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Amish Country Travel Resources

Amish Country Travel Resources

Amish Country Pennsylvania, USA Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Google Maps (or Apple Maps)

    for navigation, offering driving directions, walking routes, and public transit information (within Lancaster City). Download offline maps for areas with limited cell service.

  • Local Weather App

    Aids in monitoring forecasts for the weather and planning daily activities and apparel.

  • Ride-Sharing Apps (Uber, Lyft)

    Appropriate for transportation in Lancaster City and surrounding more populated areas.

  • Yelp or Google Reviews

    For finding and reviewing restaurants and businesses.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Discover Lancaster

    (www.discoverlancaster.com): The official visitors guide for Lancaster County. This source has general information, events, attractions, accommodations, and dining.

  • The Amish Village

    (www.amishvillage.com): Details about their tours, hours, and unique offerings.

  • Strasburg Railroad

    (www.strasburgrailroad.com): For schedules, ticket booking, and special event information for the historic train rides.

  • Sight & Sound Theatres

    (www.sight-sound.com): For show schedules, ticket purchases, and theatre information.

  • Red Rose Transit Authority (RRTA)

    (www.redrosetransit.com): For bus routes, schedules, and fare information within Lancaster City.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks and Maps

Look for guidebooks covering Pennsylvania or the Mid-Atlantic region. These often contain a dedicated part about Amish Country. A being in good shape map of Lancaster County holds significant value.

Books About the Destination

"Amish: A Concise Introduction" by Steven M. Nolt or "Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy" for insights. Amish fiction also offers glimpses into their life. Obtainable local history books share regional context.

Local Publications

Look for free local newspapers or visitor magazines upon arrival. These frequently have current event listings, local advertisements, and sometimes coupons for attractions or restaurants.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films About the Destination

  • Search for documentaries about the Amish community or films using Lancaster County as a setting. These can present visual context and cultural insights.

Music and Art to Experience

  • Explore the history of Pennsylvania Dutch traditional art, including hex signs and Fraktur.
  • Discover local folk music traditions or contemporary artists from the Lancaster area.

Online Communities & Language

Online Communities and Forums for Travelers

  • Join travel forums or social media groups dedicated to Pennsylvania or Amish Country.
  • You can ask questions and receive recommendations from other travelers.
  • Share your experiences and connect with others.

Language Learning Resources

  • While not a prerequisite for communication, if you hold interest, you can find resources on Pennsylvania Dutch (a German dialect).
  • Learn basic phrases or discern its linguistic roots.
  • This yields a greater appreciation for the spoken language of the Amish community.

Social Media Accounts to Follow

  • Follow official tourism accounts for Discover Lancaster on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest.
  • Gain visual inspiration and event updates.
  • Many individual attractions also hold active social media presences.

Emergency & Medical Information

Safety & Support

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

  • 911: For all immediate emergencies (Police, Fire, EMS - medical) throughout the United States.
  • Use this number for urgent situations where life or property is at risk.
  • Non-Emergency Police (Lancaster City): +1 (717) 735-3300 (for non-urgent police matters).

Hospital and Clinic Locations

  • Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health: +1 (717) 544-5511 (Main hospital in Lancaster City).
  • UPMC Lititz: +1 (717) 625-5000 (Hospital in Lititz).
  • Urgent Care Centers: Several urgent care clinics exist for non-life-threatening medical issues that warrant prompt attention.

Lost Document Procedures & Natural Disasters

  • Lost Documents: If your passport or other important documents go lost or stolen, file a police report immediately. Contact your embassy/consulate.
  • Natural Disasters: In the rare event of a severe weather warning, follow local emergency broadcast instructions.
  • Hotels and public venues typically possess established safety protocols.
  • Always keep physical and digital copies of important documents separate from the originals.

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The Digital Realm

  • A smartphone screen displaying various travel apps to find your way, weather, and ride-sharing.
  • A person browsing a local tourism website on a tablet.
  • A collage of social media icons indicating local tourism accounts to follow.

The Tangible World

  • An open physical map of Lancaster County spread on a reservation.
  • A hand turning pages of a guidebook on Pennsylvania history.
  • A close-up of a local newspaper featuring community events.

Deepening Your Journey

Cultural Immersion

  • Books about Amish culture offer deep insights, enhancing your comprehension of the region.

Local Flavors

  • An image displaying Pennsylvania Dutch folk art like a hex sign or Fraktur.
  • A screenshot from a documentary on Amish life.
  • A community forum discussion about travel tips for Lancaster.

Emergency Planning Checklist

Before Your Trip

  1. Confirm your passport is valid and U.S. Visa/ESTA status.
  2. Book main accommodations and major attractions/shows.
  3. Consider comprehensive travel insurance.
  4. Secure rental car (if needed).
  5. Outline detailed daily itinerary and make dining reservations.

Closer to Departure

  1. Confirm all bookings and pack luggage based on forecast.
  2. Arrange for your house preparation (mail, pets, security).
  3. Download offline maps for the region.
  4. Collect all essential travel documents.
  5. Consult healthcare provider for vaccinations/prescriptions.

Departure Steps

Souvenir Packing

Pack souvenirs with care, confirming they fit within luggage allowance. For large items, confirm shipping.

Pre-departure Timing

Allow ample time for travel to airport/station, factoring in potential traffic. Arrive 2-3 hours before domestic flight, 3+ hours for international.

Return Trip Ready

Confirm return flight/train status. Verify essential documents are readily accessible. Double-check your room for forgotten items.

Important Note for International Travelers

The U.S. Lacks a nationwide VAT (Value Added Tax) or sales tax refund system for tourists.

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Print & Digital Resources

Digital Tools for Your Trip

  • Essential Apps

    From navigation to weather and local reviews, digital apps simplify your journey.

  • Useful Websites

    Official visitor guides and attraction sites present information for planning.

  • Digital Content

    Podcasts and online videos deliver cultural insights and travel experiences.

Traditional Planning Aids

  • Guidebooks and Maps

    Physical maps offer reliability where cell service might be spotty.

  • Regional Books

    From historical texts to fictional narratives, books deepen regional comprehension.

  • Local Publications

    Free local papers and magazines list current events and promotions.

Emergency and Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

911 for all immediate emergencies. Non-emergency police (Lancaster City): +1 (717) 735-3300.

Healthcare Facilities

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health: +1 (717) 544-5511. UPMC Lititz: +1 (717) 625-5000. Minor emergency clinics exist for non-life-threatening issues.

Document Safety

For visitors from abroad, maintain embassy/consulate contact details. File police reports for lost documents. Keep physical and digital copies.

Preparation Timelines

Before You Go

  • 3 Months Before: Check passport validity, apply for visa/ESTA, book main accommodations and major tours/shows.
  • 1 Month Before: Book rental car, sketch detailed itinerary, make restaurant reservations.
  • 1 Week Before: Confirm all bookings, pack your suitcases, arrange home preparation, download offline maps.

Required Bookings & Research

  • Accommodation: Essential to book in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Sight & Sound Theatres, Strasburg Railroad, Popular Buggy Rides: Advance booking recommended.
  • Rental Car: Advance booking frequently secures better rates and guarantees availability.
  • Pre-trip Research: Deepen comprehension of Amish culture and familiarize with local etiquette.

Arrival and Departure Flow

Upon Arrival

  • First Steps: Clear immigration/customs, collect luggage, proceed to rental car counter.
  • Orientation: Grasp local transportation, review itinerary, note basic services (ATM, grocery).
  • Initial Purchases: Withdraw cash for immediate expenditures, activate local SIM/eSIM.

Departure Preparation

  • Souvenirs: Pack with care; confirm shipping for big items. Know customs regulations for international travel.
  • Timing: Allow ample time for travel to the airport/station. Arrive 2-3 hours before domestic, 3+ for international.
  • Return Trip: Confirm flight/train status. Verify essential documents are accessible. Double-check room.

Your Journey Begins with Planning

By following this checklist, you approach your trip to Pennsylvania The Amish region with self-assurance, knowing you have tended to all practical aspects of your trip. Enjoy your visit!