The Best Hidden Gems For Your 2024 Travel Bucket List

1. Follow 'leave no trace' principles.

Because many National Parks workers and rangers were laid off, each parks’ efforts to keep trails, campgrounds, visitor centers, and restrooms may be minimized, irregular, or non-existent. Following ‘leave no trace’ principles implies your full responsibility for cleaning up the trash, food scraps, and more that you bring into the park.

Leaving no trace also includes staying on designated trails to prevent erosion that could impact local ecosystems and wildlife. And when it comes to wildlife, it’s best to not interact with their habitats – keep a safe distance and never feed the animals you may come across. This is also for your own safety!

For more information and guidance on how you can leave no trace, visitLNT.org.

2. Plan ahead.

If your national park itinerary includes day hiking, backpacking, or camping, planning ahead will be a key step in making sure your trip is as seamless as can be. This is especially pertinent as certain trails and areas may experience closures in light of the recent NPS layoffs.

So, what does planning ahead look like? It could be checking park websites in advance to be aware of any closures, fees, wait times, or limited services, bringing your own maps, first-aid kits, and packing plenty of food and water.

3. Get familiar with being self-sufficient.

This next method for responsibly visiting national parks goes hand-in-hand with ‘leave no trace’ and planning ahead. Since certain park rescue and ranger positions were also affected by the cuts, you’ll want to be 100% positive that you’ve brought everything you need in case of an emergency.

You’re not entirely on your own, though. During your visit, you’re sure to run into friendly faces that know basic first aid principles, how to read a map, and how to reach out for help if it’s needed. Make a friend on the trail or campground and simply show up for each other!

4. Be patient and respectful.

Fewer workers and rangers in the national parks may mean slower service, whether it’s waiting to enter the parks or pay for goods. Of course, a slower process puts on a strain on everyone – visitors and workers alike. Be kind to staff and fellow parks lovers, and avoid peak hours to reduce any strain on park resources.

5. Support the parks through donations and volunteer work.

If you can’t make it out to (or simply don’t want to visit) a national park this season, you can still show your love and support for the parks by donating directly to NPS or groups like National Parks Conservation Association.

Additionally, contacting lawmakers in your local government for better park funding can be effective in making sure your voice is heard. Finally, you could also join volunteer programs in your nearest national park for things like trail maintenance or clean-ups.

1. View trails from beginning to end on Google Maps

Trails are easier to discover via Maps. When you search for a trail, you’ll see the entire route displayed, so you can easily find the starting point and the end. Upon searching, you’ll get a preview of the trail with reviews and photos from the Google Maps community. You’ll also be able to see the trail’s difficulty as well as what it’s used for.

2. Detailed Google Maps directions bring you straight to the trailhead or park entrance

Spare yourself the confusion of whether the trailhead you parked at is the trailhead you’re supposed to be hiking. Now, when you request walking or cycling directions to a particular trail, Google Maps will direct you right to its beginning.

3. Get informed when there's a heat wave warning

When you Google search for information on extreme heat events, the engine will show you details on predicted heat waves, tips on staying cool, and any urgent health concerns associated with hot weather. This feature is helpful for exploring National Parks in particular, so you’re not risking your wellbeing for exploration and fun. These warnings will pop up in a conspicuous space on your screen to eliminate confusion.

4. See how the planet evolved over time with Google Earth's update

Immerse yourself in Earth’s transformative nature using the biggest Google Earth update since 2017, Timelapse. The 4D experience takes you from the Amazon rainforest to the palm oil-rich land of Indonesia to shine a light on our changing planet and its problems and solutions, as well as a handful of beautiful natural phenomena that have unfolded over the past decades.

5. Easily view a National Park destination's can't-miss attractions

With a National Park-related search, you’ll now be able to easily view any notable attractions, campgrounds, visitor centers, and trailheads within your desired park.

6. Go properly off the grid with offline Google Maps features

Reliable cell coverage isn’t guaranteed in the great outdoors. To help you responsibly explore parks with clarity, Google Maps brings you offline features. Just tap the "download" button on any park’s Google Maps listing to download it for offline use.

Itching to explore more?

Here are the most popular U.S. National Parks, according to Google*:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
2. Bryce Canyon National Park
3. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
4. Kenai Fjords National Park
5. Rocky Mountain National Park
6. Acadia National Park
7. Badlands National Park
8. Mount Rainier National Park
9. Carlsbad Caverns National Park
10. Grand Teton National Park
11. Crater Lake National Park
12. Redwood National and State Parks
13. Olympic National Park
14. Haleakalā National Park
15. White Sands National Park
16. Arches National Park
17. Sequoia National Park
18. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
19. Dry Tortugas National Park
20. North Cascades National Park

1. Rose & Lily

Rose and Lily make a balanced and feminine pairing for twin girls since both names are rooted in floral symbolism. Derived from Latin, Rose is associated with love, beauty, and, of course, the famous red flower. Other variations of the name include Rosie and Rosalie.

Meanwhile, Lily, which is also Latin in origin, symbolizes purity and innocence and has a soft and graceful sound. It's versatile, too, and allows for alternative spellings, such as Lillie.

2. Harper & Hazel

If you'd like to stick with the same first initial for your little girls, Harper and Hazel are an adorable option that blends music with nature.

Harper is a gender-neutral name of English origin that means "harpist" or "minstrel," making it a popular choice among parents who love music. Hazel, on the other hand, has a warm, earthy feel and an Old English meaning of "the hazel tree." Together, they offer a nice mix of creativity and the environment.

3. Hannah & Sarah

Hannah and Sarah are another pairing for twin girls. These names share Hebrew roots and complement each other's sounds with a nice ring when said aloud.

Hannah means "favor" or "grace," and in the Hebrew Bible, Hannah's story of faith and prayer adds a layer of depth to the name. Sarah, which means "princess," is also a timeless name with biblical associations. As the wife of Abraham, Sarah is known as the matriarch of the Hebrew people and symbolizes strength and leadership.

4. Andrew & Matthew

Moving onto twin boys, two names that flow off the tongue together and carry historical significance are Andrew and Matthew.

Andrew, which is Greek in origin, means "strong" or "manly" and is associated with qualities like bravery, courage, and honor. As the name of one of Jesus' first apostles, Andrew carries a sense of devotion and can be a good fit for parents who appreciate these values.

Matthew has Hebrew roots and means "gift of God." It's linked to the author of the Gospel of Matthew and one of the Twelve Apostles, symbolizing faith, wisdom, and generosity. Together, Andrew and Matthew are a charming combo that reflects purpose.

5. Garrett & Graham

If you want your twin boys to share the same first initial, you can't go wrong with Garret and Graham. The former, which is derived from Gerard and Gerald, has German roots and means "spear" and "brave." It's also held by many notable athletes.

As for Graham, this name is British and Scottish in origin and has a sophisticated sound. It was originally a surname from the English town of Grantham and meant "gravel area" or "gray homestead." It sounds strong and elegant, especially alongside Garrett.

6. Archie & Elliot

This next duo for twin boys is distinct and has a modern appeal. Archie, originally a nickname for the more formal Archibald, has become a stylish name that stands on its own. It has roots in Old High German and means "genuinely bold" and "brave."

At the same time, Elliot actually means "the Lord is my God," has Hebrew origins, and is gender-neutral. It's a variation of the biblical name Elijah and is associated with faith and devotion. Together, Archie and Elliot blend boldness with grace and tradition.

7. Mason & Megan

If you're lucky enough to be welcoming a son and daughter into the world at the very same time, names with matching initials, like Mason and Megan, make sweet choices.

Mason is gender-neutral, has British roots, and means "stone worker," signifying strength, durability, and craftsmanship. It's a wonderful choice for parents who want their son to be resilient and ambitious.

Megan is a graceful Welsh name that's a variation of Margaret and means "pearl." It calls to mind purity, beauty, and sophistication. There are other spelling options as well, such as Meagan or Meghan.

8. Zachary & Zoe

Zachary and Zoe are a complementary duo that's steeped in history. Zachary, derived from the Greek Zacharias and the Hebrew Zechariah, means "the Lord recalled" and has strong biblical ties. Plus, it provides plenty of popular nickname possibilities, like Zach or Zack.

For your baby girl, Zoe is a lively and modern name with Greek roots that means "life." Originally a translation of the Hebrew name Eve, it has spiritual significance and still sounds trendy.

9. Logan & Taylor

Finally, if you're interested in both baby names being gender-neutral, you shouldn't overlook Logan and Taylor.

Logan comes from the Gaelic word "lag," which means "hollow," but don't let its etymology deter you. It's a strong-sounding name with a lot of pop culture significance, as it's held by actors like Logan Lerman and is the title of the movie Logan, starring Hugh Jackman.

Meanwhile, Taylor is French and originated as an occupational title for a tailor. Its connection to craftsmanship adds a touch of artistry and refinement. Taylor Swift's unmatched fame, especially in recent years, has also caused this name to make a notable comeback.