BY
CLAY LARROY
The preparation for a vacation is almost as
exhilarating as the vacation itself. I love printing out the tickets and
confirmations while thinking about how much fun I will have on vacation. I
enjoy researching all the sights at the location I will see once I arrive at my
destination. When you want to plan a
vacation contact me!
Some of the national parks charge an admission fee. Fees vary from
park to park. For those visiting several parks per year, there is a National
Parks Pass, an annual pass that provides admission to any of the national parks
that charge an admission fee. Currently, the pass is $50 for one full year. The
year starts from the first use of the pass in a park. If traveling on an
organized tour, pass fees are often, but not always, included in the tour fee.
Be sure to ask your travel consultant.
It is important to note that when the park has
a per vehicle entrance fee, the National Parks Pass admits the pass owner and
any passengers in the vehicle (this is per private vehicle, not a commercial
vehicle). If the park charges a per person entrance fee, the National Park Pass
is good for the owner, spouse, children and parents. Passes are
non-transferable. It is also important to note that the fees do not include or
reduce fees for camping, tours, concessions or parking.
You may purchase or obtain a pass at any
national park where an entrance fee is charged, online atwww.nationalparks.org or telephone 1-888-GO-PARKS
(1-888-467-2757).
A Golden Eagle sticker may be purchased for an
additional $15. The Golden Eagle provides admission to sites managed by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land
Management in addition to the National Parks. This sticker is affixed to the
National Parks Pass. Same restrictions apply as for the National Parks Pass.
Those who are age 62 or older are eligible for
a lifetime admission and discount pass to the National Park Service, Bureau of
Land Management, Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service
and the Tennessee Valley Authority sites. This pass is called the Golden Age
Passport and costs $10. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the
United States to be eligible for this pass. You will also need to show proof of
age and residency.
You may also receive discounts on federal use
fees using your Golden Age Passport. These fees may include camping, swimming,
parking, and other services.
The National Park Service has made tremendous strides in accessibility
for those with disabilities. There are many attractions that are accessible
including some trails that are wheelchair accessible or designated for those
who are blind and are marked with Braille signage.
There is also a pass for those who have a permanent
disability or blindness. The Golden Access Passport is free and a lifetime pass
to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States who have a medical
determination and documentation of permanent disability or blindness. Same
regulations apply as above.
Golden Age Passports and Golden Access
Passports must be obtained in person at a federal area including the National
Park, Wildlife Refuge, or Forest where an entrance fee is charged. Please bring
appropriate documentation.
There is a variety of lodging available at many
National Park Service sites. If you are arranging a tour through your travel
consultant, most, if not all accommodations and meals will be a part of your
tour. If you and your travel agent are arranging an independent visit to a park,
other considerations are important.
Those wanting a more exotic camping experience
may want to check out the Virgin Islands National Park campground at Cinnamon
Bay. Accommodations here are a step up in rustic but comfy cabins right on the
beach at the U.S. Virgin Island St. John. Two-thirds of the island belongs to
the National Park Service which maintains the natural island beauty.
At Yellowstone, you can lie in your toasty warm bed at the Old
Faithful Inn and watch the trusty Old Faithful Geyser erupt. After a day of
strenuous hiking, enjoy a hot cocoa or hot toddy by one of the huge fireplaces
in the center of the lodge. This rustic, homely lodge that has withstood the
test of time while having welcomed such guests over the years as the late
President Teddy Roosevelt.
Cabins, campgrounds and hotels/lodges are available at many National Park Services sites. The web site will provide more information. Advance reservations are strongly suggested.
It is usually very easy to get meal at one of
the National Park Service sties. Many have concession stands and informal
restaurants for quicker meals and those with the nicer, larger hotels or lodges
often have more upscale restaurants in those locations.
Often, especially parks with campgrounds will
have small grocery stores or food available in the visitor’s centers. If food
isn’t available at the actual park, often there are restaurants and stores in
nearby towns.
The United States is truly blessed with an
absolute panorama of sites and natural wonders. Make visiting a National Park
one of your travel goals soon.
REFERENCE SITES:
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
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