A gargantuan 277 miles long, the Grand Canyon stretches 18 miles wide and dips as low as a mile deep. When planning your adventure, be familiar with the three distinct areas managed by the National Park Service: the inner Canyon, the North Rim and the South Rim as you prepare for your trip.

1. Figure out the best way to reach the Grand Canyon. Taking a road trip may be cheaper, though, these days the cost of gas can be steep. Traveling by plane may save time and sanity.

2. Decide if you need a travel agent. Though you might have the time and motivation to do it yourself, travel agents are experts at traveling USA. Their expertise can save you money and time.

3. What does your vacation spot offer for kids? If your children are very young, find out if your lodging offers childcare and cribs to accommodate them. You might even want to consider if your kids are old enough to enjoy the strenuous activity of exploring the Grand Canyon.

4. If you want to bring your pet, make sure it will be welcomed by your hotel. If you plan to leave your pet behind, check with your veterinarian to find a good boarding facility.

5. Keep your home safe while you are gone. The average trip to the Grand Canyon lasts from four days to a week. As your neighbors to watch for suspicious activity while you are away. You might also get a friend to stop in and check on your house while you are away.

6. Pack for the activities you will be taking part in. Since you will be in the sun, a protection for your head is a good idea, like a hat or bandanna. Hiking shoes or boots and thick socks will come in handy, as will gloves, heavy pants, a sweater and rain gear.

7. Be prepared for emergencies. Put together a first aid kit based on the needs of your family and the length of your vacation. Gather the following to start: cloth bandages and gauze, first aid tape, band-aids, burn ointment, salt tablets, foot blister pads and eye wash. And remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, SPF 15 at least.

8. In addition to clothing and first aid materials, here are some other things you might need: a flashlight with fresh batteries, soap, toilet paper, moist towelettes, a pad of paper and pencil, sunglasses, maps and compass, bottled water, ear plugs, a fire starter and waterproof matches.

9. Pack your toiletries: tooth brush and paste, soap and washcloth, a small mirror, shaving cream and razor, wash cloth and a laundry bag.

10. Carry with you only the cash and credit cards you will need. This lowers the possibility that you will wiped out should your wallet be lost or stolen. Your best bet would be to invest in travelers’ checks or a traveler debit card that can be easily replaced should you have any trouble on the road.