The United States, a country often shrouded in controversy and polarizing politics, is facing a crisis that requires a united response from the international community. The proposed US$1 billion (AU$1.5b) cut to the National Park Service has sparked widespread concern among conservationists, scientists, and the general public. Australians, in particular, are being asked to reconsider their stance on visiting the US, citing the importance of supporting conservation efforts and protecting the country’s natural wonders.

But beyond the politics and polarized headlines lies a different America – one that is wild, quiet, and breathtakingly beautiful. The US is home to some of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth, from Yellowstone’s geysers to the Grand Canyon’s sheer red cliffs, Yosemite’s giant sequoias, and Alaska’s untouched glaciers. For Australians who love the outdoors, these natural wonders are a treasure trove of adventure and discovery.

• Yellowstone’s geysers erupting against endless blue skies
• The Grand Canyon’s sheer red cliffs carved over millions of years
• Yosemite’s giant sequoias towering above ancient valleys
• Alaska’s untouched glaciers

These landscapes are not just iconic; they are also fragile and vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, human activity, and other external factors. The National Park Service, which manages these protected areas, is facing significant funding cuts, which could lead to reduced protection, job losses, and decreased conservation efforts. As Australians, we understand the importance of preserving our own natural treasures, such as Kakadu and the Great Barrier Reef. We recognize that these places are not just valuable assets, but also integral to our cultural identity and sense of belonging. The same is true for Yellowstone’s grizzlies, Alaska’s caribou, and the ancient Navajo lands of Monument Valley. These places are not just national parks; they are global icons that belong to us all. A recent survey of over 2,000 US adults conducted by Intrepid Travel found that:

• 75% oppose federal budget cuts to national parks
• 76% believe these cuts threaten the parks’ future
• 81% plan to visit a national park this summer to show their support

This is not just a matter of public opinion; it’s a reflection of the growing concern among Americans about the impact of budget cuts on their national parks. The survey also highlights the importance of travel in supporting conservation efforts and protecting wildlife habitats. Travel has the power to make a real difference in the world. By visiting national parks, staying longer, and spending locally, tourists can inject money directly into conservation and communities that depend on it. This is not just a holiday; it’s an investment in the future of these places.

Intrepid Travel has launched a campaign called “United by Nature,” which aims to inspire responsible travel and fund real conservation efforts. Since 2009, Intrepid has taken over 20,000 travelers through US national parks and invested nearly AU$500,000 back into protecting these lands. This year, Intrepid is going further, with limited-edition Active-ism hosted by environmental leaders and summer discounts to encourage more people to travel with purpose. The call to action is clear: Australians, don’t give up on America. Go beyond the big cities and spend locally. Choose ethical operators. By doing so, you are not just selling a holiday; you are helping to keep the world’s most iconic landscapes wild for the next generation. Travel isn’t the problem; it’s part of the solution. We can’t wait for someone else to act. The US needs us now, more than ever.

Aussies, don’t write America off: why visiting the US is more important than ever

The proposed US$1 billion (AU$1.5b) cut to the National Park Service has sparked widespread concern among conservationists, scientists, and the general public. Australians, in particular, are being asked to reconsider their stance on visiting the US, citing the importance of supporting conservation efforts and protecting the country’s natural wonders.

But beyond the politics and polarized headlines lies a different America – one that is wild, quiet, and breathtakingly beautiful. The US is home to some of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth, from Yellowstone’s geysers to the Grand Canyon’s sheer red cliffs, Yosemite’s giant sequoias, and Alaska’s untouched glaciers. For Australians who love the outdoors, these natural wonders are a treasure trove of adventure and discovery.

The US is facing a crisis that requires a united response from the international community. The proposed budget cut could lead to reduced protection, job losses, and decreased conservation efforts. As Australians, we understand the importance of preserving our own natural treasures, such as Kakadu and the Great Barrier Reef. We recognize that these places are not just valuable assets, but also integral to our cultural identity and sense of belonging. The same is true for Yellowstone’s grizzlies, Alaska’s caribou, and the ancient Navajo lands of Monument Valley. These places are not just national parks; they are global icons that belong to us all.

A recent survey of over 2,000 US adults conducted by Intrepid Travel found that 75% oppose federal budget cuts to national parks, 76% believe these cuts threaten the parks’ future, and 81% plan to visit a national park this summer to show their support. This is not just a matter of public opinion; it’s a reflection of the growing concern among Americans about the impact of budget cuts on their national parks. The survey also highlights the importance of travel in supporting conservation efforts and protecting wildlife habitats.

Travel has the power to make a real difference in the world. By visiting national parks, staying longer, and spending locally, tourists can inject money directly into conservation and communities that depend on it. This is not just a holiday; it’s an investment in the future of these places.

Intrepid Travel has launched a campaign called “United by Nature,” which aims to inspire responsible travel and fund real conservation efforts. Since 2009, Intrepid has taken over 20,000 travelers through US national parks and invested nearly AU$500,000 back into protecting these lands. This year, Intrepid is going further, with limited-edition Active-ism hosted by environmental leaders and summer discounts to encourage more people to travel with purpose.

The call to action is clear: Australians, don’t give up on America. Go beyond the big cities and spend locally. Choose ethical operators. By doing so, you are not just selling a holiday; you are helping to keep the world’s most iconic landscapes wild for the next generation.

Travel isn’t the problem; it’s part of the solution. We can’t wait for someone else to act.