009 Visiting Yellowstone and National Parks Week

It is National Parks Week April 16-24, 2016 and all U.S. National Parks are offering free admission. Join us as we talk about our favorite National Parks and chat with author and former Park Ranger Erin Peabody to get the inside scoop about planning a visit to Yellowstone National Park. ON THE PODCAST 0:32 National Parks Week is April 16-24, 2016 2:54 National Park Passport 3:29 Junior Ranger Program 5:00 100th Anniversary Badge 6:55 Kim's visit to Yellowstone National Park 7:49 Welcome Erin Peabody, author of A Weird and Wild Beauty: The Story of Yellowstone, the World's First National Park 12:23 Junior Ranger program at Yellowstone National Park 16:04 Artists in Yellowstone 17:15 Travel journals for kids 17:30 Intro to A Weird and Wild Beauty: The Story of Yellowstone, the World's First National Park and a history of Yellowstone 21:15 How long should you spend in Yellowstone 22:45 Must do experiences in Yellowstone 28:55 What to wear in Yellowstone 31:00 Where to stay in the park 33:15 Best place to take a family photo 34:05 Erin's favorite travel gear 35:33 Book giveaway!! 36:10 App of the Week -- National Parks by REI 37:18 Thanks to Jessie for the review on Stitcher! 37:40 Join us next week as we talk about Bucket List Travel with Eric Stoen from Travel Babbo ABOUT ERIN PEABODY Erin Peabody is a mother, author and former park ranger. Her latest book, A Weird and Wild Beauty: The Story of Yellowstone, the World's First National Park, is written for readers 12 and up and tells the exciting story of how Yellowstone became our first national park. This uplifting American story should delight lovers of nature, adventure and travel, and debuts just in time for the National Parks' 100th birthday. You can learn more at erinpeabody.com. Erin has an eight year-old daughter and lives with her and her husband in Ohio. Erin and her husband have both been Park Rangers and met in Yellowstone. She worked as an interpreter or educator in Yellowstone, giving Park Ranger programs at the Visitor Center.  TIPS FOR VISITING YELLOWSTONE Plan to spend at least 4-5 days in Yellowstone Know that you will be driving around 45 mph and may get stuck in traffic jams when animals cross the road Plan your accommodations well in advance (6 - 12 months to stay in the park) Erin's favorite places to stay are Old Faithful Inn and the Lake Hotel Ask where the best places to see wildlife are Visit in the early morning and evening to see wildlife Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing Wear a good hat and sunglasses (corded are great) Wear comfortable boots, layers, and a good, all-weather shell Don't forget your bug spray! MUST DO EXPERIENCES IN YELLOWSTONE Geysers, mud pots, sulphur cauldrons and other thermal features with the most famous being Old Faithful Grand Canyon of Yellowstone along with the two waterfalls and hikes along the rim Climb into the canyon Yellowstone Lake Norris Geyser Basin Mammoth Hot Springs (also where the largest elk population lives) Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley see wildlife BEST PLACE TO TAKE FAMILY PHOTO Erin recommends Artist's Point near the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and other overlooks by the Grand Canyon area. She also likes the color at the hot springs like Mammoth Springs. Just don't pose in front of a wild animal! FAVORITE TRAVEL GEAR Erin likes layering breathable, water wicking fabrics including her favorite shell from REI (who also happens to be a corporate sponsor of the National Parks.) WIN A COPY OF THE BOOK!   a Rafflecopter giveaway APP OF THE WEEK Tamara recommends the National Parks app from REI because you can choose your park and look at all the different hiking trails within the park, including a special section for family-friendly hikes. MENTIONED ON THE PODCAST National Parks Week & Free Entrance Days Planning a Valley Forge National Historical Park with Kids Junior Ranger Program Free kid travel journal printable from We3Travel Follow Along and Spread the Word! Thank you to Jessie for leaving us a review on Stitcher!!   If you liked this show, please be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher or the podcast app of your choice and leave us a review!   Have a question or comment? Send us an email or leave us a voicemail at +1.641.715.3900, ext. 926035#   You can also follow our travels on Stuffed Suitcase and We3Travel, or follow the Vacation Mavens on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Thanks for listening!