Annual National Parks Pass (page 2 of 3)

I got a ticket to recharge with my family in Réunion. It’s gonna be a relaxed vibe with Réunionese food, hikes, and chilling.

We’ll see in 2027. But the more I think about it, the more I realize I won’t get the pass anyway. I’ll avoid national parks.

There was a time when the cost of living, hotels, and car rentals were affordable, and tourist spots weren’t overrun with visitors. I’ve seen the changes since my first road trip in 1992.

I feel like the USA as a destination is losing more and more of its appeal.

The American West still has places to discover, but you have to know where to go and venture off the beaten path.

I had my next road trip planned for next year (I’m getting older...), but I’m less and less convinced.

Still, let’s not discourage newcomers from visiting these places that we’ve loved so much.

Hey, sorry to say this, but the inflationary push in the U.S. economy isn’t over yet. Compared to when we see how much tech workers in Silicon Valley are paid, it obviously has an impact on the prices of everyday goods and rent. The problem is that Americans want the same standard of living as Switzerland or Norway, which seems tough to me. So, moral of the story: enjoy the U.S. before prices get too high.

So the moral is: enjoy the USA before prices get too high.

...and while the dollar is weak against the euro...

...inflation should drop a bit with Trump’s latest measures: tax cuts on coffee, meat, etc.

...I just got back—it’s still doable to have a budget-friendly road trip in the West...

...and personally, for the holidays: Bangkok won’t be in the same price range as the US!

Yeah, I know, and honestly, it’s not even about the money. I just bought a ticket to Réunion that cost me twice as much as a round-trip to Los Angeles. It’s just the method I find insulting for those who come to discover the country. But that won’t stop me from going back to the US, of course. And if I don’t visit the national parks, I’ll go discover other wonders. 😉

Yeah, I kinda feel the same way. And for the first time in nearly 15 years, I’ve decided to change my destination. Of course, there are wonders outside the parks—I’ve seen quite a few in 18 trips. I’m just disappointed to see how lovers of the U.S. like me are being rewarded these days. But even at $250, the parks are still worth visiting. It’s just the way it’s being done that bothers me. Raising prices is fine… but 300%? 🤪

I’ve got one—or rather, two—countries to suggest to you. 😉

go! I'm all ears ;)

go! I'm listening 😉

Italy!! 😉 😎

And a Middle Eastern country that’s a bit unsettled right now.[;]

I’m not listening to you anymore! 😏

You know I’ve got Italy right here at my place every summer 😄

The Middle Eastern country you’re talking about—if it’s the one I’m thinking of—is incredible. It’s got landscapes that look totally US. But it’s too chaotic right now...

I’m aiming for Bolivia, but I’m too nervous to go alone. Same for Argentina. Otherwise, I’ll hit up the Nordic countries. There are some insane landscapes there.

I’m not listening to you anymore! 😏

You know I’ve got Italy at my place every summer 😄

The Middle Eastern country you’re talking about—if it’s the one I’m thinking of—is incredible. It’s got some really American-looking landscapes. But it’s too hectic right now...

I’m eyeing Bolivia, but I’m too nervous to go alone. Same with Argentina. Otherwise, I’ll hit up the Nordic countries. There are some insane landscapes there.

I was joking about Italy, you know that.

As for the Middle Eastern country, I spent 3 weeks there this summer, and it was really calm. Just one Houthi missile alert the night we arrived at the restaurant! 😎

I’d love to go to Argentina too. But hey, I’m getting older. We’re taking it easier these days.[;]

Hey,

It’s sad, but 18 road trips to the USA ;) and I think I’ll take a long break. I don’t feel like going back to a country where I don’t feel welcome right now... I never thought I’d say that one day...

Same here 😢 First trip in 1985 and the last one in 2024. A chapter is closing, but I hope it’s just temporary 🤞

And reading this isn’t going to help 😢

Planning a trip to the USA? The Trump administration now wants French travelers to provide their social media history - midilibre.fr

Yeah, I saw that. I think they mainly want the usernames used on Facebook, Instagram, etc. I already give them when applying for ESTA. But some people will definitely freak out 😄

And reading this won’t change that 😞

😮 😮 Thanks for the info. This just goes to show how much the US loves bureaucracy. Anyway, with generative AI platforms, you fill in the boxes asking for your username and your entire history pops up within minutes. It feels like we’re back in Soviet Union times. But thanks again for the info

Hi,

I was surprised not to see anything about this social media history thing yet. History of what? Public interventions? As for usernames, well, you don’t declare them anyway. Still, looking back, it’s good that the relevant authorities have always rejected the French government’s recent attempts to increase surveillance and ban anonymity. Truth is, France has no business lecturing Trump—he’s just pandering to his voters, after all.

Anyway, with generative AI platforms, you fill in the boxes asking for your username, and your entire history pops up within minutes.

No.

Michel

And reading this won’t change that 😞

😮 😮 It feels like we’re back in Soviet Union times.

You must’ve known it well, right?

But I honestly don’t find it any nicer to charge foreigners more...

France was pretty much the only place where pricing was the same for everyone.

In India, the Taj Mahal costs 10.37 € for a French (or Congolese, Brazilian, etc.) visitor but only 0.47 € for an Indian—whether they’re a billionaire or not. Entry to Borobudur: 20.42 € if your passport is French, 2.55 € if you’re Indonesian. The South African Wild Card: 236 € for me, 46.90 € for a South African (access to all parks in the program for one person for a year). A day pass for Serengeti: 59.55 € for you, 3.46 € for a Tanzanian (per person, just for one day...).

As for park pricing, it’s becoming more common in countries dealing with overtourism. Expensive upgrades are needed to protect sites from being destroyed by too many visitors. The other approach is quotas.

$80 was honestly a steal of the century. Even at $250, it’s still pretty affordable. It covers all passengers in the vehicle or at least 4 people for parks with individual pricing.

The sudden price hike is shocking, but otherwise, this isn’t an isolated case or an outrageous cost.

I’ll add that visa issuance costs can vary depending on nationality for some countries.

A French citizen can enter Chile for free, whereas it’ll cost Donald $160.

No.

I get that you spend your time contradicting people. But can we know why you wrote "no"?

I say no because it's false. Generative AI isn’t relevant at all for this kind of thing. An example? To give you an idea. I asked ChatGPT who founded VoyageForum:

"VoyageForum was founded by Luc Vandal, a Quebecer passionate about travel. He launched the site in 2000, initially as a personal project to help travelers exchange practical tips. Luc Vandal managed the site himself for a long time, actively involved in moderation, improving features, and building relationships with members. He’s known for defending an independent, community-driven vision of travel, far from purely commercial or traditional tourism models. The forum then grew in the 2000s and 2010s, becoming a must-visit spot for French-speaking travelers, especially those backpacking or going on round-the-world trips."

Michel