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 money
• Smart strategies for booking national park lodging, even if it’s last-minute
• Renting a car for less using AutoSlash
• Packing food like a pro to avoid overpriced meals in-park
• Why Best Western and Hyatt are two underrated hotel options for park stays
• How to use points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Delta SkyMiles) to make national park trips more affordable
• Tips for families, solo travelers, and anyone who wants gorgeous views without death-defying hikes
• Rapid fire favorites: dream parks, best hikes, go-to snacks, and more

Whether 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 Introduction
• 01:18 The Allure of National Parks
• 03:13 Favorite National Parks and Experiences
• 07:12 Planning Tips and Best Times to Visit
• 08:08 Accommodation Strategies
• 15:18 Underrated National Parks to Visit
• 20:24 Transportation and Car Rentals
• 21:56 Booking Rental Cars with AutoSlash
• 22:49 Saving Money on Hotel Bookings
• 23:38 Packing Food for National Park Trips
• 24:40 Hydration and Hiking Tips
• 27:04 Leveraging Points and Miles
• 29:25 Choosing the Right Credit Cards
• 37:46 Rapid Fire Questions
• 40:33 Where to Find More Information

Resources Mentioned:

• Teresa’s Blog: AnAcreInTheCity.com
• Teresa's 3 Secrets to Your Best National Parks Trip Freebie
• Teresa's YouTube Channel
• The Ultimate Girls Trip to Shenandoah Valley blog post
• Spending a Fun 2 Days in Shenandoah National Park Itinerary blog post

Support the show

Full 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.