Trip Planning
Easy Summer Road Trips Itineraries in Montana, Nevada and New England
Summer is road trip season in America!
With endless possible routes — Do you do a multi-day cruise down Highway 1 or a cross-country haul on Route 66? — the options can be overwhelming and the planning complex. To take the guess work out of this classic vacation and put the fun back in, we’ve curated three inspiring itineraries to kick off your next adventure.
Whether it’s viewing bucket-list wonders, hitting the hottest concert tour of the season or indulging in a little summer movie nostalgia, there’s something for every type of traveler across the country.
Montana Learning Center Photo
Star-Spangled Summer in the Mountain States
Montana, Idaho & Wyoming
Astrotourism is the biggest trend in travel right now, with folks trekking across the globe to catch the northern lights or see the Milky Way where the sky is darkest. It’s even become a wellness trend with experts claiming “star bathing” (that’s soaking in starlight in a natural setting) is good for your health.
We’re lucky to have a number of “dark sky” regions in the U.S. that are ideal for stargazing. including in Montana’s Glacier National Park, where this road trip kicks off.
Time your trip to attend one of two summer Star Parties at Logan Pass (July 25 and August 22), where visitors are joined by park rangers and astronomers to use high-powered telescopes to view the cosmos. There are also nightly astronomy programs offered throughout the park.
Further south, the Big Sky Star Festival runs July 9-11 and gives visitors the chance to view celestial objects through a 32″ telescope. The Montana Learning Center in Canyon Ferry Lake hosts special astronomer-led stargazing sessions one weekend a month for from June through September.
This summer is also the time to catch the Perseid meteor shower, which reaches its peak August 12-13. And later in the year, ongoing “solar maximum” conditions mean visitors have a good chance to catch the Northern Lights starting in October.
COURTESY GEM MOUNTAIN SAPPHIRE MINE
When you need a break from looking up, why not search for some sparklers underfoot?
Visitors can seek out precious stones at Gem Mountain Sapphire Mine in Philipsburg, Mont., where 180 million carats have been discovered in its 130 years of operation. Tourists purchase a bucket of “sapphire gravel” mined on site and pan for gems, then have their finds evaluated and even turned into a piece of jewelry.
It’s impossible to forego a visit to Yellowstone National Park when you’re so close. While it’s worth a dedicated trip of its own, the Artist’s Point Trail is the perfect low-effort pit stop. It was recently named of the easiest hikes in America and offers spectacular views with minimal steps.
Kristen Bell/Instagram; Courtesy South Fork Lodge
Cross the border into Idaho to visit an authentic fishing lodge with some “starry” ties. Jimmy Kimmel opened South Fork Lodge a hotel and restaurant in Swan Valley, where he famously welcomed a slew of A-list pals including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and Kristen Bell for dinner in 2023. But this is no Hollywood haunt. It’s known for world-class fishing and outdoor activities. Make a reservation and experience the elevated “lodge fare” of famous chefs Chris Bianco and Adam Perry Lang.
For a celeb-favorite hangout, head to Jackson Hole, Wyo., a little over an hour east. The perfect starry end point to this journey, it has all the creature comforts and then some after a long trek.
Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup/Shutterstock
Cowboycore in the Southwest
Nevada & Arizona
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour has helped inspire an obsession with all things Wild West this year — and her stop in Las Vegas (July 25 – 26) is the perfect excuse to strap on your spurs, or at least purchase a cowboy hat. (Sales are up 300% according to one study.) Even if you can’t score a last-minute ticket, Sin City is sure to be filled with pop-ups, special events and beyhive buzz for the occasion.
CONNIE ZHOU; Bill Milne
While in town, snag a reservation at steakhouse Don’s Prime inside the new celeb-favorite Fontainebleau hotel (Tom Brady and Justin Timberlake are fans), for a cowboy-worthy cut of meat like the dry-aged bone-in ribeye from Pat LaFrieda.
Michele Sylvester
Leave the bright lights behind and head southwest from the Strip toward the ghost town of Goodspring, home of the Pioneer Saloon, one of the oldest such establishments in Nevada with a colorful history including a poker match that ended in a shootout. It’s also been a frequent filming location and appears in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and fittingly, several episodes of Ghost Adventures.
Steve Makowski/Sandy Valley Ranch
Get a real taste of life as a Cowboy for a Day just down the road at Sandy Valley Ranch, where visitors can take part in cattle handling training, trail rides, penning and sorting cattle and a cattle drive before ending the day with a campfire on the range. They also offer one-of-a-kind overnight accommodations including two covered wagons.
Michael Urmann / Alamy
The town of Oatman (pop. 130) just across the Arizona border is famous for its free-roaming burros — the descendants of the donkeys that once aided miners during the area’s gold rush (and yes, there are more of them than people). Today they keep busy wandering alongside the town’s wooden sidewalks and nudging visitors for snacks. Visitors can also catch a staged Old West shootout by the Ghost Rider Gunfighters in this kitschy destination and get a taste of Route 66 history. It runs right through the middle of town!
As you head east toward the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell, there are plenty of roadside stops. One, the time warp town of Seligman, is said to have inspired Radiator Springs, the fictional setting of Cars. Another, Kanab, is known as “Little Hollywood” for the many Westerns filmed there, including The Lone Ranger and Pony Express.
Bailey Made
Under Canvas is the perfect place to check-in for the night and still feel surrounded by nature. They offer glamping accommodations — think a private, raised platform tent with a wood stove, but a short hike to shared showers — located near a number of national parks. Under Canvas Grand Canyon is well situated near the Mather Point and Grandview Point lookouts, while Under Canvas Lake Powell-Grand Staircase is a great launch spot for those looking to take a pontoon boat tour through the breathtaking slot canyons.
Maremagnum / Getty Images
New England Nostalgia in Massachusetts
Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod
Jaws celebrates its 50th anniversary this summer, and in Edgartown, Mass., aka the real-life Amity Island, a taste for the classic film comes with the territory. Located on Martha’s Vineyard, an island off Cape Cod that can be accessed by car ferry, the town looks much the same as it did on screen.
imageBROKER.com / Alamy; MPTV IMAGES
Film fanatics can take a Jaws-themed walking tour — self-guided or hop-on-hop-off — and can even catch a ride on the infamous Chappy Ferry that appears in one of the most iconic scenes in Steven Spielberg’s 1975 classic.
Narrow Street Photography / Alamy
Martha’s Vineyard is also famous for its beaches, quaint cedar-shingled cottages and famous frequent visitors, including the Obama family, Spike Lee and David Letterman.
Norman Wharton / Alamy; Paul Marotta/Getty
Back across the Vineyard Sound on Cape Cod, the Whydah Pirate Museum in West Yarmouth is a delightfully kitschy stop. It’s home to real pirate treasure recovered from an 18th-century shipwreck, the Whydah Gally, discovered off the Cape in 1984. A less authentic site outside also delights visitors: You can’t leave without snapping a photo with the bearded pirate captain seated on the bench.
Mira / Alamy
For a taste of a classic New England’s delicacy, head further out onto the peninsula to Ocean Edge Resort for an oyster bed tour. Guests can wade out into the water on a guided excursion of a working farm. Then head back to dry land for a shucking demo and tasting.
Peter Ptschelinzew/Getty Images
A one of a kind experience awaits at the very last outpost on Cape Cod, Provincetown, where visitors can visit the Race Point Lighthouse, then spend the night in the quaint Keeper’s House next door, where the stewards who maintained the rotating beacon until it was automated in 1972, resided. Overnight guests can even watch the sun set from the top of the lighthouse surrounded by the peaceful Cape National Seashore.
Travel Guides on Channel 9 and 9Now S8E10 – Our Guides enjoy a motorhome road trip through rural NSW. From the rugged beauty of the Blue Mountains, to racing cars around Bathurst’s Mount Panorama, and donning a jumpsuit for the Elvis Festival in Parkes, this trip will have them all shook up.
Country NSW
Travel Guides on Channel 9 and 9Now – Sunday 20 July at 7:00pm
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Travel Guides on Channel 9 and 9Now S8E10
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
Travel has always been a huge part of my life. Whether I’m planning a weekend getaway for a hike or a longer multi-country backpacking trip, I’ve relied on travel apps to help keep things organized. But after years of using some of the best travel apps like Wanderlog, TripIt, making notes in Google Keep or Notion, or even maintaining a pen and paper journal, I realized they all came with frustrating trade-offs. Too many ads, pushy upgrade prompts, opaque subscription models, lack of features, and most worryingly, an always-on stream of data collection and tracking. For something as personal as travel, that’s something I really don’t want.
So earlier this year, I started looking for alternatives. I wanted something lightweight, customizable, and private. If it was self-hostable and open source, even better. Turns out, there really is an open-source project for every need. That search led me to AdventureLog, a self-hosted, open source travel tracker and itinerary manager that’s as functional as it is privacy-respecting. I installed it on my Synology NAS with Docker, and it has completely changed how I travel and plan trips. Here’s how.
Planning without the noise
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
The first time I really put AdventureLog through its paces was on a weeklong trip to Prague. It’s a city I’ve always wanted to revisit, not just pass through. So, with one of my favorite bands performing in the city, it made sense to plan a vacation around it. I wasn’t interested in joining pre-planned walking tours or sticking to an optimized route of “top 10 things to see.” I wanted to keep a free-flowing itinerary with some sights I wanted to see, open-ended enough to go with the flow, while keeping track of the smaller discoveries for a future trip.
Before leaving, I created a new trip in AdventureLog. I added a rough outline of the week, including basics like arrival times, my Airbnb location, and a few scattered bookmarks of places I’d read about. A tucked-away cafe near Letna Park, a record store in Vinohrady, and a speakeasy bar in the Old Town that only locals seemed to talk about online. What was different this time wasn’t just how I planned the trip, but how the tool I was using actually stayed out of the way. There was no clutter, no offers, no pop-ups, no ad-driven suggestions for other things I might want to do. Just a timeline and a clean map interface.
AdventureLog behaves more like a super-charged travel journal than yet another travel app.
All that might sound like a standard travel planning app, but AdventureLog gets a bit more interesting. It also functions as a travel diary. Each day, I logged entries as they happened. Cinnamon buns for breakfast, a random, unplanned visit to the Klementinum library that felt like stepping into a movie set. Or a long walk by the river. The act of logging things in the moment felt like capturing the flavor of the day, the kind of thing that would usually go in my diary and that I’d never preserve in Notion or a basic checklist. By turning the travel app into a travel journal, AdventureLog has become a tool I use a couple of times a week, versus only when I’m planning a trip.
When used to its full potential, AdventureLog can create a personal archive of your trip, complete with notes, places, and impressions. Something few other travel apps can achieve.
Organize, reflect, revisit — All in one place
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
AdventureLog is deceptively simple, but the more I used it, the more I appreciated the depth it offers under the hood. Built with modern tools, it runs fast and reliably even on minimal hardware. The interface is responsive enough to feel like a native app, whether I’m on a laptop or checking it from my phone during a layover.
Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority
Each trip becomes its own timeline. You can add a name and cover image, then start building out daily logs. The text fields support Markdown, which I found surprisingly useful for structuring my notes. I’m used to Markdown from my notes apps, so it just made text formatting that much quicker. I use it for everything from quick restaurant recs to more reflective journal-style writing. Tags let you group entries across trips, and the integrated OpenStreetMap view ties everything together visually. The nice part about it all is that it’s all optional. You can categorize as much or as little as you want. You don’t need to know how to use a complex database or fiddle with formatting — it just works.
For the first time, I wasn’t switching between multiple apps to get through the day.
One of the things I’ve come to love is how easy it is to glance back and get a bird’s-eye view of my travel history. With other apps, things get siloed with a one trip per doc style, or half-written entries scattered across different platforms. With AdventureLog, everything is in one place. I can scroll through months of travel, click into a trip, and instantly drop back into that headspace. It feels more like a living archive than a planner, especially when coupled with the built-in calendar that gives me a bird’s eye view of upcoming trips.
And because it runs entirely on my own server, nothing leaves that space unless I export it myself. There’s no data collection, no cloud sync to opt out of, and no analytics running quietly in the background. If you’re interested in self-hosting, you probably value that just as much as me. By default, I can only access it on my home network. However, I’ve configured a remote proxy as well for on-the-go access.
If the idea of self-hosting sounds intimidating, it’s not. The installation process for AdventureLog is one of the smoothest I’ve encountered. I used Docker on my Synology NAS, but it runs just as well on a Raspberry Pi, home server, or cloud instance. The documentation is detailed and clear, with effectively a single Docker command that pulls the image, sets up your data and media folders, and gets the app running on your local network.
On my setup, I mounted everything to Volume 2, which is where my Docker install lives, and exposed the right ports for the container. Once I opened it in my browser, AdventureLog walked me through creating my account and setting up the first trip. No dependencies to figure out, and no need to register for any third-party APIs. The app is fully self-contained.
There’s no official mobile app, but the responsive design makes it feel at home on any screen size. If you prefer, you can add it to your homescreen as a shortcut. That’s what I’ve done. I use Tailscale to access my NAS while traveling, but you can just as easily expose it via a reverse proxy, like the one built into Synology NAS drives.
Reclaiming the joy of travel planning
Most travel apps are built around a business model, not your travel needs. Even the most polished ones are ultimately there to sell you something. It could be flights, hotels, local tours, a premium tier, or in many cases, your own data. If you just want a tool to plan and document your trips, these apps can often feel cluttered and overdesigned. Those are the last things you want to deal with when on the road. AdventureLog is the opposite. It doesn’t try to sell anything. There are no ads, no feature limits, and no pop-ups asking you to upgrade. It gives you a clean, functional space to plan trips, take notes, and revisit past travels. That simplicity is what makes it more useful than most commercial alternatives for me.
Trip Planning
US, Mexico, Alaska, Canada, New England, and the Caribbean: New Cruise Routes and Exciting 2025 Itineraries Set to Transform Travel!
Saturday, July 19, 2025
In 2025, the cruise industry in the United States is experiencing an exciting period of expansion, innovation, and evolution. New cruise routes, services, and collaborations are reshaping the way travelers explore the seas. With government and private sector investments supporting these developments, 2025 promises to be a transformative year for maritime travel. From high-tech ships and private island developments to expanded routes and new port cities, the U.S. cruise industry is set to offer an unforgettable experience for travelers.
In this article, we’ll delve into the major new cruise routes that will be operating in 2025, with a focus on where these routes will be sailing, the new destinations they’ll cover, and how these developments are changing the landscape of the U.S. cruise industry. We will also explore the growing trend of sustainable cruising, advancements in passenger experience, and government-backed initiatives driving the cruise industry’s resurgence.
1. Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key: A New Private Island Experience
One of the most exciting additions to the U.S. cruise scene in 2025 is the opening of Celebration Key, a new private island destination created exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line passengers. Located in the Bahamas, Celebration Key will be accessible to travelers departing from Galveston, Texas, a major cruise hub on the Gulf Coast. Carnival has spent years planning and designing the island, which promises to be a premier destination for those seeking a unique and immersive cruise experience.
The island will feature five distinct themed areas, each designed to cater to different types of travelers. These areas include:
- Paradise Plaza: This central area will be home to a 10-story water slide and the world’s longest beachside pier, offering exciting opportunities for water sports and relaxation.
- Calypso Lagoon: An adults-only area featuring live DJs, tropical bars, and a swim-up bar that will offer an exclusive escape for adults.
- Starfish Lagoon: This family-friendly area will offer shallow waters perfect for kids, along with a toddler splash pad for younger visitors.
- Lokono Cove: A cultural area that will feature local Bahamian artisans, shops, and the island’s vibrant market.
- Pearl Cove Beach Club: An upscale adults-only area with an infinity pool and stunning ocean views.
The island will also offer many recreational and dining options, ensuring a memorable experience for cruise passengers. With Carnival Dream, Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Legend, and Carnival Miracle scheduled to stop at Celebration Key, this addition to Carnival’s itinerary will bring new opportunities for travelers to explore a unique Bahamian destination directly from the United States.
As an integral part of Carnival’s expanding portfolio of private destinations, Celebration Key will enhance the overall cruising experience by offering exclusive amenities and opportunities for relaxation, adventure, and immersion in Bahamian culture.
2. American Cruise Lines: New York City to Troy – The Hudson River Summer Classic Cruises
For those looking to explore the scenic beauty of the Hudson River in New York, American Cruise Lines has launched the Hudson River Summer Classic Cruises. These cruises will run from New York City to Troy, with several stops along the way, including Albany, Kingston, and Sleepy Hollow. This initiative is part of American Cruise Lines’ broader expansion of regional cruise offerings, providing passengers with a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the Hudson River Valley.
The summer itinerary consists of ten seven-night cruises, each providing an in-depth exploration of the region. Passengers will have the chance to visit iconic historical sites such as the Burden Iron Works Museum in Troy and the New York State Capitol in Albany, as well as take scenic excursions to places like West Point and Sleepy Hollow. This route offers a combination of natural beauty and cultural experiences that are hard to match, particularly for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The success of American Cruise Lines’ Hudson River Fall Foliage Cruise prompted the company to expand its operations, offering a full summer schedule. These cruises offer an unforgettable view of the Hudson River and are ideal for passengers seeking a slower-paced, more scenic travel experience compared to traditional ocean cruises.
3. Expansion of New England Cruise Options by American Cruise Lines
In addition to its success on the Hudson River, American Cruise Lines is expanding its offerings in New England with new 8 to 16-day itineraries that showcase the charm of the region. These cruises will explore coastal New England, providing passengers with the opportunity to visit quaint towns, bustling harbors, and historical landmarks.
The new itineraries will visit key destinations such as Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, offering passengers the chance to experience the region’s natural beauty, seafood culture, and rich maritime history. The American Patriot and American Pioneer, both new ships for the line, will operate these exclusive New England cruises. They provide small-ship experiences that allow passengers to enjoy intimate, personalized service while traveling to some of the region’s most iconic spots.
American Cruise Lines’ emphasis on small-ship cruising makes it possible to explore places that larger ships cannot reach, offering a more immersive and serene travel experience. This expansion is particularly appealing for travelers looking to enjoy a leisurely cruise with a focus on culture, history, and natural beauty.
4. MSC Cruises Expands U.S. Deployment in 2025
In 2025, MSC Cruises has unveiled its expanded U.S. deployment, which will see six ships operating from Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston, and Seattle. These ships will provide a variety of itineraries to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Alaska. MSC’s new deployment will offer passengers a wider selection of itineraries and experiences, including options for those interested in both tropical and cold-water cruises.
MSC Cruises, known for its stylish and luxurious ships, is making a significant investment in the U.S. market by adding new destinations and strengthening its presence. The ships will cater to a broad range of travelers, offering activities, entertainment, and dining options suited to both families and adults.
With MSC Cruises’ increased U.S. deployment, travelers will have the chance to embark on cruises that visit both familiar and off-the-beaten-path destinations. This expansion is part of the cruise line’s strategy to tap into the growing U.S. cruising market, offering more opportunities for passengers to explore the world from U.S. ports.
5. Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas in Los Angeles
Royal Caribbean is making waves in 2025 with its iconic Quantum of the Seas returning to the U.S. market. Departing from Los Angeles, the Quantum of the Seas will offer cruises primarily to Mexico. This marks a significant return for the Quantum-class ship, known for its innovative features and luxurious amenities.
The Quantum of the Seas will feature numerous activities, including the Ripcord by iFly (skydiving simulator), the North Star observation capsule offering panoramic views, and an array of entertainment options for all ages. With Los Angeles becoming an increasingly popular embarkation point, this cruise will provide a comfortable and exciting option for those looking to explore Mexico from the West Coast.
The addition of this cruise route to Royal Caribbean’s offerings further solidifies the cruise line’s commitment to expanding its presence in California, making it a key player in U.S. maritime tourism.
6. Alaska’s Expanding Cruise Routes: New Itineraries and Ports of Call
In 2025, Alaska continues to be one of the most popular cruise destinations, with several new itineraries and expanded routes in the works. Cruises that explore Alaska’s coastal beauty, including Juneau, Ketchikan, and Anchorage, are in high demand, with some new ships being deployed to these regions.
Oceania Cruises is launching a new “Wilds of Alaska” itinerary aboard the Oceania Riviera, which will visit lesser-known ports like Kodiak, Homer, and Wrangell. The new itinerary offers a more off-the-beaten-path approach to exploring Alaska, with excursions that cater to those interested in wildlife, natural beauty, and native culture.
Alaskan Dream Cruises, which offers small-ship experiences, is also launching a new Alaska’s Glacier Bay & Island Adventure tour. This small-ship itinerary focuses on Southeast Alaska, taking passengers to less accessible ports, offering intimate excursions, and enhancing the overall Alaskan experience.
With these new routes, travelers will have the opportunity to visit some of the most scenic and unique destinations in the world. The cruises also highlight Alaska’s rising popularity as a must-visit location for cruise-goers, with expanded options catering to various tastes and preferences.
7. Holland America’s New Canada and New England Itineraries
Holland America Line is introducing new Canada and New England itineraries for 2025. The cruise line is focusing on the cultural richness and natural beauty of this region, offering cruises from New York City to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. These cruises provide a mix of historical tours, local cultural experiences, and visits to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
The new itineraries feature visits to iconic Canadian destinations, including Quebec City, Charlottetown, and Halifax, offering a glimpse into Canada’s colonial history and its maritime roots. Holland America’s focus on New England and Canada further establishes these regions as premier cruise destinations, drawing in passengers looking for an enriching, scenic journey.
8. New Cruise Routes to the Caribbean and Mexico
The Caribbean and Mexico continue to be key destinations for cruise lines operating in the United States. With warm climates, rich cultural experiences, and beautiful beaches, these regions remain highly popular with travelers. In 2025, multiple cruise lines, including Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean, are expanding their Caribbean and Mexico itineraries, offering more departure points from ports in Florida, California, and Texas.
New routes connecting Miami to the Eastern Caribbean and Southern Mexico are expected to be highly popular, offering travelers access to destinations like Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Aruba. These expanded routes are ideal for travelers looking to explore both tropical destinations and diverse cultures in a relatively short amount of time.
A Thriving U.S. Cruise Industry in 2025
In 2025, the U.S. cruise industry is flourishing with exciting new routes, expanded itineraries, and cutting-edge ships. From Carnival’s exclusive private island in the Bahamas to Royal Caribbean’s luxurious ships departing from Los Angeles, and new destinations in Alaska, New England, and the Caribbean, the variety of cruise options available to travelers is unprecedented. The integration of sustainability-focused initiatives and the expansion of domestic routes highlight the cruise industry’s efforts to provide exciting, responsible travel options for passengers.
As 2025 progresses, the continued growth of these new routes and the introduction of innovative cruise offerings promise to make the U.S. cruise industry a thriving and vital part of the global tourism landscape. Whether exploring the scenic beauty of Alaska, the historic charm of New England, or the sun-soaked beaches of the Caribbean, travelers can look forward to memorable, diverse, and accessible cruise experiences.
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