USA Today: Rainy weather? Why you should visit that national park anyway.

ICU travel nurse, Zac Shepherd, discussed why bad weather can still make for a great National Park visit.

Bad weather can only ruin your day if you’re unprepared, says Zac Shepherd, who likes unwinding at national parks when he has time off from his job as an ICU travel nurse for Aya Healthcare. “I’ve learned to make the most of the time I get off — even if it’s raining in the Pacific Northwest or hitting 95 degrees in Southern California,” he says. “Before heading out, I always check the weather … Knowing what I’m stepping into helps me plan smarter — and enjoy more.”

For maximum flexibility, buy an America the Beautiful annual pass instead of daily park pass. “A yearlong parks pass is my secret weapon,” Shepherd says. “If the weather’s too wild … I can always shift plans to another day — no pressure, no wasted money. Just more chances to get outside when the time is right.”

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