Since 1916, the National Park Service has protected some of the world’s most influential and inspiring landscapes. Created to preserve the history and biodiversity of each park, NPS cares for 63 national parks throughout the U.S. And one of the best ways to experience these parks is by going on a road trip.
Planning a trip may seem easy, but there are a lot of things to consider. Our friends and frequent Best Western Hotels & Resorts travelers Andreia and Kevin are here to help you make the most of your road trip.
Here are a few ways to help you plan the perfect national parks road trip:
The first step to planning a national parks road trip is to do your research. Read books, blogs, and social media posts to get inspired. Next, consider your budget and how much free time you have. Even if you don’t get all the details laid out right away, plan your daily stops to book your stays with enough time. And don’t forget the rental car if you are flying from somewhere far. Finally, arrange the hikes and attractions you want to see each day.
If you plan to visit more than 2 or 3 parks, buy America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass. You can use it to enter any national park in the U.S. for one year and purchase it at any national park entrances or online.
Due to the pandemic, most parks require an online reservation – an additional $2 fee – during their busier months, which are May to September. So, if you’re planning on hitting the road during the summer, be as flexible as possible.
Many areas won’t have any cellphone signal or data. So, it’s crucial to have a GPS that works without an internet connection. The one I recommend is an app called maps.me. Keep in mind that you need to download the areas you plan to visit beforehand.
Circling back to tip 1, when planning your route in advance, it should include booking your hotel stays. Best Western has hotels near most national parks, making your planning easy and convenient. Remember, hotels near national parks can book up weeks to months in advance.
5. Wear appropriate clothes and shoesBeing comfortable is the keyword! The temperatures can oscillate, and you can experience different temperatures throughout the day. It’s essential to be prepared for both cold and hot weather. Having comfortable waterproof hiking boots, a raincoat, and a backpack is essential. Hiking sticks are also a good idea if you are planning on hiking. Don’t forget a hat and sunscreen!
On a road trip, you might drive several miles until you find a store. And inside the parks, you don’t have many snack varieties, not to mention that you will pay a premium price. Always have a good stock of snacks and water.
7. Be considerate of wildlifePreserving wildlife means not feeding or touching wild animals, even the “friendlier” ones, such as squirrels and chipmunks. While they are harmless, they are often the most prominent transmitters of diseases. Feeding the animals encourages them to lose their instincts and puts them in harm. Observe animals from a safe distance, in their natural habitat, respecting them and thus contributing to sustainable tourism. It is recommended to have bear spray, which you can buy before your trip or at most visitor centers to protect yourself.
Hit the Road with Best Western and travel with ease as our hotels are putting guest’s safety first with the implementation of our We Care Clean program. Book your next stay direct at bestwestern.com to get our lowest rates guaranteed.
