AAA in a new study with Bread Financial found that 61% of Americans plan to travel in 2026. Among those travelers, more than three-quarters (76%) say their trips will be planned around important life milestones such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other celebrations.
Supporting this travel trend, AAA Central Penn reports that travel bookings by Central Pennsylvanians are up 28% compared to this same time in 2025 with cruise and guided tours leading the booking growth. AAA also reports increased travel interest domestically in direct correlation to the United States 250th anniversary and a notable increased interest in European destinations including Italy, United Kingdom, Ireland and France.
“The upward trend in travel nationally is playing out in our Central Pennsylvania region as well,” said AAA Central Penn Vice President of Travel Allison Villasenor. “Travelers are looking for authentic, intentional experiences whether that is through a cruise vacation, expedition tour or domestic exploration. Planning a trip that is a meaningful experience is something that is important to travelers in 2026.”
For families, couples or singles thinking about traveling, AAA Central Penn is hosting free in-person travel events in February and March to explore travel experiences ranging from cruises to guided tours to expeditions:
- Expedition Travel on Wed., Feb 11 at 5:30 pm at Lancaster Country Club at 1466 New Holland Pike in Lancaster – Attendees will uncover the possibilities of journeys that venture into remote, untouched corners of the world.
- Guided Tours on Thurs., Feb. 19 at 5:30 pm at The Barn at Englewood at Englewood Hershey at 1219 W. End Ave in Hummelstown – Attendees will discover the seamless guided tour experience to popular destinations.
- Canada & New England Cruise with Wink 104’s Denny Logan on Mon., March 2 at 5:30 pm at Camp Hill Giant Food Stores Community Room at 3301 E. Trindle Rd. in Camp Hill – Attendees will learn about the historical sites, lighthouses and culture expected on this Canada and New England ocean cruise hosted by Wink 104’s Denny Logan.
- Ocean Cruising on Wed., March 11 at 5:30 pm at The Barn at Englewood at Englewood Hershey at 1219 W. End Ave in Hummelstown – Attendees will learn about ocean cruise vacations that visit multiple destinations from sun-soaked Caribbean islands to the majestic fjords of Norway.
