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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Sorry I can't help with this, but if you post your question on the "ROAD TRIPS" forum, you should get plenty of attention.

Best of luck with the move!

Shttp://www.TravelGuideAdvice.com/ShowForum-g1-i12567-Road_Trips.htm
Edited: 7:53 am, January 12, 2010
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I don't think this is unreasonable but since you'll be driving the Interstate across Washington, I'd probably push on a bit farther than Coeur dAlene for that first day just to have more time in Yellowstone. I'd be heading for Missoula, Butte, Bozeman, or Livingston. In June at that lattitude, the days will be long and that interstate makes for some fast travel. If you could make it to Butte, MT (600 miles), you would be only 170 miles from West Yellowstone, giving you more than half of that day to explore Yellowstone.
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I'll just add a couple of suggestions r/t Yellowstone.

First, I would look through the YNP website to get information on lodging, traveling with pets, and also the Junior Ranger program - your son would enjoy that, as he could participate in it at all the parks you visit on your trips. It's a good way for kids to learn about the areas they're seeing. Also, read the info on park passes. If you will be visiting more Natl. Parks along the way, you may want to consider buying an annual pass. It wouldn't be of use at Mt. Rushmore, though - they charge a parking fee, but not admission.

http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

It sounds like lodging may be your biggest problem at YNP, as you don't have trip dates yet. When you do get them, call Xanterra and see if you can get lodging in the park. Otherwise, you may want to consider staying at West Yellowstone for most of your visit and moving up to Gardiner for your last night.

As Hawkeye recommended, this is a good question for the Road Trips forum, but come back with any additional questions regarding the Yellowstone portion of your trip when you start getting closer.

Good Luck on the move!
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We routinely drive WA-MN. When we are in a hurry it's a one stop trip at Billings which is conveniently exactly 1/2 way (800 or so miles). You could very easily take I-90 to Livingston, MT and head south to YNP. Gardiner might make a good alternative to W. Yellowstone and two whole days inside the park from there will hit the major highlights. Then back up to I-90 to Rapid City which would be an easy day and allow afternoon viewing of Rushmore along the way (drive down through the Hills). Then a longish day to Chicago. Making to Gardiner area on first day will buy a day either in YNP or Black Hills or other things along the way. Western speed limits are all 70-75 with most of the crowd adding 5mph so the miles really roll by.

With that extra day and still stopping at Gillette (consider Buffalo instead, much prettier area) a stop at Little Bighorn Battlefield could be made and/or Devils Tower on the way to Rapid City. Perhaps even drive Beartooth Pass route to Billings by leaving YNP via NE corner.
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Thanks for the suggestions! I will try posting in the Road Trips forum too (sorry, but I didn't know that one existed!)
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