Our weekly newsletter provides the latest travel news highlights. Plus, stay up-to-date on our newest blog posts, travel videos and podcast episodes.
Share
π Free National Park Visits in Canada & Weekly Travel News Roundup
Published 14 days agoΒ β’Β 6 min read
The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - May 25, 2026
Happy Memorial Day from the USA, where we honor the men and women who died in military service. The day can be used to visit cemeteries and memorials, place flags or flowers, and observe moments of silence. Families also gather for cookouts, parades, and concerts, but the dayβs true purpose is remembrance and gratitude for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
For us, cleanup continues after our construction project, and we have a day of painting in the house on Monday. It will be nice to get another project done as we get another week closer to our first camping trip of the summer in a couple of weeks.
Memorial Day travelers are facing a more expensive start to summer, with AAA projecting a record 45 million Americans driving at least 50 miles from home and national gas prices averaging $4.56 per gallon. Prices are especially steep on the West Coast, led by California at $6.14, while Southern and Midwestern states offer slightly lower costs for road trippers. With oil shipping disruptions, tighter gasoline supplies, and strong travel demand all adding pressure, drivers may want to budget extra for fuel, compare prices along their route, and consider EV charging costs, which remain steady at about 41 cents per kilowatt hour.
As airfare, gas, and everyday expenses climb, many Americans are rethinking their summer vacation plans rather than canceling them altogether. New survey data from Enterprise Mobility shows nearly half of summer travelers are planning shorter getaways this year, with weekend trips, road trips, and visits to friends and family becoming especially popular. For travelers, the trend points to a more flexible, budget-conscious summer, with quick domestic escapes offering a practical way to recharge without the stress or cost of a major vacation.
A new YouGov survey of more than 23,000 Americans reveals that travelers continue to place their trust in major U.S. airlines when booking future trips, with Delta Air Lines topping the list of most-considered carriers for 2026, followed closely by American Airlines and United Airlines.
While the βBig Fourβ U.S. airlines remain dominant thanks to loyalty programs, route networks, and reliability, international airlines earned the highest marks for customer satisfaction, led by Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways.
The report also suggests budget-conscious travelers may increasingly turn to Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue Airways as the market adjusts following Spirit Airlinesβ decline.
Travelers flying through U.S. host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may see a smoother security experience as TSA deploys new Bulk Alarm Resolution Technology at key airports. The system is designed to quickly screen common items like liquids, powders, creams, food, and other materials that often trigger extra checks. With major World Cup crowds expected in cities including Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Seattle, Dallas, and more, the upgrade could help reduce delays and improve the checkpoint experience during one of the biggest travel events of 2026.
Disneyland Resort is giving travelers more reasons to visit this summer as its 70th Celebration continues through August 9, 2026, with new entertainment, limited-time experiences, and special offers. Highlights include a new Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run mission tied to Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, the debut of Soarinβ Across America on July 2, dance parties, Bluey-themed fun, and a new βA Walk in Waltβs Footstepsβ tour beginning August 14. Families may also find added value with a kidsβ Park Hopper ticket offer for ages 3 to 9 and hotel savings on select weeknight stays.
The National Park Service will release timed-entry tickets on May 26 for the new Lincoln Memorial undercroft experience, opening to the public on June 25 in Washington, D.C. The free ticketed experience gives travelers access to a newly created 15,000-square-foot exhibit space beneath the memorial, featuring dramatic concrete columns, interactive displays, and a multimedia look at how the monumentβs meaning has evolved over the past century. Advance reservations will be available through Recreation.gov, with same-day tickets offered in limited quantities once the experience opens.
Canada is waiving admission fees at more than 200 Parks Canada sites from June 19 through September 7 through the Canada Strong Pass, giving both Canadian and international travelers free daily entry to national parks, historic sites, marine conservation areas, Rouge National Urban Park, and canal lockage on historic waterways.
Popular destinations like Banff, Jasper, Pacific Rim, and Gros Morne are included, but travelers should read the fine print: parking, shuttles, guided tours, hot springs, private lodging, and provincial parks may still come with fees. Overnight stays at Parks Canada-operated campgrounds and unique accommodations are discounted 25%, making this a strong summer travel opportunity for visitors who plan carefully.
The U.S. State Department is continuing to warn Americans against travel to Venezuela, citing ongoing concerns over violent crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and a severely strained healthcare system.
Routine consular services remain largely unavailable, and emergency assistance outside the capital is extremely limited.
Travelers are also being advised about risks tied to border regions, unregulated airport taxis, and widespread shortages in hospitals and pharmacies.
For anyone considering travel to Venezuela, the advisory highlights the importance of evacuation insurance, security planning, and careful preparation before departure.
Your Adventure Agenda - Travel Tips
Plan Summer Weekends With Family and Friends
βNow is the perfect time to start planning your summer weekend get-togethers, whether it's a relaxing outdoor camping trip or a backyard barbecue.
And for our readers in the USA, don't forget to plan ahead for the July 4th celebration!
To help make your gatherings even more special, we recommend checking out camping chairs and outdoor camping stoves - both essential items for any outdoor gathering.
The Places Where We Go contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you when you purchase using one of these Amazon links. Read our disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.
Why Visit?β βLake Tahoe is a beautiful and dynamic destination in California. With its stunning natural beauty, diverse cultural experiences, and a range of activities available day and night, this mountain oasis is a popular getaway destination.
Top Things To Do:
Take a scenic gondola ride up the Heavenly Mountain Resort for breathtaking lake views.
Visit the historic Vikingsholm Castle, an impressive Scandinavian-style mansion on Emerald Bay.
Enjoy a day of outdoor activities at Sand Harbor State Park, known for its crystal clear waters and picturesque beaches.
Travel Tip:β For the best experience in Lake Tahoe, plan your visit during the summer or early fall when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports. It's also recommended to rent a car to explore the surrounding areas and take in the stunning views at your own pace.
Plan Your Visit:β Check out our blog post on Lake Tahoe for more ideas and tips on how to plan your trip.
Planning Ahead - Top Events in Six Months
Weβre big on planning travel, typically six months in advance. With an eye on November 2026, here are some top things you can consider for your travel itinerary:
βMacy's Thanksgiving Day Parade β One of Americaβs most iconic holiday traditions features giant balloons, marching bands, celebrity performances, and millions of spectators. Attend in 2026 to experience the 100th anniversary of this iconic parade!
βPushkar Camel Fair (India) β A colorful desert festival featuring camel trading, cultural performances, and traditional competitions. (November 17-24, 2026)
βWhite Truffle Festival (Italy) β Food lovers travel to northern Italy each November to experience gourmet truffle tastings, wine pairings, and culinary events. (October 10 - December 6, 2026)
βοΈ Donβt miss out on incredible travel savings.
Sign up for FareDrop's Limited plan and receive top flight deals straight to your inbox. β
Happy travels, and we hope to see you at The Places Where We Go.
P.S. We'd appreciate it if you could share the newsletter with your friends who are also passionate about travel. Let's spread the word and inspire others to explore the world with us! - New subscriptions are free and easy with this linkβ
The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - June 1, 2026 Happy first day of June. Summer is just around the corner, and we're one week from our first camping trip of the season. Fingers crossed, we'll have a new YouTube video on our channel at the end of the week. Our Latest Updates Latest BlogsAmargosa Opera House Tour Review: Is It Worth Visiting Near Death Valley? Latest Podcast6 Steps to Choose the Perfect Vacation Time Frame Summer Travel Inspiration on YouTubeLodgepole Campground in...
The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - May 18, 2026 Happy National No Dirty Dishes Day from the USA, where celebrating this occasion means you get to eat out or order in to avoid doing any dishes today. As we've been eating on paper plates during the last 8 weeks of construction at the house, we will skip the day and opt to use the new dishwasher and sink as we enjoy what we've been missing since the end of March - delicious home-cooked meals. The construction crew cleaned up their tools...
The Places Where We Go Travel Newsletter - May 11, 2026 Happy National Eat What You Want Day - a USA day that celebrates indulging in the foods that make you happy. It's about having one day a year to eat without regrets. Whether you love donuts or fast food, today is your day to gratify without feeling guilty. We're nearing the end of our home renovation project - they tell us that by the middle of next week, the contractors will be finished. Then, we have the task of getting everything back...
β
β