Beyond the Sightseeing: Why Travel is Now About What You Do, Not Just Where You Go

For a long time, travel was defined by the “Grand Tour”—a checklist of famous monuments and iconic skylines. But recently, a shift has occurred. Travelers are no longer just looking at the world; they are participating in it. We are moving away from being spectators and toward becoming participants.

At GetYourGuide, we’ve seen a surge in what we call “Experience-First” travel. Whether it’s learning a centuries-old craft or being the first to see the sun hit a National Park, the modern traveler wants a story to tell, not just a photo to show. Here are the trends currently shaping how we explore the United States.

1. The Rise of the “Skill-Seeker”

One of the most exciting shifts is the desire to bring home a talent instead of a trinket. People are increasingly choosing workshops that connect them to local culture through their hands.

• The Trend: We’ve seen a significant jump in bookings for artisan-led classes.
• The Experience: Think beyond the souvenir shop. In Sedona, travelers are joining glassblowing workshops to craft their own desert-inspired art. In New Orleans, it’s about mastering the chemistry of a classic Sazerac in a cocktail-making class.
• The Value: You aren’t just buying an object; you’re gaining a skill that stays with you long after the flight home.

2. AM Enthusiasts: Capturing the “First Light”

The mid-day crowds are becoming a thing of the past for savvy explorers. The “AM Enthusiast” movement is all about reclaiming the quietest, most beautiful hours of the day.

• The Advantage: Starting your tour at sunrise doesn’t just mean fewer people in your photos; it means experiencing a destination when it’s at its most atmospheric.
• Top Picks: From sunrise hikes in Haleakalā National Park to “First-Entry” tours of the Smithsonian in D.C., getting an early start offers a sense of intimacy with the world’s most famous sites.

3. “Snackpacking”: Exploring Through the Local Aisle

While fine dining will always have its place, a new wave of “Snackpackers” is finding the true soul of a city in its markets and grocery aisles.

• The Discovery: Travelers are prioritizing local food markets—like Pike Place in Seattle or the spice shops of the French Quarter—to find authentic flavors and meet the people who produce them.
• The Guide: Our food tours have shifted to focus on these “neighborhood secrets,” giving you a taste of the real, everyday life of the city.

4. Nature with a Purpose: Conservation & Wildlife

Nature travel is becoming more than just a walk in the woods. It’s becoming an education.

• Beak Freaks: Birdwatching has seen a massive resurgence, with travelers booking expert-led nature walks to spot rare species in places like the Everglades or Alaska.
• Underwater Insight: In Hawaii, evening snorkel tours aren’t just for thrills; they are led by naturalists who explain the delicate ecosystem of the manta rays you’re swimming alongside.

5. Trust the “Originals”

We know that when you book an experience, you are trusting us with your most precious resource: your time. That’s why we created GetYourGuide Originals.

• Exclusive Access: These are one-of-a-kind experiences you can’t find anywhere else—like after-hours access to world-famous museums or private tours led by the people who know the history best.
• Transparency: With millions of verified reviews and “Reserve Now, Pay Later” flexibility, we ensure that your only job is to show up and be amazed.

Turn Your Vacation into a Memory

Travel is at its best when it challenges you, teaches you something new, or simply makes you stop and stare in silence. Whether you’re learning to surf in Maui or exploring the hidden history of New York City, make your next trip about the experience.

What skill will you learn on your next trip? Discover our latest workshops and “Originals” at GetYourGuide.com.