Situated in the Southwest of the United States, Utah is well-known for its scenic beauty. It’s also got year-round activities such as skiing, snowboarding, boating, camping, and more.
The capital of Utah, Salt Lake City, also has a wealth of unique modern and historical points of interest. If you are planning to visit the state of Utah soon, you will no doubt be getting excited about the prospect.
With so many things to see and do, you will likely run out of time to see them all! Before you head over to the Beehive State, there are some things you need to know first.
Stay safe when you head out into the desert
Utah has many beautiful, modern cities, but the state is also famous for its deserts. If part of your trip to Utah will involve venturing off the beaten track, you need to stay safe.
For a start, you should take plenty of water and supplies with you, especially if you’re going camping. It’s also important to let people know where you are heading and when you expect to come back. That way, if something did happen, search parties can narrow their focus on the area you were going to camp.
Have fun – but don’t end up in jail on a wild night out
As with any new place you visit, you should make memories and enjoy yourself. But, those memories shouldn’t be bad ones – such as serving as a reminder of getting on the wrong side of the law!
Utah has a strict policy when it comes to drunk-driving, for example. It doesn’t matter if you own a vehicle or are renting one. What matters is that you don’t drink yourself to excess and then get behind the wheel.
If you are planning to drink a few alcoholic beverages, leave the car where you are staying. Public transport and taxi services are abundant in most cities and towns in the state.
You should also avoid doing anything illegal during your stay in Utah. Cannabis for recreational use is not legal there. It will result in you getting punished for a misdemeanor crime if caught.
Also, are you planning to find someone to “have a good time with” in some evenings? If so, beware that being promiscuous could even land you in jail. You don’t want to hire a sex crime lawyer if you got caught “soliciting” if you can help it!
Be mindful of Utah’s religious history
The state of Utah is one of the USA’s religiously devout ones. The vast majority of the population is Christian, with a high percentage being Mormons.
You should be aware that the Mormon faith is well-known for its traditional and conservative views on some issues. Mormons also tend to avoid gambling, drinking coffee and tea, and drugs, among other things.
One thing you will probably know about the Mormon faith is its complex history of polygamy. Most Mormons are quite open and won’t hesitate to talk about their church with curious visitors. Still, it’s worth being respectful and mindful of the state’s religious history.
On that note, have fun when you visit Utah – and stay safe on your vacation!
