If there wsa ever a year to plan a visit to the USA it would be 2026, as the country celebrates its milestone 250th birthday.
Despite political uncertainty and high costs, we’re still planning holidays to America with recent ABS figures showing a slight increase in the number of Aussies visiting in 2025, compared with last year.
From major new attractions, hotel openings, plus the centennial of the iconic Route 66, 2026 marks a once-in-a-generation year for travel.
But there are still some things to take into account. Here’s everything you need to know.
The US celebrates its milestone 250th birthday next year. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Route 66 turns 100
According to a recent study conducted by Brand USA, road trips rank within the top three types of trips that drive international interest in visiting the USA.
With Route 66 turning 100 on November 11, 2026, there are a plethora of museums and roadside attractions to see along the historic Mother Road.
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“Route 66 is part of the American story. For nearly a century, it has connected travellers to the people, places, and experiences that define the United States,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of Brand USA.
“As we approach its 100th anniversary, we’re reminded of the road’s iconic landmarks and quirky charm and its ongoing legacy as a symbol of possibility and exploration.”
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The iconic Route 66 turns 100 in 2026. (Getty)
As part of the centennial, destinations along the route are debuting new attractions, restorations, and creative twists on nostalgia. Travellers can:
- Step back in time at Pontiac’s Route 66 Hall of Fame and Museum in Illinois or see the “World’s Largest Rocking Chair” in Missouri.
- Explore New Mexico’s Route 66 Remixed public art trail and Albuquerque’s new West Central Visitor Centre featuring neon art, AR experiences, and drive-in events.
- Stay in reimagined icons like Arizona’s Wigwam Motel or the retro-luxe Americana Motor Hotel near the Grand Canyon.
More destinations to put on your radar
Austin, Texas
In Austin, Texas, Austin City Limits Turns 50 in 2026 – a milestone that’s a testament to Austin’s enduring legacy as the Live Music Capital of the World.
There will be a lineup of special events and concerts to mark this historic occasion, including live music and backstage interviews with legendary artists.
Austin City Limits Turns 50 in 2026. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston already wears its history proudly, but America’s 250th anniversary will shine a brighter spotlight on the historic capital.
There will be the return of Sail Boston in July, an event held roughly every eight years when Boston Harbor gets packed with floods with historic tall ships from around the world.
Boston is also one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which organisers are already calling the single largest sporting event ever.
Catalina Island named by Conde Naste Traveller as one of the “best places to visit” in the US. (Getty)
Catalina Island, California
Called out by Conde Naste Traveller as one of the “best places to visit” in the US in 2026, Catalina Island is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a resort destination, so there’s never been a better time to rediscover the Channel island located just an hour off the Southern California coast.
Adventurers can hike the 60-kilometre Trans-Catalina Trail, snorkel the turquoise waters at Lover’s Cove Marine Reserve, or kayak to hidden coves in search of sea lions and bright-orange garibaldi fish.
Deer Valley, Utah
Deer Valley enters a new era with the largest ski resort expansion in North American history. The Expanded Excellence initiative more than doubles skiable terrain to 4,300 acres, with nearly 100 new runs and 31 lifts.
After over four decades in Park City, the famous Sundance Film Festival will also mark its final year in Utah.
Deer Valley has undergone the largest ski-resort expansion in North American history. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Exciting new hotels
One & Only Moonlight Basin Resort, Big Sky, Montana
A luxury company has just opened its first alpine resort in the United States – One&Only Moonlight Basin. It’s in Montana’s most desirable destination, Big Sky, an hour from Bozeman.
The area was top of Expedia’s Destinations of the Year list, with a 92 per cent search increase over the last year.
The new resort is located in a vast mountain range, with access to pristine ski slopes and less than an hour from Yellowstone National Park.
One&Only Moonlight Montana has just opened its doors. (Supplied)
Dolly Parton’s Songteller Hotel, Nashville
Coming in 2026, the Songteller Hotel will celebrate the life and legacy of Dolly Parton through a full-service, themed hotel experience in downtown Nashville.
Developed by The Dollywood Company and Herschend Entertainment Studios, the hotel will include a museum, rooftop bar, live entertainment, and immersive storytelling elements inspired by Dolly’s songs and journey.
Songteller Hotel by Dolly Parton will open in 2026. (Supplied)
Colorado also kicks off its 150th birthday with new ski terrain, boutique stays, and special events throughout 2026.
Keystone’s first luxury hotel, Kindred Resort, will debut this winter with ski-in/ski-out access, multiple new dining concepts, a kids club, spa, and dozens of firepits designed for connection, transforming the base of River Run.
Things to consider
It has been announced that international tourists visiting popular national parks in the US in 2026 will be required to pay additional fees and raised rates on annual passes.
The new “resident-focused fee structure that puts American families first” will kick in as of January 1, 2026; the annual pass will cost non-residents US$250 ($380) to obtain, more than triple the standard US$80 ($120), which residents will continue to pay.
Foreign tourists who don’t purchase the pass will pay a $150-per-person fee, in addition to the standard entrance fee, to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone and Yosemite.
It will cost more for travellers to enter national parks including Yosemite. (iStock)
Tourists and business travellers from countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program, including Australia and many European countries, aren’t required to obtain visas for stays of 90 days or less.
But the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fees associated with the program are expected to increase to at least US$40 in 2026, nearly double the current amount.
Australia was welcomed into the US Global Entry program this year, which is available to pre-approved, low-risk, and frequent travellers to the US. Primarily of benefit to business travellers, it offers expedited airport entry.
The dormant volcano known as Diamond Head located adjacent to downtown Honlulu, Hawaii, as shot from an altitude of about 1500 feet over the Pacific Ocean. (Getty)
In Hawaii, Experience Kilohana is launching the “Aloha Pass” – a fixed-price pass featuring only locally owned businesses.
Aloha Pass guests can participate in more than a dozen tours and activities, along with products unavailable elsewhere, all developed with support and guidance from Experience Kilohana.
New flight routes
- Delta Air Lines introduces non-stop Melbourne to LA services starting December 3, 2025, just in time for Route 66 centenary celebrations, with Santa Monica being the Western end of the route.
- United Airlines begins direct San Francisco to Adelaide services starting December 11, 2025 and continuing until March. Perfect timing with the Super Bowl LX being played in the Bay Area in February 2026.
- American Airlines is launching Brisbane to Los Angeles departures in December. It will also relaunch Brisbane to Dallas flights.
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