2026 US holidays long weekend trips are one of the smartest ways to travel more while using fewer vacation days. Traveling in 2026 doesn’t require long vacations or complicated planning. By aligning trips with US holidays and long weekends, you can explore more destinations, spend less, and avoid burning through your paid time off. For reference, travelers can check the official US federal holiday calendar to confirm exact holiday dates each year.
This guide covers all major US holidays in 2026, grouped by season, with practical long-weekend travel ideas you can realistically plan—whether you prefer road trips, RV travel, or short flights.
🔎 Planning a long weekend trip in 2026?
Booking your hotel early gives you more options and better prices—especially around US holiday weekends.
👉 View my curated list of hotels and resorts for 2026 US long weekend trips here.
Why Long Weekend Trips Are Smart in 2026
Long-weekend travel continues to grow because it fits modern schedules.
- You save PTO days
- Short trips are easier to budget
- Ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers
- Perfect for road trips and RV-friendly routes
Instead of waiting for one big vacation, spreading travel across the year is more flexible—and more enjoyable.
Complete List of Major US Holidays (2026)
These are the most travel-relevant US federal holidays in 2026:
- New Year’s Day – January 1 (Thursday)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 19 (Monday)
- Presidents’ Day – February 16 (Monday)
- Memorial Day – May 25 (Monday)
- Independence Day – July 4 (Saturday)
- Labor Day – September 7 (Monday)
- Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day – October 12 (Monday)
- Thanksgiving – November 26 (Thursday)
- Christmas Day – December 25 (Friday)
Not every holiday creates a long weekend, but many do—and those are the ones smart travelers plan around.
Winter Holidays & Long Weekend Trips (January–February 2026)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 17–19)
A classic 3-day winter break.
Best ideas:
- Warm destinations (Florida, Arizona, Southern California)
- Snow destinations (Colorado, Utah, Lake Tahoe)
- Cozy cabin or mountain town stays
January often brings better hotel pricing than December.
Presidents’ Day (February 14–16)
One of the most popular winter travel weekends.
Best ideas:
- Ski and mountain resorts
- Romantic city breaks
- Desert road trips
This is also a strong weekend for short RV trips in milder regions.
Spring 2026 US Holidays Long Weekend Trips
Spring is one of the best seasons for travel in the US—comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
Spring Travel Window (March–April)
While Easter is not a federal holiday, many travelers plan trips during this period.
Best ideas:
- National parks
- Flower festivals
- Scenic drives
Spring is ideal for road trips before peak summer pricing. If you enjoy scenic drives, this US Route 89 road trip is one of the best long weekend routes to explore in 2026.
Memorial Day Weekend (May 23–25)
The unofficial start of summer travel.
Best ideas:
- Beach destinations
- Lakes and coastal towns
- National parks and RV routes
This is one of the best weekends of the year for driving-based trips.
Summer Holidays & Travel Ideas (June–August 2026)
Summer is peak travel season, but long weekends still help you plan efficiently.
Independence Day (July 4)
In 2026, July 4 falls on a Saturday, but many travelers extend the break.
Best ideas:
- Fireworks cities
- Lake and beach destinations
- Family-friendly road trips
Booking early matters for this weekend.
Late Summer Getaways (August)
While there’s no federal holiday, many people plan short breaks before fall.
Best ideas:
- Cooler mountain destinations
- Coastal escapes
- RV travel with flexible routes
Fall Holidays & Long Weekend Trips (September–October 2026)
Fall travel is underrated—and often more relaxed.
Labor Day Weekend (September 5–7)
A favorite for one last summer escape.
Best ideas:
- Coastal getaways
- National parks with fewer crowds
- Scenic road trips
Excellent weather and better hotel availability than mid-summer.
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 10–12)
A perfect fall long weekend.
Best ideas:
- Fall foliage destinations
- Mountain towns
- Cooler-weather city trips
October travel often delivers high value with lower crowds.
November Holidays & Long Weekend Trips (Thanksgiving 2026)
Thanksgiving (November 26–29)
Creates a 4-day long weekend for many travelers.
Best ideas:
- Short domestic trips
- Resort stays
- Warm-weather destinations
It’s also a quieter time for scenic road trips before winter travel spikes.
December Holidays & Year-End Travel (Christmas & New Year 2026)
Christmas Day (December 25 – Friday)
Many people enjoy 5–7 consecutive days off around Christmas.
Best ideas:
- Winter resorts
- Snow destinations
- Family city trips
December trips work best when planned early and kept simple.
How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Long Weekend Trip
A few practical strategies make a big difference:
- Travel early morning or late evening
- Choose destinations within 4–6 hours driving distance
- Consider RV travel for flexibility
- Book hotels with free cancellation
Short trips don’t need luxury—just good timing.
If you plan ahead, these 2026 US holidays long weekend trips help you travel more often without using extra vacation days.
Final Thoughts: Make 2026 the Year of Smarter Travel
These 2026 US holidays long weekend trips make it easy to plan short, flexible vacations without using too much PTO. You don’t need long vacations to travel well. By planning around US holidays and long weekends, you can explore more places, manage costs, and travel consistently throughout 2026. Many travelers plan their vacations around 2026 US holidays long weekend trips because they offer flexibility, savings, and easier planning.
For upcoming long weekends and national park trips, you can explore available hotels, prices, and seasonal deals through my curated Expedia collection here.