Gift Idea: America the Beautiful Annual Pass
Are you visiting more than three National Parks this year? Check out the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. Note the specials for senior citizens, current military, and fourth graders.
FITZ BITS TIP: Traveling with kids? Check out the Junior Ranger Program — generally for kids between the ages of 5-13. You can get more information at the official Visitor Centers. It is usually free or only a couple of dollars. Each kid receives a patch, pin, or certificate when they return the completed activity book to a ranger. The rangers really make the kids feel special.
Tips on buying the National Park's Annual Pass
I suggest just buying the America the Beautiful Annual Pass at the National Park when you arrive. This pass is valid for one year and starts the month you purchase it. So, plan accordingly.
REI and LL Bean also sell the pass, but again, your 12-months begin the month you purchase it so you may lose out on a month or more of use. However, if the timing works you may benefit from free shipping specials, especially around the holidays. You can also buy the pass online via the National Park Service but there will be a shipping fee.
Senior Lifetime Pass
The Senior Lifetime Pass would make for a great anniversary or holiday gift for those hard-to-buy-for grandparents. Remember it is one pass per vehicle. This pass can be purchased at one of these National Parks. or online at USGS.gov where there is an additional $10 processing fee. The Senior Lifetime Pass used to be very inexpensive, so it wasn’t a big investment if you lost it or forgot it at home. However, the price recently went up to $80. While this is still a great price for lifetime entrance to the National Parks, try not to don’t lose it!
Additional information from the website: Traveling companions can also enter for free. The Senior Passes admit pass owner/s and passengers in a noncommercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas and pass owner plus three adults, not to exceed four adults where per-person fees are charged. Children under 16 are always admitted free. Also, at many sites, the Senior Passes provide the pass owner (only) a discount on Expanded Amenity Fees such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours.
