I know many of us enjoy traveling overseas to foreign countries and experience different cultures and local customs. We get excited visiting iconic sites and creating lifetime memories. But we often forget to take advantage of visiting our own national parks in the US. Without a passport or long haul flight, it is easy to do and can provide a great family vacation. Let me show you how to elevate your experience though. Forget packing your family into the car and do a road trip. Drop the DIY vacation. Instead, use a tour operator. Join a guided tour. Preferably one that is small group of no more than 12 guests, or better yet, one just for your family, or maybe your own multi-generational family group. Or another family or friends you enjoy traveling with. Form your own exclusive tour.
Let me share a few benefits of joining a small group or private guided tour:
1. They can do it better.
You can do all the driving, plan out the lodging, figure out where to eat or what to see or where to hike. But imagine having someone do it all FOR YOU. And not just anyone, but someone who has experience leading tours every day and know the ins and outs. They're the experts of the destination you're visiting. They can take care of all the details so you can truly have a vacation. Doesn’t that feel good???
2. The Guides
Guides from great tour companies are passionate about sharing their knowledge and ensuring you have a trip of a lifetime. They keep the trip fun. They can share about the history of the parks and knowledge of the wildlife and plants you came across. And they can also tell you the best restaurants in town. More importantly, they show you the best way to see the parks and sites given the limited vacation time you have. They know the best hikes and bike rides, the best spot for your pictures for the Instagram post, the hidden gems.
3. Connections
In these times of traveling during a pandemic, you want to travel with guidance. A tour operator who has the behind the scenes access to information or partnerships with a hotel or a sought after activity provider. Or even insider connections with National Park Service. Let someone take care of the details so you can enjoy the moment and be present. Someone who takes care of the safety protocols and provide a stress free experience.
Maybe this is something you can consider for next summer vacation. It’s great for our mental and physical health to spend time outdoors. Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Bryce/Zion, what’s your pick? I have partnerships with some great tour operators. I work with the best and I know you can trust. Some of these small group scheduled tours are very popular and already beginning to get booked up for 2021. I can design custom itineraries. RV guided tours. Or I can set up a luxury home stay with guided activities for you based on your wish and interests. I know you miss traveling. I hope I can send you on another adventure soon. Reach out if you want to get started with planning.