Introduction: The Year of Purposeful Travel
2026 isn’t just another year for American travel—it’s a full-blown transformation. Three major milestones—the America250 semiquincentennial, the Route 66 Centennial, and the FIFA World Cup—are converging to create unprecedented interest in exploring the United States. But beyond these headline events, a fundamental shift in how travelers approach their vacations is reshaping the entire industry.
According to Airbnb’s 2026 summer travel trends report, “playcations” —trips built around hobbies and outdoor activities—have emerged as one of the defining trends of the year. Travelers are choosing short-haul domestic escapes centered on surfing, golfing, boating, and other active pursuits, rather than traditional sightseeing. Meanwhile, the “analog travel” movement invites visitors to unplug from screens and reconnect through hands-on, skill-based experiences.
For your audience at tourrloop.com, this represents an extraordinary opportunity. Whether travelers are seeking adventure on the waves, quiet creativity in a pottery studio, or the nostalgia of a Route 66 road trip, America in 2026 offers more variety, more events, and more memorable experiences than ever before.
This comprehensive guide covers:
- The “playcation” trend — where to go for hobby-based travel
- Analog travel and craft-cations — disconnecting to reconnect
- Brand USA’s new initiatives — “Get Facts. Get Going.” and “American Originals”
- America250 and Route 66 Centennial — the nation’s biggest celebrations
- Traveler spending trends — fewer trips, but more invested in experiences
- The second-city boom — emerging destinations for 2026
Part 1: The “Playcation” Trend—Hobbies as the New Trip Anchor
What Is a “Playcation”?
This summer, Americans are increasingly planning trips around hobbies and outdoor activities rather than traditional sightseeing. According to Airbnb, listings near golf courses, lakefronts, and surf spots have seen some of the highest booking growth, highlighting a growing appetite for travel that feels immersive, hands-on, and experience-led.
The shift reflects broader changes in how people want to spend their free time. Rather than ticking landmarks off a checklist, many travelers now prioritize experiences that feel nostalgic, social, and physically engaging. Hobbies once considered weekend pastimes are becoming the centerpiece of holidays themselves.
Top Playcation Destinations by Activity
For Surfers : Along North Carolina’s coast, surf towns such as Holden Beach, Nags Head, and Kill Devil Hills are seeing renewed interest. Holden Beach is a “barrier island break that delivers mellow surfing conditions and a laid-back vibe,” while Nags Head boasts a deep local culture as one of the East Coast’s oldest surf towns.
For Golfers : Rather than heading exclusively to Florida or Arizona, travelers are seeking quieter golf escapes in states such as Michigan, Wyoming, and Idaho. Ann Arbor is emerging as an unexpected golf hotspot thanks to its mix of public and private courses, while Cheyenne and Victor are drawing players with dramatic Rocky Mountain and Teton Valley backdrops.
For Boaters and Lake Lovers : Waterfront destinations across the Midwest and Pacific Northwest are booming. Saugatuck, Michigan is known for its marina culture and inland waterways, while Osage Beach, Missouri offers miles of shoreline and lively waterfront dining. Further west, Chelan, Washington winds 50 miles through a glacier-carved valley surrounded by Pacific Northwest landscapes and crystal-clear waters.
The “Kidult” Travel Connection
The rise of play-focused travel ties into the growing popularity of “kidult” travel, where adults embrace experiences traditionally associated with childhood, summer holidays, and carefree recreation. This nostalgia-driven shift is reshaping other parts of the travel industry, including the rise of adult summer camps where travelers swap luxury hotels for cabins, campfires, canoeing, and communal activities.
Part 2: Analog Travel and Craft-Cations—Disconnecting to Reconnect
What Is Analog Travel?
As travelers increasingly embrace experiential travel and slower-paced getaways, the “analog travel” movement has gained significant momentum. Low-tech, skill-based experiences invite visitors to unplug from screens and reconnect through hands-on activities that leave a lasting impression. Whether learning traditional Appalachian crafts in the Great Smoky Mountains or embarking on a multi-day kayaking adventure along the Mississippi River, visitors find immersive opportunities to learn new skills, engage with local culture, and create souvenirs rooted in personal expression.
Tennessee’s Craft-Cation Treasures
Canvas Queen Needlepoint (Knoxville) offers “Stitch Retreats” in the Smoky Mountains at the historic RT Lodge. Guests leave the world behind for a weekend and stitch to their heart’s content.
Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park (Byrdstown) teaches historical hobby classes year-round: blacksmithing, basket-weaving, butter-churning, and nature journaling workshops.
Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts (Gatlinburg) is a nationally recognized arts campus at the gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains. With over 200 creative experiences offered each year, visitors can experiment with natural dyeing, woodturning, printmaking, silk painting, and vessel sculpting.
Tuft-It! (Goodlettsville) is a vibrant rug-making studio where crafters design personalized rugs with guided instruction. Choose between small or large rug workshops and leave with a sense of accomplishment and a sensory keepsake.
Hatch Show Print (Nashville) at the Country Music Hall of Fame offers tours where visitors learn about the letterpress print shop’s nearly 150-year history and handprint their own souvenir letterpress poster.
Mudslingers Ceramics School (Huntingdon) offers wheel-throwing workshops, Japanese Raku firing lessons, or multi-week pottery courses for all skill levels.
Nature Immersion
Nolichucky Outdoor Learning Institute (Erwin) offers hands-on survival skills and safe nature experiences—from half-day beginner classes to multi-day adventures in the Appalachian Mountains.
French Broad Outpost Ranch (Del Rio) takes visitors on a captivating ranching experience—learn to cattle-drive from horseback, discover the serious art of square dancing, trail ride, and white-water raft.
Southall Farm & Inn (Franklin) invites guests to suit up alongside the beekeeper for a guided apiary tour, open a live hive, learn the art of beekeeping, and taste award-winning honey. Alternatively, enjoy beginner-friendly fly-fishing lessons in the property’s stocked lake.
Jackson Hole: The Ultimate Analog Escape
In Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the dramatic silhouette of the Tetons offers the perfect opportunity to trade digital dependency for real connection. Visitors are invited to:
Navigate the old-fashioned way — Use printed topographical maps instead of GPS, and allow the land itself to orient you.
Capture moments with a Sony camera — The Cloudveil offers guests the Sony A7R V camera, a 61-megapixel powerhouse with AI autofocus, for stunning, magazine-worthy landscape and wildlife photography.
Embrace “slow mornings” — Begin the day at a local café, leave the phone behind, and bring a book or notebook. In these moments, the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Hike without earbuds — Listen for the sharp call of a pika, the crunch of the ground beneath your feet, or the distant rush of Hidden Falls.
Experience stellar stillness — Jackson Hole is the world’s first International Dark Sky Community. The Snow King Observatory & Planetarium (North America’s first ski resort observatory) features a 1-meter mirror telescope and expert-led shows.
Part 3: Brand USA’s New Initiatives—Making Travel Easier and More Inspiring
“Get Facts. Get Going.” — Your Visa and Entry Resource
Brand USA has launched “Get Facts. Get Going.” , an always-on information resource providing real-time updates on visa policies, entry procedures, fees, and screening processes. The initiative is designed to counter misperceptions circulating across international markets and social media platforms by centralizing verified travel information.
Key Features:
- A centralized platform at VisitTheUSA.com/entry with verified, real-time updates
- Information on visa policies, entry procedures, and fees (including the visa integrity fee)
- Details on trusted traveler programs like Global Entry
- Resources available in multiple languages
- Partnerships with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to support Global Entry enrollments
Operating under the by-line “Travel with Confidence to the USA” , the initiative will be supported through paid media campaigns in key international markets, travel trade outreach via the USA Discovery Program, and storytelling through Brand USA’s Visiting Journalists Program.
Fred Dixon, President and CEO of Brand USA, emphasized: “We want international visitors to know that we are open for business and warmly welcome them” .
“American Originals” — Storytelling That Inspires Travel
Alongside the information initiative, Brand USA introduced “American Originals” , a new content series showcasing uniquely American people, places, and cultural experiences through narrative-driven storytelling. The campaign highlights travel trends such as set-jetting, culinary tourism, and experiential travel, while supporting celebrations linked to America’s 250th anniversary.
Initial Featured Destinations:
- Monument Valley — Iconic red rock landscapes
- Memphis — The heart of American music
- Texas — Big skies, barbecue, and wide-open spaces
- New York City — The cultural capital
The Three-Layer Strategy
Brand USA’s expanded America the Beautiful platform now operates at three levels:
- America the Beautiful — The inspiration layer
- American Originals — Destination consideration
- Get Facts. Get Going. — Conversion, by dispelling logistical barriers
Part 4: America250—250 Years of Independence
The Biggest Celebration in U.S. History
On July 4, 2026, the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While the historic East Coast—including Philadelphia, Boston, and Virginia—will be the heart of the commemorations, the spirit of “America 250” will be felt in every state.
Expect spectacular fireworks, revitalized museum exhibitions at sites like Mount Vernon, and local festivals that celebrate the diverse stories of the American people.
Illinois’ Heritage Corridor Celebrations
Illinois’ Heritage Corridor will join communities nationwide in celebrating the milestone. The region offers visitors an authentic way to experience America’s anniversary through historic canal towns, Route 66 communities, and the scenic landscapes of Starved Rock Country.
America 250: A Coal City Salute — One of the region’s signature events will take place in Coal City on June 20, 2026, featuring a patriotic parade, live music, family activities, balloon rides, a reptile show, bingo, food vendors, and community festivities throughout the day.
Discover the First Hundred Miles of Route 66
2026 is also a significant year for Route 66 as the legendary highway celebrates its 100th anniversary . Heritage Corridor Destinations is home to the First Hundred Miles of Route 66 in Illinois, offering visitors the chance to explore classic roadside attractions, historic downtowns, and iconic Americana as part of a once-in-a-generation celebration.
Part 5: Traveler Spending Trends—Fewer Trips, More Experiences
The Arival 2026 US Experiences Traveler Outlook
A decisive shift in how Americans travel, plan, and spend has emerged. According to Arival’s 2026 US Experiences Traveler Outlook, most US travelers expect to take the same or fewer trips in 2026, but they are spending more on experiences, booking earlier, and allowing tours, activities, and attractions to shape where they choose to go.
Key Findings:
- Three in five travelers now consider experiences a “very” or “extremely important” factor in destination choice
- Among 18–34-year-olds, experiences are the single most important factor, with 76% saying they matter more than weather, food, or overall destination appeal
- Average trip spend dipped slightly in 2025, but experience spend rose across every category
- Younger travelers outspent older travelers by roughly $100 more per experience on average
- More than 80% now reserve experiences at least a day in advance, reversing the long-standing pattern of same-day, in-destination booking
Bruce Rosard, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Arival, explains: “Travelers may be taking fewer trips, but they’re making every trip count… Younger travelers, especially, are choosing destinations because of the experiences they can have there. That’s a profound shift for the industry” .
Bank of America’s 2026 Summer Travel Outlook
77% of Americans expect to travel this summer, up from 74% last year and 72% in 2024. Gen Z is the most enthusiastic traveler, with 93% planning getaways this summer, ahead of millennials at 85%.
Spending Priorities:
- Food and dining tops the list at 60%
- Activities and experiences follow at 54%
- Accommodation at 41%
AI in Trip Planning : 55% of Americans use AI tools to organize summer travel, primarily to compare costs and surface destinations they might not have otherwise considered. More than half of those who used AI for planning (56%) said it led them to book somewhere new—a figure that rises to 78% among Gen Z.
Part 6: The Second-City Boom—Emerging Destinations for 2026
Rural Escapes and Short-Haul Travel
A third of summer travelers are choosing to stay closer to home, creating new opportunities for rural and lesser-known destinations. According to a Focaldata survey cited by Airbnb, 86% of travelers and 94% of Gen Z travelers are interested in rural getaways.
Under-the-Radar Towns (Average Nightly Rates Under $250) :
| Destination | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | Seattle’s outdoor culture and craft beer scene, kayaking, mountain biking, and ferries to the San Juan Islands |
| Eastport, ME | Jaw-dropping Bay of Fundy tides, walkable art-filled coastal town—a calmer counterpart to Bar Harbor |
| Marfa, TX | Wide-open desert skies, world-class stargazing, unhurried pace like Santa Fe |
| Westfield, NY | Strong wine trail culture, Lake Erie shoreline, historic architecture |
| Pinedale, WY | Ranch culture like Jackson Hole, getaway to the Wind River Range with outdoor activities |
| Hot Springs, SD | Black Hills scenery, hiking, natural springs, historic downtown |
| Cloudcroft, NM | Cool mountain escape and village feel of Taos, perched above the White Sands desert |
| Salmon, ID | Mountain town feel like Whitefish, MT, white-water rafting and fly-fishing |
| Paonia, CO | Orchards, mountain biking, wine country scenery at a laid-back pace |
| Blanding, UT | Red rock canyon country |
FAQ: Your 2026 USA Travel Questions Answered
What is a “playcation”?
A: A travel trend where Americans plan trips around hobbies and outdoor activities—surfing, golfing, boating, and craft workshops—rather than traditional sightseeing.
What is “analog travel”?
A: Low-tech, skill-based travel experiences where visitors unplug from screens and reconnect through hands-on activities like blacksmithing, pottery, needlepoint, and letterpress printing.
What is “Get Facts. Get Going.”?
A: A Brand USA initiative providing verified, real-time information on visa requirements, entry procedures, fees, and border screening for international travelers. Visit VisitTheUSA.com/entry for details.
What is “American Originals”?
A: A Brand USA storytelling series showcasing uniquely American people, places, and cultural experiences. Initial destinations include Monument Valley, Memphis, Texas, and New York City.
What events are happening for America250?
A: Fireworks, parades, museum exhibitions, and community festivals across all 50 states celebrating 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. Signature events include the Coal City Salute in Illinois on June 20, 2026.
When is the Route 66 Centennial?
A: Route 66 turns 100 on November 11, 2026. Celebrations run from April through the end of the year.
Are Americans traveling more or spending less in 2026?
A: 77% of Americans expect to travel this summer—up from 2024 levels. While taking similar or fewer trips, travelers are spending more on experiences. Food, dining, and activities top spending priorities.
What are the best under-the-radar destinations for 2026?
A: Hidden gems include Bellingham (WA), Eastport (ME), Marfa (TX), Cloudcroft (NM), Salmon (ID), and Paonia (CO)—all offering unique experiences with average rates under $250/night.
Conclusion: Your 2026 American Adventure Awaits
2026 is a landmark year for American travel. Whether you’re:
- A “playcation” enthusiast chasing waves in North Carolina or golf in Michigan
- An analog traveler seeking hands-on craft experiences in Tennessee
- A history buff celebrating America’s 250th birthday
- A road-tripper honoring 100 years of Route 66
- A second-city explorer discovering hidden gems like Bellingham, Marfa, or Cloudcroft
…the United States has never offered more variety, more events, or more memorable experiences.
With Brand USA’s new initiatives making it easier than ever to plan and travel with confidence, and with travel bookings showing strong momentum heading into 2026, this is the year to discover America’s hidden gems, embrace experience-led travel, and create moments that last a lifetime.
Ready to plan your 2026 American adventure? Visit tourrloop.com for curated tours, insider itineraries, and exclusive packages that make every trip count.
Your next great American experience starts today.