6363 PARKSPTO-FIRST · 2027–2032

LESSONS LEARNED

Travel Tips

Running notes for making a PTO-first, multi-year park run actually work.

PTO Strategy

• Anchor every trip to a federal holiday weekend first — PTO only fills the gap
• Save your biggest PTO block for the one true expedition each big year (Alaska, Hawaii)
• Request PTO the day holiday schedules are published — good dates go first
• Build in one buffer day after any trip crossing 3+ time zones

Booking Windows

• Peak-season lodging (Yellowstone, Yosemite, Glacier) — book 9–12 months out
• Alaska bush-plane charters — confirm 6+ months out, weather holds are common
• Book flights 3+ months ahead for the best fares on 5+ hour legs
• Timed-entry permits (Zion, Arches, Glacier) release in rolling windows — set reminders

Money

• America the Beautiful annual pass pays for itself after 3 park visits
• Camp instead of lodges where possible — biggest single lever on cost
• Alaska and Hawaii carry ~40% of the entire six-year budget — plan savings accordingly
• Shoulder-season trips (spring/fall) run 20–30% cheaper than peak summer

On the Ground

• Always carry a satellite communicator on remote/backcountry legs
• Bear country (Alaska, Rockies): canister + spray, non-negotiable
• Download offline maps before you lose signal — most parks have dead zones
• Check road/pass closures the week of departure, not just at booking