Expedia Launches Web Site for National Park Trips

Expedia is partnering with the National Park Foundation on a new Web site to help travelers planning trips to national parks.

The timing of the Web site launch was designed to coincide with the airing of Ken Burns' new documentary on public television, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea."

The site at http://www.expedia.com/nationalparks includes downloadable park maps and other content from the National Park Foundation, as well as information about lodging options outside the parks.

The content also includes suggestions for long weekend itineraries with stops at national park sites in Colorado, Texas and Michigan, and a series of stories called "Can't-Miss National Parks." The first five parks featured in the "Can't-Miss" series are the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier, Olympic and Yosemite.

While the Expedia site can be used to identify and book accommodations near the parks, it cannot be used to reserve camp sites or book stays inside the parks. For lodging options inside the parks, go to http://www.nps.gov/ and search for the park you're interested in, then click "Plan Your Visit" or "Fees & Reservations." The Web site http://www.recreation.gov also offers links for booking campgrounds and tours inside some of the parks.

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