This summer there’s no shortage of gloomy economic news. So let’s take a moment and focus on something positive, shall we? No matters which way the Dow Jones jiggles, no matter what the ratings agencies say, the United States remains one of the most physically beautiful countries in the world. And our most spectacular destinations, our stunning collection of national parks, are probably the world’s greatest travel bargain. That’s right. The WORLD’S greatest travel bargain. Why? Expenses are minimal, service is top-notch, and the scenery is, well, world-class. But don’t take my word for it. Take a look at the numbers…

Travel Expenses

Most Americans live within a day’s drive of a national park. From Acadia in Maine, to the Everglades in Florida, to Yosemite in California, chances are there’s a national park near you. Granted, gas isn’t cheap. But if you’re traveling as a family, a $50 tank of gas is a bargain compared to a handful of plane tickets. And finding a park has never been easier. Just go to the National Park Service’s “Find A Park” webpage (www.nps.gov/findapark) and start planning your next vacation.

Entrance Fee
The cost of a week-long family pass at most national parks is just $20. To put that in perspective, a week-long subway pass in New York City costs $29 per person, and a week-long pass at Disneyland costs more than $250 per person. Still not convinced? Last year the Ansel Adams photograph Yosemite: Clearing Storm sold for $722,500. Cost of witnessing the same scene in real life? $20.

Spending the Night
Most national parks offer campsites for $15 per night, and most campsites accommodate up to 6 people. So a full campsite works out to $2.50 per person, per night. Think about that for a moment. $2.50 to spend the night in some of the world’s most beautiful places. For $2.50 you can wake up next to shimmering Crater Lake, the snow-capped Teton Mountains, or the red rock formations in Zion. Remember that the next time you buy a cup of coffee.

But let’s say camping isn’t your thing. Let’s say a hotel room is more your style. Even if you book a hotel room in a national park, it’s still a relative bargain. Because national parks are run by the government, prices don’t reflect market reality, and hotels inside the parks are often cheaper than hotels outside the parks. Example: A room at Grand Canyon’s Bright Angel Lodge, located steps away from the South Rim, costs $70 in the summer. A similar room in Tusayan, a small town located outside the park, costs $150—more than double!

Food
At most tourist destinations, restaurant meals represent a huge hidden cost. But at national parks, bringing your own food is not only allowed, it’s encouraged. From outdoor picnic lunches at beautiful viewpoints to campfire dinners under the stars, dining al fresco is part of the national park experience. (And not only will you save money by bringing your own food, you’ll probably eat healthier, too.)

Activities
Here’s where it really gets good. The most popular activities in national parks—ranger tours, hiking trails, biking trails, swimming holes, campfire talks—are all free. That’s right. Free. Prior to the creation of the National Park Service nearly a century ago, private land owners often charged tourists exorbitant prices to hike popular trails and visit popular attractions in places like Grand Canyon and Yosemite. And those tourists gladly paid. Today, those activities and attractions are free, so take advantage of them!

Potential Cost for a Week-Long National Park Vacation

Travel expenses: $100 (gas)
Park Entrance Fee: $20
Camping Fee: $90
Food: $100
Activities: $0

Total Cost: $310 (roughly $44 per day)

Next to staying at your rich uncle’s summer house, there really isn’t a better travel bargain in the world.

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Check out the Press section for the official press release.

Here’s my itinerary…

Redwoods NP
Yosemite NP
Death Valley NP
Joshua Tree NP
Grand Canyon NP
Zion NP
Bryce NP
Canyonlands NP
Arches NP
Rocky Mtn NP
Grand Teton NP
Yellowstone NP
Badlands NP
Great Smokey Mtn NP
Acadia NP

This trip is a celebration for selling my 100,000th travel guide, which will happen at some point this summer. It’s a dream come true, so thanks to everyone who helped make it possible!

James

Over the past few years, national parks have become increasingly popular as travelers seek out low-cost, high-value destinations. The only problem? Big crowds on big weekends. But don’t let that ruin your fun! Here are five easy ways to avoid the crowds at any national park this Labor Day Weekend.

1. Get an Early Start
Sunrise is a breathtaking experience in any national park. But most park visitors, snug in their sleeping bags or in a comfy lodge, sleep right through it. Wake up early and you’ll be treated to incredible views without the crowds, even at the most popular viewpoints. And don’t forget to pack your camera. Sunrise covers the landscape in soft, beautiful light—perfect for taking gorgeous landscape photos.

2. Go for a Hike
Sad but true: Most national park visitors never venture farther than 100 yards away from their cars. Of course, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds this statistic is great news. Go for a hike and the crowds will start to thin out immediately. Choose a challenging trail and you’ll really get away from the masses. As a general rule, crowds diminish exponentially for every step you take away from the pavement. And remember: hiking trails often lead to the most spectacular viewpoints.

3. Avoid the Hotspots
Most national parks are famous for a specific spot—Yosemite Valley in Yosemite, Old Faithful in Yellowstone, Mather Point in Grand Canyon. But take Robert Frost’s advice and choose the road less traveled. It really will make all the difference. Follow the herds and you’ll find more herds. Do a little pre-trip research and you’ll discover that some of the most beautiful places in any national park are often some of the least well-known. This is where a good guidebook can really come in handy. Plan your trip ahead of time and you’ll know exactly where to go—and where not to go—as soon as you arrive.

4. Take Advantage of the Night
After a long day of exploring and sightseeing, most visitors are eager to head to bed. But nighttime is when Nature puts on one of her finest shows. Most parks are located in remote areas free of light and air pollution, which means clear skies perfect for stargazing. To help visitors enjoy the night sky, many parks offer free astronomy programs.

5. Pack a Picnic Lunch
Most national park visitors leave themselves to the mercy of park restaurants, which are swamped with crowds on big weekends. The result? Long lines for tables, bathrooms and parking spaces. The solution? Pack a picnic lunch. In addition to saving hours of time and frustration, a picnic lunch will probably be tastier, healthier and cheaper. Best of all: you can enjoy it at a beautiful viewpoint while everyone else is waiting in line!

For the moment, my e-books will only be available at Apple’s iBookstore. There are complex reasons for this, which I’ll explain in-depth in a later post.

Official National Park Week Page
This is the National Park Service’s official webpage for National Park Week

Find a Park
Looking for a park near you? Use this handy search tool

Location: USC campus (near downtown LA).
Date & Time: Sat April 30, 10am-6pm; Sun May 1, 10am-5pm.

I’ll post more specific details later on. In the meantime, save the date!