Let's suppose that you've left your vacation planning until the last minute this year. Usually you'd be out of luck, if you're hankering to stay in a popular National Park lodge. For example, in Yellowstone National Park, reservations for summer stays at the classic Old Faithful Inn should be made months in advance.
But with fewer international travelers flying to the US, there may still be opportunities in National Parks. Here's advice on how to book as little as a day ahead.
Research and Pick Your Park Online
- The National Parks web site has sections on every park, with details for "Planning a Visit".
- check for special features for families. Many parks have Junior Ranger programs: kids receive a brochure with puzzles and tasks to complete; when they're done, a Park Ranger presents them with a special patch.
- many parks have free (or nominal-charge) programs led by Park Rangers: hikes, educational hours for kids, etc.
- also for families: Yellowstone National Park offers multii-day family programs with a naturalist.
Check Lodges and Availability
- Next, visit the Xanterra web site: Xanterra manages many Park lodges-- see below. At the web site you'll find descriptions of lodges, rates, and availability. You can book rooms online; or you can call toll-free numbers listed at the site.
Xanterra operates lodges and restaurants in: Yellowstone National Park, the North and South Rims of Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, Crater Lake National Park, Death Valley National Park, Petrified Forest National Park, Everglades National Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Want a National Park Annual Pass?
- You can buy one online while you're at the Xanterra site. $50 buys you admission to all National Parks for 12 months after first use. Read more at About's Parks web site.
Be flexible with dates
- The more flexible you are, the better your chances of scoring a reservation at the lodge of your choice.
Even if a lodge is booked, cancellations do occur. Because many people book reservations months in advance, many reservations get cancelled as the target date approaches. Also, international tour operators reserve blocks of rooms up to two years in advance; if all the rooms don't get sold, the operator must release the room for resale 30 days in advance.
In other words, last-minute opportunities do arise-- but the dates are unpredictable.
Pining for a special meal?
- As soon as you've secured travel dates, make reservations for lodge dining rooms.
Some National Park Lodges have great dining rooms; and naturally, these are popular spots. Some dinner reservations are made six months in advance!
Happy Family Traveling...
