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Embarking on a journey as a travel therapist is a unique opportunity to not only explore the vast landscapes of the United States but also to enrich your professional experience while taking in breathtaking natural wonders. From the rugged peaks of Glacier National Park to the serene lakes of the Adirondacks, and from the awe-inspiring depths of the Grand Canyon to the bubbling geysers of Yellowstone, the United States boasts an array of destinations that will keep your bucket list filled for years. Whether you explore Utah's mesmerizing national parks or wander the charming corners of New England, each destination offers its own distinct charm and promises unforgettable experiences for you, even if you're just passing through on the way to your next assignment!
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a fan favorite of Jackson Therapy travelers! Travel PTA Rebekah has said "If you haven't been to Glacier National Park you are missing out! From raging waterfalls, to fields of bear-grass, the most amazing mountain drive you will take and being able to TOUCH a glacier, you have everything you can ask for all in one place!" The national park located in Montana is home to more than 1 million acres filled with a lush rainforest, ancient cedar trees, wildflower-filled meadows, glacial-carved peaks, lakes, and of course amazing hiking trails. Whether you find an assignment in the area that allows you to explore endlessly or you just pass through on a road trip, you won't be disappointed in your time at Glacier National Park!
Grand Canyon National Park
Another popular National park you won't want to miss is the Grand Canyon National Park! The Grand Canyon is one of the most amazing examples of erosion, with unmated views you can't find anywhere else in the world. Beyond the natural beauty, the park is home to national historic landmarks and incredible museums. Whether you only have time for a scenic drive to see the highlights on your way to your next assignment or take the time for a multi-day hiking and camping adventure. No matter what you do during your trip to the national park, you won't be let down! JTP Travel PT Alyssa hikes the Grand Canyon rim to rim in January of 2021! She said "It was snowing and 20 degrees at the start, and 75 degrees in the base of the canyon. It was the hardest thing I have ever done (and I have done two marathons!) it took 8.5 hours to hike from the South Kaibab trail, into the canyon, across the Colorado river, and out via the bright angel trail."
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park, and is another fan favorite for JTP travelers! Yellowstone is a truly unique experience with Old Faithful, and geysers that shoot 100 feet into the air, along with spectacular hiking trails with beautiful views. This park is home to the most active, diverse, and intact collections of combined geothermal features with over 10,000 hydrothermal sites and half of the world's active geysers! You'll also find 25 historical sites or landmarks that are rich in cultural and historic resources. Travel OT Rachel and her partner visited Yellowstone while on the way to her next travel assignment in Washington. They saw bear, elk, pronghorns, and a lot of bison during their visit. She said it was "SO cool and I hope that I can eventually go back and explore even more!!"
Utah National Parks
While this list offers numerous National Parks, Utah offers the 3rd most amount of National Parks in the country (behind California and Alaska). Arches National Park is the most popular park in the state, with more than 2,000 natural arches formed of gorgeous red rocks. The usual first stop for visitors is the Delicate Arch, the largest freestanding arch in the park. Your next must-see destination is Zion National Park, which is home to the famous 2.7 mile hike to Angels Landing. Cottonwood trees in the park glow gold in the fall, mountain ridges shine with snow in the winter, and waterfalls and pools fill with life in the summer, so there's no bad time to visit the park. Canyonlands National Park is an underrated introduction to the red rock scenery in Utah. This park offers a variety of scenery including canyons carved by the Colorado river, massive red-rock arches, and fields of hoodoos (tall, thin spire of rock formed by erosion). Canyonlands is often referred to as "Utah Landscape 101," so if you only have time to visit one Utah park, this will get you the most out of the trip!
New England
The New England area offers numerous bucket list destinations that you can spend day or weeks exploring. One of the most popular places to visit is Acadia National Park in Maine, the perfect outdoor playground for winter skiing, spring fishing, or summer and fall hikes. Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, is another beautiful destination in New England offering a quaint village with unparalleled views of the Presidential, Franconia, Kinsman, and Dalton mountain ranges. Every June the area blooms with fields of pink and purple lupine flowers, marking one of the most scenic views in the area. Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is a must-see destination perfect for a summer getaway or travel assignment. With stunning natural beauty, hundreds of miles of sandy coastline, epic whale watching, and world-class food! Newport, Rhode Island, is home to nine vibrant and historic coastal towns. The Classic Coast is perfect for surfing, sailing, gorgeous Colonial architecture, and breathtaking views.
