Though we’re still several weeks away from spring, it’s time to start thinking about travel plans for spring break. While jetting off to a beach destination like Cabo may sound appealing, it can get expensive quickly. To save money, see some truly wonderful sights, and stay active during your vacation, consider going to a U.S. National Park.
Regardless of what you want to do and where you are located, chances are that you aren’t too far away from a National Park or Monument. And if you are, you can check out a local state park or turn your vacation into an epic road trip adventure!
Adventure Essentials
Wherever you go, you have to be prepared. It can be hard to enjoy your trip when you don’t have the necessary gear, so bring flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit, and sunscreen; however, these are only a few essentials. Don’t forget to pack a variety of gear, as weather during the spring can be unseasonably warm, unexpectedly cold, or just right.
In particular, parks in the desert, like Zion or Bryce Canyon, can either be covered in snow or warmer than you’d expect for the spring. Additionally, temperatures can vary greatly over the course of a single day, with warm, sunny days and chilly nights.
Pack extra layers for nighttime, a swimsuit and a pair of sandals for daytime swimming or relaxing in hot springs, rain gear for sudden showers, and more pairs of socks than you think you’ll need. The last thing you want is to be in the middle of your trip and you realize you forgot to bring a jacket when there’s an unanticipated cold front.
Springtime Travel
Summer is the peak season for virtually all travel, National Parks included. Typically, all accommodations, tours, and activities are available during the summer. However, according to The Lonely Planet, October is the best month to visit many popular National Parks. The weather is usually nice enough to still enjoy outdoor activities, parks are typically less crowded, and the costs of accommodations are often less expensive.
April boasts many of the same perks as October travel — fewer crowds, cheaper prices for lodging, and good weather. Spring is a wonderful time of the year to visit many parks because of their beauty alone. Consider checking out the Everglades in sunny Florida to escape the winter chill, Big Bend in Texas to see the cacti bloom, or Yosemite in central California while the waterfalls are flowing.
If you can’t decide where you want to go, the National Park Service has a tool to help you figure out the best park or monument for you to visit. They have almost 500 sites to choose from, and you can narrow down your selection by state, activity, and/or topic.
RV Excursion
Consider renting an RV to take your National Park road trip to the next level. Most parks offer RV accommodations and many of them, though not all, offer full hookups. If you’re new to camping, RVs are a convenient choice to get you started. Even if a campsite doesn’t have full hookups for electricity and gas, you can get the best of both worlds: sleeping with a roof over your head and cooking your meals on a campfire.
RVs are a great option for camping in National Parks, especially if you want to travel with your family. Going on vacation with the whole family can be a rewarding experience that strengthens your bond and inspires a lifelong love of travel in your children. Because RVs provide added comfort on a road trip and while camping, you’ll have plenty of room for all of the gear, space for everyone to spread out, and no complaints about unforeseen rain soaking the tent.
The Grand Canyon is a great park to visit with an RV, as they do have full hookups. You can treasure the amazing experience of exploring the famous canyon with your family. Even cranky kids will appreciate the grandeur. RVs can help foster a positive camping experience for your family, leaving everyone excited to hit the road again as soon as you get home.
Whether you rent an RV or car camp, take a family trip or a solo vacation, spend spring break in a National Park. They’re beautiful, affordable, family-friendly, and plentiful, so you’re sure to find the perfect park for your needs. Fulfill your wanderlust and hit the road!
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