10 Reasons Travel Agents Should Sell National Parks

It’s been 100 years since President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act that created the National Park Service—and the country is celebrating the anniversary all year. More than 300 million tourists are expected to visit the parks, and the travel industry is gearing up to help them on their way; companies like Globus Tours and G Adventures Tours are running organized tours, and travel professionals around the country are selling trips.

So in honor of President’s Day, here are 10 reasons why travelers should consider a National Park as their next travel destination.

1. They are multigenerational
Why take the kids to a theme park when you can show them the beauty of nature instead? The National Parks offer adventure for the entire family, combined with educational opportunities like studying the rock formations or the geysers at Yellowstone Park.

2. They are affordable
Even if there is no park in your home state, or if the one you really want to see is across the country, visiting the parks is a low-cost vacation even for a large family. Driving and camping can keep the costs down, airline flights are relatively inexpensive, and the admission fees are low.

3. They are memorable
A trip to a National Park is something you will never forget. The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, but every park is beautiful and memorable in its own way.

4. They are therapeutic
Theodore Roosevelt, who returned to the Badlands National Park after the tragic death of both his mother and his wife, was among the most famous visitors to turn to nature as a source of comfort. CRC Health reports that “more than 100 research studies have shown that outdoor recreation reduces stress.”

5. They are healthy
A trip to the National Parks guarantees exercise and physical activity, be it walking or swimming or hiking or riding the rapids. They fit right into the trend in travel of maintaining a healthy lifestyle even on vacation, rather than coming home five pounds heavier.

6. They are right in your backyard
Afraid to fly? Worried about Zika? Terrified of terrorists? The National Parks are accessible and safe and close to home. Consider a road trip across parts of the country you have never seen, making stops in some of the most famous tourist attractions on the way to its most beautiful natural wonders.

7. They are educational
Unplug those kids. The beauty of the National Parks is impossible to ignore—and a great opportunity to learn about history, geology, and nature. Tour guides and reading material are readily available.

8. They force you to try a new experience
Experiential travel is all the rage—and kayaking, hiking, or rock climbing can lead to a new favorite sport. The souvenir you take home might be a new hobby, be it bird watching or crafting. One outstanding experience can spark a lifelong interest.

9. The options are endless
Why limit yourself to one park when there are so many? Utah alone has 13 national parks. Make the most of your vacation by seeing many of them on a single trip.

10. They are full of wildlife
There’s no need to travel to Africa—or to an adventure park—to see animals in their natural habitats. The National Parks allow travelers to get up close and personal with all types of endangered species.

Many parks are offering special programs in honor of the Centennial this year. On this President’s Day, we can thank Woodrow Wilson for giving us the opportunity of a lifetime. (http://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm)

Pic:tivertonfoundation