How one traveler overcame her worries about traveling solo—and enjoyed America’s National Parks
By Jill Parasine, 6-time traveler, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
As my plane landed in Rapid City, South Dakota, I realized I was about to begin a journey through our country’s western states and National Parks on Grand Circle’s America’s Majestic National Parks vacation. What made this trip unique was that I was traveling solo for the first time—and while part of me could not wait to touch down, the other part of me was worried whether I’d be lonely or uncomfortable as a “single” on a group tour.
Jill poses in front of the snowcapped Teton mountain range.
Immediately upon landing, I was greeted by our Program Director, Sarah Greener, and my other tour members—and I never thought twice about being a solo traveler again! The group was congenial and for 17 days, we “Ooohed” and “Aaahed” together. This was my first trip to the West … and I was in awe of the vastness and beauty of our country.
Seeing the Crazy Horse Memorial was beyond anything I could imagine … and it was so massive. Some of us took a short Jeep tour to its base to see it up close.
Then we were off to experience Mt. Rushmore during the afternoon—and again at night. How can you not feel pride for our country when you’re surrounded by more than one thousand tourists singing our national anthem? We applauded each person in the audience who was serving or had served in our military as they were invited by the rangers to stand on the Rushmore platform to be introduced and thanked personally by all of us.
More than one thousand visitors sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” during Jill’s visit to Mt. Rushmore.
The wheels on our bus covered hundreds of miles as we continued our journey west. Sarah kept us busy—we sang, watched short videos, listened to music, and pored over maps and brochures. The mountains got steeper and steeper with ever-changing vegetation—and we soon realized that the highlights were just beginning!
Imagine sitting on logs, eating a delicious picnic lunch while overlooking the breathtaking waterfall and canyon at Yellowstone National Park … or watching a mother buffalo with her young calf under the trees. We continued on, reaching the snowcapped Teton mountain range, stopping for some great photo opportunities.
While enjoying a picnic lunch, Jill observed a waterfall in Yellowstone National Park.
Then we were off to Salt Lake City via Jackson Hole. We were fortunate to be able to attend a rehearsal of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir inside the 20,000-seat auditorium. I was speechless as I entered and listened to the beautiful voices singing. Some of us returned in the evening (traveling by the convenient mass transit system located near our hotel), in order to hear a special organ recital inside the Tabernacle.
The group was treated to an amazing organ recital during an evening visit to the Mormon Tabernacle.
As I watched the 2010 Winter Olympics this year, I found the games much more meaningful because of our special Salt Lake City Olympic Park tour. Having stood at the top gate of the ski jump gave me a greater appreciation for our skilled Olympic participants. We even saw young skiers practicing on water slides!
Jill poses with a sign during her stop at Salt Lake City Olympic Park.
The Bryce Canyon “hoodoos” intrigued me—and I must have taken 40 pictures of these unique rock formations. Each turn in the trail opened new vistas and cast new shadows.
Some of Bryce Canyon’s unique “hoodoo” rock formations.
The next day, we reached the majestic Grand Canyon. We ate a delicious lunch in the historic lodge overlooking the Canyon’s rim. I don’t think anything could have been more spectacular.
Our tour continued into Arizona. In Page, I had such fun traveling by Jeep to Antelope Canyon. While we walked deep into the canyon, we listened as a Native American told us legends while another played a wooden flute. The music made the canyon come alive.
During a visit to Antelope Canyon, the group enjoyed listening to Native American flute music.
When we reached Mesa Verde, I couldn’t wait to walk down the trail to stand where the ancient Anasazi people once lived. I had taught about this place and these people for years, and now I was actually standing there. Our local guide, Marty, was an exceptional teacher and this optional tour one of the best.
Jill walked deep into the remains of Mesa Verde to stand where the ancient Anasazi people once lived.
Any concerns I had had about traveling alone disappeared before the end of my first day. My accommodations were excellent and I always had someone to eat with, stroll down a path or street with, or even take my picture.
Would I travel again as a solo? Absolutely! In fact, two weeks after I returned home from my National Parks tour, I set off on Grand Circle’s Norwegian Fjords & Lapland vacation—also as a solo!
Experience the majesty of Mt. Rushmore, intriguing “hoodoos” of Bryce Canyon, and awe-inspiring views of the Grand Canyon on our America’s Majestic National Parks vacation.