Text and Photos © Jeanne Miller 2000-2006. All rights reserved. No portion of this web site may be copied, manipulated, or used without express written permission.

Plan Ahead

Meeting the budget restrictions took planning -- and luck. I wanted to go as early in the spring as possible to avoid crowds yet also miss the cold. This tucked me into the lower shoulder season rates. Total cost the third week in May was $703, including air, motel, car rental, gas, park pass, meals. I booked the motels weeks earlier when gas prices had resort owners nervous and was able to negotiate a $45/night rate. (A couple checking in when I was there paid $75 for an identical room.) Dollar Car Rental got me a Geo Metro with unlimited mileage for $148.50 -- great for maneuvering narrow roads. Southwest Airlines ran an e-ticketing special for $99, one-way, anywhere they fly. And even the national park system kicked in. I expected to pay the $20 per vehicle rate for a seven-day pass at each park, but asked the ranger if there wasn't some break for a 63-year-old. Indeed there was. The Golden Ager Pass for visitors over 62 costs just $10 and it is a lifetime pass good in any national park anytime -- it covers anyone in my vehicle with me too. Good deal!

(Right: Natural Bridge at Bryce Canyon)