The red, white, and blue patriotic ball drop at Times Square on New Year’s Eve kicked off America’s 250th birthday celebrations and is fueling a major travel trend for 2026 centered on historic sites and immersive experiences. “The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is a once-in-a-generation event, sparking interest in destinations tied to America’s founding,” said AAA Group Travel Manager Melissa Petersen, who has developed a special selection of group travel itineraries as AAA says ‘Cheers to 250 Years’ with a lineup of exclusive trips.
While domestic travel hot spots like Boston and Philadelphia are always a draw with travelers, interest is higher than usual given the country’s 250th anniversary, Petersen noted.
“We wanted to make it easy for travelers to immerse themselves in history and effortlessly experience destinations, so we curated a variety of trips that do just that,” she said. “AAA Group Travel opportunities are led by professional AAA Group Travel Tour Hosts and include roundtrip motorcoach transportation, a mix of activities, meals, and lodging that are designed for individuals to travel together as group.”
AAA’s 250th anniversary lineup includes:
- Where Freedom Began: Boston & the Spirit of 1776
- Voices of the Revolution: Philadelphia, Valley Forge & Beyond
- Tall Ships & Tea Leaves: Boston’s Historic Harbor Adventure
- Revolution & Reflection: Washington, D.C. & Alexandria Uncovered
- Echoes of Liberty: Virginia’s Presidential Past
- A Patriotic Christmas: From Constitution Hall to Colonial Williamsburg
Travelers who are interested in joining in or learning more about the trips can find more information online and can contact AAA for more information. For experiencing America’s natural beauty, there’s no beating a trip to the U.S. National Parks, which are also expected to be busy in 2026. AAA Group Travel’s 2026 selections also include tours to a variety of parks, along with a variety of other vacations to choose from. The complete tour collection can be found here.
AAA Group Travel offers you the best of both worlds — a diverse selection of travel experiences with the extra savings and benefits of group travel. Travel with like-minded individuals from your own region and communities. Reservations can be made through any AAA Western and Central New York branch or by calling (800)-937-1222, or by visiting www.AAA.com/Groups.
