Yosemite fees might rise next year

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. » Visitors to Yosemite National Park may soon have to pay more to enter and camp overnight, under proposed fee increases announced Monday.

A seven-day pass for each car entering Yosemite could go up to $30 from $20, Ranger Scott Gedi­man said, adding that rates last changed in 1997. An annual pass would go up to $60 from $40.

The extra money will go back into the park, repairing buildings, improving transportation and enhancing the visitor’s experience, he said.

Campers today spending between $5 and $20 a night — depending on the campsite — may have to pay between $6 and $24, and group campsites that cost $40 could rise to $48 a night.

The fees are changing to keep pace with inflation, officials said, adding that campground rates haven’t risen since 2006.

There is no proposed change to the $80 annual passes honored at all federally managed parks, the $10 entrance fee seniors age 62 and older pay and free park access for active members of the military, officials said.

The public has until Nov. 20 to have its say on the changes. If the new rates are adopted, Gedi­man said visitors might see the higher fees early next year.

Charleston among top travel spots

CHARLESTON, S.C. » Charleston has been ranked the No. 2 travel destination in the world by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine — second only to Flor­ence, Italy.

And, for the fourth straight year, Charleston has been named the top travel destination in the United States by the magazine’s readers. The travel publication unveiled its annual Readers Choice Awards on Monday.

The publication’s senior editor, Lindsay Talbot, says visitors to Charleston need to first walk along the waterfront, then wander the side streets to take in the city’s pastel-colored homes. And she noted that Charleston is known for its fine restaurants.

Mayor Joseph P. Riley released a statement saying the honors are a testament to the city’s culture, hospitality and wonderful people.