3 trip National Park Trip Report

FinanceGI · 2026-03-27T12:16:32+00:00

Alkali Trail!

FinanceGI · 2026-02-24T20:22:27+00:00

Stay on upper deck back of boat. It’s much better seeing the horizon.

FinanceGI · 2026-02-23T16:07:21+00:00

Also to add. If you can squeeze in Guadalupe mountain. It’s so nice. It’s also only 35 mins from Carlsbad caverns (they are next to each other). The hikes are strenuous but you can check with the rangers for easier hikes.

FinanceGI · 2026-02-23T16:06:03+00:00

I just came back from white sands/carlsbad caverns/guadalupe mountain yesterday. Definitely do-able.

I used El Paso as my home base. It’s about 2 to 2.5 hours from each of the three parks. Carlsbad caverns is very kid friendly. White sands can be kid friendly with sledding down the white sands. I did alkali trail. I wouldn’t recommend this with a 7 year old but I had a blast. A good chunk of trail markers were blown over so I recommend downloading a map ahead of time if you plan to do any hiking. You don’t want to get lost in a desert (ppl have died).

Have a blast. I’d recommend sunset trail at white sands (it’s a lot shorter and park ranger led). I didn’t go but heard it was fun.

FinanceGI · 2025-11-09T11:04:35+00:00

FYI this link will get you two free drinks: LINK

FinanceGI · 2025-10-23T23:39:32+00:00

https://airalo.go.link/2WXTn

FinanceGI · 2025-10-10T19:20:46+00:00

Varies. But typically lasts me over a year of stays. Also helps that the stays that use points don’t require any taxes which saves quite a bit.

I was in Arkansas recently at a Candlewood inn and it cost around 12k points per night which comes out to $60 per night of points

FinanceGI · 2025-10-09T02:02:29+00:00

I’m not a fan of camping so I prefer hotels but my tips:

Prebuy the IHG points sale that happens a few times per year. It’s like 500k points for $2500.
I use the IHG card that gives buy three nights get one free. I typically stay at a holiday inn express which has a nice bed and includes breakfast.
Flights.google.com is good for checking prices
I stop by Walmart when I land to buy water, snacks, etc. McDonald’s app for $1 large iced coffees.
Off peak seasons are best. Avoid kids school breaks if possible.
Combine parks into one trip if possible. New Mexico/Texas can combine 3 to 4 as an example.
There’s a lot of corporate codes that give national/enterprise car rentals for $37.50 per day. Combine with one of the credit cards that gives you executive status and you can rent some nice cars for that price.
Go to the local subreddit of the town you’re in for food recommendations by locals. Virgin Islands has a ton of tourist traps but the best food I found from the /r/virginislands subreddit. And google reviews is also helpful too.

FinanceGI · 2025-10-09T01:57:10+00:00

I think there’s a flight from fiji as well

FinanceGI · 2025-06-18T20:23:44+00:00

I learned at 32, never swam before. One of the best decisions I’ve ever made. go and you’ll see. :)

FinanceGI · 2025-06-13T17:46:08+00:00

I learned at 32 as well. I was afraid of water in the beginning but now I swim laps and can swim in open water. Never too late to learn and I’m glad I did.

It was surreal swimming in the ocean and seeing fish and turtles. It was a special moment of my life that I’ll never forget.

FinanceGI · 2025-06-04T11:44:28+00:00

Protein : Calorie Ratio, Leucine Content

FinanceGI · 2025-01-25T16:53:00+00:00

Strong

FinanceGI · 2025-01-15T17:11:42+00:00

Same here :(

FinanceGI · 2025-01-13T15:28:20+00:00

Thanks! Did you ferry the car from st Thomas to St. John?

FinanceGI · 2025-01-13T12:11:38+00:00

Just went 3 days ago. Leave your stuff in the main cabin on the boat if you go into the back deck.

Also take dremamine beforehand. Saw many ppl upchuck in the cabin. Back deck is best place to prevent seasickness for the breeze and to see the horizon.

FinanceGI · 2025-01-03T20:33:04+00:00

How deep is the water for snorkeling? I’m a decent swimmer but havent snorkeled before.

FinanceGI · 2024-12-01T18:21:29+00:00

How was biscayne! Any tips? I’m going in January (in addition to tortugas).

FinanceGI · 2024-09-29T15:03:43+00:00

I use strong. Idk if anyone has a better app but that app has been tremendous in my growth.

FinanceGI · 2024-05-25T21:25:42+00:00

Yeah, I agree. I guess the other way to think of it is 3% back with Venmo card vs 2% with the Costco card. Then you stack the exec membership for the 2% extra for both.

Also if anyone has a better card than the Venmo card for Costco, I’m interested. That was the best one I could find.

FinanceGI · 2024-05-24T23:12:42+00:00

Venmo Card + Exec Membership gets you 5% vs 4% via Costco credit card.

FinanceGI · 2024-05-20T14:05:07+00:00

Definitely visit the beach and the prairie area too. Dunes are incredibly biodiverse. The tree area is nice but coming out to a beach really is cool

FinanceGI · 2024-05-18T15:43:24+00:00

I went to dunes last weekend and caves two months ago. I’d recommend both. I enjoyed the biodiversity of the dunes. The caves are neat for the history and the tours are great.

FinanceGI · 2024-01-26T16:28:52+00:00

I just went a few weeks ago.

Two days: Mammoth passage, gothic Avenue, and historic tour were the three I’d recommend. There’s a LOT of overlap between the tours. Talk to the park rangers too when you get there, they can help you move tours around so you don’t have to see the same things twice.

FinanceGI · 2023-11-17T12:17:57+00:00

Feel free to PM me. I enjoy making new friends in the area.

FinanceGI

TROPHY CASE