How to Book Your Trip
After years of visiting national parks, I know a thing or two about planning outdoorsy vacations. I’ve learned through trial and error what companies make for a great travel experience and what companies to avoid.
So I’ve put together a list of my favorite travel companies to help you plan an epic (and stress-free!) national park trip.
Keep reading to explore my favorite tools for booking flights, hotels, rental cars, and more!
Book Flights
Skyscanner
The best flight search tool out there, you can compare flights to and from multiple airports and filter by the airline.
Google Flights
If you aren’t quite ready to book but want to get a general idea of the available flights, this is the tool for you.
Scott’s Flights
This email newsletter provides exclusive limited-time flight deals to popular destinations, all for free!
Book Lodging
Hotels.com
With everything from boutique hotels to national park lodges, Hotels.com gives you access to exclusive deals and a rewards program.
Airbnb
Airbnb is the best way to book private rental homes near national parks, which is great for those traveling in groups or cooking their own meals.
Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov is the go-to site for camping in national parks. Here you can research campgrounds, plus book and manage camping reservations.
Book Transportation
Rentalcars.com
For researching rental cars, use Rentalcars.com. You’ll get access to exclusive deals from all the popular brands, from Hertz to Budget.
Outdoorsy
Outdoorsy connects you with vans and RVs for rent. This is the perfect way to explore national parks, particularly for those who want to try out van life.
NPS.gov
The National Park Service website is the best place to research information on park shuttles, vehicle restrictions, and parking regulations.
Book Tours
GyPSy Guide
This audio tour app is just like having a tour guide in your pocket. With tons of national park tours, you’ll discover the history of the park, local tips, and more.
Viator
As the world’s largest marketplace for tours and activities, Viator offers tons of national park tours, best for making day trips to national parks.
NPS.gov
The National Park Service offers all kinds of free and paid tours in the parks, from ranger-led activities to moonlit hikes.
Shop My Gear
National Park Must-Haves
- America the Beautiful National Park Pass
- National Park Passport and Journal
- Mappinners National Park Scratch Off Poster
National Park Guides
- Your Guide to the National Parks by Michael Joseph Oswald
- Lonely Planet USA’s National Parks
- Fodor’s Complete Guide to the National Parks of the West
Backpacks & Luggage
- Samsonite Carry On Suitcase
- Osprey Fairview Travel Backpack
- Osprey Tempest 20 Backpack for Women
- Osprey Talon 22 Backpack for Men
- Osprey Aura AG65 Backpack for Women
- Amazon Basics Packing Cubes
Outdoor Clothing for Women
- Patagonia Better Sweater Fleece Jacket
- Arc’teryx Cerium LT Down Jacket
- REI XeroDry GTX Rain Jacket
- Patagonia Cool Capilene Short Sleeve T-Shirt
- Patagonia Cool Capilene Long Sleeve T-Shirt
- North Face Aphrodite 2.0 Hiking Pants
- Nike Tempo Running Shorts
- Altra Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoes
- Chaco Z Cloud/2 Sandals
- Columbia Newton Ridge Hiking Boots
Non-Essential Favorites
Hiking Gear
- Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp
- Black Diamond Screen Tap Gloves
- REI Midweight Merino Wool Hiking Socks
- REI Midweight Logo Beanie
- Buff CoolNet UV+ Headwear
- Nalgene Water Bottle
- Osprey Hydraulics 3 Liter Reservoir
- Lifestraw Water Filter
- Adventure Medical First Aid Kit
- UCO Titan Stormproof Matches
- SOL Emergency Bivvy Shelter
- Tri-Power Life Whistle
- REI Flash Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles
- Garmin InReach Mini GPS Device
- Swiss Army Huntsman Knife
Camping Gear
- Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent
- REI Magma 30 Sleeping Bag for Women
- REI Magma 30 Sleeping Bag for Men
- Therm-a-Rest Trail Pro Sleeping Pad
- REI Camp Prep Table
- Coleman Triton 2-Burner Camp Stove
- Jetboil Flash Camp Stove for Backpacking
- Sea to Summit Delta Camp Set
- YETI Rambler Mug
- Aeropress Go Coffee Maker
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
- Coleman Xtreme Cooler
- Black Diamond Moji Lantern
- PackTowl Microfiber Towel