Exploring National Parks on a Budget

In this episode of the Lazy Budget Travel Tips podcast, Genni Franklin is joined by Teresa Kul, a national parks enthusiast who has visited 356 out of 433 park sites, including all 50 states. We’re diving into one of the most scenic (and surprisingly strategic!) travel topics: how to plan a national park trip without blowing your budget.Whether you dream of hiking through Zion, exploring caves in Kentucky, or relaxing by alpine lakes in Montana, this episode is packed with tips for stretching your dollars, using travel rewards wisely, and even finding last-minute lodging like a pro.In This Episode:How Teresa visited 356+ National Park sites (and counting!)The best seasons to visit popular parks to avoid crowds and save moneySmart strategies for booking national park lodging, even if it’s last-minuteRenting a car for less using AutoSlashPacking food like a pro to avoid overpriced meals in-parkWhy Best Western and Hyatt are two underrated hotel options for park staysHow to use points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Delta SkyMiles) to make national park trips more affordableTips for families, solo travelers, and anyone who wants gorgeous views without death-defying hikesRapid fire favorites: dream parks, best hikes, go-to snacks, and moreWhether you're just getting into Points & Miles or already have a park pass packed with stamps, this one’s for you.Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:18 The Allure of National Parks03:13 Favorite National Parks and Experiences07:12 Planning Tips and Best Times to Visit08:08 Accommodation Strategies15:18 Underrated National Parks to Visit20:24 Transportation and Car Rentals21:56 Booking Rental Cars with AutoSlash22:49 Saving Money on Hotel Bookings23:38 Packing Food for National Park Trips24:40 Hydration and Hiking Tips27:04 Leveraging Points and Miles29:25 Choosing the Right Credit Cards37:46 Rapid Fire Questions40:33 Where to Find More InformationResources Mentioned:Teresa’s Blog: AnAcreInTheCity.comTeresa's 3 Secrets to Your Best National Parks Trip FreebieTeresa's YouTube ChannelThe Ultimate Girls Trip to Shenandoah Valley blog postSpending a Fun 2 Days in Shenandoah National Park Itinerary blog post Support the showFull episodes, including video, are available on Youtube. Check out more from Genni: Join the Lazy Budget Travel Tips Facebook Group Grab the FREE Budget Travel 101 Course Follow Genni on Instagram Traveling Franklins Blog Get the Weekly Newsletter! P.S. If you’re loving the podcast, buying me a coffee (or burrito… iykyk) is a simple way to support the show and help it grow.