In 2026 the United States hits a big milestone: 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, branded as America250 or the Semiquincentennial. All 50 states, five territories and Washington, D.C. are marking it with events, exhibitions and community celebrations. And here's the useful part for travellers — you don't need to plan a trip around it. The anniversary is designed to be folded into places you were probably going anyway.

Three travel advisors working with Brand USA shared how they're weaving the milestone into US itineraries, and their tips work for anyone.

Swapnil Bhate's takeaway: look past the obvious. Alaska, around Anchorage, impressed him less for its vast scenery than for its stories of exploration and survival. Flagstaff, Arizona surprised him too — a Route 66 town where the historic downtown, old neon signs and long-running local businesses make the past part of daily life rather than a museum exhibit. In Texas, America250 programming runs from hands-on workshops making oak-gall ink (the kind used in early American documents) to "Stories in the Stars" evenings at Pedernales Falls State Park.

Abby Pezze's angle is turning history into an experience, especially in the American South, where the African American story has shaped so much of modern America. Her standout example is New Orleans: the Historic New Orleans Collection is running "American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition," using interactive 3D reconstructions to drop visitors into Revolutionary-era moments — including the Gulf South's overlooked role in the conflict. It runs until 17 January 2027, so it's still there long after the 4 July fireworks.

Kat Chatfield starts with a question. Clients curious about how Mount Rushmore was carved or how the Hoover Dam works often lead to detours they never planned. One client's interest in Montana's historic battlefields sent her researching Buffalo Bill Cody — now she steers travellers towards the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming, a natural stop on the way to Yellowstone.

The common thread: one museum, walking tour, local festival or long conversation with a resident can add a whole layer to a trip you'd already booked. In 2026, America is actively inviting you to do exactly that — and the celebrations keep rolling well past the summer.