Save Money with this Fun Filled Vacation: Visit one of our National Parks
Summertime is in full swing which means vacations are just around the corner. According to a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, nearly half of Americans say they don’t plan on taking a summer vacation this year, mainly because they can’t afford it. Trips can be costly with airfare, hotel expenses, restaurant meals and more quickly tallying up. It can be difficult to manage expenses when on vacation, however it’s still possible to have fun and indulge without breaking the bank.
One cost effective alternative is planning a visit to one of our nation’s national parks. In recognition of National Park and Recreation Month, we’ve compiled some tips and tricks for traveling on a budget. According to US News and World Report, campsites often do not cost or at most cost around $30 a night, which is less expensive than an average hotel room. As long as you have some basic camping supplies, you can make a fun filled vacation on a smaller budget.
Do Your Research
Find out which national parks are closest to you and research their admission and vehicle pricing. Many national parks offer free admission, while some come at a lower cost. Entrance to certain parks, such as Zion, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, can run as high as $25 per vehicle.
Consider the America the Beautiful Pass
For just $80, the America the Beautiful Pass grants access to over 2,000 public recreation sites across the country. The pass is valid for the driver as well as all passengers of a vehicle. The past lasts for an entire year and includes admission to national parks, Bureau of Land Management sites, wildlife centers and more. For those who frequent National Parks or often take road trips, the America the Beautiful Pass can be a great option to save money.
Bring Your Groceries
Instead of spending money at restaurants, home prepared meals can help save a pretty penny while also avoiding unhealthy fast food options. According to Value Penguin, the average food cost per person for four nights is $108 for food prepared at restaurants, but only $24 for food prepared by the vacationer. Stopping by a local grocery store when arriving at your destination can go a long way and can save you from an inconvenience down the road.
Find Free Guide and Navigation Tools
A number of maps, travel guides and other navigation tools exist for free download on the internet. Many national parks also provide phone applications that feature alerts, guided tour registration, popular site guides and more for each national park. These tools can help you avoid purchasing maps, paying for guided tours and more.
By being aware of your options and having a good understanding of your budget, you can help ensure a memorable vacation for all. To plan your next visit to a national park, please visit this complete list provided by the National Park Service.