Grand Canyon River Rafting Excursions - Is Trip Cancellation Insurance Advised?
There are only 14 certified commercial river rafting businesses in the Grand Canyon and there is only one Grand Canyon. Add in National Park Service limits on total trips down the Colorado River and the extreme popularity of this natural wonder and you have a living example of the law of supply and demand. Mix in some "stuff happens" and you have an excellent argument for trip cancellation insurance for those organizing some Grand Canyon rafting. The immense popularity of careening through this national treasure is explained by the breathtaking landscape and the excitement of testing your mettle on the river. The weather's not bad either. In the peak season (May to September) temperatures can range from a low of 60 degrees to a high of 100, accompanied by low humidity. The rainy season, unlike in other areas of the U.S., begins in July and lasts for four to six weeks. Practically speaking, this means that afternoon temperatures are somewhat lower, with intermittent rain. Since the average temps in July and August run from 75 to 115 degrees, it's almost as though mother nature has provided some natural air conditioning for the summertime.
Rafting Grand Canyon excursions are booked very quickly in the peak season, as much as two years in advance. At the same time, the Park Service has limited boat capacity per trip to 24 people maximum on oar-powered excursions (the smaller paddle boats hold six passengers) and to 36 people on the largest motorized rafts. As well, there's an established limitation of one trip per person per year - another way of trying to match this limited resource with a virtually unlimited demand.
Make no mistake - Grand Canyon white water rafting excursions require serious planning and saving. The typical deposit is $400 per person, with the balance (which can run in the thousands) due 90 days before your trip. There are no refunds if you cancel within 90 to 120 days of your launch; however if your space does get sold you might get 30% of your prepayment back. Ouch!
As one travel insurance company has stated, a trip that has taken a year or more to plan can be ruined in a second - and at a significant cost. That's why Grand Canyon rafting outfitters recommend trip cancellation insurance. Along with donning the proper rain gear and staying hydrated, it's a very good way to be prepared.
About 22,000 people raft the Grand Canyon every year. With some good planning and precautions, you can be one of them.
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About the Author
If you are interested in booking a Grand Canyon rafting trip, http://www.hatchriverexpeditions.com/ is highly recommended by author Stephen Daniels. Their guides are all very knowledgeable about the history of the Grand Canyon and all the moods of the mighty Colorado River. Their expert boatmen will guide you through the rapids and will educate, pamper and entertain you along the way.
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