Good news for budget travelers, the National Park Service announced today that it will waive admission fees on 17 selected dates throughout 2011, encouraging all Americans to make a New Year’s resolution to visit a national park this year.
“Many people have made resolutions to spend more quality time with loved ones and to get outdoors and unplug in 2011,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. “There’s no better place than a national park to help keep those resolutions. Parks offer superb recreational opportunities, making them perfect places to enjoy our beautiful land, history and culture, and nurture a healthy lifestyle.”
Salazar noted that with 394 national parks throughout the country, most Americans live within a few hours of a park, making them places for easy and affordable vacations any time of the year.
“In these tough economic times, our fee-free days will give families many opportunities to enjoy our nation’s heritage and natural beauty in meaningful and affordable ways,” he said.
The 2011 fee-free dates will be the weekend of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 15-17), National Park Week (April 16-24), the first day of summer (June 21), National Public Lands Day (September 24), and the weekend of Veterans Day (November 11-13).
The first fee free days are centered on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday (January 15 - 17, 2011).
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Sonesta St. Maarten Resorts’ “Fall Frenzy” contest is giving away a free vacation.
Book any existing package online at www.sonesta.com/stmaarten for travel September 1 - October 31, 2009 and you are automatically entered to win a free three-night return stay at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino and Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino. Return stays are valid April 4 - December 18, 2010.
Travelers to Sonesta St. Maarten Resorts can select from any current package, including:
- Share the Love: Two-for-one All-Inclusive special! Guests stay all-inclusive and bring a friend all-inclusive for free. Valid for bookings made by August 31 for stays through December 15, 2009.
- St. Maarten Seduction: Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino welcomes couples with its romance package. Valid for travel through December 19, 2009 with ocean view rooms, fine dining and more for $199 per night.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".