EPIC National Park Vacation
If you want to go on an EPIC national park vacation, you need to prepare in advance. Here are some tips: Get an offline map, pack a daypack, and book a tour. Also, don’t forget bug spray! You never know when you’ll encounter those annoying mosquitoes!
Pack a daypack
If you’re planning a trip to one of America’s national parks, it’s crucial to have the right gear. The National Parks System is home to more than 63 million acres of public land, with parks ranging from the ice fields of Wrangell-St. Elias in Alaska to the Gateway Arch in Missouri. Whether you’re headed for a day of hiking, biking, or climbing, the right gear can make a difference in your experience.
Your daypack should be light and spacious enough for your hiking needs. It should be large enough to hold your water, snacks, and a light source. If you’re planning on hiking through the night, you may want to bring an LED headlamp or flashlight. A hydration daypack with a bladder holds 2L of water and provides easy access to smaller compartments for stashing other items.
Book a tour
If you’ve ever wanted to see five national parks in one trip, you’ll want to book a tour. These trips typically cover five national parks and include transportation, accommodation and meals. Each day is packed with activities and sightseeing – you’ll get little downtime at each destination, but you’ll see five national parks in a short period of time.
Grand Teton National Park: With its spectacular alpine landscape, this park is the first national park in the country. The park also boasts a famous geyser, Old Faithful. This area is also home to grizzlies, elk and bison. You can even get a complimentary pair of binoculars to help you see wildlife up close.
Download an offline map
Before leaving on a road trip, it’s best to download an offline map of the parks you’ll visit. You may lose cell service while on the road, but you can download a customized map on Google Maps so you can navigate without interruption. If you don’t have WiFi, you should consider buying a paper map and using it for directions.
Another way to save cell data is to download an offline map of the National Parks. This will help you find your way around the park without worrying about cell service or data plans. You can also pin specific places you want to see, making navigation a breeze. If you’re planning to spend a day hiking, you might want to make a playlist that will put you in the mood.
Bring bug spray
While visiting National Parks, it is a good idea to bring bug spray, especially if you plan to camp in the park. Bugs in these places are notorious for being difficult to avoid, so be sure to carry a bottle of insect repellent with you at all times. Use it liberally and apply it regularly to avoid the risk of getting bitten. The best bug sprays for national parks are those that contain EPA-registered active ingredients.
While many bug sprays contain DEET, you should also bring insect repellents that contain the ingredient picaridin. This is a more effective insect repellent than DEET, and it doesn’t harm your clothes or gear. It works for up to 14 hours and is effective against a wide range of insects.
Charge your electronics
If you are planning to take a National Park vacation, you will need to charge your electronics before you go. If you do not, you may find yourself stranded without a source of electricity. It can be dangerous to camp without electricity, and charging your devices will ensure that you are safe even if the power goes out.
