Historic Anniversaries Ignite Unprecedented Road Trip Trend in America
This summer, the convergence of two milestone anniversaries is sparking one of the most significant domestic travel surges in American history. As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, and the iconic Route 66 marks its 100th anniversary, millions of Americans are embracing the open road in a patriotic wave of heritage tourism, reshaping travel patterns from coast to coast.
According to the Hilton’s 2026 Trends Report, a whopping 71% of Americans plan to drive to their next vacation this summer. The demand for outdoor escapes and regional destinations such as Montana, Oklahoma City, and Madison, Wisconsin is skyrocketing. Data from Hertz supports this trend, revealing that 64% of Americans are planning a road trip, with Route 66 rentals starting in Chicago up by 8% year-over-year between Memorial Day and July 4. An AAA survey found that 41% of U.S. adults plan to travel some part of Route 66 to celebrate its centennial year.
The historic 2,400-mile corridor from Chicago to Santa Monica, famously known as the “Main Street of America,” is experiencing a renaissance. Communities along the route are rolling out special events, upgraded visitor centers, fresh murals, and centennial festivals. New Mexico has launched a dedicated grant program to help Route 66 communities enhance marketing and infrastructure ahead of the surge. Meanwhile, Chicago is hosting a year-long series of America 250 exhibits, concerts, and its largest-ever Fourth of July fireworks display at Navy Pier — a full 15-minute performance honoring the nation’s semiquincentennial.
Source: TravelAge West – Top Summer Travel Trends for 2026