Budget Friendly National Parks with Michelle (The Wandering Queen)
05/18/20 • 46 min
National parks are a great way to explore natural beauty close to home and in other countries. Today, we chat with Michelle Stelly who fell in love with hiking, backpacking, and camping. She runs the The Wandering Queen blog, where she talks about her adventures and shares tips and tricks for beginner and experienced hikers and campers. Michelle’s enthusiasm and love of nature is contagious as she talks about how she began, where she’s been, and her favorite places to go.
Michelle and her husband are in Washington where they have access to great national parks. They’ve also traveled to Patagonia in South America, Iceland, Switzerland, Australia, and all over the US. Her favorite park is her first one visited which is Zion National Park in Utah. Michelle gives tips for exploring hiking and national parks. She talks about travel tips, activities, choosing accommodations, and why you should make a reservation. We also get a first hand look into top essentials and extras you should bring, what to wear, how to save on park fees, and Michelle even shares what she likes to eat on her trips.
Show Notes:
[01:54] Michelle runs The Wandering Queen which is an outdoor hiking travel blog.
[02:17] She was born in Panama, but grew up in Houston Texas.
[03:05] She is also an engineer. She didn't start hiking and camping until after she graduated from college.
[03:21] Michelle began indoor rock climbing. She was afraid of heights. She was invited to go outdoor rock climbing, which eventually led to hiking and camping.
[04:30] She then became obsessed with exploring the outdoors.
[04:59] Michelle, her husband, and her two dogs started their outdoor adventures.
[05:52] Their first national park was Zion National Park.
[07:27] Michelle began exploring cities and then discovered that national parks were it for her.
[08:09] Her first backpack trip was in Canada. Then they went to Patagonia and Iceland.
[09:30] After moving to Washington, finding great places to hike became so much easier.
[10:19] She hikes, camps, and backpacks almost every single week.
[11:05] She goes winter backpacking in the snow and is able to hike in the rain.
[11:31] Patagonia is in South America.
[13:33] It's a good idea to check the weather before you go hiking. It's better to hike in warmer climates in the fall, winter, or spring.
[14:25] Find the nearest airport, and you'll have to rent a car.
[15:50] There's so much to do at national parks. You can hike, kayak, backpack, rock climbing, and just about any other outdoor activity you are interested in.
[16:17] Choose your activity before booking your accommodation.
[17:30] When choosing accommodations you may be able to find a hotel, but you can also camp or backpack.
[19:29] Some camping and backpacking areas are first come first serve, but for many of them you have to make reservations at recreation.gov. Michelle would recommend getting a reservation.
[22:46] Camping is usually around $10 to $20 a night. You can also get an America the Beautiful Pass for around $80 to handle yearly park entrance fees.
[23:40] Be sure to pack the ten essentials which include navigation equipment, sun protection, first aid kit, a firestarter or matches, hiking tools, extra food, extra water or water filter, emergency shelter, headlamp, and extra clothes.
[26:59] You might need a daypack, trekking poles, camera, bear deterrent, a personal locator beacon, and bug protection.
[30:00] Michelle has seen moose, elk, and bears. She also shares a warning about the attacking squirrels.
[31:59] Don't wear cotton. You want wicking material. Have a rain jacket or a poncho and dress in layers. You can also bring a sweater just in case. Leggings can be more comfortable and you could also wear hiking pants. Wear hiking shoes or hiking boots. Also bring wool socks, a hat, and sunglasses.
[37:19] A typical weekend hike could be from 4 to 11 miles depending on the weather. Michelle has a 19 mile goal.
[38:43] Michelle brings things like fruit, jerky, nuts, protein bars and sometimes sandwiches. When she camps, she likes burgers and s'mores.
[40:34] Michelle's top three national parks include Zion National Park, Mount Rainier, and Canyonlands National Park.
[45:03] You can start hiking at any age. Be sure and check out Michelle's hiking course.
Links and Resources:
Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook
National parks are a great way to explore natural beauty close to home and in other countries. Today, we chat with Michelle Stelly who fell in love with hiking, backpacking, and camping. She runs the The Wandering Queen blog, where she talks about her adventures and shares tips and tricks for beginner and experienced hikers and campers. Michelle’s enthusiasm and love of nature is contagious as she talks about how she began, where she’s been, and her favorite places to go.
Michelle and her husband are in Washington where they have access to great national parks. They’ve also traveled to Patagonia in South America, Iceland, Switzerland, Australia, and all over the US. Her favorite park is her first one visited which is Zion National Park in Utah. Michelle gives tips for exploring hiking and national parks. She talks about travel tips, activities, choosing accommodations, and why you should make a reservation. We also get a first hand look into top essentials and extras you should bring, what to wear, how to save on park fees, and Michelle even shares what she likes to eat on her trips.
Show Notes:
[01:54] Michelle runs The Wandering Queen which is an outdoor hiking travel blog.
[02:17] She was born in Panama, but grew up in Houston Texas.
[03:05] She is also an engineer. She didn't start hiking and camping until after she graduated from college.
[03:21] Michelle began indoor rock climbing. She was afraid of heights. She was invited to go outdoor rock climbing, which eventually led to hiking and camping.
[04:30] She then became obsessed with exploring the outdoors.
[04:59] Michelle, her husband, and her two dogs started their outdoor adventures.
[05:52] Their first national park was Zion National Park.
[07:27] Michelle began exploring cities and then discovered that national parks were it for her.
[08:09] Her first backpack trip was in Canada. Then they went to Patagonia and Iceland.
[09:30] After moving to Washington, finding great places to hike became so much easier.
[10:19] She hikes, camps, and backpacks almost every single week.
[11:05] She goes winter backpacking in the snow and is able to hike in the rain.
[11:31] Patagonia is in South America.
[13:33] It's a good idea to check the weather before you go hiking. It's better to hike in warmer climates in the fall, winter, or spring.
[14:25] Find the nearest airport, and you'll have to rent a car.
[15:50] There's so much to do at national parks. You can hike, kayak, backpack, rock climbing, and just about any other outdoor activity you are interested in.
[16:17] Choose your activity before booking your accommodation.
[17:30] When choosing accommodations you may be able to find a hotel, but you can also camp or backpack.
[19:29] Some camping and backpacking areas are first come first serve, but for many of them you have to make reservations at recreation.gov. Michelle would recommend getting a reservation.
[22:46] Camping is usually around $10 to $20 a night. You can also get an America the Beautiful Pass for around $80 to handle yearly park entrance fees.
[23:40] Be sure to pack the ten essentials which include navigation equipment, sun protection, first aid kit, a firestarter or matches, hiking tools, extra food, extra water or water filter, emergency shelter, headlamp, and extra clothes.
[26:59] You might need a daypack, trekking poles, camera, bear deterrent, a personal locator beacon, and bug protection.
[30:00] Michelle has seen moose, elk, and bears. She also shares a warning about the attacking squirrels.
[31:59] Don't wear cotton. You want wicking material. Have a rain jacket or a poncho and dress in layers. You can also bring a sweater just in case. Leggings can be more comfortable and you could also wear hiking pants. Wear hiking shoes or hiking boots. Also bring wool socks, a hat, and sunglasses.
[37:19] A typical weekend hike could be from 4 to 11 miles depending on the weather. Michelle has a 19 mile goal.
[38:43] Michelle brings things like fruit, jerky, nuts, protein bars and sometimes sandwiches. When she camps, she likes burgers and s'mores.
[40:34] Michelle's top three national parks include Zion National Park, Mount Rainier, and Canyonlands National Park.
[45:03] You can start hiking at any age. Be sure and check out Michelle's hiking course.
Links and Resources:
Fly with Chris and Di on Facebook
Previous Episode
What is Your Post-Quarantine Travel Destination?
Hey Fly listeners, we are thrilled to have you with us today. We are your hosts Chris and Di, and if you are anything like us, you are ready to get out of the house and go somewhere, anywhere, as long as you can get the heck out of dodge and see something besides your four walls.
Have you been planning your post quarantine destination? We have, and for this episode, we have lined up some travel industry experts and see where they are planning to take their first post quarantine trip. So buckle up, grab a pen and some paper for notes and let’s fly!
Nikki from She Saves She Travels blog is thinking either Destin, Florida, or Glacier National Park because she has small children and doesn’t feel comfortable flying just yet. Tanya from the Traveling Tanya blog loves taking her family to the beach, so they are going to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Michelle The Wandering Queen is thinking about Grand Teton’s National Park.
Cienna, the CEO of Your Life Travel Club, is craving Pizza from Italy and is just waiting for the country to open up. Ashley from Alpaca Your Bags Travel feels comfortable taking an 11-night Celebrity Cruises to the S. Caribbean. Di wants to head to a quiet beach while Chris is thinking Vegas Baby!
But no matter where you go, be safe, have fun and drop us a line, tell us where you are going and why it’s such a magical place for you.
In This Episode:
[00:51] Fly listeners, we are happy to have you with us!
[01:48] Di welcomes Nikki to the show.
[02:12] Nikki from She Saves She Travels blog is sharing her post-quarantine trip options, either Destin, Florida, or Glacier National Park in Montana.
[03:34] They are planning a mid-summer vacation, which one they choose is open.
[04:11] Tanya Shelburne is next up; she is the author of the Traveling Tanya blog.
[04:35] Tanya shares that after quarantine, they will head to Gulf Shores, Alabama.
[05:29] Check out her website for her tips on picking the right beach house or condo for you and your family.
[07:45] Chris and Di share that their refrigerator in the garage has a sticker of every place they have ever traveled.
[08:43] Michelle, the Wandering Queen, speaks about the Grand Tetons National Park being the first place she is taking her family once they have lifted the quarantine.
[09:18] Michelle shares her tips and things she is excited to do.
[11:12] Cienna Richards is the CEO of Your Life Travel Club, shares that Italy is calling her name.
[12:05] Cienna has tips for anyone who hasn’t been to Italy before.
[13:21] Di and Chris talk about where they have eaten pizza in Italy.
[14:49] The last guest is Ashley from Alpaca Your Bags Travel.
[15:23] Ashley, where will you be going post-quarantine?
[15:48] Her first destination is a work trip to St. Lucia, and after that, she will go on an 11 night Celebrity Cruises.
[17:05] How do you feel about getting on a cruise ship? Can you do it?
[17:45] Chris and Di share their #1 pick for their post-quarantine trip is Ocean Isle Beach in North Carolina for total relaxation.
[19:50] Di’s shares one of her favorite things in Ocean Isle Beach.
[21:44] For those of you who are beach people, share a moment of bliss with me.
[22:32] Chris says that the beach doesn’t work for him. He wants to go to Vegas, Baby!!
[22:56] He shares that the day that they were supposed to fly out for a week in Vegas, the quarantine hit.
[25:05] We just gave you nine locations to add to your travel list.
[25:22] Let us know your post-quarantine destination of choice on social media @flywithchrisanddi or drop us an email if you are a fly insider.
To become a Fly insider, go to www.flywithchrisanddi.com and sign up!
Be sure to connect with our guests today; they would love to connect with you.
Links and Resources
@flywithchrisanddi
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest
@flywithchrisdi
Bloggers
@shesavesshetravels
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest
@travelingtanyashelburne
Facebook |
Next Episode
Affording Travel with Danielle Desir (The Thought Card)
Having the right mindset is a popular topic no matter what you’re trying to accomplish. When it comes to travel, the two main mindset issues people often have are lack of time and lack of money. Our guest today has developed strategies to make travel a priority. She talks about her techniques for intentional budgeting and saving for travel. We also talk about how to find the best flights and deals, the difference between a trip and a vacation, and why travel can be so rewarding.
We are joined by Danielle Desir. Danielle is the author of the book Affording Travel: Saving Strategies for Financially Savvy Travelers. She’s a personal finance writer, a blogger, and the host of The Thought Card Podcast. She has managed to pay off $63,000 in student loan debt, buy a house at 27, and travel to 27+ countries all while working a full-time job.
Danielle is a financially savvy traveler who is passionate about travel and money. Today she shares how we can also be financially savvy travelers, and how we can plan and save for travel and also pay off debt at the same time. She even throws in some quick tips for finding the passion and will to pay off those student loans. She is a pure delight and you’re going to love her as much as we did.
Show Notes:
[02:01] Danielle started traveling at a young age. As a child, she spent every summer with her grandparents in Haiti.
[02:39] She grew up with a mother who was really conscious of saving money. She opened her first retirement account at 15 and started putting money away right away.
[03:31] In college, she wanted to travel more, but money was an issue. That's when she made it a goal to find creative ways to make travel a priority in her life.
[04:42] She's made travel a priority, and it shapes all of her decisions.
[05:24] She started her blog in 2015 in order to document her trips.
[06:03] She started her The Thought Card Podcast in 2018, because she wanted to create a more intimate connection with her audience.
[08:04] Danielle recently launched her book, Affording Travel: Saving Strategies for Financially Savvy Travelers.
[08:17] One of the first things when you want to start saving for travel is to think about your mindset and is there anything holding you back. People often complain that they don't have the time or they don't have the money.
[08:38] In Danielle's book, she really tackles the money aspect and the first chapter is about adjusting your priorities.
[09:16] She makes saving for travel a priority by treating travel expenses like a bill. Saving for your travel expenses will bring richness to your life.
[10:30] Danielle created a separate bank account for her travel fund. Seeing your travel savings grow is a quick win.
[12:31] Danielle uses a virtual envelope system by having multiple bank accounts.
[16:05] She discusses how her student loan interest was accruing every day as the clock ticked on.
[17:03] Emotion is a good indicator of passion.
[18:05] Danielle wanted to have the financial freedom of not having student loan debt. So she stayed at her mom's house and made sure to pay extra principal every day and month until the debt was paid off.
[20:09] Be creative and look at things as challenges as opposed to obstacles.
[21:07] Her reward was a yearly trip.
[22:50] She saved and found great deals when she had to spend.
[23:57] At the beginning, she would choose destinations according to deals. She's more intentional now.
[24:52] A trip is about the external experience. A vacation is more relaxing. Based on your travel style choose the destination.
[26:43] Define what you want to experience and find good deals based off of that.
[29:01] Automation can help your saving systems operate in the background.
[30:12] Danielle gives us great resources for cheap flights like Secret Flying and The Flight Deal.
[32:24] She also likes the deals from Travelzoo.
[33:24] She's been to more than 27 countries.
[34:00] You can get her book on Amazon to find the best deals and money saving travel tips.
[35:02] Her top three favorite places include China, Bermuda, and Iceland.
Links and Resources:
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/fly-with-chris-and-di-42232/budget-friendly-national-parks-with-michelle-the-wandering-queen-2000164"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to budget friendly national parks with michelle (the wandering queen) on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy