With the summer months approaching, it can get more difficult to secure a campground in one of the United States’ national parks.

Plus, you’ve already camped in Yosemite, hiked the trails of Yellowstone and admired the Rocky Mountain National Park from its peaks.

Before you announce that America has no natural wonders left to discover, check out these lesser-known National Park Service or U.S. Forest Service designated lands that will help you rediscover America’s beauty—from the mountains to the prairies.

Mother’s Day is around the corner (it’s not too late to order flowers—go ahead, we’ll wait …)

… so women’s travel expert and author Marybeth Bond shares some of her top picks of walking tours to bring together you and mom.

We’re talking fresh air, incredible views, and plenty of activity that will keep the maternal bonding to a maximum.

I think every person who loves to travel probably has a personal Eskimo in their background—someone who encouraged them to believe in the world and the magic that can happen when they’re open to other people and their cultures.

For me, that person is my father. This is for him.

Ataatak*

My father is the happiest person I know. And nothing on earth makes him happier than travel.

Check out Peter’s radio show this weekend, where he’ll be chatting with travel writer Tim Leffel. Tim will tell us the real deal on whether those ubiquitous tourist discount cards are really worth your dollars.

Every city in Europe seems to offer some kind of special discount card for tourists, and the practice is common in other major capitals as well. At first glance, they all seem attractive.

You pay one price and gain “free” admission or across-the-board discounts to all the city’s attractions. Look at the offer closely with a calculator and a guidebook, however, and that great deal may be less than it appears.

Thank you for all the tips that you provide for traveling! I have a question regarding travel insurance, as I am going on a trip in March to Italy via ABC Tours, and was unsure as to whether I should purchase travel insurance or not. Thank you so much for your time.
-Sally S.
This is one of those age-old questions with no definitive answer. It’s estimated that 30 percent of Americans purchase travel insurance, which is a drastic increase since 9/11, when less than 10 percent of travelers were insured.

A 65-day cruise on aboard a cargo ship?

That’s so bananas … you belong on a banana boat!

OK, not all cargo ships are carrying bananas, but if you choose to take the “slow boat,” you may find yourselves among shipments of televisions, coal or even containers of mail.

And even in this “hurry up and get there” day and age, you may be surprised to learn that thousands of people travel this way each year.

As cargo ships sail between points to deliver products, sea-loving travelers are allowed to go along for the ride, often for dramatically less than what a traditional cruise might cost. Traveling via freighter can also be a …