Rediscover America This Summer At Our National Parks.

Business Editors

More Americans are turning to our own national treasures and national parks for summer family vacations, according to AAA.

As a result, a partnership among the National Park Foundation (NPF), National Park Hospitality Association (NPHA), and AAA, working in conjunction with the National Park Service (NPS), hopes to ensure our nation's summer vacationers have the latest information about the parks they plan to visit.

AAA's summer travel forecast shows that this year the national parks rank second only to Orlando, Fla., as a top destination for AAA members and other travelers. Industry analysts also project that automobile travel will be up by 2 percent.

"The events of this year have reminded all of us of the values of our nation and heritage and we are seeing it reflected in the increased interest in visiting America's national parks," said Fran Mainella, director of the National Park Service. "This partnership will be providing valuable information to help make the family vacations to our national parks as exciting and rewarding as the Parks themselves."

The Grand Canyon and Yosemite are among the most popular national park destinations. But there are nearly 400 national parks across the country that offer unique and educational opportunities. According to the National Park Service, many of the smaller and off-the-beaten-track parks are close to home and often less crowded. The key to having an exciting Park experience, said one NPS official, is being flexible on dates and locations.

"With lingering concerns about the economy, many Americans are simplifying their vacation plans this summer and traveling by auto to domestic destinations, including national parks across the country," said AAA Travel Vice President Sandra Hughes.

AAA and the National Park Hospitality Association are partnering with the National Park Foundation to sell the National Parks Pass, which is good for unlimited entrance for one year from month of first use to all National Parks that charge an entrance fee. Many AAA club offices will also have the pass available for members to purchase as they make summer travel plans.

AAA is also unveiling for the summer season its newest publication: National Park Photography, written by veteran nature photographer, Tim Fitzharris. National Park Photography is available at AAA offices, by calling 877/AAA-BOOK or online at www.aaa.com. It also can be purchased at many retail outlets and bookstores for $24.95 US/$37.95 CDN.

As NPHA, NPF and AAA encourage Americans to venture out, see and experience their National Parks, they want to remind Americans of Fitzharris' other important message: "Take only pictures, and if possible, don't even leave your footprints."

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides its 45 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.

AAA news releases are available from http://www.aaa.com/news