What are your smartest travel moves this year? Where can you go in 2026 that’s still “undiscovered”? How and where can you maximize value for your dollar?
Find out during WOW Week, January 26 – 30, when we’ll be holding Travel Talks on Zoom at 3 pm EST daily.
WOW List experts from around the globe will join us to share on-the-ground intel, need-to-know advice, and favorite secret spots (such as the beach I had all to myself in Bali, above). See our calendar of Live Travel Q&As and RSVP below.
Can’t make it at 3 pm EST? Send your questions to us at questions@wendyperrin.com. We’ll answer as many as we can during the Q&As, then send you a link so you can watch the Zoom recordings on demand. These Travel Talks are free, they’re open to everyone, and it only takes a few seconds to sign up, so tell your friends who love to travel.
Where To Go and What to Know For 2026
Monday, January 26 at 3pm EST
What are the smartest travel opportunities to take advantage of this year—and the snags to avoid? Wendy, Brook, and Nichole will tell you what’s shaping up for 2026, including places to see now before they change, trips that are savvy values this year, and how to save yourself time, money, and headaches. Bring your questions!
Europe: Secret Spots and Smart Strategies
Tuesday, January 27, at 3pm EST
WOW List experts across Europe will share what’s coming next and how to maximize your 2026 experiences. They’ll reveal under-the-radar finds, where and how to avoid the tourist crowds and beat the summer heat, and where to get the most for your U.S. dollar.
Easy Escapes in the Americas
Wednesday, January 28, at 3pm EST
Where can you get away from it all—relatively quickly and easily, and jet-lag free? WOW List experts in North, Central, and South America will share their favorite escapes, from dreamy islands and pristine beaches to nature and wildlife lodges, small-ship cruises, and secluded spots for decompressing while also experiencing the best of the local culture.
How to Take Better Travel Photos
Thursday, January 29, at 3pm EST
Photojournalist Tim Baker (a.k.a. Mr. Wendy Perrin), who shot the Bali scene up top, will share simple tips for taking better pictures with your smartphone or any camera—better action shots, group shots, food shots, night shots, video, and more. Tim’s tips are device-agnostic: Apple and Android users welcome!
Travel Insurance and Emergency Assistance: Protect Yourself from Today’s Risks
Friday, January 30, at 3pm EST
Learn how to prepare for the unexpected, from surprise injuries to natural disasters to political unrest. Experts explain how to minimize your risk, both financial and medical, and they’ll answer your questions—so let us know what’s on your mind!
A big thank-you to our WOW Week sponsor, Medjet:
Medjet is a global air medical transport and travel security membership program that gives travelers greater peace of mind. Their sponsorship enables us to spend dozens of hours each week answering your travel questions—via our Get a Personalized Trip Recommendation feature—and finding the smartest trip-planning specialists for you (see Wendy’s WOW List).
Don’t miss this special WOW Week discount:
Medjet is offering our WOW Week audience an exclusive discount of $50 off most of their annual memberships for new members. The deal is available from Monday, January 26 at 9am EST till Monday, February 2 at 5pm EST. You can learn more about Medjet and get the deal by clicking the red button below, or by calling them at 800-527-7478 and mentioning WOW Week.
TRAVELERS JUST BACK
Read on for a taste of how the WOW List experts who will share intel and advice in our Travel Talks can transform your vacations: Jennifer Cheng’s seven-night family trip to Norway is a winter example of secret spots and smart strategies in Europe. Ana Craig’s 50th birthday celebration in Panama shows what an easy escape in the Americas looks like. And Cate Bradley’s Sri Lanka adventure highlights one of the places to go in 2026.
JUST BACK FROM NORWAY
Secret spots and smart strategies in Europe
Traveler Jennifer Cheng and family display their ice sculpting artistry at Sorrisniva.
“We were looking for a winter break trip for our family of five: mom, dad, 19-year old son, 16-year old daughter, and 13-year-old daughter. My husband’s dream for over ten years has been to stay at an ice hotel, and I always wanted to experience the northern lights.
Torunn planned an impeccable trip for us. We got a taste of so much of Arctic Norway in a short amount of time, with glimpses of the northern lights almost every night we were in Alta.
Our Arctic journey started with our flight to Alta from Oslo. We drove straight to Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge. My husband and kids spent their once-in-a-lifetime night in the igloo hotel, in an ice room on an ice bed! I, on the other hand, was very happy to be in the very lovely and warm river room.
Our time in Alta was filled with one great experience after another: ice sculpting, drinks at the ice bar, reindeer sledding, learning about the Sámi, after-dinner aurora walks, frozen river snowshoeing, jacuzzi, sauna, husky sledding, New Year’s fireworks from the top of a mountain, snowboarding, whale watching, and snowmobiling. Reflecting on it, I can’t believe how much we fit into our five nights in Alta.
After Sorrisniva, we loved our stays at ONGA and Bjørnfjell. On our way to ONGA, the road was closed due to previous rains, so the amazing Andrei drove us and our luggage by snowmobile over three roundtrips. At ONGA, our rooms had access to a private jacuzzi, sauna, and aurora dome. And we had our WOW Moment: a family photo shoot in the snowy, picture-perfect surroundings. We had so much fun with the talented Danil, who captured some priceless moments that we will truly treasure.
I would not plan another complex trip without the help of Wendy Perrin’s collection of travel planners. It’s such a luxury to be able to just go and immerse yourself and enjoy. Norway in winter is a truly magical place, like living in a postcard. My only regret is that we did not stay longer!” —Jennifer Cheng
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
JUST BACK FROM PANAMA
An easy escape in the Americas
In Panama you can take a catamaran through the San Blas Islands. Photo: Shutterstock
“Our trip to Panama was truly exceptional, and we could not be happier with our choice of destination, timing, or Pierre as our trip planner. We gave him a short four-week planning window for one of the busiest travel weeks of the year—the week between Christmas and New Year’s—and he absolutely delivered. Even when we weren’t able to secure all the nights we wanted at the resort, Pierre proactively created an alternate plan that ended up being a highlight of the trip.
Private transportation from start to finish made the trip seamless and stress-free. The complimentary ATV excursion on our first full day was an absolute blast and a perfect way to kick things off. Visiting the Panama Canal paired with a walk through Casco Viejo was a fantastic cultural experience.
The most unique experience was celebrating my 50th birthday on a private catamaran. From the incredible food to the warm, attentive staff, it felt both intimate and special. It was the kind of experience that felt luxurious but still deeply personal, and one we’ll talk about for years.
Another unexpectedly meaningful moment was Pierre surprising us with an in-person visit near the end of the trip, along with Panamanian coffee, chocolate, and rum. That level of personal touch is rare and made us feel genuinely cared for. He and his team added immense value at every stage of the trip. Beyond crafting a thoughtful itinerary, they anticipated potential challenges and had solutions ready.
This was the first time our family has traveled this way, and the experience exceeded every expectation. We’re already planning our next trip with him for next year, which might be the strongest endorsement we can give.” —Ana Craig
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
JUST BACK FROM SRI LANKA
A “very special place” to consider for 2026
In Sri Lanka you can hike (or take the train) through rolling tea plantations. Photo: Sri Lanka in Style
“Miguel and Nicola planned a truly wonderful two weeks for our family in Sri Lanka—our 11th Wendy Perrin trip. We spent four terrific days exploring the Cultural Triangle and then headed down to Kandy for three days in that fascinating area. We also spent several days hiking in the mountains of tea country and finally ended with five nights relaxing on the southern coast in a beautiful, fully staffed villa.
Throughout, Miguel heeded our call for a vacation focused on walking, nature and beautiful places. We hiked two sections of the Pekoe Trail that Miguel created—a 180-mile path that traverses the middle of Sri Lanka—which we highly recommend. The trail weaves through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country and is completely unspoiled. Miguel came with us for one full-day hike, and it was a real highlight of our trip.
Other highlights included a spectacular morning in the Royal Botanic Gardens with the professor who trains all of Sri Lanka’s tour guides on trees and plants, and an introduction to the monkeys of Polonnaruwa with a researcher from the Smithsonian Primate Research Station.
We also enjoyed our WOW Moment, a sunrise hike to the top of a beautiful rock in the Cultural Triangle, followed by a floating breakfast on a boat in a lovely lake, surrounded by birds and flowers.
We can’t thank Miguel and Nicola enough for these memorable days in a very special place.” —Cate Bradley
To get your own WOW trip, start with our trip questionnaire, reached via the black button below.
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