While shoppers chase flash sales and gadgets, Travel Tuesday is the moment for something better: experiences. As millions look to swap “stuff” for stories, Visit Pennsylvania invites travelers to gift themselves the ultimate Great American Getaway, the kind that delivers memories, not receipts. Whether you crave small-town nostalgia, mountain air, or big-city energy, these only-in-PA itineraries prove the best deals aren’t just discounts, they’re feelings you can’t order online, and memories you’ll make that will last a lifetime.
In 2023 alone, 197 million travelers explored Pennsylvania, discovering small towns, mountain trails, and big-city moments that define the Great American Getaway. If you haven’t experienced it yet, consider this your sign.
Here are four trips worth booking this Travel Tuesday:
- Philadelphia – The Great American Getaway to the City of Firsts
Where independence was born, and creativity never stopped. Explore Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, then wander through Old City’s cobblestone streets, boutique galleries, and cocktail bars. Spend an afternoon in Fairmount Park or at the Philadelphia Art Museum and close the night with a show on the Avenue of the Arts. Philadelphia blends history, innovation, and grit, a living canvas of America’s contradictions and triumphs. Philadelphia will also host the NCAA Men’s March Madness, MLB All-Star Game, FIFA World Cup 26, and PGA Championship in 2026. - Laurel Highlands – Winter’s Quiet Magic
When the first snow falls, the Laurel Highlands turn into a storybook escape. Try skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, or snowshoeing at resorts like Seven Springs, Nemacolin, or Hidden Valley by day, then unwind by a crackling fire with a local craft brew or hot cocoa in hand. Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater dusted in snow, wander Ohiopyle’s frozen waterfalls, or take a scenic drive through mountain towns glowing with holiday lights. It’s rugged yet refined, wild yet welcoming, the kind of Great American Getaway that makes winter feel warm. - Hershey – “The Sweetest Place on Earth®”
A 48-hour getaway that’s indulgent and unexpected. Create your own candy bar, ride world-class coasters, sip craft brews at Tröegs, and learn Milton Hershey’s legacy at The Hershey Story Museum. It’s part chocolate fantasy, part nostalgic Americana and entirely unforgettable. - Pocono Mountains – Peaks, Lakes, and Laid-Back Adventure
Less than 2.5 hours from NYC or Philly, this is 2,400 square miles of pure escape. Hike Mount Minsi, unwind on Lake Wallenpaupack, or sip along the Pocono Beverage Trail’s 25 craft spots. From cozy inns to treetop spas, the Pocono Mountains are the perfect recharge for anyone who wants to feel small in the best way.
And if you’re looking to book travel plans to experience America’s 250th anniversary, there’s no better time, and no better place, than Pennsylvania.
- America’s 250th Anniversary – Plan the Ultimate 2026 Getaway
Looking ahead, Pennsylvania will take center stage for America’s Semiquincentennial, with once-in-a-generation events across the Commonwealth, from Philadelphia’s “52 Weeks of Firsts” and Gettysburg’s July 4th celebration to FIFA World Cup matches and Washington Crossing’s 250th reenactment. It’s a milestone moment travelers can start planning for now.
