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 Friday

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.

April 18, 2025

Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison: A 3-Day Journey Through Ancient History and Epic Landscapes

The allure of the American Southwest has always been strong for us. The landscape's rugged beauty, combined with a rich tapestry of ancient cultures, offers a unique blend of history and natural splendor that's hard to find anywhere else. Our journey through Mesa Verde National Park and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was one we had anticipated for years - a chance to delve into the ancient history of the Ancestral Puebloans and witness the awe-inspiring power of nature as it carved out one of the most dramatic landscapes in North America.

2-day Journey Into Wyoming's Majestic Wilderness: Yellowstone and Grand Teton

There's a certain magic to the wild places of Wyoming. It's a land where the earth still speaks in the language of fire and ice, where towering peaks rise against the sky and where geysers erupt with ancient fury. For Hui Cha and me, Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park represent the pinnacle of nature's raw power and beauty. These parks are not just destinations - they are experiences that reconnect you with the primal forces that shape our world.

Ultimate 5-Day Adventure Through Biscayne, Dry Tortugas, and Everglades National Parks

Florida's national parks offer a unique adventure unlike any other, where lush wetlands, crystal-clear waters, and ancient coral reefs create a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. Our five-day journey through Biscayne, Dry Tortugas, and Everglades National Parks took us deep into the heart of this wild and watery wilderness, where we encountered pristine beaches, colorful coral reefs, and the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.

Ultimate 5-Day Adventure Through Voyageurs, Isle Royale, and the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes region, with its vast freshwater seas, remote islands, and intricate waterways, offers a unique and unforgettable adventure. Our five-day journey through Voyageurs National Park, Isle Royale National Park, and the stunning shores of the Great Lakes takes you deep into the heart of this water wonderland. Whether you're paddling through tranquil lakes, hiking rugged island trails, or exploring historic lighthouses, these parks offer a perfect blend of adventure, solitude, and natural beauty.

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.

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.

April 18, 2025

Rocky Mountain and Black Canyon: A 2-Day Journey Through the Wilderness

As the sun began to rise over the snow-capped peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park, Hui Cha and I found ourselves on the trail to Dream Lake, the air crisp and filled with the promise of a new day. It wasn't our first time in the park, but every visit brought with it a sense of renewal, a feeling that we were embarking on an entirely new adventure despite the familiar surroundings. This particular morning, the early light painted the landscape in hues of pink and gold, casting long shadows that danced across the forest floor.

A 2-Day Journey Immersed in the Wilderness of South Florida: Exploring Everglades and Biscayne National Parks

The Everglades, often referred to as the River of Grass, is a vast network of slow-moving water that covers much of southern Florida. This unique ecosystem, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and hundreds of bird species. Established as a national park in 1947, the Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, offering visitors a glimpse into a world where water, sky, and land merge into one.

A 3-Day Adventure Immersing Yourself in Lassen Volcanic and Redwood

Entering 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.

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.

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 Friday

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.

April 18, 2025

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.

A 5-Day Journey Through Colorado's Wild Landscapes: Black Canyon, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, and Rocky Mountain

Colorado's landscapes are as varied as they are breathtaking. From the deep, narrow chasms of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, to the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, the towering dunes of the Great Sand Dunes, and the majestic peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park, this state offers an unparalleled diversity of natural wonders. This five-day journey will take you through some of Colorado's most iconic and awe-inspiring parks, each offering a unique experience that highlights the state's rugged beauty and rich history.

The Majestic Northern Rockies: A 5-Day Journey Through Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Glacier National Park, and Hidden Gems Along the Way

There's something deeply profound about the landscapes of the Northern Rockies, where sweeping prairies meet towering peaks, and the rugged beauty of the wilderness is matched only by its sheer vastness. This five-day journey will take you through some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring landscapes in the American West, starting with the rolling hills and rich history of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota and culminating in the breathtaking alpine vistas of Glacier National Park in Montana.

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.

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.

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.