Americans aren’t slowing down in 2026 — they’re planning more trips than ever.
AAA’s latest Consumer Pulse™ Survey reports that nearly 4 in 10 Americans plan to take more vacations this year than last. More than half expect to travel multiple times, with many planning two to three getaways lasting three days or more.
The takeaway is simple: people are moving—destinations built for easy, high-impact escapes are in a prime position.
The Year of the Road Trip
Road trips remain the top vacation choice nationwide — especially across Nebraska and Iowa. Travelers want flexibility. They want shorter stays. They want value without sacrificing experience.
Council Bluffs fits that shift perfectly.
Within driving distance of major Midwest metros, our city makes spontaneous weekends easy and multi-day escapes even better. Catch a live show, explore the Loess Hills, paddle at Lake Manawa, or unwind with riverfront views — all in one compact, navigable destination.
No complicated logistics. No overplanned itineraries. Just time well spent.
Built for Short Getaways
AAA’s research shows strong interest in spring travel, holiday periods, metro experiences, and outdoor destinations. Council Bluffs delivers on all of it.
Spring and summer bring a steady rhythm of concerts, festivals, and riverfront energy. Outdoor adventure lives just minutes from downtown. Hotels are walkable, comfortable, and ready when the encore ends.
This isn’t a one-attraction stop. It’s layered, flexible, and surprisingly dynamic. And in a year when travelers are prioritizing multiple shorter trips, that matters.
Momentum Meets Opportunity
With more people traveling — and traveling often — simplicity wins. Destinations that combine accessibility, entertainment, and outdoor recreation stand out.
Council Bluffs offers big experiences without big-city friction. It’s close enough to everything, yet distinct enough to feel like a getaway of its own.
As travel continues to rise in 2026, the opportunity is clear.
Plan the road trip. Book the weekend. Find your next favorite view.
Because when momentum meets a destination built for movement, you get something special.
You get something Unlike Anywhere Else.
