National Parks Make Headlines, Serve as Reminder to Travel Advisors to Ready Clients for Peak Season

The government shutdown has seen the National Parks in the spotlight as of late and as the saying goes “some press can be better than no press.” While media reports have focused in on the lack of services at some locations and the ongoing support of others, they also stand as a reminder that these natural wonders are right in our own backyard. 

Although many major parks are still operating due to state support, obviously now is not the ideal time to recommend a visit. However, if you’re planning to book your clients travel to experience these natural treasures through a tour operator, now is the perfect time to get the ball rolling for the peak spring or summer seasons. 

As history has shown us, one thing that is constant is change. Inevitably the shutdown will end and your clients will be venturing outdoors once more. Thankfully, there will be tour operators ready with their secured space reserved well in advance and their planned operations unaffected by the recent events. Don’t miss this opportunity to plan ahead for what should be an epic year for National Parks. 

There are so many compelling reasons why the National Parks are not to be missed. Travel Market Report spoke to some industry experts who shared their insight on the most iconic parks to start with, but didn’t stop there. They also offered their insider tips for each, encouraged travelers to look beyond even those we profile below, and most importantly, provided the reasons why 2019 should be the year your clients explore these wonders – one being that you can now even see five national parks in one work week!

Here’s what they had to say: 

Grand Canyon
If you haven’t heard yet, 2019 is the 100th anniversary of this famed park. With its timeless beauty that stretches for hundreds of miles, it’s no wonder more than 5 million people visit this American icon each year – a true testament to its glory. One of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is rich in history, wildlife and of course, scenery. When it comes to views, catching the sunset at the Grand Canyon is on every visitor’s “must-do” list. But as most guests are climbing the shuttles to Hopi Point (the preferred location for the masses), industry experts suggest an easier viewing standpoint, namely in front of El Tovar Lodge. Not only is the view equally spectacular, but your client will be first in line for a cocktail when the sun goes down. 

Yellowstone & Grand Tetons
Can you imagine visiting an original homestead in the Tetons and getting a glimpse of what early settlement life was like? Traveling solo here won’t provide you with that unique opportunity, which is why booking with a tour operator has its advantages. Another highlight included for operator-hosted guests are private Snake River Float trips that guide guests through this scenic habitat for a glimpse of moose, bears, eagles, beavers and more. 

For Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, no visit is complete without exploring this wonderland of sprouting geysers, bubbling mudpots and turquoise hot springs – and of course the highlight of which is a stop at Old Faithful, observing its waters as they arc high into the air. If you’re lucky enough to be the guest of a tour operator, you won’t have to wiggle your way through the masses to maybe catch a glimpse, but rather can take a leisurely five-minute walk there from your lodge after the crowds have departed or even choose to watch the sunrise or set from the Old Faithful viewing gallery. 

Yosemite
One of the most frequented national parks within the U.S. due to its proximity to the West Coast, Yosemite can see its fair share of traffic. Fortunately for guests who have the privilege of staying within the park, this is a non-issue. Early morning access ahead of day-trippers makes for quiet moments of exploration while evenings showcase the wonder of visiting what experts call “dark parks.” The term means there is no artificial light allowed in the park (except for entrances to the lodges and parking lots), providing guests with an unparalleled opportunity to view spectacular night skies that cannot be duplicated anywhere else in the world. 

Glacier National Park
Ever hear of the historic “Red Jammers?” These famous vehicles were once a staple at all national parks but today a fleet of 33 are reserved only for guests visiting Glacier. Visitors can hop into these jammers driven by a park ranger and embark on the epic Going to the Sun Road. Leave the driving of this winding road to the ranger and listen intently as he/she shares expert commentary of the sites along the way. It’s important to note that these jammers cannot typically be booked on site, so best to book with an operator who can secure inventory years in advance. 

Olympic National Park
Diversity is the hallmark of this park, with its varying range of precipitation and elevation across nearly a million acres. Forest, coastal and mountain ecosystems combine here to create a wilderness park worth exploring. In a unique offering reserved for guests traveling with one operator here, they can lean in close as local specialist Harvest Moon speaks about the Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest at Quinault Lodge. 

Monument Valley
Technically not a national park, Monument Valley is nonetheless a symbol of the American West and an ideal spot for those searching for adventure in the warm, high desert climate of Southeastern Utah. The sky here is big and blue and the earth is red and rough, making it one of the more simplistic parks on our list – but simple does certainly not mean undeserving of a visit. Governed by the Navajo Nation, Monument Valley has a vast story to tell and members here will lead select guests on jeep tours while sharing narratives of their people, their traditions and their land. 

It’s clear The Americas feature all of the draws that European vacations do, making it a preferred alternative for anyone looking to stay closer to home and avoid the unrest abroad as of late - and what better time than now to support these special places? But perhaps the greatest takeaway is that traveling with an expert to these icons can mean the difference between waiting in lines or truly experiencing these parks with ease and as they were meant to be explored.