Travel Itineries Across America

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our expertly crafted itineraries, designed to guide you through some of America's most remarkable destinations. Whether you're planning a quick getaway or an extended exploration, these itineraries, crafted by William Stanek and Hui Cha, provide detailed, day-by-day guidance to help you make the most of your time. Drawing on decades of travel experience and a deep love for America's diverse landscapes, these itineraries offer more than just a roadmap - they are your key to unlocking hidden gems, must-see landmarks, and the cultural richness of each location. Let these itineraries lead you to an enriching experience, whether it's a whirlwind tour or a leisurely journey across the country.

William, Hui Cha and our youngest 3 at Yellowstone

About Us: We're the Staneks, a couple who has spent a lifetime exploring the world together. From living in Asia, Europe, the Pacific, and across the USA, to capturing the beauty of each place through our lenses, our journey has been one of discovery and adventure. I'm William, a former top expert at Microsoft, where I spent years writing books, leading seminars and training sessions around the globe. Alongside my wife, Hui Cha, we turned our passion for travel into a celebrated photography career, capturing the essence of the world's most breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures.

Let us take you deeper into our journey as we guide you through the essence of travel across America. Our expertly crafted itineraries are more than just plans; they are a reflection of the experiences we've gathered over decades of exploration. Together, we've crossed continents, lived in diverse regions around the world, and discovered the extraordinary beauty that lies within every corner of the United States. Now, we're excited to share these experiences with you, combining our passion for adventure with our expertise in travel planning to help you create unforgettable journeys through some of America's most remarkable destinations.

National Parks Index | US Itineraries Index | American Roadtrips Index

Table of Contents

Explore America's Iconic Landscapes with Our Detailed Itineraries

Hand-Picked Itineraries for Monday

These itineraries have been carefully curated for today, offering you a perfect blend of adventure and discovery. Each route is chosen for its exceptional experiences, scenic beauty, and the unforgettable memories it promises to create. Don't miss out - new itineraries are featured daily, so be sure to return tomorrow for another selection of hand-picked adventures.

September 16, 2024

Exploring Shenandoah and Harpers Ferry: A 3-day Dual Adventure

The rolling hills and mist-covered valleys of Virginia have always held a special place in our hearts. For us, William and Hui Cha, the region's beauty is not just in its landscapes but also in its deep, storied history - a tapestry woven with the threads of countless generations. Our journey through Shenandoah National Park and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park offered a perfect blend of this natural and historical richness, creating an adventure that was both deeply inspiring and profoundly moving.

3-day Itinerary. Deep Exploration of Everglades and Biscayne National Parks

Growing up in the Midwest, I was more accustomed to forests and mountains than the flat, watery expanse of this unique ecosystem. Yet, as soon as I stepped into the park, I was captivated. The Everglades, with its slow-moving waters, sawgrass prairies, and rich biodiversity, felt like stepping into another world - one where nature ruled and time moved at a different pace. I remember standing on the boardwalk at the Anhinga Trail, watching an alligator glide silently through the water below, while birds called out from the surrounding marshes. It was a place of stillness and raw beauty, where every step brought a new discovery. Returning here with Hui Cha, we found that the Everglades and nearby Biscayne National Park offer an extraordinary adventure, rich with history, wildlife, and the serenity that only such untouched places can provide.

3-Days Immersing Yourself in the Beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah

The Great Smoky Mountains have always held a special place in my heart. As a child, my family would often make the long drive from our home in the Midwest to the Smokies, where we'd spend a week camping and exploring the park's mist-shrouded mountains. I remember waking up early, the crisp mountain air filling our tent, and the sound of a nearby stream lulling me back to sleep. The mornings were my favorite - walking through the dewy grass, the scent of wildflowers and earth was intoxicating.

Embracing the Grandeur of the Tetons: A 5-Day Journey in Wyoming

The Grand Teton National Park is a place of unmatched beauty, where the rugged peaks of the Teton Range rise dramatically above the Jackson Hole Valley. This five-day journey will take you through the heart of this breathtaking landscape, with stays at the cozy Signal Mountain Lodge and the lively town of Jackson. From serene lakes and meandering rivers to towering mountains and abundant wildlife, Grand Teton offers a perfect blend of adventure, tranquility, and inspiration.

2 Days Exploring Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks

I had visited Bryce Canyon before, but this time felt different. Maybe it was the silence of the early morning, or perhaps it was the way the light seemed to dance across the landscape, bringing the hoodoos to life. As I set up my camera on the tripod, I couldn't help but feel a deep connection to this place - a connection that went beyond the beauty of the scenery. It was a moment of pure tranquility, where the world felt both vast and intimate, timeless yet fleeting. Hui Cha and I shared a look, knowing that this was a moment we would carry with us long after we had left the park.

Travel Itineraries: Reader Favorites for Your Next Adventure

Explore today's selection of itineraries that have won the hearts of fellow travelers. These reader-approved routes are known for their stunning vistas, diverse experiences, and the lasting impressions they leave. Whether you're revisiting a beloved destination or setting out on a new journey, these itineraries are sure to enhance your adventure. Come back tomorrow for more reader-favorite itineraries to inspire your travels.

September 16, 2024

Ultimate 5-Day Adventure Through the Black Hills and Beyond: Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Black Hills National Forest, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore, and Devils Tower

The Black Hills region of South Dakota and Wyoming is a place where history, nature, and adventure converge. This area is rich in both geological wonders and cultural significance, offering visitors a unique journey through some of the most iconic landscapes of the American West. From exploring the mysterious depths of Wind Cave and Jewel Cave to hiking through the Black Hills National Forest, witnessing the majesty of Mount Rushmore, and standing in awe beneath Devils Tower, this five-day adventure is designed to immerse you in the spirit of the West.

A 3-Day Journey Through Time and Stone: Exploring Arches and Canyonlands

It was the late summer of 2005 when Hui Cha and I first ventured into the vast landscapes of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. We had heard tales of these parks from fellow travelers - stories of surreal stone formations, breathtaking canyons, and the profound silence of the desert. Yet nothing could have prepared us for the reality of standing amidst these ancient giants.

2-Day Journey into The Rugged Beauty of the Dakotas: Theodore Roosevelt and Badlands

The Dakotas have a way of sneaking up on you. Their beauty isn't as immediate as the towering peaks of the Rockies or the expansive vistas of the Grand Canyon, but it's a beauty that grows on you with every mile traveled, every sunset watched, and every trail explored. Hui Cha and I discovered this when we first ventured into Theodore Roosevelt National Park and Badlands National Park. These parks, with their rugged landscapes and vast, open spaces, have a way of stripping away the noise of the world, leaving you alone with your thoughts and the majesty of nature.

Ultimate 5-Day Adventure Through Indiana Dunes, Mammoth Cave, and Gateway Arch

The Midwest is often seen as the heartland of America, a region rich in natural beauty and historical significance. Our five-day adventure through Indiana Dunes National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, and Gateway Arch National Park offers a unique journey that blends the beauty of pristine beaches and towering sand dunes, the mystery of the world's longest cave system, and the grandeur of an iconic monument to westward expansion.

Two Parks, Two Worlds: 3 Days Exploring Great Basin and Zion National Parks

As I ventured into the vast and varied landscapes of the American West, I was struck by how these seemingly disparate environments could exist in such close proximity. It was on a journey to Great Basin and Zion National Parks that this realization truly hit home. One day, I found myself standing at 13,000 feet, breathing in the crisp, thin air atop Wheeler Peak in Great Basin National Park, surrounded by ancient bristlecone pines and expansive views that stretched across the Great Basin Desert. The next, I was hiking through the deep, red rock canyons of Zion, enveloped in the warm hues of the towering sandstone cliffs that seemed to glow in the soft light of dawn.

Creative Inspirations for Monday

Let today's itineraries ignite your imagination and inspire your next great adventure. These routes are designed to take you off the beaten path, where the beauty of nature and the excitement of discovery combine to fuel your creative spirit. Every day brings new landscapes and stories, so be sure to check back tomorrow for more inspirational journeys.

September 16, 2024

A 3-Day Journey Through California's Desert Wonders: Death Valley and Joshua Tree

The deserts of California are places of stark contrasts and haunting beauty, where the landscape seems both timeless and ever-changing. For us, William and Hui Cha, exploring the vast expanses of Death Valley and the surreal landscapes of Joshua Tree was an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the raw, untamed wilderness that these two iconic parks offer.

Texas and New Mexico's Hidden Treasures: Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Carlsbad Caverns

Our adventure began with an early morning drive through the rugged terrain of West Texas, where the peaks of the Guadalupe Mountains loomed in the distance like sentinels guarding a forgotten world. This area is home to some of the highest peaks in Texas, including the iconic El Capitan and Guadalupe Peak, which rises to 8,751 feet above sea level. The park is a haven for hikers, with trails that wind through canyons, ascend steep ridges, and traverse the remnants of an ancient seabed.

Ultimate 5-Day Adventure Through Washington's Big Three: Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades

Washington State is home to some of the most diverse and breathtaking landscapes in the United States, and its Big Three national parks - Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades - offer a unique opportunity to experience the state's natural beauty in all its glory. For Hui Cha and me, exploring these parks over the course of five days was a journey into the heart of the Pacific Northwest, where towering peaks, lush rainforests, and glacially-carved valleys come together to create a landscape that is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

Mount Rainier, Gifford Pinchot and Beyond: A 3-Day Adventure

The Pacific Northwest is a land of towering mountains, ancient forests, and crystal-clear rivers - a place where the wild beauty of nature is on full display. For us, William and Hui Cha, exploring Mount Rainier National Park and Gifford Pinchot National Forest was a journey into the heart of this rugged and awe-inspiring landscape. These two iconic destinations, each with its own unique character and charm, offered us a chance to immerse ourselves in the pristine wilderness and capture the breathtaking beauty of Washington State.

2 Days Exploring Grand Canyon North Rim and Grand Canyon West: A Different Perspective on the Grand Canyon

Our journey to the North Rim began early one summer morning, the air crisp and cool as we made our way through the dense forests that surround this remote part of the Grand Canyon. Unlike the South Rim, the North Rim is higher in elevation and less developed, giving it a more rugged and serene atmosphere. As we approached the edge of the canyon, we were greeted by sweeping views of the Colorado River far below, winding its way through the deep, shadowed canyons. The North Rim feels like a world apart - quieter, wilder, and more intimate than its southern counterpart.

Discover the beauty and diversity of America's landscapes with our carefully curated itineraries, designed to suit every traveler's schedule and interests. Whether you're planning a quick escape or a longer journey, each itinerary offers a thoughtful blend of must-see attractions, hidden treasures, and local culture, ensuring you make the most of your time on the road. With insights from seasoned travelers William Stanek and Hui Cha, these guides are more than just a travel plan - they're your gateway to unforgettable experiences across the United States.