Top Ten Travel Tips for Colorado
Flatlanders, beware! Colorado is the highest state in the nation with an average altitude of 6800 feet above sea level. You may think you are drunk from the state's beauty, however while possible, it is more likely altitude sickness. Altitude Sickness can occur if you do not take care and follow some simple guidelines, drink plenty of water or hydrating liquids (excluding alcohol), eat lightly, do not over exert yourself and rest often. Some of the signs of altitude sickness are nausea, dizziness, insomnia, restlessness, and shortness of breath, palpitations or fast heartbeats. Generally if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a good rest is in order. However, you know your body better than anyone and you should seek medical attention if you think it is warranted.
#10 – Stiletto Heels, even though they might stick in a rock's holes, really are not rock climbing shoes! Bring comfy, sturdy shoes, Colorado has a wide variety of terrain to explore and it is best done closer to the ground.
#9 – Take it easy on the alcohol consumption. It will affect you to a greater degree in our rare air and intensify the affects of high altitude sickness. They don't call it Rocky Mountain High for nothing.
#8 – Lions & tigers & bears OH MY! OK, Colorado doesn't have tigers roaming the prairie but we do have mountain lions and bears along  with many cute deer, rabbits and chipmunks. Make sure to respect the wildlife and do not provoke or feed them. A kick from Bambi or a bite from Thumper may get you a nice room, without a view, in the hospital.
#7 – Smoke signals, the original cell phone! Due to the mountainous terrain, cell phones do not always work so do not rely solely on them in case of an emergency.
#6 – Camping is a great way to enjoy Colorado but only if you are up on the rules. Make sure you know the fire restrictions, put out all campfires before leaving your campsite even just for an hour and keep your food out of the tent unless you want Yogi joining you in the middle of the night.
#5 – You are closer to the sun in Colorado and the air is rare here so bring plenty of sunscreen or you will get sunburned.
#4 – If you bring along your pets, make sure you follow the same guidelines as you would for yourself, more water & rest and less food. Under no circumstances should you leave your pet in your car or without air conditioning in a travel trailer, not even in your campground. The dry air, heat and their fur coats mean they require more cooling than you do and hot and dry are a deadly combination for your pet. Check ahead of time with attractions, recreation and lodging facilities to see if they accept pets.
#3 – Colorado is such a beautiful state, don't rush through it, take your time. The high altitude will tire you out so rest, relax and enjoy Colorado's famous hospitality. Why do people rush through their vacations? They don't vacation in Colorado!
#2 – Christmas in JULY?!? Yes Virginia, it can snow in Colorado in July! Bring along a variety of clothing as Colorado's weather can change very rapidly especially in the mountains.
#1 – Drink a lot of water and keep well hydrated. High altitudes, a very dry climate and low humidity just suck the moisture right out of your skin and body. It bears repeating, drink a lot of water and keep well hydrated.
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