How to Visit National Parks for Free, Avoid Crowds, and Save on Lodging

Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways

Learn how to visit national parks on a budget, including tips on free entry days and cheap lodging. Plus, the latest key travel rewards updates.

When can you visit national parks for free, and what are the best ways to cut costs on park trips? Hosts Meghan Coyle and Sally French break down national park budget tips to help you plan an affordable adventure. But first, they kick off the episode with the latest travel rewards updates, including Amex Membership Week deals, Hyatt’s upcoming award chart changes, and whether using Bilt points for Lyft rides is a smart move. They also break down Spirit Airlines’ emergence from bankruptcy and what it means for budget travelers.

Then, they dive into national park savings strategies, covering free admission days, annual park passes, and the best budget-friendly lodging options, from camping to glamping to points-bookable hotels. They also discuss how to avoid peak-season crowds, what recent staffing cuts at national parks could mean for visitors, and which parks are at the top of their must-visit lists.

Card benefits, terms and fees can change. For the most up-to-date information about cards mentioned in this episode, read our reviews:

• Best American Express Cards of March 2025
• World of Hyatt Announces Category Changes for 151 Properties
• Bilt Rewards: How the Program Works
• Spirit Airlines Brings Back Change and Cancellation Fees on Some Fares
• How to Visit National Parks for Free in 2025
• How Credit Card Issuers Define ‘Travel’
• What’s the Value of Hilton Points?

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