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 Sunday

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.

November 16, 2025

A 5-Day Journey Through Southern California's National Parks: From Santa Monica to Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon

When Hui Cha and I set out on a road trip through California's national parks shortly after I got a new camera, we had little idea of how much the encounter would change us. Leaving behind the coastal breeze of Santa Monica, we drove inland, where the landscape transformed from the cool, oceanic blues to the stark, golden hues of the desert. Our journey would take us from the otherworldly terrain of Joshua Tree to the expansive emptiness of Death Valley, and finally, to the towering giants of Sequoia and Kings Canyon.

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.

Finding Solace in the Desert: 3-Days Exploring Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego

It was late October when Hui Cha and I ventured into the arid landscapes of Southern California, seeking a place where the world slowed down, where we could disconnect from the relentless pace of life and reconnect with nature and each other. Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park seemed like the perfect destinations - two iconic desert parks that promised solitude, surreal landscapes, and the kind of peace that only the desert can offer.

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.

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.

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.

November 16, 2025

2-day Journey into Washington's Natural Wonders: Olympic National Park and Mount St. Helens

Our journey into these natural wonders began early one summer morning as we drove along Highway 101, the dense forest of the Olympic Peninsula stretching out before us. The air was thick with the scent of pine and cedar, and the sound of our tires on the wet pavement was the only noise in the otherwise silent world around us. As we neared the entrance to Olympic National Park, the trees seemed to close in, forming a canopy that filtered the soft morning light and created an almost ethereal atmosphere.

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.

Unveiling the Wonders of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks: Utah's Iconic Red Rock Landscape. 2-Day Itinerary.

Our journey began on a warm summer morning as we drove along the winding roads that lead to these two iconic parks. The desert stretched out before us, a sea of sagebrush and juniper trees, with the distant silhouette of the La Sal Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. We had been to Utah's red rock country before, but the sense of anticipation was still palpable. These parks have a way of drawing you in, of making you feel small in the best possible way.

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.

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.

Creative Inspirations for Sunday

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.

November 16, 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.

Exploring Mount Rainier and Olympic: A 3-Day Dual Adventure

There's something about the Pacific Northwest that stirs the soul - the towering mountains, the misty rainforests, and the rugged coastlines create a landscape that feels both ancient and alive. For us, William and Hui Cha, Washington has always been a place of wonder and adventure, where every turn reveals a new vista more breathtaking than the last. Our journey through Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park was one that we had long anticipated - a dual adventure through two of the most iconic and diverse landscapes in the state.

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.

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.

St. Thomas, St. John, and Virgin Islands National Park: A 5-Day Caribbean Adventure

I still remember the last time I visited St. Thomas like it was yesterday. It was a warm, breezy morning, and the scent of the sea filled the air as we disembarked from the plane. Hui Cha and I had been planning this trip for months, but nothing could have prepared us for the sheer beauty that awaited us. As we drove from the airport toward our hotel in Charlotte Amalie, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace wash over me - something about the way the sun danced on the turquoise waters, the vibrant colors of the buildings, and the smiles on the faces of the locals made me feel instantly at home.

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.