Challenge: National Parks

"The farther one gets into the wilderness, the greater is the attraction of its lonely freedom."
- Theodore Roosevelt

The National Parks in the US are diverse and beautifully preserved.  They are parts of nature that most of us do not get to see on a regular basis.  I have selected three National Parks from different areas of the country for this weeks' challenge.

Criteria: We would like to be able to do some hiking and outdoor activities, but would like some other options in case there is bad weather at some point in the trip.

Needs/Wants:  Preferably a good location (either in the park or outside) for exploring.  Once again...it's about value.  There will likely be more convenient locations, but you will have to pay (usually more) for it.  There are also cheaper options (like camping) if you want to spend less.

Time Frame: May 19-26, 2012 - Saturday to Saturday (7nts/8days)

Budget: $2000 TL for two people

 Option #1: Yellowstone National Park

Old Faithful Geyser - This photo of Yellowstone National Park is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Hotel: Alpine Motel (West Yellowstone, MT) (5nts) - 1Q with mini-fridge and microwave - TripAdvisor Reviews $325+tx (estimated at 13%)  ~$367.25 TL
Hyatt Park Salt Lake City Airport (1nt) - 1K @ AAA-rate with complimentary breakfast - TripAdvisor Reviews  $80.22 TL
If you have your heart set on staying in the park, I would stay the first 4 nights in West Yellowstone and spend the 5th night in the park.  Last night is spent near SLC airport. 

Airfare: Southwest Airlines Columbus, OH (CMH) to Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)  $757.60 TL
Transportation: Enterprise Rental Car - Compact Sized for 1 week  $204.28 TL without additional insurance 
Before accepting any extra insurances from the rental company, check with your current car insurance or credit card company.  Some will cover your rental car in case of an accident. 
Car/Gas: 323 miles each way (~5hr 30min); round trip 646 miles with 30mpg at $3.50/gal  $75.37 TL

Food: Breakfast: $5/day (7day = $35); Lunch: $15/day (8days = $120); Dinner: $50/day (7days = $350)  ~$505TL (for two people)
Utilize the mini-fridge and microwave by stopping by the grocery store!  A bowl of cereal and a fruit or Greek yogurt with granola can make a cheap and filling breakfast.  Buy a cheap cooler and pack your lunch to eat in the park. 
While at any park, there are activities (ie: hiking) that will not be convenient to food.  I recommend packing easy snacks that can help keep you satisfied until your next meal such as granola, nuts, a PB&J sandwich, apples, etc.  
PLEASE be aware that wildlife may be attracted to your food, so take precautions! 
Activities: Park Entrance 7-Day Pass $25/vehicle; Hiking $0pp; Yellowstone IMAX Theater $8pp (if you print the $1off coupon); Yellowstone Mountain Guides Horse Rides (20mins away) - 2hr Trail $75pp/1/2 day Trail $95pp ~$191TL (with 2hr trail) 

Trip Total:  $2180.72 TL (without trail ride = $2030.72TL)

Option #2: Acadia National Park

This photo of Acadia National Park is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Hotel:  Eden Village Motel (5nts) - 1K in Motel section with mini-fridge and microwave (renovated in 2010 according to their website) - Good value TripAdvisor reviews  (Between $49-$99/nt; no online reservations so I estimated at $75/nt) $375+tx (estimated at 13%) ~$423.75 TL (Could range from $277-$559)

Howard Johnson Plaza - Portland (2nts) - 1K @ AAA-rate (no breakfast) - Good TripAdvisor reviews  $190.32 TL
Airfare: United Airlines Columbus, OH (CMH) to Portland, ME (PWM) - One-stop each way  $601.60 TL 
Transportation: Budget Rental Car - Compact Sized for 1 week  $156.52 TL without additional insurance 
Car/Gas: 257 miles each way (~5hr); round trip 514 miles with 30mpg at $3.50/gal  $59.97 TL

Food: Breakfast: $5/day (7day = $35); Lunch: $15/day (8days = $120); Dinner: $50/day (7days = $350)  ~$505TL (for two people)

See food tips from above. 
Activities: Park Entrance 7-Day Pass (Discounted price from 5/1-6/22) $10/vehicle; Park Tours & Activities $0pp (most); Acadia Mountain Guides Private Half-Day Rock Climbing Tour $90pp; Bar Harbor Whale Watching Co Lobster Fishing & Seal Watching Tour $29pp (Whale watching not available until mid-June for $58pp); Kittery Premium Outlets OR The Kittery Outlets $depends how much you buy!; Lighthouses $varies  $250TL 
Some activities are a little far and may require planning.  Maybe stop at some places on your way from the airport to Bar Harbor or on your way back.  

Trip Total:  $2187.16 TL ($2007.16TL without Rock Climbing)

Option #3: Great Smokey Mountains National Park 

This photo of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Since there is no airfare for this location, we are able to upgrade our accommodations. 

Hotel:  Great Cabins in the Smokies - Rendezview Cabin - 1K with hot tub on deck, sauna, washer/dryer, 2 gas fireplaces  $1031.67 TL

Car/Gas: 400 miles each way (~6hr 45min); round trip 800 miles with 22mpg at $3.50/gal  $127.27 TL
Food: Food: Breakfast: $5/day (7day = $35); Lunch: $15/day (8days = $120); Dinner: $50/day (7days = $350)  ~$505TL (for two people) 
Take advantage of a full kitchen - stop by the grocery stop when you get there and buy food to make at the cabin.  
Activities: Park Entrance $0pp; CLIMB Works Canopy 3hr Zipline $89pp; Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies $22.99pp; Smoky Mountain Riding Stables 1hr ride $25pp; Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery Tour and Tasting $0pp  $273.98TL 

Check out coupons at Smoky Mountain Coupon Book or request an official Gatlinburg Travel Guide.

Trip Total:  $1937.92 TL