Matt and Karen Smith, college sweethearts who met in Kansas, had always been passionate about hiking and wildlife. When their youngest child left for college in 2010, they decided to take a break from work and focus on their love of the great outdoors. They packed up their savings and set off on an adventure to visit all of America’s national parks.
Their journey took them to some of the most remote areas in the country, including American Samoa and north of the Arctic Circle. Along the way, they documented their experiences in emails to friends and eventually turned them into a book called “Dear Bob and Sue.” Today, they continue to share their love for national parks with others through Instagram and their podcast.
As summer approaches, many Americans are planning trips to America’s national parks. According to the National Park Service, over 325 million people visited at least one park last year – a 4% increase over the previous year. With so many visitors, it’s no surprise that crowds can be overwhelming. But Matt and Karen have some valuable tips for avoiding tourist congestion:
Firstly, plan ahead. Research which parks you want to visit and when they tend to be less crowded. For example, certain national parks may have more visitors during summer months while others may see more tourists in winter due to snowy conditions. It’s also important to note that some areas within each park may be busier than others depending on time of day or season.
Secondly, consider visiting during off-peak hours or days if possible. Many national parks offer extended hours during peak seasons so you could potentially avoid crowds by visiting earlier or later than usual.
Thirdly, explore alternative routes instead of sticking