Chapter 16: Planning Your Trip to Montana & Wyoming
The summers are short and the driving distances long in Montana and Wyoming, so the difference between a room reservation and last-second lodging improvisation can mean a 100-mile moonlight drive in an unanticipated direction. This is especially true in and around Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier national parks in peak season. Even an ounce of planning goes a long way in these parts, and can often be the difference between a dream vacation and one you’d rather forget. So think ahead and use this chapter to carefully plan your Montana and Wyoming adventure—before you realize your target campground is full for the night and your target trail is clogged with snow.
Getting There
By Plane
Travelers flying into Montana from out of state can choose to land in one of six major airports: Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, or Missoula. In Wyoming, Jackson, Casper, Cheyenne, Cody, Gillette, Laramie, Riverton, Rock Springs, and Sheridan have airports with commercial airline service. To find out which airlines travel to Montana and Wyoming, please see “Airline Websites.”
Montana’s and Wyoming’s airports are dwarfed by Denver International Airport in Colorado and Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah. However, connecting flights are available from Denver and Salt Lake to almost all of the regional airports in Montana and Wyoming, and—if you have time—renting a car in one of these larger cities can make for a nice scenic drive to your final destination.
By Bus
Greyhound (www.greyhound.com; 
800/231-2222 in the U.S.; 001/214/849-8100 outside the U.S., with toll-free access) 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.
By Car
In Montana, I-90 runs west to east from St. Regis to Wyola, near the Wyoming border southeast of Billings. I-94 goes east from Billings to Glendive and the North Dakota border. U.S. Hwy. 2, called the “Hi-Line,” is another east–west alternative, stretching across the northern reaches of Montana from Bainville to Troy. The major interstate traversing the state from north to south is I-15, from Sweetgrass to Monida.
Wyoming is crossed through the southern part of the state by I-80, a huge trucker route from Pine Bluffs in the east to Evanston in the west. I-90 begins in the north-central part of the state near Ranchester and comes out in the northeast near Beulah. Just outside Buffalo is I-90’s junction with I-25, a north–south route that runs through Cheyenne. The western part of the state, north of Rock Springs, is dominated by U.S. highways and secondary state-maintained roads.
For information on car rentals and gasoline (petrol) in Montana and Wyoming, see “Getting Around by Car,” below.
By Train
Amtrak’s Empire Builder (www.amtrak.com; 800/872-7245) provides daily rail service along the northern tier of Montana, traveling west from Chicago and east from Seattle. The train stops at Wolf Point, Glasgow, Malta, Havre, Shelby, Cut Bank, Browning, East Glacier, Essex, West Glacier, Whitefish, and Libby. There are presently no Amtrak stops in Wyoming.
Getting Around
By Plane
There is regional air service between cities in Montana and Wyoming, but your options are limited, and you’ll almost always need a rental car.
By Car
Most visitors to Montana and Wyoming 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 these states.
Before you set out on a road trip, you might want to join the American Automobile Association (AAA; www.aaa.com; 800/222-4357), which has hundreds of offices nationwide. The Billings office is located at 3320 4th Ave. N. ( 406/248-7738) and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm. AAA also has offices in Missoula ( 406/829-5500), Bozeman ( 406/586-6156), Helena ( 406/447-8100), Great Falls ( 406/727-2900), Cheyenne ( 307/634-8861), and several other locations. Members receive excellent maps and emergency road service, and AAA will help you plan an exact itinerary. AAA members may also be entitled to discounts at various hotels, stores, car rental companies, and more.
Foreign driver’s licenses are usually recognized in the U.S., but international visitors who are planning to rent a car may want to consider obtaining an international driver’s permit. Ask local government officials in your home country before traveling, as it is not available once you enter the U.S.
Taxes are already included in the printed price of gasoline (petrol). One U.S. gallon equals 3.8 liters, or .85 imperial gallons. At press time, gasoline cost about $3.50 per gallon in Montana and Wyoming (91¢ per liter).
Renting a Car
You’ll find rental-car outlets at the airports and in major cities in Montana and Wyoming, but there are great swaths of land in both states where you simply can’t rent a car. National companies with outlets in Montana and Wyoming include Alamo (www.alamo.com; 877/222-9075), Avis (www.avis.com; 800/3311212), Budget (www.budget.com; 800/527-0700), Dollar (www.dollar.com; 800/800-3665), Enterprise (www.enterprise.com; 800/261-7331), Hertz (www.hertz.com; 800/654-3131), National (www.nationalcar.com; 800/227-7368), Payless (www.paylesscarrental.com; 800/729-5377), and Thrifty (www.thrifty.com; 800/847-4389).
Car-rental rates vary even more than airline fares. The price you pay depends on the size of the car, where and when you pick it up and drop it off, the length of the rental period, where and how far you drive it, whether you purchase insurance, and a host of other factors. A few key questions could save you hundreds of dollars.
• Are weekend rates lower than weekday rates? Ask if the rate is the same for pickup Friday morning, for instance, as it is for Thursday night.
• Is a weekly rate cheaper than the daily rate? Even if you need the car for only 4 days, it may be cheaper to keep it for 5.
• Does the agency assess a drop-off charge if you don’t return the car to the same location where you picked it up? Is it cheaper to pick up the car at the airport than at a downtown location?
• Are special promotional rates available? If you see an advertised price in your local newspaper, be sure to ask for that specific rate; otherwise, you may be charged the standard cost. Terms change constantly, and reservations agents are notorious for not mentioning available discounts unless you ask.
• Are discounts available for members of AARP, AAA, frequent-flier programs, or trade unions? If you belong to any of these organizations, you may be entitled to discounts of up to 30%.
• How much tax will be added to the rental bill? Local tax? State use tax?
• What is the cost of adding an additional driver’s name to the contract?
• How many free miles are included in the price? Free mileage is often negotiable, depending on the length of the rental.
• How much does the rental company charge to refill your gas tank if you return with the tank less than full? Though most rental companies claim these prices are “competitive,” fuel is almost always cheaper in town. Try to allow enough time to refuel the car yourself before returning it.
Some companies offer “refueling packages,” in which you pay for an entire tank of gas up front. The price is usually fairly competitive with local gas prices, but you don’t get credit for any gas remaining in the tank.
Many available packages include airfare, accommodations, and a rental car with unlimited mileage. Compare these prices with the cost of booking airline tickets and renting a car separately to see if such offers are good deals. Internet resources can make comparison shopping easier.
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 additional fees for these. They can add a significant cost to your car rental.
Surfing for Rental Cars
For booking rental cars online, the best deals are usually found at rental-car company websites, although all the major online travel agencies also offer rental-car reservations services. Priceline (www.priceline.com) and Hotwire (www.hotwire.com) work well for rental cars; the only “mystery” is which major rental company you get, and for most travelers, the difference between Hertz, Avis, and Budget is negligible. Also check out Breezenet.com, which offers domestic car-rental discounts, with some of the most competitive rates around.
Demystifying Renter’s Insurance
Before you drive off in a rental car, be sure you’re insured. Hasty assumptions about your personal auto insurance or a rental agency’s additional coverage could end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars—even if you are involved in an accident that was clearly the fault of another driver.
If you already hold a private auto insurance policy in the United States, you are most likely covered for loss of or damage to a rental car, and liability in case of injury to any other party involved in an accident. Be sure to find out whether you are covered in the area you are visiting, whether your policy extends to all persons who will be driving the rental car, how much liability is covered in case an outside party is injured in an accident, and whether the type of vehicle you are renting is included under your contract. (Rental trucks, sport utility vehicles, and luxury vehicles may not be covered.)
Most major credit cards provide some degree of coverage as well—provided they were used to pay for the rental. Terms vary widely, however, so be sure to call your credit card company directly before you rent. If you don’t have a private auto insurance policy, the credit card you use to rent a car may provide primary coverage if you decline the rental agency’s insurance. This means that the credit card company will cover damage or theft of a rental car for the full cost of the vehicle. If you do have a private auto insurance policy, your credit card may provide secondary coverage—which basically covers your deductible. Credit cards do not cover liability or the cost of injury to an outside party and/or damage to an outside party’s vehicle. If you do not hold an insurance policy, you may want to seriously consider purchasing additional liability insurance from your rental company. Be sure to check the terms, however: Some rental agencies cover liability only if the renter is not at fault; even then, the rental company’s obligation varies from state to state. Bear in mind that each credit card company has its own peculiarities; call your own credit card company for details before relying on a card for coverage.
The basic insurance coverage offered by most car-rental companies, known as the Loss/Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), can cost as much as $20 per day. The former should cover everything, including the loss of income to the rental agency, should you get in an accident (normally not covered by your own insurance policy). It usually covers the full value of the vehicle, with no deductible, if an outside party causes an accident or other damage to the rental car. You will probably be covered in case of theft as well. Liability coverage varies, but the minimum is usually at least $15,000. If you are at fault in an accident, you will be covered for the full replacement value of the car—but not for liability. Most rental companies require a police report in order to process any claims you file, but your private insurer will not be notified of the accident. Check your own policies and credit cards before you shell out money on this extra insurance because you may already be covered.
By Train
International visitors can buy a USA Rail Pass, good for 15, 30, or 45 days of unlimited travel on Amtrak (www.amtrak.com; 800/872-7245). The pass is available online or through many overseas travel agents. See Amtrak’s website for the cost of travel within the western or northwestern United States. Reservations are generally required and should be made as early as possible. Regional rail passes are also available. Note: Keep in mind that Wyoming has no train service.
Weather & Road Conditions
For up-to-date information on current weather, contact the National Weather Service at 406/449-5204 in Montana, 307/772-2468 in Wyoming, or online at www.wrh.noaa.gov. For statewide road conditions, contact the Montana Department of Transportation (www.mdt.mt.gov; 800/226-7623, or 511 in Montana) or the Wyoming Department of Transportation (www.wyoroad.info; 888/996-7623, or 511 in Wyoming).
By Bus
Greyhound (www.greyhound.com; 800/231-2222 in the U.S.; 001/214/849-8100 outside the U.S., with toll-free access) 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. Rimrock Stages (www.rimrocktrailways.com; 800/255-7655 or 406/245-5392) operates intrastate service in Montana.
Tips on Accommodations
Accommodations in Montana and Wyoming range from mom-and-pop motels to major chain hotels, bed-and-breakfasts to ski condos, and getaway cabins to dude ranches. See the individual chapters for recommendations.
National motel and hotel brands frequently found in Montana and Wyoming include Best Western (www.bestwestern.com), Holiday Inn (www.holidayinn.com), Days Inn (www.daysinn.com), Comfort Inn (www.comfortinn.com), and Motel 6 (www.motel6.com). Smaller regional chains in the area include C’mon Inn (www.cmoninn.com), Lexington Hotels (www.lexingtonhotels.com), and Shilo Inns (www.shiloinns.com).
A dude ranch (also called a guest ranch) typically offers week-long stays with all-inclusive rates. Recreation almost always includes horseback riding, but usually also covers other outdoor pursuits, such as fly-fishing, hiking, or rafting. There are about 70 guest ranches in Montana and Wyoming, according to Guest Ranches of North America (www.guestranches.com).
When booking a ski vacation, look into booking lodging and buying lift tickets as part of a ski-and-stay package—this is usually substantially cheaper than getting a room and lift tickets a la carte. You will always save money by staying a few miles away from the resort: Instead of Jackson, for example, look at Driggs, Idaho, and instead of Whitefish, try Kalispell.
Your best rates at the national parks will be in the shoulder seasons. Weather can be less predictable (and desirable), but you are bound to get a better room rate when schools are back in session in the U.S. Try to book your trip in May or September, and your value will also come with much more peace and quiet than the middle of the summer at Glacier, Yellowstone, or Grand Teton.
Rather than staying at a hotel, many people—especially families—opt to rent a home during their vacations. For vacation rental listings, visit www.vrbo.com, www.airbnb.com, or www.homeaway.com.
Fast Facts: Montana & Wyoming
Area Codes The statewide area code for Montana is 406. Wyoming’s area code is 307. Intrastate long-distance calls also require these prefixes.
Business Hours Most stores and banks open at 8am or 9am and close at 5pm, but some stores stay open until 10pm or later.
Car Rental See “Getting Around by Car,” earlier in this chapter.
Cellphones See “Mobile Phones,” later in this section.
Crime See “Safety,” later in this section.
Customs Every visitor to the United States more than 21 years of age may bring in, free of duty, the following: (1) 1 liter of wine or hard liquor; (2) 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars (but not from Cuba), or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco; and (3) $100 worth of gifts. These exemptions are offered to travelers who spend at least 72 hours in the United States and who have not claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is forbidden to bring into the country almost any meat products (including canned, fresh, and dried meat products such as bullion, soup mixes, and so on). Generally, condiments, including vinegars, oils, spices, coffee, tea, and some cheeses and baked goods, are permitted. Avoid rice products, as rice can often harbor insects. Bringing fruits and vegetables is not advised, though not prohibited. Customs will allow produce depending on where you got it and where you’re going after you arrive in the U.S. International visitors may carry in or out up to $10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums must be declared to U.S. Customs on entering or leaving, which includes filing Form CM 4790. For details regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection, consult your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or U.S. Customs (www.customs.gov).
Disabled Travelers Most disabilities shouldn’t stop anyone from traveling. However, Wyoming and Montana are not necessarily ahead of the curve when it comes to accessible facilities: There are only a handful of accessible trails in the main attraction—the national parks.
The America the Beautiful—National Park and Federal Recreational Lands Pass—Access Pass (formerly the Golden Access Passport) gives visually impaired people and people with permanent disabilities (regardless of age) free lifetime entrance to federal recreation sites administered by the National Park Service, including the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation. This may include national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas, and national wildlife refuges.
This Access Pass can be obtained only in person at any NPS facility that charges an entrance fee. You need to show proof of medically determined disability. Besides free entry, the 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/findapark/passes.htm.
The Montana Independent Living Project, 1820 11th Ave., Helena, MT 59601 (www.milp.us; 800/735-6457 or 406/442-5755), operates an information and referral service for travelers with disabilities, providing information relating to such topics as accessibility, recreation, and transportation.
Drinking Laws 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.
All liquor stores in Montana are state-controlled, with minimum hours of 10am to 6pm, although individual stores may be open longer. Most are closed on Sunday. Liquor may also be bought at bars with package licenses during their operating hours. Beer and wine are available at convenience stores and supermarkets from 8:30am to 2am. Bars in both Montana and Wyoming close at 2am.
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 220–240 volts to 110–120 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. Montana and Wyoming have no official foreign consulates; they are usually covered by offices in Denver, Colorado. If your country isn’t listed below, check www.embassy.org/embassies or call for directory information in Washington, D.C. ( 202/555-1212).
The embassy of Australia is at 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (www.usa.embassy.gov.au; 202/797-3000). 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 (www.canadainternational.gc.ca/washington; 202/682-1740). 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 (www.embassyofireland.org; 202/462-3939). Irish consulates are in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and other cities. See website for a complete listing.
The embassy of New Zealand is at 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 (www.nzembassy.com; 202/328-4800). 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 (http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk; 202/588-6500). Other British consulates are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Emergencies Call 911.
Family Travel Montana and Wyoming are full of great family destinations, especially Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier national parks. Many properties in these areas have family cabins that include kitchens, and most motels have family rooms or suites tailored to the needs of parents traveling with their kids. To locate accommodations, restaurants, and attractions that are particularly kid-friendly, refer to the “Kids” icon throughout this guide.
Family groups should always ask about discounts for attractions and accommodations. If you plan to stay a week at a ski resort or dude ranch, you may find a better value by renting a condominium or lodge rather than multiple rooms. Ski areas often offer packages that include accommodations and lift tickets; check with a ski resort’s reservation service for current prices. Before booking any type of room, event, or activity, inquire whether there are discounts for children or age restrictions.
The U.S. National Park Service offers an America the Beautiful—National Park and Federal Recreational Lands–Annual Pass for $80 for 1 year, which allows up to four people to enter into all national parks and federal fee areas. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm.
Montana Kids (www.montanakids.com) is a website from Travel Montana that’s for both kids (with games and such) and their parents (with information about places to go and things to do with families). As for books, Frommer’s National Parks with Kids (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) is an excellent resource.
To locate accommodations, restaurants, and attractions that are particularly kid-friendly, look for the “Kids” icon throughout this guide.
Gasoline Please see “Getting There by Car,” earlier in this chapter.
Health Montana and Wyoming’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 sunblock, 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 the mountains, which rise to over 13,000 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 in the high country of Yellowstone or Glacier that afternoon. Spend a day or two at a lower elevation to let your body adjust.
If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor before your departure. Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage, and carry them in their original containers, with pharmacy labels—otherwise, they won’t make it through airport security. Visitors from outside the U.S. should carry generic names of prescription drugs. For U.S. travelers, most reliable healthcare plans provide coverage if you get sick away from home. Foreign visitors may have to pay all medical costs up front and be reimbursed later.
Common ailments in Montana & Wyoming include:
• Altitude Sickness Because most people live at or near sea level, the most common health hazard is discomfort as they adjust to Montana and Wyoming’s high elevations. Acclimation to high elevation is a process that can take a day or more. 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.
• Extreme Weather Exposure The weather in the Northern Rockies is capricious—it can snow in July or give you serious sunburn in February. If your wilderness activity takes you to a body of water, have extra clothes available in case you get wet—preferably wool and fleece fabrics, which wick away moisture. Hypothermia occurs when the body can no longer warm itself, and you’re especially susceptible if you’re wearing wet wool or cotton clothing. Many Western streams, rivers, and lakes are glacier-fed and run high during spring; they can be difficult to negotiate and are extremely cold. Winter backcountry explorers should always be equipped with a shovel, a sectional probe, and an avalanche transceiver, since avalanches are common.
• 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.
• Wildlife Concerns Be especially cautious around wildlife, particularly with children. Bison are not big sheepdogs, and bears are not stuffed animals; they are wild animals that can turn on you suddenly if you get too close. Never—I repeat, never—get between a mother bear and her cub. If you’re exploring during the summer, carry a can of pepper spray (bear mace), an effective deterrent to bears, available at local sporting goods stores. Also keep an eye out for rattlesnakes and ticks.
Hospitals Hospitals with 24-hour emergency rooms can be found in most cities and large towns in Montana and Wyoming, as well as Yellowstone National Park, which has three clinics within its borders. In the case of a medical emergency, call 911.
Insurance For information on traveler’s insurance, trip cancelation insurance, and medical insurance while traveling, please visit www.frommers.com/planning.
Internet & Wi-Fi In Montana and Wyoming’s major cities and resorts, Wi-Fi is commonplace. It’s harder to find in some of the less populated areas but generally not difficult to access the Internet in any conurbation. Check at libraries and coffee shops if your lodging lacks Internet access.
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 Wyoming and Montana do not have the reputation of being the gay-friendliest states in the Union, especially in the wake of the Matthew Shepard murder in Laramie in 1998. But larger cities tend to have a gay scene of some kind, especially Missoula and Bozeman in Montana, and there is little for gay travelers to worry about. However, some of the more rural destinations are still rife with homophobia.
The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA; www.iglta.org; 954/630-1637) is the trade association for the gay and lesbian travel industry and offers an online directory of gay- and lesbian-friendly travel businesses and tour operators. Many agencies offer tours and travel itineraries specifically for gay and lesbian travelers. Based in Red Lodge, Montana, OutWest Global Adventures (www.outwestadventures.com; 800/743-0458 or 406/446-1533) offers gay and lesbian adventure travel packages, including ranching vacations in Montana and backpacking trips in Yellowstone.
Mail At press time, domestic postage rates were 32¢ for a postcard and 45¢ for a letter. For international mail, a first-class letter of up to 1 ounce costs $1.05 (85¢ to Canada and 85¢ 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 (such as a driver’s license or passport). 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. Also see “Health.”
Mobile Phones Just because your cellphone works at home doesn’t mean it’ll work everywhere in the U.S., thanks to the 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; T-Mobile and Sprint are particularly weak in rural areas. In Montana and Wyoming, expect good coverage in cities and towns, but do not count on it in the far-flung areas, including the national parks. While there is some coverage in all of the national parks in both states, it is far from comprehensive. Off the beaten path, expect limited coverage, if you have any at all. If you need to stay in touch at a destination where you know your phone won’t work, buy a pay-as-you-go phone that has superior coverage in Montana and Wyoming.
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 these states’ most secluded corners, either, including areas in the national parks.
Frommer’s lists exact prices in the local currency. The currency conversions quoted above 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.
As most parts of Montana and Wyoming are connected to the broadband backbone, you’ll find credit cards are accepted at most lodgings and restaurants, and many attractions. ATMs are also fairly common in towns of all sizes, and even in the national parks. But these states also have numerous back roads that lead to out-of-the-way places with establishments that do not accept credit cards; I recommend you carry at least some cash on hand (about $200 is a good amount) while traveling in either state.
While the states are still relatively inexpensive in terms of the cost of hotel rooms and lodging, there are also many luxury establishments in places like Whitefish and Jackson Hole. You’ll find plenty of $50 double motel rooms, but lodgings in Yellowstone gateway towns and ski resorts average about $150 in peak season for a standard room. Nevertheless, there are vacations for almost any budget, from camps and cookouts in the national parks to the pricey rooms at the Four Seasons Jackson Hole.
Newspapers & Magazines Montana’s major daily newspapers are the Missoulian (www.missoulian.com), the Great Falls Tribune (www.greatfallstribune.com), and the Billings Gazette (www.billingsgazette.com). In Wyoming, the Casper Star-Tribune (www.trib.com) is the only statewide paper, while the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle (www.wyomingnews.com) is Cheyenne’s daily. Magazines of note include Big Sky Journal (www.bigskyjournal.com) and Montana Magazine (www.montanamagazine.com).
Packing Nothing will ruin a trip faster than sore or wet feet. Take some time planning your travel wardrobe. Bring comfortable walking shoes, even if you plan to keep walking to a minimum. Bring shoes that are broken in, and if you plan to do some hiking, get sturdy boots that support your ankles and wick away water. Early in the season, trails might be wet or muddy; late in the fall, you can get snowed on. The more popular trails are sometimes also used by horses, which can make stream crossings a mucky mess.
In the outdoors, wear your clothing in layers, and bring a small backpack or fanny pack so that you can take those layers off and on as temperature, altitude, and your physical exertion change. Cotton is a no-no in the backcountry; synthetic fabrics are recommended because they dry much faster. Gloves or mittens are useful before the park heats up, or in the evening when it cools down again—even in summer. The atmosphere is thin at higher altitudes, so protect your skin. Bring a strong sunblock, a hat with a brim, and sunglasses. I also recommend bringing insect repellent, water bottles, and a first-aid kit. Take into account that elevations in Montana and Wyoming are commonly between 5,000 and 10,000 feet; in campgrounds and on hiking trails, you’ll want clothing appropriate to the temperatures—in summer, 40°F (4°C) in the evening, 75°F (24°C) during the 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.
Contact your local passport office for more information:
• Australia Australian Passport Information Service (www.passports.gov.au; 131-232).
• Canada Passport Office, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (www.ppt.gc.ca; 800/567-6868).
• Ireland Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (www.foreignaffairs.gov.ie; 01/671-1633).
• New Zealand Passports Office, Department of Internal Affairs, 47 Boulcott Street, Wellington, 6011 (www.passports.govt.nz; 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100).
• United Kingdom Visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency, or contact the Identity and Passport Service (IPS), 89 Eccleston Square, London, SW1V 1PN (www.ips.gov.uk; 0300/222-0000).
• 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 “Getting Around by Car,” earlier in this chapter.
Police Call 911 for emergency police help.
Safety While there are many reasons to visit Montana and Wyoming, the two cited most often are visiting historic sites and exploring the magnificent outdoors—especially the three national parks. However, visiting historic sites and participating in outdoor activities can lead to accidents.
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.
As you head into the great outdoors, 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.
Senior Travel Most lodging establishments and museums in Montana and Wyoming offer discounts to seniors. Mention the fact that you’re a senior when you make your travel reservations. Many hotels offer discounts for seniors, and in most cities, people 60 and over qualify for reduced admission to theaters, museums, and other attractions, as well as discounted fares on public transportation.
Members of AARP, 601 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20049 (www.aarp.org; 888/687-2277), get discounts on hotels, airfares, and car rentals. AARP offers members a wide range of benefits, including AARP The Magazine and a monthly newsletter. Anyone 50 or over can join.
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. 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/findapark/passes.htm.
Smoking Montana has a statewide smoking ban; Wyoming does not, but smoking is banned in many public places, including thermal areas at Yellowstone National Park. Note: Smoking is permitted in many areas of the U.S. national parks, but smokers should dispose of their used cigarette butts.
Taxes 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. Montana has no state sales tax, but there is a lodging tax of 7%, and certain resort communities can also charge an additional tax for goods and services. Wyoming’s state sales tax is 4%, and local communities can add up to 1% more. Communities can impose a lodging tax of up to 4%.
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¢. 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 Montana and Wyoming are both 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 a US$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.”
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 and payable by credit card only) or by visiting 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 (http://dublin.usembassy.gov; 1580-47-VISA [8472] from within the Republic of Ireland, at €2.40 per minute).
Citizens of New Zealand can obtain up-to-date visa information by contacting the U.S. Embassy New Zealand, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington (http://newzealand.usembassy.gov; 644/462-6000).
Visitor Information Travel Montana, P.O. Box 200533, 301 S. Park St., Helena, MT 59620 (www.visitmt.com; 800/847-4868 or 406/841-2870; TDD 406/841-2702), provides information about Big Sky country and specific locales in Montana. It puts out two well-designed vacation planning kits—one for summer and one for winter—that include maps and the Montana Vacation Planner. The planner includes contacts with agencies that can provide information and travel services, such as airlines and rental-car agencies; it also has listings, by town, of places to stay and eat, with charts specifying price ranges and such amenities as hot tubs and access for travelers with disabilities. Travel Montana will also send you separate guides to some of Montana’s more popular sports activities: snowmobiling, fishing, and skiing; as well as site-specific guides for each of the six travel regions: Glacier Country in the northwest, Gold West Country in the southwest, Russell Country in north-central Montana, Yellowstone Country in south-central Montana, Missouri River Country in the northeast, and Custer Country in the southeast.
For additional information about attractions, facilities, and services at specific Montana destinations—national parks, cities, or towns—contact the Montana Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 1730, Helena, MT 59624 (www.montanachamber.com; 406/442-2405 or 443-7888), for the address and phone number of the nearest chamber office.
The Wyoming Business Council Travel & Tourism Division, 1520 Etchepare Circle, Cheyenne, WY 82007 (www.wyomingtourism.org; 800/225-5996 or 307/777-7777), distributes summer and winter editions of the Travelers Journal, an informative guide with information about sights and towns in the state’s five travel areas—Devils Tower/Buffalo Bill Country in the north and east, Oregon Trail/Rendezvous Country in central Wyoming, Medicine Bow/Flaming Gorge Country along the southern border, Jackson Hole/Jim Bridger Country in the west, and Grand Teton and Yellowstone—as well as special features on everything from geology to adventure travel. They also furnish maps, cultural and park guides, and other information.
Water Although tap water is generally safe to drink in Montana and Wyoming, hikers should avoid drinking untreated water from lakes and streams, which can cause giardia or campylobacter, with symptoms that wreak havoc on the human digestive system. See “Health,” earlier in this section, for more information.
Wi-Fi See “Internet & Wi-Fi,” earlier in this section.
Women Travelers Founded in 1982 and the first of its kind, AdventureWomen in Bozeman, Montana (www.adventurewomen.com; 800/804-8686, or 406/587-3883 outside the U.S.) offers customized trips to just about anywhere in the world for active and adventurous women age 30 and older. In Montana, the company guides hiking trips, as well as skiing and guest-ranch trips.
Airline Websites
Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air
Allegiant Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Frontier Airlines
Great Lakes Airlines
Gulfstream International Airlines
United Airlines
US Airways