50 | 250 YEARS OF USA
www.nitravelnews.com
January 2026
Pittsburgh Named One of National Geographic’s ‘Best of the World’ Destinations for 2026
FOR the
s e c ond year
r u n n i n g , Pittsburgh
h a s earned a spot on
an elite international travel list- this time,
National Geographic’s
Follow in the Footsteps of Historical Icons in These US Destinations
Travel the globe through the lives
of history’s most fascinating figures. Explore Elvis’ Graceland, wander John Denver’s hidden shrine in Aspen, or stay in the iconic La Posada Hotel, once favoured by Einstein and Earhart. From artists and musicians to spiritual leaders and Hollywood stars, discover the stories behind the names in these top historical destinations around the world.
Music, Art & Literary Icons Step into Elvis’s world at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee
Experience the life of the King of
Rock ’n’ Roll at Graceland, the 13.8-acre estate in Memphis, where visitors can tour Elvis’s mansion, view his legendary jumpsuits and gold records, and even board his custom jet, the Lisa Marie. Continue the experience at The Guest House at Graceland, 450-room
a resort offering
Southern hospitality just steps from the estate.
Visit John Denver’s shrine on Aspen Mountain, Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Scattered discreetly throughout the trees of Aspen Mountain are hidden shrines that honour legendary figures, cherished friends and pieces of Aspen’s storied past. Among the most beloved is the tribute to singer- songwriter and Aspen local, John Denver, whose anthems like Rocky
Mountain
High helped shape Colorado’s cultural identity. Tucked off the Bellissimo Trail, his shrine is adorned with mementos left by visitors who search for him while skiing the world- class mountain.
Trace the legacy of John Steinbeck in Salinas, California
Visit Salinas just an hour
away from the San Francisco Bay Area in Monterey County to discover the birthplace of literary legend, John Steinbeck. The Steinbeck House, a Victorian-style house that served as John Steinbeck’s boyhood home, now offers afternoon tea on Saturday. Explore the beautiful unspoiled farmland and historic sites in Salinas which provided inspiration behind the classics ‘Of Mice and Men’ and ‘The Grapes of Wrath’. Historic Hotels & Legendary Stays Stay at the last grand Harvey House built in 1930, La Posada Hotel, Arizona The masterpiece of famous architect Mary Colter, La Posada - The Resting Place was the last grand Harvey House built in the USA in 1930. Its Spanish influence design and charm made the hotel a popular abode for historic figures. Today, guest room doors feature portraits of the hotel’s famous visitors including Albert Einstein and Amelia Earhart. Enjoy southwestern cuisine at the Turquoise Room, named
after the private dining car that Colter once designed, and visit the Affeldt Mion Museum, home to the world’s largest handwoven Navajo rug.
Spend the night at the Ahwahnee Hotel,
Yosemite Mariposa County, California Stephen T. Mather, the National Park Service’s first director, championed quality accommodation in US national parks. His favourite, Yosemite, opened the Ahwahnee Hotel in 1927. During World War II, the Navy converted it into a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers. Reopening in the 1950s, it welcomed Queen Elizabeth II, several US presidents and cultural icons Charlie Chaplin, Judy Garland and Walt Disney. In 1987, the Ahwahnee was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Political Pioneers and City Shapers
Step into the world of publishing in Pittock Mansion, Oregon
was the Portland,
Built in 1914, this beautiful French Renaissance-style château
private
residence of influential newspaper publisher Henry Pittock and offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a family that shaped Oregon. Beyond the elegant architecture and historic interiors,
the
mansion’s massive hilltop grounds (1,000 feet above the city) provide a truly iconic, panoramic vista that captures the downtown skyline, the Willamette River, and five major peaks of the Cascade Range, including a stunning,
unobstructed view of Mount Hood.
Explore Houston’s heritage at Sam Houston Park, Texas Step back in time at Sam Houston Park & Historic Buildings in the heart of Houston. Named after Sam Houston, the first president of the Republic of Texas, the park is a living history museum showcasing historic homes relocated from across the city, offering a window into
early settler life. Stroll among restored 19th-century residences and civic buildings that tell the stories of Houston’s founding families and early leaders, and discover the city’s rich heritage in a charming green space.
prestigious Best of the World, spotlighting the city among the year’s most compelling global destinations. National Geographic’s annual list highlights the 25 most awe-inspiring, meaningful and immersive travel experiences for the upcoming year. Following a robust nomination, researching and reporting process, Pittsburgh was selected as one of the Best of the World for 2026 by National Geographic’s team of travel experts and Nat Geo Traveller‘s international editorial teams, which serve millions of readers through their magazines and websites around the world. “It’s an incredible honour for Pittsburgh to be included among National Geographic’s Best of the World 2026,” said Jerad Bachar, President & CEO of VisitPITTSBURGH. “This designation is a testament to our ongoing efforts to tell the story of Pittsburgh and reach travellers worldwide. It’s a reflection of our region’s continuing evolution-from industrial town to cultural innovator- and how that story resonates on a global scale.”
“National Geographic’s recognition of Pittsburgh as a Best of the World
New Orleans Designated As A UNESCO ‘Creative City’ for Music
destination is a game-changer Pennsylvania tourism,” Ryan,
Deputy Secretary for
said Anne of
Tourism
for Pennsylvania. “When one of the world’s most trusted travel authorities puts Pittsburgh on the same list as the planet’s most extraordinary destinations, travellers take notice. This is the kind of global spotlight that turns curiosity into bookings-and we’re ready to welcome the world to experience Pittsburgh.”
places with a proven commitment to collaboration,
inclusivity, and
sustainability, showing both a rich creative heritage and a forward-looking vision that benefits the entire community. The Creative City of Music designation recognises cities that have identified music as a strategic factor for their growth and promotes cooperation among them. This designation also allows the city and its culture bearers to be part of the UNESCO international network, while giving New Orleans a seat at the table for future UNESCO World Heritage Site designations and global events. “I am incredibly proud of the work our team has done over the past few years to connect with other Creative Cities and advocate for New Orleans’ inclusion in the network. Not only does this UCCN Creative Cities designation fortify our seat at the global table, but it opens avenues for our culture bearers to connect with others in the industry in a way never before possible,” said Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Company. “This recognition for our music community is well-deserved and will help ensure New Orleans’ rightful place as the most unique, remarkable and welcoming destination in the world.”
“Getting this designation is a tremendous achievement for the city of New Orleans. Music and its culture bearers are a major part of the fabric that makes New Orleans so special,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “Becoming a UNESCO Creative City of Music opens doors to our culture bearers and will help us further amplify the positive social and economic impacts of New Orleans’ music industry.”
NEW Orleans & Company has
announced that New Orleans has been designated a Creative City for Music by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
The exciting announcement, made on
World Cities Day 2025, sees New Orleans join a select group of nine other US Creative Cities, giving local musicians prestigious global recognition and opportunities with other international Creative Cities, which currently number 407 cities worldwide, across 100 countries.
New Orleans & Company partnered with the city of New Orleans and a VIP advisory board throughout the application process and officially submitted the application in March 2025.
The UNESCO Creative Cities committee looks for cities that demonstrate a deep, authentic integration of creativity into their urban development – where culture is a driving force for economic, social and environmental progress. They prioritise
“New Orleans, Louisiana is home to some of the world’s most unique cultural heritage elements that have created the alchemy and foundation for musical genres such as Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Rock and Roll, Bounce, and beyond,” said Bruce ‘Sunpie’ Barnes, member of the New Orleans UNESCO Creative Cities of Music Advisory Board. “As a lifelong educator, band leader of Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, Big Chief of the Northside Skull and Bone Gang, and member of the Black Men of Labor Social Aid and Pleasure Club, I’m excited and proud that our city is joining the ranks of UNESCO Creative Cities. Through Stewardship, we can perpetuate and preserve our culture
heritage for future generations.”
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