tickets to concerts and events, discounts on sporting facilities—and even credit toward stock in the participating hotel, in the case of the Jameson Inn hotel group. Perks are awarded not only by many chain hotels and motels (Hilton HHonors, Marriott Rewards, Wyndham ByRequest, to name a few), but also by individual inns and B&Bs. Many chain hotels partner with other hotel chains, car-rental firms, airlines, and credit card companies to give consumers additional incentive to do repeat business.
Utah
Area Codes The area code is 801 in the Wasatch Valley, which includes Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden. Most of the rest of the state is in the 435 area code.
Business Hours Banks are usually open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, often until 6pm on Friday; some have hours on Saturday. Small stores are usually open Monday through Saturday, with some also open on Sunday afternoon. Most department stores, discount stores, and supermarkets are open daily until 9pm. Some supermarkets are open 24 hours a day.
Cellphones See “Mobile Phones,” later in this section.
Crime See “Safety,” later in this section.
Customs The Customs agency is U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229 ( 877/287-8667; www.cbp.gov).
Disabled Travelers Disabled travelers can expect accessible lodgings and attractions throughout the state; some trails in the state and national parks are accessible and several ski resorts have programs for disabled guests.
Doctors Ask your hotel for references to local doctors. Also see “Hospitals,” later in this section.
Drinking Laws Utah normalized its liquor laws in 2009; memberships are no longer required, and private clubs are a thing of the past. There are still two strengths of beer, 3.2% and 6%. You can buy 3.2% beer and malt coolers in supermarkets and convenience stores 7 days a week; stronger beer, wine, and hard liquor are available only at state-owned liquor stores and package agencies, which are closed Sundays and state holidays. Some establishments are licensed as taverns and can sell 3.2% beer only. The legal age for purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages is 21; proof of age is required and often requested at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, so it’s always a good idea to bring ID when you go out. Do not carry open containers of alcohol in your car or any public area that isn’t zoned for alcohol consumption. The police can fine you on the spot. Don’t even think about driving while intoxicated.
Electricity Like Canada, the United States uses 110 to 120 volts AC (60 cycles), compared to 220 to 240 volts AC (50 cycles) in most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Downward converters that change 220 to 240 volts to 110 to 120 volts are difficult to find in the United States, so bring one with you.
Embassies & Consulates All embassies are in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. Some consulates are in major U.S. cities, and most nations have a mission to the United Nations in New York City. If your country isn’t listed below, call for directory information in Washington, D.C. ( 202/555-1212), or check www.embassy.org/embassies.
The embassy of Australia is at 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 ( 202/797-3000; www.usa.embassy.gov.au). Consulates are in New York, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
The embassy of Canada is at 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001 ( 202/682-1740; www.canadainternational.gc.ca/washington). Other Canadian consulates are in Buffalo (New York), Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle.
The embassy of Ireland is at 2234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 ( 202/462-3939; www.embassyofireland.org). Irish consulates are in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and other cities. See the website for a complete listing.
The embassy of New Zealand is at 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 ( 202/328-4800; www.nzembassy.com). New Zealand consulates are in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle.
The embassy of the United Kingdom is at 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 ( 202/588-6500; http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk). Other British consulates are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Emergencies Call 911.
Family Travel Utah is a terrific family destination, from the museums to the ski resorts. To locate accommodations, restaurants, and attractions that are particularly kid-friendly, look for the “Kids” icon throughout this guide.
Gasoline Please see the section “By Car,” under “Getting Around,” earlier in this chapter.
Health Utah’s extremes—from burning desert to snow-covered mountains—can cause health problems for the ill-prepared. If you haven’t been to the desert before, the heat, dryness, and intensity of the sun can be difficult to imagine. Bring a hat, strong sun block, sunglasses with ultraviolet protection, and moisturizing lotion for dry skin. Hikers and others planning to be outdoors should carry water—at least a gallon per person, per day.
Another potential problem for short-term visitors is elevation. There’s less oxygen and lower humidity in Utah’s mountains, which rise to over 13,500 feet. If you have heart or respiratory problems, consult your doctor before planning a trip to the mountains. Even if you’re in generally good health, you may want to ease into high elevations by changing altitude gradually. Don’t fly in from sea level in the morning and plan to hike 10,000-foot Cedar Breaks National Monument that afternoon. Spend a day or two at 4,000- or 5,000-feet elevation to let your body adjust. Also, get lots of rest, avoid large meals, and drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids, especially water.
State health officials warn outdoor enthusiasts to take precautions against the hantavirus, a rare but often fatal respiratory disease first recognized in 1993. About half of the country’s 200-plus confirmed cases have been reported in the Four Corners states of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah, and about 45% of the cases have been fatal. The disease is usually spread by the urine, feces, and saliva of deer mice and other rodents, so health officials recommend that campers avoid areas with signs of rodent droppings. Symptoms of hantavirus are similar to flu, and lead to breathing difficulties and shock.
Most cities in Utah have hospitals with 24-hour emergency rooms, but the smaller towns and less populated regions often have little in the way of health care. It is best to find out where the nearest medical facilities are to your specific destination.
Bugs, Bites & Other Wildlife Concerns Rattlesnakes, hobo spiders, and wood ticks are native to Utah, and each can inflict a nasty bite, the former two being venomous and the latter carrying a number of diseases. If you experience pain or swelling after a hike or camping, it could be a bug bite. Anti-itch cream will help diminish the itch, but time is the best medication—unless of course, the symptoms are dramatic, in which case you should seek medical attention or call 911 immediately. While hiking or camping, insect repellent is always a good idea.
Respiratory Illnesses Air quality can be an issue on the Wasatch Front, where numerous cities have struggled to meet federal standards for various pollutants. For the daily air quality report, visit www.airquality.utah.gov.
High-Altitude Hazards For many people who live at or near sea level, the most common health issue is discomfort caused by Utah’s high elevations. Altitude sickness is a process that can take a day or more to dissipate. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and lightheadedness. Doctors recommend that, until acclimated, travelers should avoid heavy exertion, consume light meals, and drink lots of liquids, avoiding those with caffeine or alcohol.
Sun/Elements/Extreme Weather Exposure In the desert area, extreme heat is common; wintertime in the Rockies can bring freezing temperatures and powerful blizzards. Depending on the time of year and your destination, it is best to be prepared with plenty of water and a wide range of layers for clothing. Symptoms of sunstroke include dizziness, clouded vision, and fainting. The best cure is shade, rest, and plenty of water. Seek medical attention if symptoms are dramatic.
Waterborne Illnesses Two waterborne hazards are Giardia and Campylobacter, with symptoms that wreak havoc on the human digestive system. If you pick up these pesky bugs, they might accompany you on your trip home. Untreated water from lakes and streams should be boiled for at least 5 minutes before consumption or pumped through a fine-mesh water filter specifically designed to remove bacteria.
Hospitals Salt Lake City has the state’s most comprehensive medical facilities, including LDS Hospital, 8th Avenue and C Street ( 801/408-1100; www.ldshospital.com), and Salt Lake Regional Medical Center, 1050 E. South Temple ( 801/350-4111; www.saltlakeregional.com); both have 24-hour emergency rooms. Many of the national parks have clinics. For emergencies, dial 911.
Insurance For information on traveler’s insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and medical insurance while traveling, please visit www.frommers.com/planning.
Internet & Wi-Fi In Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, and Utah’s major resorts, Wi-Fi is commonplace. It’s generally not difficult to access the Internet in any urban area, but may be a little harder to find in some of the state’s less populated areas.
Legal Aid While driving, if you are pulled over for a minor infraction (such as speeding), never attempt to pay the fine directly to a police officer; this could be construed as attempted bribery, a much more serious crime. Pay fines by mail, or directly into the hands of the clerk of the court. If accused of a more serious offense, say and do nothing before consulting a lawyer. In the U.S., the burden is on the state to prove a person’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and everyone has the right to remain silent, whether he or she is suspected of a crime or actually arrested. Once arrested, a person can make one telephone call to a party of his or her choice. The international visitor should call his or her embassy or consulate.
LGBT Travelers Although most Utahns are tolerant people, the Mormon Church has been criticized in the past for homophobia.
Mail At press time, domestic postage rates were 28¢ for a postcard and 44¢ for a letter. For international mail, a first-class letter of up to 1 ounce costs 98¢ (75¢ to Canada and 79¢ to Mexico); a first-class postcard costs the same as a letter. For more information go to www.usps.com.
If you aren’t sure what your address will be in the United States, mail can be sent to you, in your name, c/o General Delivery at the main post office of the city or region where you expect to be. (Call 800/275-8777 for information on the nearest post office.) The addressee must pick up mail in person and must produce proof of identity (driver’s license, passport, and the like). Most post offices will hold mail for up to 1 month, and are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.
Always include zip codes when mailing items in the U.S. If you don’t know your zip code, visit www.usps.com/zip4.
Medical Requirements Unless you’re arriving from an area known to be suffering from an epidemic (particularly cholera or yellow fever), inoculations or vaccinations are not required for entry into the United States.
Mobile Phones Just because your cellphone works at home doesn’t mean it’ll work everywhere in the U.S. (thanks to our nation’s fragmented cellphone system). It’s a good bet that your phone will work in major cities, but take a look at your wireless company’s coverage map on its website before heading out. If you’re not from the U.S., you’ll be appalled at the poor reach of our GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) wireless network, which is used by much of the rest of the world. Your phone will probably work in most major U.S. cities; it definitely won’t work in many rural areas. And you may or may not be able to send SMS (text messaging) home from some of Utah’s most secluded corners, either.
Money & Costs Frommer’s lists exact prices in the local currency. The currency conversions provided were correct at press time. However, rates fluctuate, so before departing consult a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com/currency/converter to check up-to-the-minute rates.
For help with currency conversions, tip calculations, and more, download Frommer’s convenient Travel Tools app for your mobile device. Go to www.frommers.com/go/mobile, and click on the Travel Tools icon.
Multicultural Travelers Most Utahns are tolerant people, but the Mormon Church has been criticized in the past for racism, although recent church initiatives have demonstrated more progressive attitudes. However, the state remains one of the least diverse in the United States, and strains of intolerance remain.
Newspapers & Magazines The state’s two largest dailies, both published in Salt Lake City, are the Salt Lake City Tribune (www.sltrib.com) and the Deseret Morning News (www.desnews.com). The Salt Lake City Weekly (www.slweekly.com) is the alternative weekly. Several other communities have daily newspapers, and many smaller towns publish weeklies. There are a few local magazines, Salt Lake Magazine (www.saltlakemagazine.com) among them.
Packing Weather changes frequently and abruptly in Utah; bring layers and be prepared to see winter and summer in one day. For more helpful information on packing for your trip, download our convenient Travel Tools app for your mobile device. Go to www.frommers.com/go/mobile, and click on the Travel Tools icon.
Passports Virtually every air traveler entering the U.S. is required to show a passport. All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport. Note: U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere must now also present a passport or other documents compliant with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI; see www.getyouhome.gov for details). Children 15 and under may continue entering with only a U.S. birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship.
Australia Australian Passport Information Service ( 131-232; www.passports.gov.au).
Canada Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 ( 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca).
Ireland Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 ( 01/671-1633; www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie).
New Zealand Passports Office, Department of Internal Affairs, 47 Boulcott St., Wellington, 6011 ( 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100; www.passports.govt.nz).
United Kingdom Visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency or contact the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), 89 Eccleston Sq., London, SW1V 1PN ( 0300/222-0000; www.ips.gov.uk).
United States To find your regional passport office, check the U.S. State Department website (travel.state.gov/passport) or call the National Passport Information Center ( 877/487-2778) for automated information.
Petrol Please see “By Car” under “Getting Around,” earlier in this chapter.
Police Call 911 for emergency police help.
Safety Utah in general is a very safe vacation destination. Car accidents are more of a problem than crime in almost every corner of the state, and the biggest safety concerns apply largely to backpackers, skiers, rock climbers, and other adventurous types. As in any city, it’s important to remain aware of one’s surroundings in downtown Salt Lake City; South State Street is often highlighted as the most unsavory strip in all of Utah. In the backcountry of the state’s numerous parks and forests, it’s important to always carry plenty of water, a map, and a compass, and to let someone know of your plans in case something goes awry.
As you head into the great outdoors, also bear in mind that injuries often occur when people fail to follow instructions. Take heed when the experts tell you to stay on established ski trails, hike only in designated areas and carry rain gear, and wear a life jacket when rafting. Mountain weather can be fickle, and many beautiful spots are in remote areas. Be prepared for sudden changes in temperature at any time of year, and watch out for summer afternoon thunderstorms that can leave you drenched and shivering in minutes.
When visiting such historic sites as ghost towns, gold mines, and railroads, remember that they were likely built more than 100 years ago, when safety standards were extremely lax, if they existed at all. Never enter abandoned buildings, mines, or rail cars on your own. When touring historic attractions, use common sense and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Walkways in mines are often uneven, poorly lit, and sometimes slippery due to seeping groundwater that can stain your clothing with its high iron content. In old buildings, be prepared for steep, narrow stairways, creaky floors, and low ceilings and doorways. Steam trains are wonderful as long as you remember that steam is very hot; oil and grease can ruin your clothing; and, at the very least, soot will make you very dirty.
Crime is relatively low in Utah in general and especially the parks, but Salt Lake City and the other cities have their share of incidents. Always keep a close eye on your wallet or purse and keep your wits about you when exploring unfamiliar neighborhoods.
Senior Travel Seniors can expect discounts at many attractions, including museums, restaurants, and ski resorts. The U.S. National Park Service offers an America the Beautiful—National Park and Federal Recreational Lands Pass—Senior Pass (formerly the Golden Age Passport), which gives seniors 62 years or older lifetime entrance to all properties administered by the National Park Service—national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges—for a one-time processing fee of $10. The pass must be purchased in person at any NPS facility that charges an entrance fee. Besides free entry, the America the Beautiful Senior Pass also offers a 50% discount on some federal-use fees charged for such facilities as camping, swimming, parking, boat launching, and tours. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm.
Smoking The Utah Indoor Clean Air Act prohibits smoking in any public building or office and in all enclosed places of public access. This includes restaurants but not private clubs, lounges, or taverns.
Taxes A combination of state and local sales taxes, from 6% to 8.5%, is added to your bill in all areas of Utah except Indian reservations. Local lodging taxes usually add an additional 3% to 6%. The United States has no value-added tax (VAT) or other indirect tax at the national level. Every state, county, and city may levy its own local tax on all purchases, including hotel and restaurant checks and airline tickets. These taxes will not appear on price tags.
Telephones Many convenience groceries and packaging services sell prepaid calling cards in denominations up to $50. Many public pay phones at airports now accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. Local calls made from most pay phones cost either 25¢ or 35¢ and do not require the area code. Most long-distance and international calls can be dialed directly from any phone. To make calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For other international calls, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and the number you are calling.
Calls to area codes 800, 888, 877, and 866 are toll-free. However, calls to area codes 700 and 900 (chat lines, bulletin boards, “dating” services, and so on) can be expensive—charges of 95¢ to $3 or more per minute. Some numbers have minimum charges that can run $15 or more.
For reversed-charge or collect calls, and for person-to-person calls, dial the number 0 then the area code and number; an operator will come on the line, and you should specify whether you are calling collect, person-to-person, or both. If your operator-assisted call is international, ask for the overseas operator.
For directory assistance (“Information”), dial 411 for local numbers and national numbers in the U.S. and Canada. For dedicated long-distance information, dial 1, then the appropriate area code plus 555-1212.
Time Utah is in the Mountain Standard Time Zone. The continental United States is divided into four time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Pacific Standard Time (PST). Alaska and Hawaii have their own zones. For example, when it’s 9am in Los Angeles (PST), it’s 7am in Honolulu (HST),10am in Denver (MST), 11am in Chicago (CST), noon in New York City (EST), 5pm in London (GMT), and 2am the next day in Sydney.
Daylight saving time (summer time) is in effect from 1am on the second Sunday in March to 1am on the first Sunday in November, except in Arizona, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Daylight saving time moves the clock 1 hour ahead of standard time.
For help with time translations, and more, download our convenient Travel Tools app for your mobile device. Go to www.frommers.com/go/mobile, and click on the Travel Tools icon.
Tipping In hotels, tip bellhops at least $1 per bag ($2–$3 if you have a lot of luggage) and tip the chamber staff $1 to $2 per day (more if you’ve left a big mess for him or her to clean up). Tip the doorman or concierge only if he or she has provided you with some specific service (for example, calling a cab for you or obtaining difficult-to-get theater tickets). Tip the valet-parking attendant $1 every time you get your car.
In restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, tip service staff and bartenders 15% to 20% of the check, tip checkroom attendants $1 per garment, and tip valet-parking attendants $1 per vehicle.
As for other service personnel, tip cab drivers 15% of the fare, tip skycaps at airports at least $1 per bag ($2–$3 if you have a lot of luggage), and tip hairdressers and barbers 15% to 20%.
For help with tip calculations, currency conversions, and more, download our convenient Travel Tools app for your mobile device. Go to www.frommers.com/go/mobile, and click on the Travel Tools icon.
Toilets You won’t find public toilets or “restrooms” on the streets in most U.S. cities but they can be found in hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants, museums, department stores, railway and bus stations, and service stations. Large hotels and fast-food restaurants are often the best bet for clean facilities. Restaurants and bars in resorts or heavily visited areas may reserve their restrooms for patrons.
VAT See “Taxes” earlier in this section.
Visas The U.S. State Department has a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allowing citizens of the following countries to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. (Note: This list was accurate at press time; for the most up-to-date list of countries in the VWP, consult http://travel.state.gov/visa.) Even though a visa isn’t necessary, in an effort to help U.S. officials check travelers against terror watch lists before they arrive at U.S. borders, visitors from VWP countries must register online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a plane or a boat to the U.S. Travelers must complete an electronic application providing basic personal and travel eligibility information. The Department of Homeland Security recommends filling out the form at least 3 days before traveling. Authorizations will be valid for up to 2 years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Currently, there is one $14 fee for the online application. Existing ESTA registrations remain valid through their expiration dates. Note: Any passport issued on or after October 26, 2006, by a VWP country must be an e-Passport for VWP travelers to be eligible to enter the U.S. without a visa. Citizens of these nations also need to present a round-trip air or cruise ticket upon arrival. E-Passports contain computer chips capable of storing biometric information, such as the required digital photograph of the holder. If your passport doesn’t have this feature, you can still travel without a visa if the valid passport was issued before October 26, 2005, and includes a machine-readable zone, or if the valid passport was issued between October 26, 2005, and October 25, 2006, and includes a digital photograph. For more information, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa. Canadian citizens may enter the United States without visas, but will need to show passports and proof of residence.
Citizens of all other countries must have (1) a valid passport that expires at least 6 months later than the scheduled end of their visit to the U.S., and (2) a tourist visa.
For information about U.S. visas go to http://travel.state.gov, and click on “Visas.” Or go to one of the following websites:
Australian citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information from the U.S. Embassy Canberra, Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 ( 02/6214-5600), or by checking the U.S. Diplomatic Mission’s website at http://canberra.usembassy.gov/visas.html.
British subjects can obtain up-to-date visa information by calling the U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line ( 09042-450-100 from within the U.K. at £1.20 per minute, or 866/382-3589 from within the U.S. at a flat rate of $16 payable by credit card only) or by visiting the “Visas to the U.S.” section of the American Embassy London’s website at http://london.usembassy.gov/visas.html. Irish citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information through the U.S. Embassy Dublin, 42 Elgin Rd., Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 ( 1580-47-VISA [8472] from within the Republic of Ireland at €2.40 per minute; http://dublin.usembassy.gov).
Citizens of New Zealand can obtain up-to-date visa information by contacting the U.S. Embassy New Zealand, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington ( 644/462-6000; http://newzealand.usembassy.gov).
Visitor Information For information on the state as a whole, as well as an official state map, contact the Utah Office of Tourism, 300 N. State St., Salt Lake City, UT 84114 ( 800/200-1160 or 801/538-1030; www.utah.com). For information on Utah’s national forests, contact the U.S. Forest Service Intermountain Region, 324 25th St., Ogden, UT 84401 ( 801/625-5306; www.fs.fed.us/r4). The Utah State Office of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is at 440 W. 200 South, Ste. 500, Salt Lake City, UT 84145 ( 801/539-4001; www.blm.gov/ut). For information on Utah’s state parks, contact Utah State Parks, 1594 W. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84114 ( 800/322-3770, or 801/538-7220 for campground reservations; www.stateparks.utah.gov). You can find additional resources for planning your outdoor adventures in chapter 4.
Wi-Fi See “Internet & Wi-Fi,” earlier in this section.
Airline & Car Rental Websites
Airlines
American Airlines
Continental Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Frontier Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
US Airways
Rental Cars
Advantage
Alamo
Avis
Budget
Dollar
Enterprise
Fox
National
Hertz
Thrifty