Skip to main content

Dr. Mary Travelbest - National Park Service and Foundation 2024


Today’s Mistake- I was a stunt woman at Universal Studios and ended up in the hospital.

Travel Advice:  Always pack a bathing suit.

 

Today’s destination: National Park Foundation and Service

 

I support the National Park Service in the USA by purchasing a yearly wall calendar. The images are beautiful. I also have a Senior Pass, which you can get for your lifetime, starting at age 62. Buy it at any park or online. Don’t lose it. It’s worth a lot for your traveling. Membership has its perks! That includes free admission.

 

Have you been to Yosemite? Yellowstone? Are there any other parks? Which are your favorite?

Here are some tips on getting in and having a great visit.

 

Making reservations and listening to park guides will help. You might even want to get a job working at a national park someday. 

National parks offer many experiences, from serene hikes through lush forests to breathtaking vistas atop rugged mountains.

To begin your journey, it's essential to establish communication with the national park you're interested in visiting. Most national parks have dedicated websites with comprehensive information about park amenities, activities, and contact details. Additionally, you can contact park authorities via phone or email for personalized assistance and guidance. The show notes have websites to visit.

When contacting the park or websites, consider inquiring about the following:

  • Accessibility: As a mature traveler, it's crucial to ensure that the park's trails and facilities are accessible and accommodating. Inquire about wheelchair accessibility, availability of senior-friendly trails, and any other amenities tailored to older visitors.

  • Health and Safety: Prioritize your well-being by seeking advice on health and safety measures within the park. Ask about potential hazards, such as steep terrain or extreme weather conditions, and gather recommendations for staying safe during your visit.

  • Lodging and Accommodations: Depending on the duration of your stay, you may require lodging within or near the park. Explore your options for accommodations, including campgrounds, lodges, cabins, or nearby hotels, and make reservations in advance to ensure availability.

  • Activities and Attractions: National parks offer many activities catering to diverse interests and physical abilities. Whether you're keen on leisurely nature walks, scenic drives, photography, or wildlife observation, seek recommendations for activities that align with your preferences and mobility.

  • Guided Tours and Programs: Consider joining the park's guided tours or educational programs to enhance your experience and gain insights into its natural and cultural heritage. These tours often cater to individuals of all ages and provide informative commentary from knowledgeable guides.

https://www.nationalparks.org/explore/parks

In addition to seeking guidance from park authorities, here are some general travel tips.

Pack Wisely: Be mindful of the weather conditions and pack appropriate clothing, footwear, and gear for outdoor adventures. Consider carrying essentials such as water, snacks, a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

  • Plan Your Itinerary: While spontaneity adds charm to travel, having a rough itinerary can help you make the most of your time in the park. Prioritize your must-see attractions and activities while allowing flexibility for serendipitous discoveries. I planned my visits the day or two before for most parks, but if you are heading to a trendy destination like Yosemite or Yellowstone, you must plan months ahead.

  • Stay Hydrated and Rested: Maintaining hydration and adequate rest is crucial, especially when engaging in physical activities at higher altitudes. Pace yourself, take breaks as needed, and listen to your body's signals to avoid exhaustion or dehydration.I love my rest time. You should build it into your day, even if it is just to read your notes for the next day’s adventures.

  • Embrace Nature's Pace: In the serene tranquility of the wilderness, time seems to slow down, allowing for introspection and appreciation of the natural world. Embrace the slower pace of nature, savoring each moment and immersing yourself fully in the present experience. I keep track of the animals I learn about, the geology, and even the smells of the air and flowers.

  • Capture Memories: Don't forget to capture the beauty of your surroundings through photographs or journaling. These souvenirs will serve as cherished reminders of your adventures in the national park for years to come. Even solo, you can still take a selfie with you and your favorite tree, flower, or campsite at the park. Share your memories on our Dr. Mary Travelbest Private Facebook Group pages.

Safe travels, and may your exploration of America's national parks be filled with wonder and discovery.

Today’s Mistake- stunt woman at Universal Studios, California

I ended up in the hospital. I was offered a role in a fake movie we would make on the tour. I was given instructions on what to do, wear, and act. We were bank robbers, and we jumped into the raging river. Only I jumped in and hurt my foot on the bottom of the river because it was about 4 feet down. I was unable to walk, so I was given a wheelchair and brought to the nearby hospital for a check-up. I did not want to stay there, so I asked to leave, and my friends drove the car home for me. That’s the only time I went to Universal Studios. If you are asked to be a stunt woman, think twice before you raise your hand.

Today’s Travel Advice-Always pack a bathing suit.

It’s the most miniature outfit you will pack; you never know when you need one. Buying one on the road is hard, especially in a National Park.

Connect with Dr. Travelbest

Drmarytravelbest.com

Dr. Mary Travelbest Twitter

Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page

Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group

Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram

Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast

Dr. Travelbest on TikTok

Dr.Travelbest onYouTube

 


Check out this episode!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

RIP Dean Alphonso Buell

Celebrating the life of Dean Alphonso Buell in April, 2012 with his mom and two friends. Dr. Travelbest is priviledged to know Raquel Giraldez, mother of the deceased, as she was the designer and illustrator and most travelled friend of Dr. Travelbest in 1993 as the book was being written and published. Dean was involved with the editorial, even though he was a youngster at the time. Thanks, Dean, for sharing your mom so that Dr. Travelbest could teach others about Independent Travel. Speaking of travel, this is the view from the front yard of Raquel's home in Buellton, CA. The mountains in the distant background are picture postcard on this memorable day, right near the 101. (Photos: top: view from Raquels, bottom: center, Raquel and right, Rosanna Figuerola (sp?) at the Celebration of Dean's 24 years on the earth.) There were so many stars that night, we knew that Dean was watching us from above with his new friends.

Dr. Mary Travelbest Seychelles

Dr. Mary Travelbest Seychelles Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s Bucket List Travel. We share the travel tips and guide you, sharing our missteps along the way. In this episode: Faq on what you should share on social media?   Destination: Seychelles, Travel Mistake, Travel Tip FAQ What ways should you be careful in terms of sharing about your travels on social media? What should you be careful about for the content you post and your replies? Social media is a blessing today, but for some it is a curse. Here are some tips for using it while on the road. Social media distracts from the real experience, so consider how you interact with those you are with and those you could be talking with instead of trying to get the best social post to strangers. Get your research from friends before you go. Ask. Where should you go? Stay? Eat? Visit? Once on the road, limit your social media to when you really need to connect. Otherwise, take a break! You can catch

Masada and Red Sea, Israel Plus eSIM cards, screenshot your map, money belts

This episode's FAQ is: Do I need a local SIM card? Today’s Destination is The Dead Sea and Masada, Israel Today’s Misstep- Screenshot your MAP before you travel Travel Advice: Wear a money belt. FAQ: Do I need a local SIM card? Response: When you travel abroad, you don’t need a local SIM card anymore. It’s found in nearly every airport and is expensive, but you get your own phone number. It does involve opening your phone up.   Read the show notes if you want to try an esim and need help. I’ve been using an esim called Airalo for a year, and I have a referral code for you to save $3.00. It is MARY2856.   https://www.airalo.com/blog/roaming-vs-international-sim-card-vs-local-sim-card-heres-what-to-know     Today’s destination: Israel (split into three parts, Jerusalem, Dead Sea/ Masada, and Tel Aviv. This episode is part 2 of three.   Because I was a solo female traveler, I booked a full-day tour of the Dead Sea and Masada. On my tour, I asked, “Where is the West Bank