A surprising number of Americans look overseas when it comes time to travel, forgetting the wealth of domestic attractions. The National Park System contains hundreds of scenic gems that would be one-of-a-kind wonders in many other countries. It's extremely ambitious to try to visit all the National Parks in one continuous trip, but you can certainly plan a route that includes many famous spots.
Step1
Research which parks appeal to you and your family. Parks can be divided into two broad categories--scenic and historical. Go to the National Park Service Web site (nps.gov). On the "Info Zone" page, click on "park maps" and find the "National Park System Map and Guide" in the alphabetical list.
Step2
Chart your course: Focus on a specific region, such as the Southwest, and visit parks that showcase both ancient civilizations and geology at Grand Canyon, Zion, Canyon de Chelly and others. Plan your trip around a historic event such as the Civil War (civilwarweekend.com). Or, follow your passion for a specific landscape and its inhabitants by touring parks that feature dripping rain forests, frozen tundra or wind-carved deserts.
Step3
Buy seven-day park passes for $5 to $20 per vehicle. Or get a National Parks Pass at nps.gov or by calling (888) GO-PARKS. This admits you to all national parks for one calendar year for $50.
Step4
Time your trip and activities to coincide with optimal weather conditions for that area. Death Valley in August contains only dead people, people who wish they were dead and a few hardy lizards. Wintertime is ideal for back-country skiers and ice climbers, and at some parks, it's an ideal season to view wildlife.
Step5
Keep in mind that all national parks are likely to be packed with visitors during the peak summer and early fall seasons. Avoid major attractions such as Old Faithful and Yosemite Falls during these times if you want a more solitary experience. On the other hand, most parks encompass miles of terrain, offering visitors peaceful seclusion even during peak times.
Step6
Decide on how much camping vs. hotel time you want. Camping is great, but after a few days in the wilderness, a little room service isn't so bad. Many of the historical sites on the East Coast offer only limited camping options but many hotel options.
Step7
Choose your lodging (also at nps.gov) and book reservations well in advance. Parks offer a range of options, which vary from rustic to plush, with dining options running the gamut as well. In-park lodging is convenient because you don't have to drive from your motel into the park--and deal with traffic and parking--each day. Campgrounds and hotels outside of parks usually don't fill up as fast as those inside.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
How to Arrange a Tour of the National Parks
A surprising number of Americans look overseas when it comes time to travel, forgetting the wealth of domestic attractions. The National Park System contains hundreds of scenic gems that would be one-of-a-kind wonders in many other countries. It's extremely ambitious to try to visit all the National Parks in one continuous trip, but you can certainly plan a route that includes many famous spots.
Step1
Research which parks appeal to you and your family. Parks can be divided into two broad categories--scenic and historical. Go to the National Park Service Web site (nps.gov). On the "Info Zone" page, click on "park maps" and find the "National Park System Map and Guide" in the alphabetical list.
Step2
Chart your course: Focus on a specific region, such as the Southwest, and visit parks that showcase both ancient civilizations and geology at Grand Canyon, Zion, Canyon de Chelly and others. Plan your trip around a historic event such as the Civil War (civilwarweekend.com). Or, follow your passion for a specific landscape and its inhabitants by touring parks that feature dripping rain forests, frozen tundra or wind-carved deserts.
Step3
Buy seven-day park passes for $5 to $20 per vehicle. Or get a National Parks Pass at nps.gov or by calling (888) GO-PARKS. This admits you to all national parks for one calendar year for $50.
Step4
Time your trip and activities to coincide with optimal weather conditions for that area. Death Valley in August contains only dead people, people who wish they were dead and a few hardy lizards. Wintertime is ideal for back-country skiers and ice climbers, and at some parks, it's an ideal season to view wildlife.
Step5
Keep in mind that all national parks are likely to be packed with visitors during the peak summer and early fall seasons. Avoid major attractions such as Old Faithful and Yosemite Falls during these times if you want a more solitary experience. On the other hand, most parks encompass miles of terrain, offering visitors peaceful seclusion even during peak times.
Step6
Decide on how much camping vs. hotel time you want. Camping is great, but after a few days in the wilderness, a little room service isn't so bad. Many of the historical sites on the East Coast offer only limited camping options but many hotel options.
Step7
Choose your lodging (also at nps.gov) and book reservations well in advance. Parks offer a range of options, which vary from rustic to plush, with dining options running the gamut as well. In-park lodging is convenient because you don't have to drive from your motel into the park--and deal with traffic and parking--each day. Campgrounds and hotels outside of parks usually don't fill up as fast as those inside.
Step1
Research which parks appeal to you and your family. Parks can be divided into two broad categories--scenic and historical. Go to the National Park Service Web site (nps.gov). On the "Info Zone" page, click on "park maps" and find the "National Park System Map and Guide" in the alphabetical list.
Step2
Chart your course: Focus on a specific region, such as the Southwest, and visit parks that showcase both ancient civilizations and geology at Grand Canyon, Zion, Canyon de Chelly and others. Plan your trip around a historic event such as the Civil War (civilwarweekend.com). Or, follow your passion for a specific landscape and its inhabitants by touring parks that feature dripping rain forests, frozen tundra or wind-carved deserts.
Step3
Buy seven-day park passes for $5 to $20 per vehicle. Or get a National Parks Pass at nps.gov or by calling (888) GO-PARKS. This admits you to all national parks for one calendar year for $50.
Step4
Time your trip and activities to coincide with optimal weather conditions for that area. Death Valley in August contains only dead people, people who wish they were dead and a few hardy lizards. Wintertime is ideal for back-country skiers and ice climbers, and at some parks, it's an ideal season to view wildlife.
Step5
Keep in mind that all national parks are likely to be packed with visitors during the peak summer and early fall seasons. Avoid major attractions such as Old Faithful and Yosemite Falls during these times if you want a more solitary experience. On the other hand, most parks encompass miles of terrain, offering visitors peaceful seclusion even during peak times.
Step6
Decide on how much camping vs. hotel time you want. Camping is great, but after a few days in the wilderness, a little room service isn't so bad. Many of the historical sites on the East Coast offer only limited camping options but many hotel options.
Step7
Choose your lodging (also at nps.gov) and book reservations well in advance. Parks offer a range of options, which vary from rustic to plush, with dining options running the gamut as well. In-park lodging is convenient because you don't have to drive from your motel into the park--and deal with traffic and parking--each day. Campgrounds and hotels outside of parks usually don't fill up as fast as those inside.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
How to Pack Properly for a Cruise
Packing for a cruise is similar to packing for a land-based vacation in a similar climate, with a few exceptions.
Step1
Assess your wardrobe several weeks before your cruise. Choose a couple of colors that work together so that what you bring can be easily mixed and matched, then try on everything you plan to wear together to ensure each item is suitable and doesn't need any cleaning, repairs or alterations.
Step2
Make a list of items you need to pack and buy any items you don't have (sandals, bathing suit, rain slicker).
Step3
Pack comfortable, layerable clothes for daytime. On most ships, shorts and t-shirts are fine for tropical cruises; your "causal Friday" outfits should work for most evenings.
Step4
Bring one bathing suit and a cover-up, but not beach towels they're provided.
Step5
Depending on the climate, you'll most likely need three pairs of shoes: rubber-soled shoes for walking on the deck, one pair of sandals or other shoes comfortable for walking in port, and one pair of dress shoes for evening.
Step6
Pack at least one pair of underwear and socks (unless it's a trobpical cruise) for each day of the cruise.
Step7
Add a hat, travel clock, sunglasses and batteries or chargers for your camera and other electronic devices.
Step1
Assess your wardrobe several weeks before your cruise. Choose a couple of colors that work together so that what you bring can be easily mixed and matched, then try on everything you plan to wear together to ensure each item is suitable and doesn't need any cleaning, repairs or alterations.
Step2
Make a list of items you need to pack and buy any items you don't have (sandals, bathing suit, rain slicker).
Step3
Pack comfortable, layerable clothes for daytime. On most ships, shorts and t-shirts are fine for tropical cruises; your "causal Friday" outfits should work for most evenings.
Step4
Bring one bathing suit and a cover-up, but not beach towels they're provided.
Step5
Depending on the climate, you'll most likely need three pairs of shoes: rubber-soled shoes for walking on the deck, one pair of sandals or other shoes comfortable for walking in port, and one pair of dress shoes for evening.
Step6
Pack at least one pair of underwear and socks (unless it's a trobpical cruise) for each day of the cruise.
Step7
Add a hat, travel clock, sunglasses and batteries or chargers for your camera and other electronic devices.
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