Which places in Europe are having such an interesting moment right now that they should not be missed in 2026? What under-the-radar treasures should you include on your itinerary? And what strategies are best for avoiding tourist crowds and lines? Europe experts on The WOW List joined us during WOW Week 2026 to answer these questions and many more. You can view our conversation below (recorded on January 27, 2026).
Watch the video for dozens of places to consider for 2026. Just a few:
- Lapland, Norway: The northern lights are near their peak right now, as they’re correlated to the sun’s 11-year activity cycle. Norway specialist Torunn Tronsvang recommends specific areas near the Arctic Circle as optimal viewing spots.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, post-Olympics: Italy specialists Maria Landers and Brian Dore point out how certain Italian cities benefitted greatly from infrastructure improvements made for the 2025 Jubilee Year; that means they’re gleaming now, yet without last year’s wave of visitors. And the spiffing up of the Cortina region for the 2026 Winter Olympics will translate to great experiences and value there after February.
- The British Museum, London: Starting in September, the British Museum will host the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry, a 230-foot-long masterpiece depicting the Norman Conquest, notes England expert Karen Gee. It will be on loan from Normandy through July 2027.
- Burgundy, France: The Burgundy wine region has long been lovely but fairly unchanging, says France expert Phillip Haslett. This year, though, it’s gaining new luxury hotels in renovated chateaux and vineyard estates.
- Belgrade, Serbia, and Sarajevo, Bosnia: These ancient cities are full of history, museums, and charm, but they’re often overshadowed by Croatia, says Eastern Europe specialist Greg Tepper. Now, there’s a new level of comfort, thanks to recent investment, luxurious new hotels, and wonderful restaurants.
- Bruges, Belgium: It’s always been on the map for its charming waterways and ancient art. But now there’s a new contemporary arts center that Belgium expert Tom Stinglhamber says is bringing an exciting modernity and restaurant energy to the city.
- Jerez de la Frontera, Spain: It’s particularly appealing now, says Spain expert Ivan Ricoy, as it’s been designated the 2026 Spanish capital of gastronomy—this year’s national epicenter of food- and wine-centric events.
Watch the video for many more!
Links to Useful Resources:
The Europe Experts on The 2026 WOW List
Belgium and the Netherlands: Reviews of WOW Trips
Italy and Switzerland: Reviews of WOW Trips
Norway and Scandinavia: Reviews of WOW Trips
Spain and Portugal: Reviews of WOW Trips
Eastern Europe: Reviews of WOW Trips
Exciting First-Ever Nonstop Flights in 2026
European Vacations for Winter School Breaks
How To Beat the Summer Heat in Europe with a Cool Trip Itinerary
Malta: The Mediterranean Islands to See Now, Before the Secret Gets Out
The Azores, Portugal’s Mid-Atlantic Island Paradise
A Private Yacht on Turkey’s Aegean Coast: Wendy’s Favorite Family Trip
Here’s Why Norway in Winter is Delightful
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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).
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