FAQ
Have questions? I have answers.
You can plan a national park trip yourself if you enjoy research and have time. However, most people underestimate the time required to plan a do-it-yourself trip. And national parks have gotten increasingly complicated with reservations, shuttles, parking rules, and more. Without the right research, you can miss out on what you want to see because you didn’t understand where you can and can’t drive on your own.
You can spend hours and hours reading “The Best of” and “The Perfect Itinerary” type of blogs and still not be sure what is right for you, as everyone has different ability levels or interests. If you want to maximize limited vacation days or don’t enjoy the research process, having an expert do it for you makes a ton of sense. I also have access to exclusive tours and “local heroes” that can take you off the beaten path and away from the crowds.
It depends. If you just want someone to research and book hotels and tours for you, then I do not charge a planning fee. To be completely transparent, commissions are built into hotel costs and tours (so you aren’t paying more and may get access to exclusive perks).
Travel planning fees come into play when I am building a completely custom, DIY itinerary and mapping out detailed day-by-day itineraries with what activities/hikes/scenic drives to take in what order, navigating shuttles and parking restrictions, etc. This is the time-consuming part of a DIY trip, but it’s honestly what I love to do. Fees vary from $200 – $500 depending on the length and complexity of the trip.
Absolutely. All hotels, activities, and rental cars can be booked and shared with you in one convenient itinerary, so everything is at your fingertips. I can book airfare, but many clients prefer to book directly with the airline, and that’s absolutely up to you.
As part of a larger travel agency, we have relationships with “local heroes” on the ground that can curate truly unique, off-the-grid tours. They have access to parts of the park that you simply can’t get to yourself. We’ve done wildlife safaris in Yellowstone and complete 10-day national park trips where families barely saw other travelers the entire time.
Yes, places like Old Faithful are always going to be crowded. We can’t change that. But local heroes can take you there when it’s less crowded and then access parts of the park that you will likely enjoy even more.
First, we have a free 30-minute consultation where I learn about your trip goals, travel style, and budget. Depending on what you are looking for, we’ll discuss if there’s a planning fee. I typically start with air and hotel to frame a trip out with a high-level itinerary. I’ll provide several hotel options for each location you are staying. Once you select hotels, you complete a credit card authorization for booking. After hotels are booked, I will fill in the itinerary with activities and tours. Nothing is booked without your approval.
The first phase of hotel research can typically be completed within 1-3 business days. We will be in close communication throughout the planning process and total time to plan a trip varies based on your feedback. But I know what locations are hard to book, so if something is urgent, I’ll communicate that so we can get that done first.
Absolutely. During our consultation, we’ll discuss your budget range, and I’ll let you know what’s realistic for your destination and time of year. I can provide hotel and activity options at different price points, and we can discuss possible budget trade-offs between lodging options and activities. My goal is to maximize your experience within whatever budget you’re comfortable spending.
Nope! National Parks are my passion, but I can plan trips anywhere. I’ve been to 45+ countries on 6 continents, almost every state, and many state and international parks. I love combining national parks with nearby attractions, like adding wine country to a Yosemite trip, or adding outdoor fun to a Red Rocks music trip. As part of a larger travel agency, I have access to resources to plan trips to any global destination (many of which I’ve been to).
Ideally 6-12 months before your trip, especially for popular parks during peak season (June-August). That said, it’s completely possible to do trips with much shorter notice.
The earlier you start, the more selection you will have with accommodations. Many in-park lodges book up 12-13 months in advance when reservations first open. For shoulder season trips (April-May, September-October), 3-6 months in advance planning usually works well. Even at the last minute, I can help you make the most of what’s available and often find options others miss. And we do have suppliers that often have access to hotels that are sold out online. Set up a free call, and I’ll let you know what’s possible!
Absolutely! Clients have worked with me after booking flights or lodging but need help choosing tours and activities. I can usually work with whatever you’ve already arranged and build around it. I tailor my services to what you actually need.
Skip the Research. Get the Shortcuts.
Monthly tips on smart lodging strategies, booking timelines, and what you can skip. Real planning advice from someone who does this for a living.
Adventure awaits
Let’s get started
Ready to think about your dream trip? It’s time to get inspired.
Get a quote requires pop-ups to be enabled. Or send an email.
“I could spend a lifetime wandering through a forest and never see it all, never discover all its secrets.”