I’ve traveled solo to all 63 US national parks. Here are my 10 best tips for first-time visitors.

I’ve visited all 63 major US national parks.

Emily Hart

I’ve traveled alone to all 63 US national parks and have picked up lots of tips along the way.
Travelers should secure reservations ahead of time and visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
I encourage solo travelers to take lots of pictures during their trip.

I’ve spent my 30s traveling solo on a quest to visit all 63 United States national parks.

Nearly nine years later, I’ve visited all of the major parks in the US National Parks Service system – and to say I’ve learned a lot would be an understatement.

I’m frequently asked for tips for new visitors who want to make the most of their time in the parks. Of course, there is no one right way to travel, but several considerations will make a first-time trip much smoother.

Here are my 10 best tips for first-time visitors:

Don’t be afraid to go alone.

I visited Acadia National Park at sunset.

Emily Hart

Visitation at some of the most iconic national parks has exploded, leading to frustrating crowds and congestion.

To mitigate this, I always recommend entering a park early in the morning. If you’re not an early riser, later in the afternoon, when other visitors leave, is also a good time to explore.

Invest in an America the Beautiful Pass.

Park rangers can help you find the best spots in the parks.

Emily Hart

Park rangers are an incredible resource for planning your day.

After I talk with them, I love to go into a gift shop or nearby restaurant and ask a local what they do in the park on their day off. Often, their recommendations are less crowded and more peaceful.

Keep your itinerary fluid.

Respecting the land ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy beautiful places like Big Bend National Park.

Emily Hart

It should go unsaid, but when visiting any park, you must always respect the land. Be considerate of others, of wildlife, and of the land itself.

Becoming familiar with the seven Leave No Trace Principles is a fantastic way to minimize the impact on future generations.

Don’t be shy with photos — your trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Social media can help you find the best spots in the national parks.

Emily Hart

Although social media can be a bit of smoke and mirrors, it’s still one of my favorite resources for planning a national park trip.

I love to search hashtags or location tags of the places I visit to find trails, overlooks, hotels, nearby shops, and restaurants. I typically save the posts to a folder or screenshot them for reference.

Research and secure reservations and permits ahead of time.

I’ve visited beautiful places like Yellowstone National Park.

Emily Hart

Traveling can become stressful quickly, even when surrounded by nature’s beauty. In my experience, trying to fit too much into one trip or experience is a recipe for disaster.

Instead, my goal is to just enjoy the beauty. And if I do that, it’s all been worthwhile.

This story was originally published on September 24, 2023, and most recently updated on October 30, 2024.

Read the original article on Business Insider

source:https://www.businessinsider.com/solo-travel-us-national-parks-tips-from-frequent-traveler