Recent data from EF Go Ahead Tours and Qualtrics Research reveal a strong desire among American travelers to explore the nation’s past. In a May 2026 survey of 1,200 U.S. and Canadian respondents, 73% said they would be interested in tours focused on American history, while only 16% expressed disinterest.

Historic Themes Drive Travel Plans

The nation’s semiquincentennial is shaping these preferences. Among those interested in history‑focused trips, 48% favor the American Revolution era, with Civil War, Civil Rights, the Gilded Age and World War II also ranking highly.

Gap Between Interest and Experience

Despite high interest, many Americans have yet to visit key historic sites. While 70% of frequent travelers have been to New York City and 65% to Washington, D.C., only about half have visited Boston or Philadelphia, and fewer than one in five have seen Valley Forge, Lexington, Concord or Yorktown.

Six Curated Itineraries

EF Go Ahead Tours recommends six itineraries that turn curiosity into lived experience:

• Western National Parks: Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Yellowstone showcase geological wonders.
• Hawaiian Islands: Oahu’s USS Arizona Memorial, Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Maui’s Road to Hana blend history, culture and scenery.
• Alaska’s Frontier: Fairbanks to Denali and Kenai Fjords highlight natural grandeur and Indigenous heritage.
• New England Roots: Starting in Quebec City, the tour moves to Vermont’s von Trapp Family Lodge, Boston, Lexington and Concord, and the rugged Maine coast.
• Fall Foliage & History: Vermont’s Stowe, Woodstock and the Pioneer Valley offer spectacular autumn colors alongside Puritan, witch‑trial and abolitionist history.
• Railroad & Rockies: A train journey through the Rockies combined with visits to Arches and Zion mirrors the 19th‑century transcontinental railroad experience.

Traveler Sentiment

The survey shows 75% of high‑intent travelers plan to travel within the next one to two years, and 58% consider learning about a destination’s history and culture very important. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, these itineraries provide a roadmap for families and faith‑grounded travelers to connect with the nation’s founding story while enjoying its natural beauty.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.