Join group tour or free&ez ?

Hi there everyone!

I%26#39;m a newbie to YNP, and am trying to book a 1 week trip for June. Preference is to stay in the park, but I just realised that it seems I%26#39;m too late for June availability. Tried the xanterra website and I couldn%26#39;t find any park lodging that I can piece together for 1 week even if I am willing to move around. Didn%26#39;t realise the park lodging are that hot!

One alternative I%26#39;m thinking is to book those 5-6day tour packages on the xanterra pages. I guess that%26#39;s the only way I can still get accomodations in the park for the period I want. Is that advisable? Or should I just book early and come to YNP next year instead?

Thanks!

Join group tour or free%26amp;ez ?

Good morning Mintee,

I%26#39;t hard for me to advise you on this without looking at it from a personal perspective, and I am not a fan of what I call extended ';canned tours.'; There%26#39;s usually too much structure, ';herding';, drive-by sightseeing, and mass feeding involved for my taste. For a first time visitor to the park, I might advise a one or two day familiarization tour of the highlights, but a 4 or 5 day ';package'; would be much too confining for me.

However, in your situation, I can see where that might be a way for you to get to Yellowstone, get a quick taste of the park, and secure the inside-the- park lodging of your choice.

Another thought would be for you to call Xanterra directly to get current information on reservations. Their agents will work with you as much as possible to find what you want, but they are very busy at this time of year. They do get cancellations and changes all the time. However it is impossible for them to keep their web site right up to the minute. Here is there toll free number within the United States, I don%26#39;t know how it works internationally though. 1-866-439-7375

Finally, since you offered the option, if it were me, I would consider planning early and making this trip next year. You could get the lodging that you want, and take the time to fully enjoy this magnificent National Park at your own pace.

Join group tour or free%26amp;ez ?

Thanks HawkeyeII!!

Haven%26#39;t thought about how updated the website could be! That%26#39;s true indeed. Thanks very much I will try to check it out by calling them as well!

Hi Mintee,

When in June do you plan on being in Yellowstone? I booked too many days at the Old Faithful Inn, and will be giving them up.

You can respond on this thread or pm me.

I assume you will have a car. You can find lodging in West Yellowstone. Also Gardiner MT to the north will have motels as well. I bet if you keep trying, you can get a place in the park. I would not do a long tour, but maybe some day tours.

If you can visit in 2010, then maybe this year you can visit Grand Canyon, Sedona, Zion, Bryce etc.

Enjoy!

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