This website is here to help you plan and book your next parks adventure. Get started here:

Trip Preparation Checklist
National Parks Newsletter
Trip Planning help

If you’ve just started to think about visiting a park, check out the Inspiration section for bucket lists, hidden gems, fun facts, and not-to-be missed spots and activities.

When you’ve decided which park(s) to visit, you’ll find free Guides about each of the parks detailing what to do, how to get there, when to go, where to stay, and what to pack. 

As your planning gets more focused, you can purchase one of my detailed Itineraries. These take all of the leg work out of planning. In addition to a detailed schedule that you can easily follow to maximize your time and see and do the best that each park has to offer, you’ll also get insider tips on how to avoid the crowds, what not to miss (and some things that you can), detailed hiking descriptions, driving directions, and more. You can also purchase a self-guided audio tour of the park(s) you’ll visit.

When you’re ready to start booking your trip, use the Resources section. Here you’ll find detailed planning and booking resources, reviews and recommendations of useful things to take and wear, general planning tips, as well as gift guides for the avid national park visitor, and more. 



James Ian at Mesa Verde
MESA VERDE

Hi, I’m James and I’m a national park expert. I’m here to help you have amazing trips to the National Parks in the United States.

I’ve dedicated my life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents, and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, I’ve worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks. 

I created this website to help you have the most incredible adventures, within your comfort zone and budget, that you possibly can.

Read more …


Logos of publications Parks Collecting and James Ian have been featured in: USA Today, Best Life, Wired, Time Business News, Savoteur, East End Taste, msn, Spice Market New York, DBPedia, MediaFeed.org, Every Country In The World and TBEX finalist Best Travel Blog