For a US domestic tour, I nearly always ship my bike ahead via FedEx. Select a hotel for your arrival date, and make arrangements with them to accept your bike when it is delivered. I've never had a hotel refuse to do this.

My shipping labels typically look like this:

(My name), Guest (date of arrival)
c/o local hotel
hotel's street address
hotel's city and zip code.

Use the FedEx website to determine shipping time, and ship your bike far enough in advance that you'll feel comfortable it will get there before you. I typically ship mine two working days ahead of the number of days FedEx estimates it will take for your bike to be delivered. For example, if FedEx estimates three days for delivery, I'll ship my bike five working days prior to my arrival. I've found FedEx shipping rates to be reasonable, and well worth it to avoid the hassles of trying to get a public carrier (airlines, etc) to carry it. Almost always cheaper, too.

I used to make return shipping arrangments. Now, I simply take my bike to a local bike shop and have them pack and ship it home for me. It costs more, of course, but relieves me of all the burden. That to me makes it worth it.