In the United States, 59 national parks are scattered across the country, ranging from the very large—Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska—to the very small: Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial in Pennsylvania. In 2011, over 278 million people visited the parks—but how can you decide which ones to visit yourself?
Before you head off on your national park adventure, though, you should consider how to keep your family safe and healthy while exploring the wilderness. Carry a first-aid kit with you at all times in case a family member takes a fall or has a nasty encounter with some stinging nettles. Also, make sure to tell someone at home where you’ll be, and carry a cell phone with GPS to help you maintain your bearings on deserted trails. And consider purchasing a travel medical insurance policy before your trip begins; doing so will ensure coverage no matter where you are to help you avoid overwhelming medical bills later.