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Hey Peeps! Guess what one of my most favorite perks of being a T1 is?!?
Getting into National Parks for FREE!
As a seasoned traveler and a type 1 diabetic for over 25 years, I can’t help but share one of the most incredible benefits that comes with managing this condition! (bet ya didn’t know there were any perks 😉)
The United States is home to 61 badass National Parks! How cool is that?! But, wait, it gets better! For those of us living with T1D (Type 1 Diabetes), exploring these breathtaking wonders of nature is not just a privilege but a well-deserved reward for the challenges
This FREE pass is good for over 2000 Federal recreation sites across the nation, including National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many National Forests and other federal recreational lands.
The sheer diversity of landscapes and ecosystems within these parks is awe-inspiring. From the surreal rock formations of Arches, Bryce Canyon, and Zion in Utah, to the rugged wilderness of Denali in Alaska (home to the tallest mountain in North America, covered in majestic glaciers and formidable grizzly bears), the adventure possibilities are endless!
And let’s not forget about the enchanting wonders nestled everywhere in between, including: Biscayne Bay in the Florida keys, the very grand and iconic Grand Canyon in Arizona, the enchanting Redwood forest in California (where some of the tallest trees on Earth reach towards the sky), Yellowstone and Yosemite, and even Volcanoes in Hawaii, and lastly, my personal fav the Virgin Islands, St. John & Trunk Bay Beach underwater snorkel trail (where Jeff proposed to me :)) the incredible crystal clear waters, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and ruins of sugar plantations that date back to Columbus’s time!
For me, each park holds a special memory, a unique experience that has left an unforgettable mark on my heart. These incredible parks are more than just destinations – they’re a sanctuary for the soul.
Yep, it’s true! You heard me right! We can get into all of those special, protected places for FREE!
Someone pinch me, I’m so pumped up!
Now, you might be wondering, how exactly do we gain access to these natural wonders for free? Well, it’s simple! Anyone with a permanent disability, including T1D, is eligible to apply for a free lifetime access pass to US national parks. All it takes is a signed statement from a licensed physician confirming your condition, and you’re on your way to unlocking a world of adventure.
You can apply for the pass through the mail, including your physician’s letter and a $10 processing fee, or opt to visit any federal recreation site in person to avoid the fee altogether. Just remember to bring along proof of US citizenship, such as a state driver’s license, birth certificate, or passport, and you’ll be well on your way to claiming your ticket to exploration.
*Pro tip: I recommend calling ahead to make sure they have the passes available to give out.
And here’s the cherry on top: not only does the pass grant you and your companions’ access to over 2,000 National recreation sites, but it also comes with additional perks like discounts on camping, swimming, guided tours, boat launching and more. So, whether you’re pitching a tent under the stars or embarking on a scenic boat tour, this pass has got you covered.
But perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this opportunity is the chance to inspire and encourage other T1Ds to get out and explore. So, fellow adventurers, I urge you to seize this incredible opportunity, to immerse yourselves in the beauty of nature, and to share your experiences with others. Let’s embark on this journey together, one park at a time, and let’s make memories that will last a lifetime!
Ready for more adventures? Check out another amazing blog post about the magic of diabetes camps and support/network groups. Click here to dive in and discover the incredible camaraderie and empowerment within these supportive communities!
So, what are you waiting for? Dust off your hiking boots, pack your bags, and hit the road. And don’t forget to drop a comment below, sharing your own adventures and discoveries along the way. I can’t wait to hear about all of the amazing parks and places you visit using this sweet pass along the way! The world is waiting – let’s go explore!
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