What makes for a dream trip? Is it the long-held desire to visit a place that’s shimmered on the horizon of your mind? Or does the “dream” come from some combination of factors that made it seem out of reach—yet you made it happen anyway?
We looked over the landscape of WendyPerrin.com travelers’ journeys planned for 2026, and 11 stood out for their participants’ exceptional curiosity and passion for a place, combined with a longing to experience it with particular people or purpose.
Do you have a travel experience that has lingered on your bucket list? Is there a good reason it’s still relegated to that mental bin—or is it ready to be lifted out, dusted off, and brought to life? The dream trips below were all planned with the expertise of our trusted WOW List experts. Tell us about your travel dreams via the black button below, and let’s make it the highlight of your year.
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Grandparents taking the whole family on safari for a milestone anniversary
A lion and her cubs are among the families that call the Okavango Delta home. Photo: Shutterstock
For a long-awaited, twice-delayed trip to Africa, Robin and Warren Levy are expanding their trip to become a true extended-family affair. (Their first two attempts never went beyond the planning stages because family members fell ill.) Eight years later, they’ve decided to include all their children and grandchildren—and celebrate their 50th anniversary—during two weeks that miraculously fit everyone’s summer schedules.
“My husband and I always spend at least one week every summer with our grandkids alone, and we call it Camp Levy. We have been doing this for years, and the grandkids love the time with us. We told them this year Camp Levy is going to be in Africa! There are five adults and four kids, ranging from 73 to 11 years old. Katie worked with us planning four safari locations which include four different topographies. Since the group is so large, all our lodges are reserved just for us. We will share family tents and double tents, and we’ll have our own guides and open-air vehicles to take us around.
We are excited about watching everyone interact with the animals, seeing Victoria Falls, watching the grandkids go zip-lining with us, meeting the meerkats, meeting the Bushmen, celebrating our son and daughter-in-law’s 20th anniversary in the Okavango Delta, and seeing the Big Five along the way. Spending quality time with your family in one of the most unique places in the world—what more can you ask for in life? The sights, activities, and experiences are all icing on the cake!” —Robin and Warren Levy
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
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An iconic Italian vacation with an eye to relocation
A colorful medieval street in Spello shows the quieter side of life in Umbria. Photo: Shutterstock
Delving into ancestry—and dual citizenship—inspired Joe Coco and his wife to explore Italy more extensively and consider moving abroad. Their upcoming vacation will take them to Umbria, Florence, Rome, and the Amalfi Coast.
“Our 24-year-old daughter and I recently had our Italian citizenship (by descent) recognized by the Italian government. Going through that lengthy process and learning more about my family history, coupled with the political turmoil in the U.S., has motivated my wife and me to more deeply explore Italy and consider whether moving there is something we’d want to do at some point.
Working with Maria, we devised a diverse itinerary that includes a nice mix of large cities with significant historical and cultural sites, smaller hilltop villages and countryside, and iconic Mediterranean luxury, and allows us to experience the people, culture, history, food, wine, and art.
We are particularly excited to: meet a local farmer in Umbria to learn about his way of life and go truffle hunting with him and his dogs; enjoy a wine tasting and lunch at a small family-owned vineyard in Chianti; tour the Amalfi Coast on a private boat; visit a local mozzarella producer at his lemon grove in Amalfi; take a food tour through Roman neighborhoods; and of course experience the art and architecture of Florence.” —Joe Coco
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
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An annual business-school reunion amid Patagonia’s breathtaking peaks and Chile’s wineries
Torres del Paine is the focal point of a three-tiered trip for old classmates in Chile. Photo: Shutterstock
In the 30-plus years since attending business school together, 11 friends have remained close and traveled together extensively. This year they set aside two weeks for Chile but separated the trip into three segments, so everyone can join for as little or as much as they’re able.
“We have frequently traveled together over the years, but since becoming empty nesters a few years ago, we stepped it up a notch and have been taking a big trip together yearly. This year our group voted on Chile—specifically, Patagonia. One member of our group has been there and said it was the most spectacular place she has ever visited.
Jordan and Renee were able to plan it so people can pick and choose which portions they would like to partake in. Some are arriving a couple days early and doing a short stay in Valparaiso. We wanted Torres del Paine and the Explora Lodge to be the focal point, which we are super-excited about. Afterwards, some people will return home, and a group of us will continue on to the Colchagua Valley for some winery touring and tasting.” —Stacey Witz
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
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A South Pacific honeymoon with a relaxing pace, a mix of islands, and a grand finale
Vivid underwater activity off Taha’a Island belies the mellow vibe of French Polynesia. Photo: Tahiti Tourisme
Mary Santiago and her new husband will start their French Polynesian honeymoon in Tahiti, spend time on Taha’a, sail to Raiatea and Bora Bora, and end with a few quiet days on Tetiaroa at The Brando. Their priority, as presented to planner Kleon: a mix of islands, each with their own vibe, and a yacht charter that’s different from a typical hotel stay.
“We chose these islands for a mix of things we both care about: peaceful beaches, great food, time on the water, and a slower pace. We also tried to avoid rushing from one thing to the next so we can actually enjoy being on our honeymoon. The sailing portion is completely different from a typical hotel stay and gives us time on the lagoon in a more intimate way.
The itinerary gives us a blend of culture in Tahiti, a small private-island stay on Taha’a, a sailing experience, and a more luxurious finish, which felt like the right arc for a honeymoon—ending the trip with slow, restorative days, just having space to unwind.” —Mary Santiago
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
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A high-school graduation celebration and first trip abroad to England, France, and Italy
Paris is the cornerstone of travel dreams for this high school graduate. Photo: Shutterstock
An experienced traveler, Mary Lou Voytko was asked by her sister to help plan a trip to Paris celebrating her niece Mia’s high school graduation. For Mia and Mary Lou’s sister—who have been dreaming about Paris and beyond for a decade—it will be a first trip outside the U.S.
“We will be going to London, Paris, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Venice. My sister and her daughter decided what they wanted to see in each area, and I added some activities that I think they will enjoy and that will enhance their experience, based on my own experiences with Wendy’s WOW List planners.
I am excited about having them experience the Chunnel train to Paris in First Class, as that is how my husband surprised me for our tenth anniversary. In London, we are very excited about going on the VIP tour of the Harry Potter studios and to high tea, as we have done high tea when my sister and niece visit for Thanksgiving and I am certain that it won’t compare to the real thing! On the Amalfi Coast, I arranged to spend a day boating to see the towns from the water.
This will certainly be a whirlwind tour, but it will give my sister and niece a wonderful international travel experience planned in style by Jennifer. I made sure to consider only apartments for our lodging, so that we have a common area to gather as a family to share stories and experiences.” —Mary Lou Voytko
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
START A TRIP TO ENGLAND & BEYOND
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An 80th birthday in Japan, taking in both exciting cities and serene rural ryokans
Arakurayama Sengen Park is a serene retreat just a few hours’ drive from Tokyo. Photo: Shutterstock
For her mother’s 80th, Nicole Zussman planned a trip to Japan for five adults, all foodies who enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences. As independent travelers, they wanted time on their own to explore, as well as exclusive tours using a mix of public transportation and private cars.
“This is our first time traveling to Japan, and we are going to Tokyo, Toyama, Kyoto, and Osaka. But we also wanted an authentic experience in the countryside and in a ryokan. Andrea suggested Rakudo-An in Toyama, and I am most excited to stay there. It is a restored 120-year-old farmhouse made of natural materials with only three rooms, and we are taking over all of them.
We are also participating in a suzugami experience [designing shapes with malleable tin], which looks really special, and we are visiting Shirakawa-gō, which is a mountain village renowned for traditional Gassho-style farmhouses.” —Nicole Zussman
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
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An anniversary in Bali and nearby exotic islands, with kids and friends invited too!
Komodo Island is part of an Indonesian archipelago with extraordinary biodiversity. Photo: Shutterstock
For their 15th anniversary, Kim Segal and her husband wanted to celebrate with something big. Indonesia was high on Kim’s wish list, and she knew activities there would be compelling for their young boys. The trip will entail three nights in Yogyakarta, five in Bali, and nine on a chartered sail where they’ll be joined by friends.
“I chose Yogyakarta because Borobudur has been something I’ve wanted to see for a while. While there we will recover from jet lag in our stunning hotel room and private pool, and enjoy a cultural feast and dance performance put on in our suite for our actual anniversary night.
The star of our trip is the nine nights we have booked on the Samsara Samudra. I decided to charter a bigger boat than was needed for just our family, and we invited two other families to come along. Handling the needs and logistics for a group—that’s where a Trusted Travel Expert like Andrea comes in. I can’t wait to watch my kids as they swim with turtles, see giant clams, watch manta rays glide by, and get in the water with whale sharks. I’ve been fortunate enough to snorkel with all those creatures, and I enjoy experiences even more when I get to see my children experience the joy.
I know this might be a non-traditional anniversary trip—traveling with our kids and inviting a few families along—but I think it’s the perfect thing for us in this life stage.” —Kim Segal
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
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A spring break in Morocco guided by history, language, landscapes, and food
Marrakech is known for its colorful spice stalls. Photo: Shutterstock
Julie Heimark and her husband Peter are traveling to Morocco with their 18-year-old son before he graduates from high school. Their planner Hicham designed an itinerary to weave in and out of cities, mountains, and desert, and Julie decided to break up the long journey from Los Angeles with short stays in Paris on either end.
“Morocco has always been on our bucket list. Food and history are the biggest draws, and we will include cooking classes and market tours. We cook bastilla and tagines at home, but to make them in Morocco will be a dream come true.
Our son speaks French and is learning Arabic, so this is also a perfect celebration for our last spring break together. We knew we wanted to see the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains, Fes, Skoura, and Marrakech. My son wanted to do Rabat. We are flying down to the Sahara and then driving back, so we get both experiences and can fit more in.” —Julie Heimark
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
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A group of 15 friends marking a milestone amid the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of southern Spain
The Alhambra complex in Granada has early fortifications dating to the ninth century. Photo: Shutterstock
Patty Armacost has always been the travel planner for her friends. So celebrating her husband’s 70th birthday with a group of 15 on a trip to Spain—where they’ve previously loved hiking the Camino, attending a festival in Valencia, and taking cooking lessons in Vejer—felt like just the move.
“We find Spain to be so welcoming—we love the food and people—and thought southern Spain would be a perfect location for this celebration. Iván helped to develop an itinerary that highlights all the must-see sites along with our interests. We are excited to see the Alhambra, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Seville, and the Great Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba.
Our tours will highlight the best the area has to offer: a plantation growing tropical fruits, a rum distillery, an Iberian pig farm, olive oil production, and a few meals with local chefs. The highlight of past trips has often been an activity like a cooking class, and we are very excited to attend a flamenco dance workshop!” —Patty Armacost
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
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Island relaxation in the Maldives caps a month-long adventure in India and Dubai
Maldivian beaches are characterized by powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. Photo: Shutterstock
When Suzy Crabb and her husband initially planned their trip to India, it was anchored by a month-long Southeast Asia cruise. A month later, the cruise was canceled. And with that, the afterthought became the main event: They decided to extend their time in India with a vivid itinerary built out by Victoria, and they’ll bookend India with time before and after in Dubai and the Maldives, designed by Justin.
“We are not cruisers, but I found a 40-day Southeast Asia cruise that spent two nights in each location and covered a lot of cool places. My husband usually ignores the travel emails I send him (I don’t blame him—I send a lot) but the day after I sent him the link to the cruise, I heard him on the phone making a reservation! I couldn’t believe it. He felt the cruise would give us a taste of several hard-to-get-to places in a very easy way.
When it was canceled, we said, well, I guess we can now spend a month in India. We decided to break up the long flight there by starting in Dubai. And the Maldives are not far, so let’s end there for a week to relax from our busy month.
When I was looking through the India hotels Victoria chose, I could not believe how gorgeous they were. One is floating in a lake! I just read The Henna Artist, which is set in India in the 1950s. The main character goes to the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur to see the Maharaja and mentions that the palace is going to become a hotel. I was so excited because that is one of the hotels where we are staying.
It turns out we will be in Jaipur for Holi, and Victoria will arrange for us to get white outfits and participate. We’ll see the Taj Mahal at sunrise and sunset. We are going to stay at a tea plantation and on a houseboat.
In Dubai I am excited to see the Burj Khalifa, and the Mosque and the Louvre in Abu Dhabi. We will end in the Maldives, relaxing in a beautiful setting with great snorkeling and some time on boats. I am looking forward to so many things on this trip!!” —Suzy Crabb
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black buttons below.
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Ancient wonders of Egypt: Such a successful trip last year, they had to go back for more
Giza has even more appeal since the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Photo: Shutterstock
After a “phenomenal” trip to Egypt in 2025, Craig Smith and his wife wanted to return as soon as possible. So they reached out to their planner Jim once again to revisit several favorite locations and check out some new ones they hadn’t been able to fit in last time. They like to travel privately with their own guides and drivers—in part because Craig has multiple sclerosis, and it provides for more flexibility, but also because they love being able to ask questions galore.
“We want to spend more time at the pyramids in Giza. We are looking forward to returning to the Grand Egyptian Museum, now that it is fully open. We want to see the historic sites of Alexandria, the Temple of Hathor in Dendera, the Temple of Seti I in Abydos, and the Temple of Bastet at Bubastis. We are excited to see a whirling dervish show in Cairo, something that fellow travelers recommended to us on our previous trip.
We love the Egyptian people and will be enjoying a meal with a local family in Cairo. We want to visit Nefertari’s tomb in Luxor’s Valley of the Queens, as it was closed the last time we visited. We look forward to spending time [including a candlelight Valentine’s Day dinner] at the Lazib Inn in Fayoum.
Our WOW List expert also suggested ending with some relaxation at the Fayoum Oasis, which sounds perfect to us.” —Craig Smith
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
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Dream Trip Planning: Frequently Asked Questions
How can I plan a complex travel itinerary without getting overwhelmed by many tiny details?
Complex trips become overwhelming when you try to manage too many moving parts on your own in locations you’re not familiar with. Start by defining a few non-negotiables, such as key destinations and must-do experiences. Let the savviest local travel fixers manage logistics and solve challenges so your trip feels exciting rather than exhausting.
When contemplating a dream trip, when is the best time to enlist the help of a planner?
Enlist an experienced local expert as soon as you know where you want to go and when. (If you haven’t figured that out, we can help: Get a Personalized Trip Recommendation.) Once you’ve locked in flights and hotels, your options narrow and costs often rise, so before you book anything, talk to the trip planner about ideal timing and the optimal itinerary flow.
Can you combine luxury and adventure on the same trip?
Yes—and that combination is often what makes a trip exceptional, pairing state-of-the-art creature comforts with adventure activities such as hiking, cycling, water sports, or wildlife encounters. WOW List travelers have successfully paired luxury and adventure all over the globe. Read their trip reviews to learn how. For instance, here’s a sampling of their travels to Antarctica, Norway, and Australia.
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