USA: Cheap Wildlife.

In these fast-paced and troubled times, many Americans will be looking for getaways and family activities that are closer to home and cheap. A perfect solution: national wildlife refuges.

Wildlife refuges provide an escape from the hustle and stress of daily routines where people can reconnect with nature, and for children, learn about the outdoors and conservation. Many of your readers may not know that there is a wildlife refuge in every state, and most are within an hour's drive of a major metropolitan area - essentially, no matter where your readers are there is a refuge nearby. A close, affordable "off-the-beaten path" day trip.

In addition to hiking, biking, paddling, hunting and fishing, hundreds of events are being held at wildlife refuges across the country. The National Wildlife Refuge System has an extraordinary legacy of conservation, habitat restoration and wildlife restoration in America. The best way for Americans to enjoy the benefits of the continuing efforts is to visit one of the 540 refuges across the country.

A Guide to Visiting National Wildlife Refuges
-- Contact the refuge prior to your visit to receive the latest information on special activities, weather conditions, access, and more. Don't forget to bring lunch since most wildlife refuges are off the beaten path.

-- Pack your binoculars and camera to spot rare and interesting wildlife. Remember, more than 230 refuges offer insightful interpretation about wildlife and the refuge system to guide you through the outdoors.

-- Plan to arrive in the early morning or late afternoon when wildlife is most active. Wildlife generally rests during the heat of the day and stays hidden in the shadows where they are less likely to be seen.

-- Respect wildlife and keep a safe distance. Using binoculars or simply viewing wildlife from a distance allows you to observe their natural behavior and will not cause wildlife to flee or defend themselves from a
perceived threat.

-- When using an auto tour-route or road, you should remain in your vehicle as it makes an excellent blind. Wildlife is less wary of a slow-moving or stationary vehicle than it is of someone on foot.

Find the wildlife refuge near you by visiting http://refuges.fws.gov  or 1-800-344-WILD.

USA: National Parks Annual Passes. Thinking of Yellowstone or Crater Lake? For families planning to see more than one national park or monument in the next year, the National Park Pass is a deal.  

The cost of a pass is $50 and it provides access to all properties under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service. The list is extensive and impressive. Places like Yosemite, Organ Pipe, and Jamestown as well as The Grand Canyon and The Everglades.

Select and get the benefits. For example at parks that charge a vehicle entrance fee, with a National Park Pass the pass holder and everyone else in the vehicle get in at no additional charge. The same with sites that charge a per person admission; stay with the pass holder and get in free. To be expected, there are several pass versions available. All passes may be purchased at park service properties, as well as other federal recreation sites that charge entrance fees.  

It’s age that counts. The Golden Age Passport, sort of a right of passage, is for those 62 and older. It has a one-time fee of $10. It provides free admission to all national parks and monuments, plus a 50% discount on camping fees. Another version, The Golden Access Passport, is free for blind or permanently disabled U.S. citizens, has the same benefits as the Golden Age Passport. 

Parks plus refuges. For additional access to the nation’s natural beauty a Golden Eagle hologram may be purchased for an additional $15 and affixed to a National Parks Pass to cover entrance fees at not only national parks, but also at sites managed by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U. S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. The Golden Eagle holograms are available at National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management fee stations. The passes may be purchased at park entrance stations and visitor centers, or by calling 1-888/GO-PARKS (1-888-47-7277) or https://buy.nationalparks.org. More questions? Try USFWS Customer Service Center 1-800-344-WILD or http://refuges.fws.gov

More Wild Vacation Ideas

Montana: Vacations on the Wild Side.
The bottom line there are discoveries to be made, from canoeing the Missouri to digging for old bones, a Montana family vacation will be a change of pace that will create memories to last a lifetime.

Georgia: Wild and Wonderful Experiences.
From dramatic coastal estuaries, slow moving canal ways and ever changing tidal pools to fast flowing mountain rivers and forest cathedrals endless hiking trails, Georgia offers families vacation opportunities.

Florida: Which one is Pelican Island?
familytravelfiles.com your source for information: practical advice, product reviews and travel articles from the family perspective. Explore worldwide family vacation options in our travel directory of family-friendly places.

Florida: Titusville, Space Coast Nature Tours Rookery Watch.
From February through April Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is for the birds. At the center of the seasonal craziness is the “Mullet Head Wading Bird Rookery Island” within the Refuge.

June 2003 Provided to Familytravelfiles.com by Todd Davis Powell Tate|Weber Shandwick on behalf of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service