A holiday to the USA offers an incredible variety of epic adventures from a city break enjoying the bright lights of New York or Las Vegas to exploring the South’s colonial charm. Admire the country’s natural wonders and stunning scenery on a fly drive or simply kick back and relax on one of Florida’s beaches.
Silver Travel Advisor have all manner of exciting trips and holidays on offer and with the USA celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, along with the FIFA World Cup in the same year, followed by the Summer Olympics in 2028 there’s never been a better time to visit. Here’s just a small selection of other stateside news.
Honour the ‘Semi quincentennial’ of the USA in Philadelphia
On July 4, 1776, the United States of America was born in Philadelphia, when the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence at the Pennsylvania State House, later renamed Independence Hall. The 250th anniversary, or the ‘semi quincentennial’, of the founding of the USA will be celebrated throughout 2026 and just as Pennsylvania played a critical role back in 1776, Pennsylvania is primed to once again be in the spotlight in 2026 with events galore. From grand celebrations the week of July 4th to world-class sporting events throughout the year.
Celebrate the Grand Ole Opry 100th Birthday
The Grand Ole Opry is the world’s longest running live radio show and is credited for being the show that made country music famous. In 2025, the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 100th birthday with a year-long celebration of the artists, fans and the music that have made the Opry a global phenomenon. Kicking off in March with a live broadcast special from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, every show in 2025 will be an Opry 100 celebration event.
Celebrate Mississippi’s legendary music icons in 2025
Get ready for a year of epic celebrations as Mississippi honours the milestone birthdays of two music legends! Celebrations will kick off in January with the 90th birthday of the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley. Then, in September, Mississippi will mark a century since the birth of the legendary B.B. King. Both of these music icons hail from Mississippi, and visitors have the incredible opportunity to experience their stories firsthand. Known as the birthplace of the blues and the Birthplace of America’s Music, Mississippi’s influence spans from rock ‘n’ roll to country and gospel. Here, you can dive deep into the roots of blues music, visiting authentic attractions, historic sites, and vibrant live music venues.
Art and culture in LA
Los Angeles is constantly evolving and there is much to be excited about this year, including the $30 billion modernisation of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); new stadiums such as the Intuit Dome opening this summer; a vibrant culinary scene including more Michelin-rated restaurants than ever before; exceptional arts and cultural enhancements and openings including the debut of South LA’s Destination Crenshaw and the opening of NHM Commons—the new wing of The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Or why not celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood by stepping off the tram and onto the studio backlot to visit an iconic film set.
2024 marks 100 years of Utah film and television
From Thelma & Louise to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Utah’s iconic landscapes have been featuring in popular TV shows and movies for 100 years. Once known as ‘Little Hollywood’, Utah’s unforgettable terrain has made the state a popular backdrop for filmmakers since the production of two 1924 silent films, The Deadwood Coach and The Covered Wagon. Over the years, Utah has slipped into countless roles, sometimes as different states or even different planets. The iconic red rock backdrop has set the scene for many blockbusters from the opening scenes of Misson Impossible II, the race back in time in Back to the Future III and the real-life landscapes of Westworld to name just a few. The Utah film commission will celebrate the 100-year milestone and all the people, locations and productions that have made Utah, America’s film set® with a year of exhibits, events and film screenings across the state.
Events galore in Washington DC, New York and Massachusetts
Washington DC is preparing to host a variety of tourism events in 2025, most notably World Pride. While also in 2025, New York City will be celebrating a major milestone — the 400th anniversary of the city being founded. The Big Apple was actually the first capital of the United States and was also the home of the first U.S. Congress, as well as the place where George Washington was inaugurated. Notable news from Massachusetts includes the state hosting seven FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 at Gillette Stadium (the line-up includes quarter-finals stages). Watch parties and other festivities will be held in Boston throughout the FIFA tournament. Also in the same year, The Bay State will welcome tall ship crews and cadets from all over the world as part of Sail Boston. The city is an official port of Sail 250, a global gathering of tall ships celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Flyover Chicago
Experience Chicago’s newest attraction and connect with the sights, sounds and spirit of the city from an entirely new perspective. An immersive experience Flyover is located at historic Navy Pier, across from the Chicago Children’s Museum. Soar over skyscrapers and into the heart of the city aboard the signature experience, Believe Chicago. Motion seats, scents, mists and music work together to capture the feeling of flight as you explore Chicago from above.
Family fun in Orlando
Universal Orlando Resort’s new DreamWorks Land will open this summer at Universal Studios, Florida. Inspired by DreamWorks Animations’ characters Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Trolls, DreamWorks Land will feature family-friendly roller coaster, Trolls Troller coaster, multiple interactive play areas, including Shrek’s Swamp for Little Ogres, Poppy’s playground and Po’s Kung Fun Training camp, character meet and greet zones and live entertainment.
Meanwhile at Walt Disney World, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will replace Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom Park this summer. Guests can explore a magical adventure inspired by the fan-favourite film showcasing the beloved characters as they are bought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.
Next steps
To start planning your USA holiday in 2024, 2025 or even 2026, call Silver Travel Advisor on 0800 412 5678.
