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Where Everybody’s Traveling in 2026: The Most Popular Countries for WOW Trips
See the world’s most popular places free from crowds. Here's Wendy in Venice. Photo: Timothy Baker When planning your travels for the new year, it’s wise to keep in mind where everybody else is going. These are the most popular countries for 2026 trips already booked the WOW way:
1. Italy
2. Japan
3. New Zealand
4. France
5. The United Kingdom
6. Spain
7. Argentina
8. Australia
9. Norway
10. Chile
11. Egypt
12. Greece
13. Costa Rica
14. Vietnam
15. South Africa
It’s no surprise that Italy is #1. It’s perennially the most popular country among WOW List travelers, and the good news is that there are many new nonstop flights to get you there. The #2 and #3 countries, Japan and New Zealand, have been in high demand ever since the pandemic: They were two of the last countries to re-open post-Covid, so they were off-limits for a long time, and picky travelers tend to book them many months ahead, since the most in-demand experiences and places to stay are intimate and have low capacity (think three-room ryokans in Japan, or sheep stations in New Zealand).
If a country you’re thinking about for 2026 ranks high on the list, reach out to us early so we can ensure that you see it free from crowds and lines, lock in the unique places to stay, and get the coolest insider experiences. If you’re headed to a classic favorite—say, Italy’s Amalfi Coast or the Greek island of Santorini—we’re happy to guide you as to smart off-peak timing. If you’re able to travel only in high season, we can suggest unexpected locales.
We’ve got hundreds of tested-and-proven ideas for you below, covering all 12 months of 2026. We bet you’ll be surprised by all the clever possibilities! For a personalized recommendation, we’re at the black button below.
Be a smarter traveler: Sign up for Wendy’s weekly newsletter to stay in the know. Read real travelers’ reviews, then use the black CONTACT buttons on Wendy’s WOW List to reach out to the right local fixer for your trip.
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