The TIA is a national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $645 billion travel industry with a mission to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. The survey was conducted on line, based on a nationally representative sample of 1,519 U.S. adults aged 18 and over with a margin of error plus or minus three percent.The results found that one of three or 30 percent of Americans are early planners possibly because of strong air travel and hotel demand that has resulted in higher prices and fewer bargains. Additionally, 21 percent of Americans who are planning to travel this year have already arranged for their lodgings at their destination and eight percent have decided upon or booked their mode of travel.The message for travelers, in my judgment, is to "Go West" for spectacular scenery, culture and some of the best adventure America has to offer. I still have vivid memories of my past trips to the "Real American West" in the states of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota.Salt Lake City in Utah has the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir and silver clad mountains framing the city. Utah also bears the rules of the Mormon Church where alcohol can't be consumed, even in restaurants, until edible food is ordered and served. From Salt Lake City, I traveled on rocky roads to explore the incomparable Grand Canyon (considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.) You can descend to the bottom of the Canyon either by foot or astride a surefooted mule or aloft in a noisy helicopter. I chose the helicopter and was flattered to find that my required weight was recorded in kilos (almost half my actual weight).Next on my itinerary were the awesome rocky pinnacles of Bryce Canyon, and still fresh in my memory are the remarkable narrow gorges of Zion National Park. My other adventure in the West was a houseboat sail on the massive man-made Lake Powell bordered by beautiful majestic fjords. I was also introduced to Cowboy Poetry Reading performances at the Wigwam Ranch in Arizona before heading for the vivid red rocks of Sedona, the arty cultural Arizona city that has become Nirvana for many Five Towner retirees. As a matter of fact, the Cowboy Artists of America was formed 40 years ago by the talented ranch hands Charlie Dye, John Hampton, Joe Beeler, and George Phippen. Their paintings have become very valuable at gallery auctions.America's "Old West" highlights Yellowstone National Park, the famous Old Faithful Geyser and the monumental Mount Rushmore with its world famous presidential monument sculpture and the Crazy Horse Memorial. For the active tourist, there is rafting down the Snake River. There is also a ride in a vintage steam locomotive through the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota. Also, the regal Grand Teton National Park has wonderful inside-the-park landmark lodge and hotel accommodations. All these destinations have National Park Rangers who are very articulate and knowledgeable. They can serve as guides to explore the sites with you.A visit to the West should include Texas, The Lone Star State. The Alamo in San Antonio has become a Holy Shrine that traces the history of the Old West and the valiant losing battle for that territory. The city of Houston is famous for the rockets that go into space at NASA's Johnson Space Center, as well as the renowned heart surgeons Cooley and DeBakey. There is also the Lyndon Johnson and George Herbert Bush's Presidential Libraries to visit and the opportunity to enjoy a cowboy barbecue at a working ranch. But unfortunately, television has obliterated the need for the actual cattle auctions at the stockyards in Fort Worth. On my visit to the stockyards, I just caught a glimpse of the empty animal pens.The port city of Galveston has some refurbished jackup offshore oil-drilling rigs for you to explore. I also learned that the capital city of Austin has become the "hot and trendy" place where the tennis champ Andy Roddick chose to make his home.There are many trails to follow to discover the "Real West" and to enjoy the spectacular scenery.You can contact your travel professional to plan the right itinerary for you.Copyright by Marcia AbramsonE-mail: mascribe@verizon.com
