This website is for you. If you love getting out and visiting the incredible national parks in the U.S. and are looking for inspiration and help planning your trips, then you’re in the right place.
Who Am I?
I’m James Ian. Although I’ve been to 82 countries and all 7 continents, many of my favorite places on the planet are right here in the national parks of the United States. I’ve been to most of the national parks in the US – many of them multiple times.
With over 35 years’ experience in the travel industry, I’ve worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, as a publisher in the travel industry for almost a decade, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
In addition to publishing nine national park itinerary planners, I’ve been featured multiple times in the USA Today’s annual print only National Parks Special Edition, as well as several online travel publications.
The U.S. parks are rightfully popular, but with so many people going there, planning a trip to them can be tricky. I’m a national park expert, and I created this website to help you.
My mission for Parks Collecting is help you have the best trips to US national parks that you can.
You’ll find hundreds of in-depth guides detailing how to get there, when to go, where to stay, what to do, and what to pack for your next trip to the national parks and monuments.
Also included are detailed itineraries that will take all the legwork out of planning. They give a suggested schedule along with you insider tips and recommendations for places and experiences not to miss (and some that you can), so that your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
You’ll also find comprehensive reviews and recommendations of useful hiking and camping gear and clothing to take and wear, packing lists for different locations, gift guides for the avid national park visitor, books to read, places to stay in, useful booking resources, planning tips, and more.
Get started planning your next vacation now with a free download of my National Park Trip Planning and Preparation Checklist.
[Read more about me: James Ian Profile]
Some people I’ve helped
Thank you! I only spent about 6 hours in the park and your itinerary was so helpful that I knew exactly how to spend my time efficiently!! We had a really great time!
Kathleen (Yellowstone itinerary)
I have just returned home from my most magical Zion trip. Your itinerary was flawless!!! It was the perfect trip and I just want you to know how much I appreciate your knowledge!
Jen (Zion itinerary)
Inspiration, Planning Guides, Itineraries, and Resources
My website is arranged around these four pillars.
- Get some ideas for your next trip in the Inspiration section.
- Use the free Guides on this website to start to plan your next trip. [Read more about my Editorial Guidelines]
- Then purchase one of my detailed Itineraries to help take all the pain out of your planning. [Read more about my Product Creation Guidelines]
- And check out my free Resources pages for helpful tips, advice, suggestions and resources to help you have great travel experiences. [Read more about my Product Review Guidelines]
Community
It’s my goal to create and contribute to a community of people who love the national parks in the United States. In a world where we are often divided, our love of these incredible places can bring us together.
Get started now by downloading my free National Parks Trip Planning and Preparation Checklist (it’s free when you sign up for daily emails about national parks from me).
I’d also love to see you in my private Facebook group U.S. National Parks Collectors I share updates about our national parks and we can all ask questions and share tips, photos, plans and stories of our parks’ trips.
Also, feel free to email me directly james(at)parkscollecting.com. If you have any questions, comments or opinions you’d like to share – or if you notice anything that’s wrong. I’d love to hear from you.
You can also fill out a simple form and Contact Me directly that way if you prefer.
Happy Collecting!
James
