Discover 59 Hand‑Selected Trips for May 2026
If you’re planning a journey across the United States in May 2026, you’ll find a wide range of tours that cater to many tastes. Adventure Life has curated 59 itineraries that span the country’s most celebrated landscapes and cities. Each tour invites travelers to experience wildlife viewing, kayaking, archaeological site visits, hiking, and urban exploration. The collection is ready for you to pick, mix, or customize with one of Adventure Life’s expert trip planners.
What the Tours Offer
Across the 59 itineraries, travelers can choose from:
- Wildlife viewing in national parks and remote wilderness.
- Kayaking adventures on clear rivers and coastal waters.
- Visits to archaeological sites that reveal ancient cultures.
- Hiking routes that range from easy strolls to challenging backcountry.
- Urban exploration in bustling American cities.
Each tour is designed to give you a taste of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage while keeping travel practical and enjoyable.
Highlights from the Collection
Yellowstone and Grand Teton – A 6‑Day Wildlife Journey
One of the standout itineraries is a six‑day tour that takes you through Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. The focus is on wildlife, and travelers will have the chance to spot iconic species such as bison, elk, and wolves in their natural habitats. The tour also offers guided walks that explain the geothermal features of Yellowstone, from steaming vents to the famous Old Faithful geyser. In Grand Teton, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Teton Range and observe mountain goats and moose along the park’s trails.
Because the tour is concentrated on wildlife, the schedule includes early morning and late afternoon excursions when animals are most active. The itinerary also leaves time for scenic drives that capture the park’s dramatic landscapes.
Alaska Cruise – 8 Days from Juneau to Sitka
For those drawn to the rugged coast of Alaska, an eight‑day cruise aboard the National Geographic Venture offers a memorable experience. The voyage begins in Juneau, the state’s capital, and winds south along the Inside Passage to Sitka. Travelers enjoy the opportunity to view marine life from the deck, including black and brown bears, eagles, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and a variety of sea birds. The route showcases the pristine waters and towering cliffs that define Southeast Alaska.
During the cruise, guests can participate in on‑board programs that discuss the region’s ecology and history. The itinerary also allows time for shore excursions, giving visitors a chance to explore Sitka’s historic Russian heritage and surrounding natural attractions.
Glacier Bay Adventure – 8 Days in the Panhandle
Another eight‑day cruise focuses on Glacier Bay National Park, a 3,223,384‑acre wilderness located in Alaska’s panhandle. The cruise departs from Sitka and returns to Juneau, offering a close look at the park’s glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife. The itinerary highlights the chance to see large marine mammals, such as humpback whales and gray whales, as well as the diverse birdlife that thrives along the coast.
Glacier Bay’s expansive size provides ample opportunities for guided kayak trips and scenic hikes that let travelers experience the park’s dramatic ice formations and lush temperate rainforests.
Other Themes and Destinations
Beyond the highlighted tours, the 59 itineraries cover a variety of themes:
- Kayaking in the crystal‑clear waters of the Pacific Northwest.
- Archaeological site visits in the Southwest, where ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs tell stories of early peoples.
- Hiking adventures in the Appalachian Trail corridor, offering both moderate and strenuous options.
- Urban
