TravelGuides

(TGA) - My family is moving from Hawaii to Maryland this summer (job relocation), and we since we have to pay to transport our van across the country one way or the other, we figured that we'd try to see some of the good 'ole USA along the way!

While I don't have definite moving dates yet, I do know that we will likely be leaving the islands and arriving in WA the first week or June, and we have to arrive in MD around the middle of the month to get somewhat settled before my hubby starts new job. We have some family and friends in the Tacoma area that we plan to visit for a couple of days, and then we will hit the road. First overnight stop Coeur d'Alene. 2nd night, West Yellowstone. Nights 3 & 4 inside Yellowstone; see as much as possible in 2 and a 1/2 days. Night 5 in Billings, MT or Gillette, WY. Night 6 in Rapid City, SD so that we can make a short sidetrip to see Mt Rushmore before pushing on to Iowa to visit more family. On to Chicago for 2 nights, and then a final push to arrive in MD on or about the 15th.

Additional info: DH and I will be traveling with 15 yr old daughter, 4 yr old son, and our Mini Schnauzer. I haven't planned a cross-country trip in several years... Does this sound like a feasible itinerary?
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If possible, get more days! You have a lot to do, and with a 15yo it will be fun. 10 days is a huge rush without having much time to see things.

Are you camping your way across? If not, travel with a dog will be your biggest worry. You need to make hotel reservations in the parks right away.
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Definitely take more time.

Day 1: Tacoma-Coeur d'Alene

Day 2: To West Yellowstone

Day 3 and 4: Yellowstone

Day 5: To BIllings (this is a very scenic drive via Cooke City and Beartooth Pass. Beartooth is a real mountain drive and strenuous with all the switchbacks. Another option would be to drive the easy route to Cody and see a bit of the Buffalo Bill Museums in the afternoon.

Day 6: This will also be a long drive. If it's only for Mount Rushmore I'd stay Keystone. Closest to Mnt Rushmore, but if you can add another day. The kids will love Custer SP and Badlands NP.

Day 7 etc. From Black Hills it's 3 very long day to MD, better take 4. With the IO family visit and 2 nights in Chicago, you hardly can do the whole trip in 10 days and many more places worth a stop.

Tet
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No camping on this trip. Our household goods will be shipped to Maryland, and I'm not sure that it would be cost efficient to try to bring camping gear with us on the plane, nor do I relish the idea of packing and unpacking all that stuff every night... :O

I've looked into accomodations at YNP. Pets are allowed in the cabins, and there are some currently available the 1st weekend of June. Should I jump on one? Frontier or Western Cabin at Canyon or Frontier Cabin at Lake?
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