Did You Visit a National Park This Summer? Tell Us What You Saw.
A wave of firings and resignations shortly after President Trump took office depleted the ranks of permanent staff across the system, and seasonal hiring started much later than usual. All this meant reports of uncleaned toilets, closed trails and campgrounds, and long waits at popular sites.
The chaos may have pushed nervous travelers to visit state parks or Canadian parks instead. If you still chose to go to a U.S. national park this summer, we want to know about your experience. Were there problems like overcrowding, cancellations or maintenance issues, or did you find things working smoothly? Please share the details of your experience with us, including photos and videos. We will look at all the responses and use some of them to put together a crowdsourced midsummer checkup of national parks.
We won't publish your response or use photos or videos you submit without contacting you. If we do include your response, we will need to use your full name and city; we can't use pseudonyms or first names only.
Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2025.
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Travel + Leisure
2 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
These 16 Travel Essentials Just Dropped to Their Lowest Prices Ever for Prime Day—From $5
Sun, surf, and sand—as if there weren't plenty of reasons to love summer already, Amazon Prime Day is back, running from July 8 to July 11. The mega online retailer has rolled out thousands of new discounts in honor of the savings event, and some of the best travel deals include brands that Travel + Leisure editors can't get enough of. From all-in-one Samsonite luggage sets to sandals so supportive you can hike in them, Amazon is stocked with premier travel accessories that will make your summer one for the books. Keep scrolling for the lowest prices you'll find on tried-and-true travel must-haves this year—like Apple AirTags and compression packing cubes, starting at just $5. $100 off: Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, $149 (originally $249) Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds, $149 (originally $249) T+L editor-loved: Charmast Portable Charger With Built-in Cables, $19 (originally $30) Charmast Portable Charger With Built-in Cables, $19 (originally $30) Mega 49% off: Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX 3-piece Luggage Set, $348 (originally $680) Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX 3-piece Luggage Set, $348 (originally $680) Teva Women's Original Universal Sandal, $41 (originally $55) Flight attendant-approved: Napfun Travel Neck Pillow, $16 (originally $22) Napfun Travel Neck Pillow, $16 (originally $22) Carry-on hack: Bagail 4-set Compression Packing Cubes, $17 (originally $24) Bagail 4-set Compression Packing Cubes, $17 (originally $24) $5 travel accessory: Vlando Travel Jewelry Case, $5 (originally $6) Vlando Travel Jewelry Case, $5 (originally $6) Eachy Travel Makeup Toiletry Bag, $21 (originally $30) T+L-tested: Apple AirTag 4-pack, $65 (originally $99) Apple AirTag 4-pack, $65 (originally $99) Best designer discount: Vera Bradley Adair Rolling Duffel, $86 (originally $190) Many travel hiccups—like delayed flights, or double-booked hotel rooms—are ultimately out of our control. But GPS trackers can help you quickly resolve the headache of lost or stolen luggage. Flight attendants and travel editors alike trust Apple AirTags for keeping track of checked suitcases, from the baggage desk to baggage claim. And right now, they're on sale for their lowest price of $65. As a travel writer, I use my four-pack of Apple AirTags on every trip. One gets stuffed into my carry-on, one gets slipped into my wallet via an AirTag card holder, one gets stashed into my checked bag, and, if I'm driving my car, one gets tucked into my glove compartment—that way, I can easily find where I've last parked it at the airport. These packing cubes aren't just a great way to keep your clothes organized—they also free up tons of extra space in your carry-on. These Bagail packing cubes use a double-zipper system to squeeze the extra air out of your folded clothing, compressing them to a fraction of their original size. I recently bought this specific set for a solo trip to Puerto Rico, and I'm so glad that I did; not only did they help me squeeze five days' worth of clothes into my duffel bag, but they also helped me stay tidy and organized all trip long. Block out crying babies and noisy seatmates on your next flight with these Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds. Currently knocked down $100 for Prime Day, these low-profile earbuds tout noise cancellation capabilities and personalized spatial audio, giving you a one-of-a-kind listening experience. Samsonite has earned a reputation for creating sleek, durable luggage that can last a lifetime, and this Prime Day, you can try out the premier luggage brand out for yourself while saving over $300 in the process. This three-piece Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX luggage set, 49 percent off, contains every suitcase you'd ever need—including a carry-on, a medium checked suitcase, and a large checked suitcase—for weekend trips to long-haul vacations. Made with scratch-resistant polycarbonate shells, TSA-approved locks, ergonomic telescopic handles, and an abundance of zippered pockets, this set is a steal this Prime Day. I bought this Charmast Portable Charger after hearing so much positive buzz from fellow T+L writers and editors, and now, it comes with me everywhere—to work, on planes, and even while out running errands. It's compact and has four charging cables for all of your devices already built in, including a Lightning cable, a USB-A cable, a USB-C cable, and a micro USB cable. The LED screen tells you exactly how much battery percentage is left in the power bank, so you know when you'll need to recharge it, and it allows you to charge multiple devices at once, so you can give your phone and Bluetooth headphones a boost in one fell swoop. Comfy sandals can help you soak up the most out of outdoor activities. Teva sandals are heralded by T+L writers and editors—myself included—as a summer solution to flimsy flip-flops and unsupportive flat sandals. These woven strappy sandals have Velcro straps that can be adjusted for a tighter or looser fit, a crucial component for comfort on long travel days. Vera Bradley has a wide selection of cute quilted bags on sale for Prime Day, but this rolling duffel caught my eye. Previously $190, it's on sale for as low as $86 right now—a shocking 55 percent off the original price tag. Featuring multiple zippered pockets, an adjustable handle, a TSA-approved lock, and separate bottom compartment for shoes, this roomy, water-repellant ripstop duffel bag is perfect for short getaways. Only have one outlet in your hotel room? No problem—this travel wall adapter can help you turn that single outlet into a premier charging station. Great for airport terminals, cruises, and even dorm rooms, this nifty plug-in adapter turns one wall plug into four, and touts an additional three charging ports for electronic cables. The coolest travel hack this summer: Packing your own personal fan. Beloved by flight attendants and travelers, this bestselling Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan is on sale during Prime Day. Over 50,000 Amazon shoppers have given a five-star rating of approval, noting that it's compact, convenient, and 'a must for those who run hot'.You won't have to hunt down a convenience store for backup batteries on your trip, either—this fan is rechargeable and can last up to 12 hours on a single charge. Having your electronics or fine jewelry stolen can be gut-wrenching, but losing your passport to a thief can be a travel nightmare of massive proportions. Keep your passport, IDs, and travel documents safe and squared away with this Travelon Passport Zip Wallet, on sale for $24. Inside are RFID-blocking slots for your credit cards, a dedicated passport sleeve, and a discreet back pocket for stashing your boarding pass or cash. This Eachy toiletry bag is a chic way to keep your makeup and toiletries organized while on the go. Covered in a faux leather material that's easy to wipe clean, this compact bag unzips to reveal multiple dedicated pockets and compartments, including a clear zippered brush compartment, elastic side pockets for bulky makeup products, and a large, open main compartment for lotions, hair products, and sprays. Choose from any of the 30 available colors to find a bag that suits your travel style. Stanley fans, rejoice: The water bottle brand has several styles on sale for Prime Day, and this Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler may just be the best Stanley deal we've found yet. On sale for $20 off, this tumbler is equipped with a leak-resistant top for easy sipping, a grab handle for carrying, and double wall insulation that keeps iced drinks cold for up to two days. Uncomfortable plane seats can be a real pain in the neck, but the right travel pillow can help you find relief. This Napfun Neck Pillow is a fan favorite among flight attendants, people who travel for work, and frequent flyers, and has earned over 12,000 five-star ratings on Amazon alone. Unlike squeaky inflatable neck pillows, this plush version is made up of supportive memory foam that cradles your neck, shoulders, and chin for ultimate comfort. One flight attendant spilled the beans on the gross things she's seen travelers do with the complimentary blankets, and ever since then, we've been going B.Y.O.B. (bring your own blanket) for every flight. This Eversnug travel blanket is 'soft, cozy and lightweight, but warm,' and conveniently folds up into its own separate travel pouch, transforming into a portable pillow, should you need extra neck support on a long flight or find your hotel pillows a little too thin for your liking. Stop giving your jewelry the Ziploc bag treatment; instead, treat it to a much-needed upgrade while it costs just $5 to do so. This mini travel jewelry case has separate compartments for your rings, earrings, and necklaces, and fully zips, preventing any pieces from falling out. This pint-sized jewelry case is perfect for short weekend trips and light travelers, but if you need some extra storage space, this brand has a larger version that's also budget-friendly. Plug out the rest of the world with these Skullcandy over-ear headphones, 60 percent off for Prime Day. Boasting 40 hours of battery life, these headphones come with immersive, adjustable sensory bass and can be attuned specifically to your listening preferences via a smartphone app. Reviewers say these earbuds "exceeded' their expectations, noting that the sound quality, performance, and playback time are top notch, beating out higher-end options. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
WestJet redeploys network to new locations after decline in demand for flights to U.S.
WestJet's schedule of direct flights is opening up to new locations in Mexico and Central America after the airline saw a descent in demand for U.S. destinations this year. On Monday, WestJet announced five new routes to warmer cities as part of its upcoming winter schedule. The new destinations include Guadalajara, Tepic and Cozumel in Mexico, as well as Panama City, and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. John Weatherill, WestJet Group executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said the new destinations come as the company makes network adjustments to account for "the geopolitical environment" this year. The airline has seen a decline in demand from Canadian travellers interested in flying to the U.S. "As a result, we've redeployed some of our capacity into domestic markets across the Atlantic and to [Latin America and] Caribbean destinations," Weatherill said. "We've seen that demand situation stabilize, but it's hard to say how it's going to develop going forward. But we have a lot of confidence in the destinations that we're offering today." A decline in consumer interest for U.S. travel has been recorded in Canada since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January and began commenting on a desire to make Canada the 51st state of his country. Many Canadians have opted not to visit their southern neighbour for a number of reasons, including the ongoing trade war between the two countries, increased scrutiny at the border or as a way to boycott the U.S. Instead, Weatherill said the company has seen more interest from Canadians this year in domestic travel, or visiting Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. "It's been meaningful, but it's stabilized and we hope to see it begin to improve," Weatherill said about consumer demand for U.S. travel. The new destinations are also part of the airline's overall strategy to reach more Latin American and Caribbean destinations, which it's pursuing regardless of Canada's relationship with the U.S. Balázs Bogáts, the chief commercial officer at the Calgary airport, also acknowledged the shift in demand WestJet has seen. "Due to the ongoing geopolitical challenges, WestJet decided to reallocate some capacity to some exciting new destinations," said Bogáts In May, WestJet paused nine routes between Canada and the U.S. as a result of declining consumer demand, including the route between Calgary and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which was suspended for a month in June.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
WestJet agent rejects First Nations elder's ID card, prevents him from boarding
A First Nations elder says he was denied boarding by a WestJet agent because they wouldn't accept his valid photo identification card. Lawrence Douglas Corbiere was travelling from Montreal to Winnipeg on June 30 when he showed his Indian status card as photo identification. The WestJet boarding agent said his ID had expired, even though Corbiere says the expiration date was February 2029. The agent instructed him to step aside and wait, and he missed his flight. He'd used the same card to travel from Winnipeg to Montreal just three days earlier. "She told me it was expired," Corbiere said. "It wasn't expired. She forgot to see on top of the card." An Indian status card is an official document issued by the Canadian government to First Nations people who are registered under the Indian Act. The card serves as proof of identity and legal Canadian identification, and can be used as ID for domestic flights. Corbiere said the agent refused to reconsider his request to examine the card, and that's when he called his friend David Harper. Harper, who earlier had assisted Corbiere with his check-in, said he was on the phone with Corbiere and listened to what the agent said — adding it was unacceptable. "That lady was very rude right off the bat," Harper said. "You could just tell the tone and the way she was talking to Doug." Harper said despite repeated attempts to communicate with the agent, she remained unresponsive. "I said, 'What are we going to do now? Are you going to help him out?' She said no, he's going to wait till tomorrow or whatever he has to do. The agent totally ignored him." Harper said he was then on the phone for 2½ hours, talking to WestJet customer service, and they didn't even know what an Indian status card was. They started asking if Corbiere was from India. "That's totally ignorant of how WestJet does not teach their staff how cultural sensitivity should be at the forefront of this company," Harper said. Harper said eventually WestJet rebooked Corbiere on a flight the next day and put him up in a hotel. Corbiere had an urgent medical matter requiring his immediate return to Winnipeg and was in need of his medications, Harper said. Also, he says despite writing a note that Corbiere needed wheelchair assistance for the flight, he did not get it. Harper wants systemic change. "We don't want anybody going through that same ordeal which he went through," he said. "We are basically looking for an apology for him and we are looking for better services from WestJet, especially in terms of cultural sensitivity.… They didn't even know what Indian status card is. It's a federally regulated card." The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs called the incident heartbreaking. "First Nations elders carry sacred knowledge and deserve the utmost respect, not to be humiliated or mistreated by corporate institutions. It's 2025 — there is no excuse for this kind of systemic racism to still be taking place," AMC Grand Chief Kyra Wilson said in a statement. She demanded WestJet's executive leadership publicly acknowledge the incident and issue a direct apology to Corbiere. She wants cultural safety training implemented for all staff, and asks them to work in partnership with First Nations leadership to develop long-term commitments toward reconciliation. Elder still shaken "Too often our people face discrimination when travelling, seeking services or simply living their lives. This must stop. It's time for WestJet to demonstrate accountability and uphold the values they claim to represent," Wilson said. Corbiere is still shaken. "I am kind of upset," he said. "I had a fear because I didn't know anybody in Montreal and where to stay.… It was a rough time. I survived." He plans to change airlines. In an email to CBC, WestJet offered an apology to Corbiere for the inconvenience. The company said it will contact him directly to learn more about this experience.
