Road Trip Renaissance: Iconic Routes and Scenic Drives This Summer

Road Trip Renaissance: Iconic Routes and Scenic Journeys This Summer overview

A road trip revival is underway as 64% of Americans plan summer journeys along iconic routes and scenic drives, marking a return to the freedom and flexibility of car travel ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Important details from the source

• Insights reveal a road trip revival centered around iconic routes, major live events and scenic journeys ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
• ESTERO, Fla., May 12, 2026 – Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer travel season, and a new survey from Hertz shows Americans are doubling down on car travel, with 64% planning a road trip this summer.
• This resurgence reflects a growing desire to reclaim the road trip as an antidote to modern travel stress, embracing the freedom, flexibility and sense of control that driving brings to summer travel.
• As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, travelers are choosing iconic highways, scenic drives and experience-led itineraries as they rediscover the country through the open road.
• Hertz booking data shows demand building steadily heading into Memorial Day, setting the tone for a strong summer travel season.
• Rental pickups are expected to peak just ahead of the holiday, with Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22, shaping up to be the busiest days nationwide.
• Plan your road trip with Hertz: Hertz’s American Road Trip Planner has 52 bespoke and unique routes that take in everything from the tried and tested to the wild and weird.
• Simply choose where you want to start and get going.
• Travel on a quieter day to save: Thursdays and Fridays are typically the busiest days for airport rentals, while starting earlier in the week – like Tuesday – often means lower rates.
• Travelers can save 20% off summer drives when they book the Hertz Flash Sale from May 21–29, with savings valid on rentals through September 30.

How to use this guide

Use this guide as a structured discovery starting point. Explore the topic through travel style, season, location, distinctive features, and relevant experiences.

Best for

• Readers comparing several destinations, places, or ideas in one topic.
• Travellers who want inspiration before narrowing down the final plan.
• Users who need a fast overview before checking detailed offers or local conditions.

Things to check before deciding

• Current prices, availability, opening times, and travel conditions.
• Seasonality, weather, local holidays, and peak demand periods.
• Distance from the main arrival point, accommodation area, or planned route.
• Whether the option matches the traveller’s budget, pace, and expectations.

Frequently asked questions

How should I use Road Trip Renaissance: Iconic Routes and Scenic Journeys This Summer?

Use it to identify relevant places, experiences, or ideas and understand which aspects deserve deeper exploration.

What should I explore after reading this guide?

Use the guide as a starting point, then explore the countries, places, attractions, experiences, and practical details that are relevant to the topic.

Does TUR4ME sell these options directly?

TUR4ME provides editorial discovery and may connect readers with relevant partner offers. Final booking, payment, availability, and service conditions are handled by the selected provider.

Conclusion

Road Trip Renaissance: Iconic Routes and Scenic Journeys This Summer is useful as an exploration starting point for understanding the places, experiences, and ideas connected with the topic.