While the economic slowdown may be causing consumers to downsize their recreational spending, Americans are not prepared to give up their vacations altogether. According to the Travel Industry Association, six out of ten Americans will not make changes to their travel plans because of rising gas prices. In the next few months, vacationers will simply alter their travel habits: some will seek cheaper transportation, lodging and recreation; some will take shorter trips and others will stick to “staycations,” keeping close to home.
For the latter group—travelers looking for an inexpensive vacation nearby—national parks are a good way to go. National parks allow travelers to explore, discover and enjoy Mother Nature’s greatest creations without burning a hole in their wallets yet still give vacationers the much-needed respite they’re looking for.
With more than 50 national parks across the U.S. to choose from, Americans will be able to economize by sticking to destinations right in their backyard. Here are some destination ideas to help travelers save money and capitalize on their vacation experience by visiting a national park this summer:
Locals in the Southwest region can head to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, on the border of Utah and Arizona and home to Lake Powell, America’s favorite houseboating destination. Thanks to above average snowpack in the Upper Colorado River region, this year promises to be the best houseboating season in years with the opening of the Castle Rock Cut, a shortcut passage that saves boaters miles of travel and maximizes their experience on the lake. Another popular destination in the Southwest is Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, where visitors can experience the first ever national park designated to preserve the works of man. A World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde is the largest archaeological preserve in North America and houses the world-renowned cliff dwellings of the Anasazi.
In the Pacific Northwest, Seattleites and Washingtonians can head to the Olympic National Park to experience a diverse ecosystem like no other in the world. Just three hours from the national park, Seattle residents can take advantage of a full spectrum of activities and climates they may not normally get to appreciate among the hustle and bustle of the big city. Visitors looking for a bang for their buck can explore an emerald green rainforest, go clam digging at the beach and soak in a pure mineral pool all in one trip!
Locals in Alaska have a wide selection of national parks to choose from. For example, residents of Juneau can take advantage of the low-priced and convenient ferry service straight to Glacier Bay National Park, a majestic watery escape from the modern world. Whether you are whale watching, flight-seeing or hiking, Glacier Bay delivers stunning scenery and wildlife, including snow-capped mountains, coastal beaches, tidewater glaciers and freshwater lakes, whales, sea lions, rare birds, coastal bears and much more. Another popular destination for viewing Alaskan wildlife is Denali National Park, located in the heart of the unspoiled interior of Alaska. Denali offers reasonable rates on tours for viewing moose, sheep, grizzly bears, wolves and caribou, along with rare taiga and tundra plant life more than 650 species of flowering plants.
And on the other side of the country, East Coast dwellers can head on over to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. The national park lies astride a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which form the eastern rampart of the Appalachian Mountains between Pennsylvania and Georgia. The park holds more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 of the Appalachian Trail, allowing visitors to explore the canyons and waterfalls, select the finest from the countless apple trees and admire the surrounding wildlife and wildflowers at no cost.
A great alternative to spending hundreds of dollars at ritzy hotels in high-priced tourist areas, national parks give consumers the opportunity to relax and coexist with Mother Nature without dipping into that savings account!
And nowadays national park destinations cater to foodies through award-winning chefs who serve sustainable, gourmet meals. Although the option for hot dogs and burgers is available, travelers can expect surprisingly delicious meals while on their “staycations” this summer.
