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🏛️ Can't Miss Museum Openings in 2026 & Weekly Travel News Roundup
Published about 2 months ago • 6 min read
The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - January 5, 2026
Happy New Year! We hope this year is filled with wonderful travel memories.
Last week, we took three of our grandkids to their first NHL hockey game in Anaheim, California. It was a great start to our New Year's week.
And next, we got hit with an illness bug in our house, which limited our ability to get additional travel-related experiences during the week. As we say, go with the flow...
To celebrate America's 250th anniversary in 2026, the National Park Service is rolling out some massive changes.
U.S. residents can look forward to extra "patriotic fee-free days," including free entry on Memorial Day and Independence Day weekend, alongside the launch of convenient new digital passes featuring commemorative artwork.
However, international travelers should budget accordingly, as fees are increasing significantly starting January 1st—entry to 11 top-tier parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon will jump to $100 for non-residents, and the international annual pass will increase to $250.
2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for culture seekers in the US, with a massive wave of museum openings that you'll want to add to your bucket list immediately.
Los Angeles is the star of the show, unveiling three game-changing institutions: the cinematic $1 billion Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, the world's first AI-dedicated museum, Dataland, and a stunning expansion of LACMA that literally floats over Wilshire Boulevard.
Over in the heartland, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Arkansas is celebrating a 50% expansion with new galleries and a sprawling outdoor playscape. Whether you're into Star Wars memorabilia or contemporary American masterpieces, your next great art adventure awaits!
A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked a new 11% cruise tax just moments before it was set to launch on New Year's Day. While the state hoped to use the funds for environmental sustainability, cruise lines successfully argued for a pause while the courts review the case. For now, your dream voyage remains slightly more budget-friendly while the legal process is expedited.
Recent U.S. military operations in Venezuela temporarily closed airspace across the Caribbean, leading to widespread flight cancellations in Puerto Rico and nearby territories.
While the FAA has lifted the restrictions and airlines like United and Delta are working hard to resume normal schedules, travelers should expect residual delays and busy airports.
If you’re currently navigating a journey through the region, be sure to check your airline app for the latest status and fee waivers, though rest assured that cruise itineraries remain largely on course.
Prepare your passports, culture seekers! 2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year for the art world.
London will see the historic Smithfield meat market transformed into the new London Museum, showcasing over seven million objects from the city's rich history. Meanwhile, the stunning Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, designed by Frank Gehry, is expected to finally open its doors, completing the city's ambitious cultural district alongside the Louvre.
The City of Light is ready to dazzle you with a blend of restored icons and exclusive new art. You can finally explore the fully restored Notre-Dame Cathedral and the magnificent, newly reopened Grand Palais.
Art enthusiasts have two major reasons to book a spring trip: a special Renoir exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay runs from March 17 to July 19, and the Musée d’Art Moderne is showcasing Max Wechsler through late June.
Pair these cultural highlights with a stay at one of the city's freshest hotels, such as the new Sax Paris or the historic Boudoir des Muses in the Marais, for an unforgettable experience.
The Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina begin in February. You can plan to witness a total solar eclipse in August, visible from Spain and Portugal. Switzerland remains a top pick with the 60th anniversary of the Montreux Jazz Festival and stunning Alpine adventures. From the Tour de France to the Eurovision final in Vienna, there’s plenty to plan in Europe for your 2026 travel calendar.
The U.S. Department of State has updated its Level 4 travel advisory for Russia.
The U.S. Department of State urges all citizens to avoid travel to the region due to the unpredictable consequences of the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, the potential for harassment and wrongful detention by security officials, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
Your Adventure Agenda - Travel Tips
Spring Break Planning & Luggage Preparation
Spring break is just around the corner, and it's never too early to start planning your vacation! With popular destinations and tours filling up quickly, now is the perfect time to secure your reservations and avoid any last-minute stress.
It’s also a good time to prepare for your next adventure. Investing in travel packing cubes will keep your luggage organized and save you time and space. Packing cubes are one of the best luggage investments we’ve made.
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Featured Place - Healy, Alaska
Why Visit? Healy, Alaska, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This quaint town serves as a gateway to the awe-inspiring Denali National Park. If you love hiking and admiring nature’s majestic beauty, consider a visit to Healy.
We recommend Healy as a basecamp when exploring Denali National Park. We enjoyed several nights at a bed-and-breakfast in town. And now is a perfect time to book a summer adventure to visit Denali National Park.
Top Things to Do:
Explore Denali National Park known for its breathtaking views of the Alaskan wilderness and diverse wildlife.
View the Magic Bus featured in the film "Into the Wild" plus great beer at 49th State Brewing Company.
Travel Tip: Plan your visit to Healy in the summer when the weather is milder and the days are longer. You’ll find a variety of rooms and homes for rent in addition to standard hotels. For transportation, consider a rental car for the most flexibility when exploring the area. We rented a car in Anchorage and drove from there to Healy.
Learn More About Healy: Check out our blog post on Healy for a deeper dive and travel inspiration for this destination.
Planning Ahead - Top Events in Six Months
We’re big on planning travel, typically six months in advance. With an eye on July 2026, here are some top things you can consider for your travel itinerary:
July Fourth on the National Mall— Celebrate the USA's 250th anniversary with patriotic concerts and fireworks in front of the monuments, making Washington one of the most symbolic places to celebrate Independence Day.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival— Open-air performances begin in July along the shores of Lake Tahoe, pairing classic theater with alpine scenery.
Tour de France — Cycling’s most famous race winds through the countryside and mountain passes of France, offering epic roadside spectating all month.
January 2026: We'll be exploring museums and sights throughout Los Angeles.
Spring 2026: Camping near Joshua Tree National Park.
Now is the time to start marking your calendar for your future bucket list adventures. If you have travel questions, feel free to reach out to us. You can reach us at comments@theplaceswherewego.com
Happy travels, and we hope to see you at The Places Where We Go.
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