As the 250th birthday of America—and the excitement of the World Cup—collide with the Fourth of July weekend, 2026 is shaping up to be one busy travel season. Domestic flight prices are up, international fares are down, and highways, airports, and hotels are bracing for record crowds. Here’s a snapshot of what travelers might face and some strategies to stay stress-free.
July 3, 2026National Geographic has revealed its highly anticipated list of “Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2026,” spotlighting 25 destinations that could shape the coming year’s travel trends. Here’s what this could mean for everyone planning their next adventure—and for the places that made the list.
October 23, 2025