Have you ever wondered what constitutes a unit and what each unit represents? Do you know what constitutes the difference between a national park versus a national monument versus a national recreation area? Traveler contributing writer Rebecca Latson decided to figure that out for herself and you.

Planning a trip to a national park or other park unit? If you are traveling to explore the three units of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in Oregon, this Traveler’s Checklist provides helpful tips to make the most of your visit.

Every New Year, the Traveler’s Rebecca Latson keeps a tradition of showing her favorite shots captured during her national park photo travels of the previous year. In this month’s column, Rebecca reviews her 10 favorite images from 2020, telling us why she likes those particular shots and how she captured them. Maybe her favorites places are already yours, or maybe they will be new favorites for you to photograph.

Contributing photographer Rebecca Latson has visited quite a few national parks within the past two decades. In this month’s column, Rebecca shares with you even more of her favorite spots for photography in the national parks she’s visited.