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.

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Table of Contents

Explore America's Iconic Landscapes with Our Detailed Itineraries

Hand-Picked Itineraries for Saturday

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.

May 17, 2025

Grand Staircase-Escalante, The Wave, Cathedral Wash, White Pocket and Fire Wave

There's a wildness to Utah's landscape that calls to the adventurer in all of us. Nowhere is this more evident than in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This vast, rugged wilderness is a place where the land still feels raw and untamed, where you can hike for miles without seeing another soul, and where the beauty of the natural world is on full display. For Hui Cha and me, Grand Staircase-Escalante is one of those places that never ceases to amaze us - a place where we can reconnect with nature and find peace in the solitude of the desert.

A 5-Day Coastal Adventure: Exploring Santa Cruz, Pinnacles, Big Sur, and the Monterey Peninsula

Our last visit to the Monterey Peninsula was nothing short of magical. We had driven down from Santa Cruz, winding along the coast with the Pacific Ocean glistening to our right and the rolling hills of California's central coast to our left. The scent of salt air filled the car, mingling with the earthy aroma of the coastal sagebrush that blanketed the hillsides. As we approached the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge, the view took my breath away - this was the California coast at its most dramatic and beautiful.

A 5-Day Journey Through the Pacific Northwest: Exploring Whidbey Island, Orcas Island, and Victoria

When Hui Cha and I set foot on the San Juan Islands, it felt like stepping into a different world. We had driven from Seattle early that morning, the city's skyline fading behind us as we ventured north. The air was crisp and clear, carrying with it the promise of adventure. As we approached the ferry terminal at Anacortes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. The ferry, with its rows of cars and passengers eagerly awaiting the crossing, seemed like a gateway to something extraordinary.

Exploring Shenandoah and Great Falls: A 3-Day Dual Adventure

The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, with their rolling hills and misty valleys, have long been a source of inspiration for us, William and Hui Cha. The natural beauty of this region, combined with its rich history, creates a landscape that is as emotionally stirring as it is visually stunning. Our journey through Shenandoah National Park and Great Falls Park was a perfect opportunity to immerse ourselves in two of Virginia's most iconic landscapes, experiencing the tranquility of the mountains and the power of the Potomac River in one unforgettable adventure.

A 3-Day Adventure Embracing the Desert's Mystique: Joshua Tree National Park and Mojave National Preserve

The desert has always held a special place in my heart. There's something about the vast, open landscapes, the silence that stretches for miles, and the unique beauty that only a desert can offer. My first encounter with Joshua Tree National Park was one of those experiences that left an indelible mark on my soul. I remember standing in the middle of a vast expanse, surrounded by the park's namesake Joshua trees, with their twisted, alien-like forms reaching up toward the sky. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the landscape, and the quiet was almost deafening. It was in that moment that I felt the true magic of the desert - a place where time seems to stand still and nature's beauty takes on an almost otherworldly quality.

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.

May 17, 2025

A Day in The Fire and Water of Northern California: Lassen Volcanic National Park and Burney Falls

The contrast between the fiery landscape of Lassen and the serene beauty of Burney Falls was striking. As I stood there, mesmerized by the sound of the rushing water and the vibrant greenery surrounding the falls, I felt a deep sense of peace and connection to nature. These two places, though so different, are a perfect pairing for an adventure that showcases the diverse beauty of Northern California's wild landscapes.

A 2-Day Journey Through Arizona's Timeless Landscapes: Grand Canyon National Park and Petrified Forest

In the American Southwest there's a rawness to the landscape - a stark beauty that speaks to the power of nature and the passage of time. Nowhere is this more evident than in Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. These two parks, with their vast, open spaces and rich geological histories, offer a journey through time itself - a chance to connect with a landscape that has remained largely unchanged for millions of years.

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.

A 3-Day Journey Through Oregon's Natural Wonders: Exploring Crater Lake and Oregon Caves

The allure of the Pacific Northwest is undeniable, with its towering forests, rugged coastlines, and the mystique of its volcanic landscapes. For us, William and Hui Cha, Oregon represents a blend of serenity and adventure, a place where nature's beauty is on full display. Our journey through Crater Lake National Park and Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve was a testament to this, offering a captivating mix of breathtaking views and subterranean exploration.

Ultimate 5-Day Adventure Through Congaree, Great Smoky Mountains, and New River Gorge

The southeastern United States is a region rich in natural beauty, with landscapes ranging from lush floodplain forests to ancient mountains and dramatic gorges. Our five-day adventure through Congaree National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and New River Gorge National Park took us deep into the heart of the Appalachian region, where we explored some of the most stunning and diverse environments in the country.

Creative Inspirations for Saturday

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.

May 17, 2025

Embracing the Wild Beauty of the Crown of the Continent: 3 Days at Glacier and Waterton Lakes

Known as the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park captured my heart with its towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and glaciers clinging to the mountainsides. I vividly remember my first hike on the Highline Trail. The sheer cliffs, the sound of the wind whistling through the valleys, and the sight of wildflowers swaying in the breeze made me feel as though I had stepped into a postcard. Standing there, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains, I felt a deep connection to the wildness of this place.

3-Day Adventure Through The Fire and Water of Northern California: Lassen Volcanic National Park and Burney Falls

The first time I ventured into Lassen Volcanic National Park, I was immediately struck by the raw and untamed beauty of this volcanic landscape. The park is a geological wonder, filled with steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and towering peaks shaped by ancient eruptions. As I hiked through the park, I was constantly reminded of the powerful forces that have shaped our planet. I remember standing at the edge of Bumpass Hell, the park's largest hydrothermal area, watching the steam rise from the boiling springs and feeling the heat radiate from the ground beneath my feet. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the earth's incredible power and the ever-changing nature of our world. A short drive from Lassen Volcanic National Park took me to Burney Falls, a place that felt like the polar opposite of the volcanic landscape I had just explored.

Discovering Colorado's Natural Wonders: A 5-Day Journey Through Rocky Mountain National Park, Castlewood Canyon, Cheyenne Mountain, and Beyond

Colorado is a land of dramatic landscapes, from towering mountain peaks to ancient fossil beds, deep canyons, and rugged ridges. It's a place where nature's beauty is on full display, offering endless opportunities for adventure, reflection, and discovery. Our five-day journey through Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park, Castlewood Canyon, Cheyenne Mountain, and beyond is designed to immerse you in the diverse natural wonders of this stunning state.

A 3-day Journey Through South Dakota's Hidden Wonders: Exploring Badlands and Wind Cave

There's something about the Great Plains that has always called to us - the endless horizons, the sense of space and solitude, and the unexpected beauty that reveals itself to those who take the time to look. Our journey through Badlands National Park and Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota was one that promised all of this and more. It was a chance to explore two vastly different landscapes, each with its own unique charm and history.

Exploring Lassen Volcanic and Redwood National and State Parks: A 2-day Journey

The first time I visited Lassen Volcanic National Park, I was struck by how different it felt from the more famous parks in California. Growing up in South Korea I had always imagined California as a land of beaches and bustling cities. But here, in the shadow of Lassen Peak, I discovered a rugged, volcanic landscape that felt like another world - one shaped by fire and brimstone, where steaming fumaroles and boiling springs hinted at the immense forces at work beneath the Earth's surface.

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.