How To Best Experience The Great American Road Trip
The USA is open for business.
'There's never been a better time to explore the beauty and energy of the USA, which continues to be the world's most aspirational long-haul travel destination,' says Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA, the United States' destination marketing organization and premier sponsor of U.S. Travel Association's IPW.
The organization introduced a new global tourism campaign, America the Beautiful , developed to showcase the best of the United States to visitors from around the world. In addition, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy recently hosted the inaugural Great American Road Trip Expo, where he unveiled a new website in collaboration with Brand USA: RoadTripInAmerica.com. This platform celebrates the lead-up to America's 250th birthday spotlighting 250 stops across the country.
Hordes of traveler will drive to the majestic Grand Canyon. getty
Nearly 80% of Americans are expected to take a road trip this year, many choosing the 4th of July as their starting date. In addition to these domestic travelers, over 77 million people from around the world will visit the U.S. this year. A large number of these travelers will experience the sights and sounds of the country via the 'Great American Road Trip,' a tradition that emerged as a popular cultural phenomenon during the 1920s with the rise of auto camping, but its roots trace back to earlier influences and evolved significantly after World War II.
Launching in August, America the Beautiful is designed to stir emotions and reignite passion for U.S. travel. Global visitors can experience the richness, warmth and diversity of U.S. destinations and people. Dixon says, 'Visitors come to do more than see America. They come to feel it, to connect with our people, explore our landscapes and experience our stories. America the Beautiful gives us a new way to tell those stories and invite the world to be part of them.'
Orlando, Florida, is a "must see" road trip destination. getty
In 2025 and 2026, the country is unveiling reimagined landmarks, new attractions and unique experiences, while also highlighting tried and true destinations. Universal Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida has ushered in a new era of themed entertainment, and 2026 will see that energy continue with the arrival of Mattel Adventure Park's second location in Kansas. The MegaZip in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offers adrenaline-filled adventure high above the Great Smoky Mountains on one of America's longest ziplines. In Kansas City, the brand-new Museum of BBQ showcases how this quintessential American cuisine is made.
The Golden Gate Bridge during sunset is a spectacular sight. getty Road Cruise
Take a road cruise along a captivating northeast loop that's filled with urban attractions, rugged coasts and gorgeous mountains. Along the way, stop to stroll through quaint villages, tour fascinating historic sites and soak up the natural beauty of the region. Visit the USA's oldest state park showcasing New York's Niagara Falls via boat tours, cave hikes and scenic overlooks. Or head south to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Known as 'America's favorite drive,' the Parkway spans the southern and central Appalachians and offers an exceptional glimpse of the regional flora and fauna. Out west the majestic Golden Gate Bridge spans 4,200 feet and is 1.7 miles long. It's known for its orange color and Art Deco design.
Route 66 is perhaps the most famous road in the country. getty Route 66
Major milestones will also take center stage in 2026 with the Route 66 Centennial , the world's most iconic highway. Spanning eight states from Illinois to California, this historic road will come alive with commemorative experiences that celebrate the spirit of the Great American Road Trip and the communities that line its path. Also in 2026, the United States will celebrate America 250 , marking America's semiquincentennial, with a yearlong series of exhibitions, events and programs across all 50 states. Nature lovers can trek the newly completed 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail in scenic upstate New York. Meanwhile, San Antonio Zoo's new Spekboom Lodge will immerse guests in wildlife experiences. Across the country, experiences big and small - urban and rural - are redefining travel to the USA. Florida Dream Drive Package
Sun seekers will love the Florida Dream Drive package. This offering from four premier resorts in South Florida and the Florida Keys is designed to make one of America's most iconic road trips through the Keys easier for travelers. The drive begins at The Singer Resort in Palm Beach where guests will receive a detailed map with unique spots to check out in each destination.
Enjoy rum tastings and a curated boat journey. Three Waters Resort & Marina, Tribute Portfolio
Guests will then head down to Eden Roc in Miami Beach where they can enjoy a private stargazing experience and a mixology class with the resort's bartending team. Then travelers head down to the Keys to stay at Baker's Cay in Key Largo where they'll experience a sunset Tiki Cruise and a "Dock to Dish" fishing experience. Lastly, they'll head to Three Waters Resort & Marina in Islamorada where they'll enjoy rum tastings and a curated boat journey. Highway 1
Slip off Highway 1 just 30 miles south of San Francisco and you'll find a stretch of coast that feels like California before the crowds. Half Moon Bay pairs postcard-ready scenery with quietly historic stops: wander the uncrowded redwood giants of Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve. Between bites of warm artichoke bread from Norm's Market and goat meet-and-greets at Harley Farms, you'll feel like you've stumbled onto the coast's best-kept secrets.
Half Moon Bay offers panoramic Pacific views for adventurous travelers. getty
For a home base that's as inspiring as the journey itself, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay rises from the cliffs like something out of a coastal daydream. Framed by panoramic Pacific views, this luxury resort weaves together the area's natural beauty, culinary spirit and community pride. Guests can explore the rugged coastline with direct beach access, tee off at the legendary Half Moon Bay Golf Links, or walk the scenic coastal trail.
Experience small town Americana in the Berkshires. Leslie Morgenthal
Tucked into the northern edge of the Berkshires, Williamstown offers a summer road trip escape where art, design and tranquility meet. Unlike the more bustling Great Barrington, Williamstown trades crowds for calm, without sacrificing culture. This charming college town is a magnet for art lovers thanks to its world-class museums, antique shops and creative experiences that make it one of New England's most inspiring seasonal destinations. It's a scenic three-hour drive from both Boston and New York.
The Williams Inn is a charming boutique hotel located at the foot of Spring Street, placing guests steps from Williamstown's shops, galleries and cultural attractions. Thoughtful touches and locally sourced dining at The Barn make it a favorite for travelers seeking comfort, style, and connection to the local scene. Dining at The Barn, the inn's signature restaurant, is a must. The rustic-modern setting and regionally inspired menu make it ideal for lingering over locally sourced meals after a day on the road. The Back Roads and Byways of America
No matter your destination, the back roads and byways of America are sure to showcase the diverse landscapes and cultural heritage of the United States. These routes, often chosen for their historical, natural, recreational or cultural significance, offer an alternative to the major highways and interstates, providing travelers with a more immersive and intimate experience of the country. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes The Uber-Rich Are Flocking To This Small Mountain Town By Roger Sands Forbes 'Skill-Cations' Provide Options For Personal Growth And Enrichment By Roger Sands
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Located about an hour south of Hartsfield-Jackson, the 3,800-acre property—filled with pecan groves, pastures, forests, and lakes—is rooted in Visconti di Modrone's family history. The land was purchased by her parents, an Italian duke and duchess, in the late 1970s. For the last few decades, it's served as a hunting reserve, a working farm, and a cattle and horse ranch. It wasn't until the pandemic, when Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas began discussing regenerative farming with Hidinger and Smith, that this idea of an overnight retreat began to form. Guests sitting around a fire pit. Opened in the fall of 2024, 'the World of Quercus,' composed of four guest cabins, a biodynamic vegetable garden, a farm-to-table restaurant, a restored farmhouse, and endless ways to enjoy the outdoors, is the type of destination that has the ability to shift into whatever type of retreat you need. 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There's an outdoor fireplace and indoor wood-burning stove in the living room with all the necessary materials and tools to light them, a wraparound porch, a kitchenette and dining area, a powder room, a master bedroom outfitted with blackout curtains, and an ensuite bathroom with a soaking tub and a walk-in shower. Every inch of the space, from the organic mattresses to the cupboards stocked with homemade snacks and a selection of herbal teas, anticipates the needs of the guests. The coffee maker comes with detailed instructions, the bath towels are plentiful, and you even get a little pouch of sunscreen and lip balm you can take with you at the end of your stay. There's no TV, but you won't miss it. If you do need to check in with the outside world, there's strong WiFi at your disposal. When asked about their vision for Quercus, Visconti di Modrone and Pervanas mentioned creating a 'high-level culinary experience that nurtures the body.' 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All meals and snacks, beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) in the suites, and certain activities and gratuities are included in the rate. Check-in is only available Thursday through Sunday, with a minimum stay of one night and a maximum stay of four nights. Keep in mind, Quercus is closed during the summer months, from the beginning of June until early September. Nightly rates at Quercus are $1,350 per person. Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.
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After more than 15 years of living in and traveling across Italy, I could write a whole book of travel advice, especially about visitor etiquette. But if I had to narrow it down to the one most important tip for being a better traveler in Italy, it would be two simple words. Dress nicely. Of course, that's in addition to being polite, respectful and patient, as you hopefully would anywhere you're a visitor. But in a country known for its fashion, design and sense of style, as well as its long-standing traditions, dressing decently in Italy is a way of showing respect and courtesy, not just for yourself, but to the people you'll encounter and the places you'll visit. This doesn't mean you have to invest in a suitcase full of designer clothes for your trip to Italy; it just means you should leave the shabby stuff at home, starting with this list of hard nos: Avoid flip-flops because the people dining at the table next to you don't want to see the bottoms of your grubby feet. Really, none of us do so save those pseudo shoes for the beach. Basketball shorts or sweat pants may be comfy on your long-haul flight, but most Italians wouldn't even go to the grocery store in such attire, much less to a museum. Baseball caps advertise that you're a foreigner. But if you must wear one, take it off and put it out of sight anytime you're indoors, especially in restaurants and churches. T-shirts with glaring logos, like your university or favorite sports team, are considered too casual for daily wear. Stick to plain, solid-colored tees instead. Mini-skirts, booty shorts, and low-cut tank tops may work for a night on the town, but they're too much for daytime wear, and may prohibit you from entering churches where dress codes are enforced. While there's no hard and fast dress code for touring Italy, here's a safe rule of thumb to follow: dress like you're going to brunch. For men or women, that simply means looking pulled together, with clean, neat, wrinkle free clothing, structured shoes, and nothing on your body that resembles pajamas or slippers. Not only will you blend in a wee bit more, but you'll look like you give two cents about your appearance and that you're courteous enough to show up looking decently. You just might find you're welcomed a little more warmly in a nice outfit versus something you'd throw on to take out the garbage.
