Preparing for Park Travel
ParkChat
MattsRoadTrip
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1. Funny enough, even though I'm hosting the planning chat, I usually wing it before it get to the park, but do all sorts of planning in the mornings while I'm there. Coffee planning is awesome! #ParkChat
59NationalParks
replying to @ParksandPoints @ParksandPoints @Wild_Tribute Anything fun. For example @GalsWander announced last week that she was pregnant. A #ParkChat miracle!
publiclandlvr
replying to @WildWithinHer @WildWithinHer Windy and rainy here too! Hi #ParkChat friends!
MattsRoadTrip
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Stars252525 @Wild_Tribute Same! #ParkChat
Wild_Tribute
A1. We teeter on thorough to excessive. To avoid dwelling, must have best of the best plan within allocated time to tackle an adventure. #ParkChat
unconpeace
A1 I like to stay at the National Park lodges, so I started making reservations for next year's trip in 1987 #parkchat
mdeichlerauthor
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1: Lately I haven't planned very far out. However when the family starts planning our next Yellowstone trip, that will probably begin a year before departure (we like staying in the lodges in the park and that really helps with getting reservations) #ParkChat
theRangerLife
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1. I am very much a planner, months in advance. I want to make the most of our trip! #ParkChat
tthrash
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1 A little of everything. Most of it is planned/sketched in my mind well in advance, but I also absolutely wing in on other occasions. Maybe 65-35. #parkchat
BarnetteJason
A1 I start planning a few weeks, sometimes months, in advance but then usually change everything at the last minute and just wing it. True story. #ParkChat
Stars252525
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1 Months in advance, almost down to the minute. Hubs is a great planner and is very organized. I go along for the ride. #ParkChat
MattsRoadTrip
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @ParksandPoints @Wild_Tribute @GalsWander Wow! I missed that! Amazing and congrats @GalsWander! #ParkChat
EverybodysNPs
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1: it depends on the trip. We live far from all national parks so we are required to plan how we will get there, where to stay/camp. we look at website, guidebooks, all of you lovely folks. for recommendations. #parkchat #everybodysnationalparks
carfreerunner
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1 When we went Yellowstone NP, we planned out quite a bit. Trips closer to home, we often wing it, sometimes leaving for nearby State parks on a whim. #parkchat
59NationalParks
replying to @theRangerLife @theRangerLife @MattsRoadTrip @Wild_Tribute Glad you made it. #ParkChat
t_jh2009
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1) If I'm familiar with a park like Yosemite I'll usually just check about the road conditions beforehand. If I'm going to a new park like Mammoth Cave was last year I'll do a fair amount of research ahead of time. #ParkChat
ParksandPoints
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1) Plan, plan, plan, but more on the 6-12 month scale as we usually travel on points so have to book airfare rather far out. Unless there's a government shutdown, seems to work pretty well. #parkchat
WildWithinHer
A1. Plan which parks in advance, check out online alerts, and then generally get advice from rangers once there. Always start at the VC. Will make campground reservations well in advance if we know our travel dates. #ParkChat
coasthikergirl
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1 #ParkChat I’m a bit of a winger. It’s often a last minute weather-window decision to visit our nearby NPs. If it’s a full-blown road trip adventure then I plan a bit more to make sure reservations are in place. I winged it in Yosemite once. Never again.
OutdoorAdv360
A1: plan way ahead. We rv so we need to make reservations early in all campsites. NP cmspsites fill up especially fast for our rig size. Winging it would mean no spot for us. #ParkChat
Stars252525
replying to @WildWithinHer @WildWithinHer Had a chilly wind here today but no rain. #ParkChat
MattsRoadTrip
replying to @Stars252525 @Stars252525 @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute That's impressive! #ParkChat
t_jh2009
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute That's great! #ParkChat
59NationalParks
replying to @WildWithinHer @WildWithinHer Hi Lauren. Glad you could make it. #ParkChat
mjn126
replying to @WildWithinHer @WildWithinHer Checking the alerts is one thing I do excessively the week up to travel day. #ParkChat
RCGibby73
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1: I start planning at least preliminary stuff mo this in advance, keep an eye on sites, apply for Permits when needed but not too late. I can’t be last minute when it comes to Permits in our Parks. #ParkChat
tthrash
replying to @tthrash @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute ...as for hiccups, yeah, they come up for sure. sometimes you realize there's more or less to see than expected, sometimes the detour you take is a little longer than it looks on a map. Sometimes you run out of energy along the way, etc, etc. #parkchat
59NationalParks
replying to @Wild_Tribute @Wild_Tribute You should try planning a trip for a year. #daunting #ParkChat
louisbink
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute a1 - With hella crazy kids sports and team schedules - we have to be diligent planners and fight for the right to have some time away to travel #parkchat
BarnetteJason
replying to @OutdoorAdv360 @OutdoorAdv360 This is one of the reasons I decided to get a camper van and start stealth camping. Reservations tie you to a schedule and sometimes that just don't work for me. #ParkChat
iStefPayne
A1–Both! Sometimes winging it prompts really cool experiences; some adventures require smart planning. Guess it depends on how bold your exploration goals are. #ParkChat
e_terren
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1. Planning is part of the fun, so I'm always thinking about trips. I may know for certain about plans 2 or 3 months ahead, other times just 2 or 3 weeks. I used to call ahead to parks to ask for every scrap of paper info they could send. Now, websites. #parkchat
59NationalParks
replying to @unconpeace @unconpeace It’s an unfortunate aspect of Park Travel. #ParkChat
Stars252525
replying to @unconpeace @unconpeace We actually do reserve as soon as they open up for reservations. #ParkChat
Wild_Tribute
replying to @louisbink @louisbink @59NationalParks Seems you do an extremely honorable job juggling the balance #ParkChat
MattsRoadTrip
replying to @MattsRoadTrip A2. Since I live on the road, I usually choose to visit parks that happen to be along my route. I'll search maps & make detours to see a park I haven't been to before. I especially seek out #PublicLands with free camping, such as @BLMNational or @forestservice land. #ParkChat
JulesHalvy
replying to @59NationalParks @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1: I do a lot of research on hikes. I think it’s important to choose a hike that’s suitable for your skill level and make sure you know what you are getting into. #ParkChat
Wild_Tribute
replying to @OutdoorAdv360 @OutdoorAdv360 Nice places not too far away from park gates though, right? #ParkChat
59NationalParks
replying to @theRangerLife @theRangerLife @Wild_Tribute I think the internet has killed spontaneous trips. Think how much easier it is now than when you had to CALL for reservations. #ParkChat
DryTortugasFilm
replying to @mjn126 @mjn126 @59NationalParks @Wild_Tribute A1) #Parkchat a bit of both but the 2020 tour will be very well planned, since others will be depending on me to be exactly where I say I am to screen the film! Of course. there will be cushioning between each stop so we can explore, I've started planning more than a year out.
ParksandPoints
replying to @MattsRoadTrip @MattsRoadTrip A2) We often think about the parks we haven't visited and want to, and plan from there! #parkchat
BarnetteJason
RT @MattsRoadTrip: Q2 - When preparing a trip, how do you choose which parks to visit? #ParkChat https://t.co/VRfsTKMO1N