When people think about the places they want to visit and the things they hope to see and do in their lifetime, their minds often wander far beyond their own borders. Seeing the world is amazing, enriching and deeply impactful, though not always easy to make happen. That’s part of what makes those trips bucket list experiences. But not every item on your travel wish list requires a passport stamp.
The United States is remarkably vast and diverse, with countless landscapes, cultures and traditions packed within its borders, offering no shortage of “wow” moments. From celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans to witnessing an active volcano in Hawaii or watching the northern lights illuminate Alaska’s night sky, these 10 bucket list travel experiences prove that some of life’s most unforgettable adventures can be found right here at home.
Want to make it a road trip? AAA members save on car rentals with Hertz.
Witness the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
The largest balloon event in the world, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is held annually the first week in October and features the ascent of around 600 hot-air balloons. Balloons take off in waves, filling the sky with a dazzling variety of colors and shapes. Events include the Balloon Glow, where tethered balloons light up at dusk like giant lanterns; the Night Magic Glow, an evening display set to music; and the Special Shape Rodeo, featuring balloons shaped like everything from animals to cartoon characters.
🎈 See the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta with AAA Exclusive Vacations, Oct. 7-11, 2026. Spots are limited and this trip is filling quickly! Contact your AAA travel advisor to learn more and reserve your space on this unforgettable guided vacation. 🎈
Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans
There is no party like Mardi Gras, and no U.S. city like New Orleans. Get ready for one of the nation’s biggest celebrations in a city steeped in centuries-old traditions from multiple cultures.
Held annually during the Carnival season, which runs from Jan. 6 until Fat Tuesday — the day before Ash Wednesday — the city hosts costume balls, parades with colorful floats and live music. The festivities build throughout the season, culminating in the massive Fat Tuesday celebration that Mardi Gras is best known for.
Generations-old clubs called krewes prepare floats and host events. Float riders typically throw beads, cups, play money and candy to the crowds. City residents deck out their houses in the Mardi Gras colors of gold, purple and green and king cakes fly off the shelves. As they say in New Orleans, laissez les bons temps rouler (“let the good times roll!”).
See the Northern Lights and Wildlife in Alaska
The northern lights, or aurora borealis, are among the world’s most sought-after bucket list experiences. These bands of colorful, wavy lights in the night sky are created by solar flares. If seeing them is on your list, Alaska is one of the best places in the world to do so. They are most clearly visible from late August through late April.
Other Alaska must-dos include seeing wildlife in its natural setting. The best time to see Alaska’s Big Five — bear, moose, caribou, wolf and Dall sheep, is between mid-May and mid-September, and tours are available.
Dog sledding is another iconic Alaskan adventure. Traditional mushing tours on snow-covered trails generally operate from November through March. Options in warmer weather include taking a helicopter to a glacier to ride a sled through the snow or using a wheeled sled. Tours are available from several Alaskan cities.
Top Travel Destinations
Explore the most popular getaways booked by AAA Northeast members, from the historic landmarks of Europe to the sunny shores of the Caribbean.
Read nowWatch the Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain
Long a destination for early risers, Cadillac Mountain is the is the first place in the country where you can see the sun rise. Located in Acadia National Park, it is the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S., (1,530 feet), providing breathtaking views of the landscape, coastline and nearby islands. The distance to the summit is 3.5 miles and there is a paved road leading to the top. Visitors can drive, hike or take a tour bus. From mid-May to mid-October, those planning to visit the summit must purchase a vehicle reservation in advance at Cadillac Summit Road Vehicle Reservations. Bonus if it’s fall foliage time!
Take a Great American Road Trip
Road trips are a tradition that celebrate the freedom of the open road and the diverse experiences that make the United States so unique. More than reaching a destination, it’s about the journey — discovering historic landmarks, quirky roadside attractions, small-town charm and unforgettable scenery along the way. Whether it’s across the state or across the country, road trips are a classic bucket list travel experience.
Among the country’s most iconic drives are Route 66 and California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Route 66 carries travelers from Chicago to Santa Monica through the heart of classic Americana, while the Pacific Coast Highway delivers stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs and stops at destinations such as Big Sur, Monterey, Hearst Castle and the majestic California redwoods. Each route stands on its own but can also be combined to create the ultimate American road trip.
Visit an Active Volcano in Hawaii
One of the best places to (safely) see an active volcano in the U.S. is Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Hawaii currently has six active volcanoes. The park includes the summits of two of the world’s most active, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Kilauea has been erupting periodically since 2024. For updates on volcanic activity, view webcams or check out eruption activity.
View the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.
A gift of about 3,000 cherry trees to the U.S. from Japan in 1912 has grown not just into a lush grove lining the Washington, D.C., Tidal Basin and National Mall, but a month-long festival. And the collection has grown as well; Japan recently donated another 250 trees to the U.S. in 2026 to mark the nation’s 250th birthday. People come from around the world to view the sea of white and pink blossoms and enjoy exhibits, concerts, performances, parties, lectures and a kite festival. While dates vary based on when the trees bloom, it’s typically around
mid-March to mid-April.
Stand Beside Niagara Falls
Nothing prepares you for the majesty of Niagara Falls and the thunderous sound of about 700,000 gallons of water pouring over the falls every minute. Niagara Falls State Park in New York is the oldest state park in the U.S. and your gateway to experiencing the falls. Take the popular Maid of the Mist boat ride under the falls and get close to the falls on the Cave of the Winds tour, which takes you down the Niagara Gorge. Be prepared to get wet! For a different view of the falls, bring your passport and cross the border into Canada.
Stargaze Under the Darkest Skies
To admire the stars without interference from the artificial lights that saturate communities, seek out one of the 150 certified dark sky places across the U.S. Globally, there are more than 270 dark sky places. A dark sky can make the Milky Way and other celestial wonders more visible. Arizona and Utah have popular sites and Flagstaff, Arizona, was named the first International Dark Sky City in 2001.
Attend a Broadway Show
If the sum of your theater exposure is a high-school production of “Oklahoma!” it’s time to head to the Big Apple and get tickets for a Broadway show. Some of the best actors and singers in the world are featured in these productions, providing a level of entertainment you won’t find anywhere else. Whether your taste runs to dramas, comedies or raucous musicals, you won’t be disappointed. Save on Broadway tickets with AAA!
The Best Time to Experience Each Adventure
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to these iconic U.S. experiences. Use this quick-reference guide to plan your visit and catch every adventure at its absolute best.
| Bucket List Experience | Best Time to Go | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta | First week of October | Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Mardi Gras | January 6 through Fat Tuesday | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Northern Lights | Late August through late April | Alaska |
| Alaska’s Big Five Wildlife | Mid-May through mid-September | Alaska |
| Dog Sledding | November through March (snow tours) | Alaska |
| Sunrise at Cadillac Mountain | Year-round; vehicle reservation required mid-May to mid-October | Acadia National Park, Maine |
| Great American Road Trip | Year-round | Route 66 & Pacific Coast Highway |
| Active Volcanoes | Year-round; check current eruption activity | Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park |
| Cherry Blossoms | Mid-March through mid-April | Washington, D.C. |
| Niagara Falls | Year-round | Niagara Falls State Park, New York |
| Dark Sky Stargazing | Year-round; clearest on new-moon nights | Arizona & Utah |
| Broadway Show | Year-round | New York City, New York |
U.S. Bucket List Experience FAQs
Do I need a passport for any of these bucket list trips?
No — all 10 experiences are located within the United States and don’t require a passport. The one exception is if you want to view Niagara Falls from the Canadian side, which does require a passport for the border crossing.
How far in advance should tickets or reservations be booked?
Booking early pays off for popular events like the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta and Mardi Gras, where lodging can sell out months ahead. For national park destinations like Cadillac Mountain, plan to reserve a vehicle permit as soon as the seasonal window opens, since spots go quickly during peak months.
Is it safe to visit Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park during an eruption?
The park is designed for safe viewing, with designated overlooks and trails that keep visitors a safe distance from active flows. Checking current eruption activity and webcams before a visit helps confirm which areas are open and viewable that day.
Do AAA members get discounts on these trips?
Yes! AAA members can save on car rentals with Hertz for road trip adventures, find deals on Broadway tickets and book guided vacation packages, like the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, with a AAA travel advisor.
What’s the best time of year for a cross-country road trip like Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway?
Both routes are drivable year-round, though late spring through early fall brings the mildest weather and longest daylight hours for sightseeing. Fall offers a bonus of changing foliage in many regions along the way.
Which of these experiences require a car reservation or permit?
Cadillac Mountain requires a vehicle reservation for summit access from mid-May through mid-October. Most other destinations, including Niagara Falls and the Washington, D.C., National Mall, don’t require advance permits, though checking current park or event guidelines before arrival is always a smart move.
