Award-winning travel writer and photographer, James Kaiser has spent years traveling the globe, writing and researching his myriad guidebooks (compare prices) that feature both his stunning photographs and his vivid descriptions. But if you ask him where the best place to go on a family vacation is, he won't name a theme park or a popular city, instead citing America's National Parks system as wonderful places to bring the kids.
Here are his top five reasons why:
- Cost America's national parks are an absolute bargain. Not only are they home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, visiting them costs next to nothing. A week-long pass to most parks costs $20 for an entire family, and campsites cost about $15 per day. (Or, if camping's not your thing, you can stay at a reasonably priced hotel.) Still not convinced? The most popular activities--ranger tours, hiking trails, campfire talks--are all free! Next to staying at your rich uncle's summer house, there isn't a better travel bargain in America.
- Convenience Most Americans live within a day's drive of a national park. From Acadia in Maine, to the Everglades in Florida, to the smorgasbord of national parks in the West, chances are there's a national park near you. And finding a nearby park has never been easier. Just go to the National Park Service's "Find A Park" webpage to start planning your next vacation.
- Physical Activity Going to the gym is boring. Hiking along the rim of the Grand Canyon or next to a rainbow-filled waterfall in Yosemite is a breathtaking experience. In fact, given all the outdoor adventures available in national parks--hiking, biking, rafting, rock climbing--it's hard not to be active on vacation. And the best part: it doesn't feel like exercise, it feels like fun!
- Education National parks are amazing places to learn about history, science, and nature. It's one thing to hear about archaeology or biology in a classroom. It's another to actually experience those things firsthand. Visiting a desert palm oasis once inhabited by the Cahuilla tribe in Joshua Tree or gazing upon a herd of bison in Yellowstone really brings the classroom to life. And who knows? It might just provide the intellectual spark your child needs to get excited about learning.
- Quality Time ... Unplugged National parks are a great place to ditch your technology, get in touch with nature, and spend some quality time together as a family. And the best part: you don't have to fight with your kids to turn off their iPhones. Most parks are located in remote areas with poor or spotty cell phone reception. Unplugging has never been easier!
My family and I had the best time on our trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado a few years ago. Our kids were 7 and 5 at the time and we all had an absolute blast, spending our days hiking, touring, fishing, walking, exploring -- it was by far, our all-time favorite vacation and we can't wait to go back!
What about you? Do you have plans for vacation this spring or summer? Where are you going?
More Thrifty Thursday on the About.com Parenting and Family Channel:
- Free March for Babies iPhone App
- Free SilverSneakers Exercise Program
- Issue Your Teen a Budget Challenge
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Image: Amanda Rock
The best vacations I’ve taken with my kids and grandkids have been to the national parks. We usually camp, and my husband and I have a Senior Pass, which is the best bargain in America. However, I’m not sure that I would term the lodging “reasonably priced.” In Yellowstone, a standard room at the Old Faithful is $159. At Yosemite, a non-heated tent cabin is $40. My friend Karen, who works for the National Park Service, reminds me that the remoteness of the parks increases the cost of service. Food and even water often has to be trucked in from miles away, and lodging is usually provided for park employees. Still, I partially blame the fact that so many park operations have been turned over to concessionaires, who must make a profit. Nonetheless, national parks are at the top of my list for vacations, and if you are a non-camper, go ahead and pay the price to stay inside the park.