Adventure to the Everglades

Mangroves, manatees and magical sunsets in Everglades National Park [View in browser](   [facebook]( [instagram]( [TikTok](   PICTURE YOURSELF IN… The Everglades [Everglades National Park] The best way to see Everglades National Park is from the water I want to go on a canoe trip through [Everglades National Park](. I want to dip my paddle in the water and push myself silently through mangroves while watching birds take to the wide-open sky. I tend to travel with two tiny humans, so I found myself googling if alligators would eat my toddler. I learned two things. First, an alligator isn’t a huge danger – you stay out of their way, and they stay out of yours. And second, I learned that you can camp on Seminole-designed raised platforms called chickees. I’m sold. I can imagine the sound of the buzzing insects at dusk. The stars electrifying the sky, and best of all, experiencing an extreme and unfamiliar part of the world in an unfamiliar way. My favorite combination. To help me plan the perfect trip, I contacted Todd McKibbon, chief guide, owner and operator of [Breakwater Expeditions](. His outfit helps people create water-based trips all over the US, Canada and Alaska – and importantly for me, they have plenty of experience guiding families. Read on to learn what Todd thinks is the best way to explore this incredible and mysterious part of the world. [Sarah Stocking]     Sarah Stocking   Destination Editor               [Spoon bill in Everglades National Park](     Featured Story Everglades National Park with kids National parks and kids are a match made in travel heaven. There is so much to do! [Read more](   Immerse yourself If you're as curious about Everglades National Park as we are, check out these guides to help you plan your trip. The best things to do in Everglades National Park With four visitor centers, each with a different vibe, Everglades National Park has a lot to offer. Let us help you narrow down the best. [Read more]( Planning Tip: Canoes and kayaks are available to rent at the Flamingo Visitor Center.   Things to know before you go to Everglades National Park The Everglades is a tricky environment, and proper planning goes a long way. [Read more]( Planning Tip: Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen and really good bug spray.   The best hikes in Everglades National Park While getting on the water is the best way to see the park, there are a few hikes that are pretty spectacular. [Read more]( Planning Tip: The Anhinga Trail is paved, making it great for many family members. Plus, you'll be able to see all kinds of wildlife.   The best road trips in Everglades National Park There are quite a few ways to include Everglades National Park as part of a larger Florida road trip. [Read more]( Planning Tip: Walt Disney World is five hours by car from Everglades National Park. Which means you can combine two iconic Florida experiences in one trip.       [Florida book cover] NEW RELEASE Florida and the South’s National Parks The most relevant and up-to-date tips on how you can paddle through Everglades National Park. Begin your journey now! [Buy this book](   Ask an Insider Todd McKibbon, owner and lead guide for Breakwater Expeditions, breaks down what to expect from a trip to Everglades National Park. What is the best way to experience Everglades National Park? The Everglades itself is a park that is designed for you to get out and get into the water, at least the majority of it. So whether it's a motor boat, paddle board, kayak or canoe, you have to get away from land to see the majority of birds and wildlife. What sets Everglades National Park apart from other US national parks? It’s a dynamic tropical environment. It’s a world bird sanctuary. There are snakes and reptiles. And you’re also paddling through mangroves. We take our trips out to the keys just beyond the mangroves where you can paddle with manatees, dolphins and porpoises. What kind of traveler do you think really enjoys an Everglades trip? It’s someone with an adventurous spirit and someone who likes to get out on the water. The keys have all these little hikes – you can explore and look for beach treasures. There is really dynamic weather in the area, so you have to have someone who is able to go with the flow and push themselves to explore no matter what. [Todd McKibben] “You get these endless sunsets where it seems as if the sun is just falling over the horizon.” What does a typical day exploring the waterways in the Everglades look like? You get up to the sunrise, enjoy a cup of coffee, take a walk down the beach and explore some little pockets of fun. Then you pack up the boats and paddle 4-6 miles to another island. When you’re paddling the outer keys you usually see some sort of porpoise that’s jumping through the water keeping you eager to see what’s around the corner. Then you find a place to camp and orient yourself so you can see the incredible sunset. What’s the most challenging part of an adventure in Everglades National Park? For us it’s helping people understand what to expect. But for a lot of people it's the witching hour of bugs. We bring tarps, bug nets and bug spray. But every morning and evening for about thirty minutes the bugs just swarm.   Love travel inspiration in your inbox? Share with a fellow travel-lover by forwarding to a friend. Did someone share this email with you? Subscribe by clicking [here.](   This email was sent to you by: Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 © 2022 Lonely Planet [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy](