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12 Natural Phenomena Happening In 2026 Worth Traveling For
Some moments in nature are so breathtakingly extraordinary they must be seen to be believed. These natural phenomena awaken a deep sense of wonder and humility, connceting us to the marvels our planet has to offer. Imagine standing beneath the Northern Lights as they dance across the Arctic sky, or witnessing the fleeting darkness during a total solar eclipse that temporarily transforms day into night. More than a vacation, these moments go down in history.
So, why not connect with the world’s most stunning spectacles on your 2026 vacation? Whether it’s a celestial show, a geological wonder or a remarkable moment in time, we’ve sought out 12 natural phenomena worth travelling for, and the trips to take you there.
Plus, for a limited time, benefit from our Price Drop Promise – book now for 2026 and lock in today’s rate. Offer ends July 31.
1. Winter breaks
Make the most of the Quadrantid meteor shower
Why not start the year in celestial style in and enjoy the January Quadrantid meteor shower from a fabulous destination? The Quadrantid meteor shower is a meteor shower known for its bright fireballs and strong intensity, peaking in early January. An annual event and an undeniably fascinating natural phenomena, this is one of the strongest meteor showers of the year, despite having a relatively short peak period, typically lasting only a few hours. Meteors originate from leftover particles from comets and fragments from broken asteroids. As these objects orbit the sun, they leave behind dusty trails of debris that slowly spread along their paths. Each year, Earth passes through these debris’ trails, and when the particles collide with our atmosphere, they burn up, creating dazzling, fiery streaks of light across the sky.
The Quadrantid meteor shower will peak on Saturday, the 3rd of January 2026 (pre-dawn hours of 4thJan) and is best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere. Any dark place will do, but why not make it the peak of your vacation? Perfect locations to view include the national parks of Canada or the alpine wilderness of the stunning Swiss Alps.
View the Northern Lights in Norway
Want to experience one of the most magical sights nature has to offer? Seeing the Northern Lights is a must for adventurers – a dazzling, fairy-tale-like display that’s truly unforgettable. And here’s the exciting part: 2026 is your last big chance to catch them at their most spectacular, thanks to the current solar maximum. Because we’re at the peak of the sun’s roughly 11-year magnetic cycle, it means more solar storms and even more vibrant auroras lighting up the night sky.
Imagine shimmering curtains of green, pink, and violet dancing overhead, turning the sky into a celestial masterpiece. It’s a breathtaking spectacle that connects you with the incredible power of nature. The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the winter months (from December to February) when the nights are long, dark, and clear. October through mid-April also offers a good window, especially around the spring and fall equinoxes when auroras tend to be especially active. For your chance to witness an awe-inspiring show before it’s gone, join us on our Northern Lights of Scandinavia premium tour.
Watch the world’s biggest waves in Portugal
The giant waves in Nazaré, Portugal, are renowned worldwide for their incredible size and power, and the best time to witness them is during the winter months. November to February are often cited as the peak window, with the largest swells typically arriving then.
These massive waves form due to a unique underwater geological feature called the Nazaré Canyon, one of the deepest in Europe. When Atlantic storms produce strong winds and swell, the energy travels across the ocean and is funneled into this deep canyon. As the wave approaches the shallow coastline, the pressure causes the waves to grow exponentially, creating towering walls of water sometimes reaching over 100 feet high. One of the world’s best known natural phenomena, surfers from around the world flock to Nazaré to ride these monster waves, but only the most skilled can take on their incredible size and power.
2. Spring breaks
Step into a fairytale in Cappadocia, Turkey
A place where geology and history collide, Cappadocia in Turkey is an extraordinary sight. Its surreal landscape, characterized by towering rock formations, fairy chimneys and expansive valleys, creates a scene straight out of a fantasy story.
Millions of years ago, volcanic activity in the region formed layers of soft tuff and harder basalt. Over time, natural erosion from wind, rain, and temperature fluctuations sculpted these volcanic deposits into the whimsical formations seen today. These soft rocks allowed ancient inhabitants to carve out homes, churches, and entire underground cities, some dating back thousands of years, resulting in a fascinating blend of geology and human history.
Hot air balloon rides at sunrise are famous for offering breathtaking views, while the region’s historical sites, like ancient cave dwellings and churches carved into rocks, tell stories of early Christian communities who sought refuge here. Visit for yourself on our Treasures of Turkey premium tour.
Get up close and personal with the Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia
Perito Moreno, nestled in Argentina’s breathtaking Patagonia, is a marvel of natural geology and one of the few glaciers in the world that is still advancing. This colossal ice formation stretches over 30 kilometres and is renowned for its vibrant, crystal-blue hues that shimmer under the Patagonian sun.
Formed over thousands of years, the glacier is a dynamic masterpiece of nature’s craftsmanship and one of the world’s most dazzling natural phenomena, created by the accumulation of snow and ice from the surrounding mountains. Its massive ice wall, rising up to 70 meters above the water, constantly shifts and calves, occasionally sending spectacular chunks crashing into Lake Argentino below. Best viewed from September to April, marvel at the surreal sound of cracking ice echoing across the landscape, walk the wooden boardwalks or take a boat tour for an up-close glimpse of this unspoiled wonder. Visit on our new Heart of Patagonia premium tour.
Discover Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is a breathtaking natural phenomenon that truly comes alive in spring. During this season, the park’s waterfalls, lakes, and lush greenery create a verdant paradise that’s impossible to forget. Spring awakens the landscape as vibrant wildflowers bloom and the waterfalls roar with increased volume from melting snow and seasonal rains. The park’s signature turquoise lakes are connected by a series of cascades and waterfalls, and you can explore along wooden boardwalks that wind through the forest and over the lakes. Spring is the perfect time to witness this UNESCO World Heritage site’s incredible beauty and Country Roads of Croatia will take you there.
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Turn the full solar eclipse into a trip of a lifetime
The next full solar eclipse is set to occur on August 12, 2026, visible across parts of the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. During a total eclipse, the moon completely blocks the sun, revealing its fiery corona and creating an awe-inspiring spectacle. It will also be visible from a wide area of the Arctic Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Mediterranean Sea.
One of the most sought-after natural phenomena, to best view a full solar eclipse use proper eye protection like solar viewing glasses or eclipse goggles to prevent damage. Find a clear, unobstructed spot with a good view of the sky. Watching during the partial phases can also be spectacular but never look directly at the eclipse without protective gear. Why not see the eclipse in style from Spain on our Easy Pace Spain premium tour.
Don’t miss Iceland’s Geysers
If you’re heading to Iceland, visiting the geysers is a must – they’re like something right out of a volcano-powered fairy tale. Geysers are hot springs that periodically spew boiling water and steam into the air, and Iceland’s geysers are some of the most famous in the world. The real magic comes from the country’s unique geology – Iceland sits atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly drifting apart.
This geological activity creates a ton of heat underneath the surface, fueling these incredible eruptions. The most famous geyser, Strokkur, erupts every 5 to 10 minutes, shooting water up to 30 meters high. It’s a wild reminder of Earth’s raw power, and visiting these natural fountains feels like witnessing a tiny piece of our planet’s fiery heart.
Celebrate the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, UK
While not technically on the list of natural phenomena, Stonehenge in the UK is worth a mention and is renowned for its Summer Solstice celebrations. This enigmatic circle of stones in southern England has long stood as a silent witness to human history. Its origins trace back over 4,000 years, a marvel of prehistoric engineering and mystique. Traditionally believed to be an astronomical observatory, many scholars suggest it aligned with the summer solstice, marking the longest day of the year.
Each year, druids, pagans and moon enthusiasts gather at dawn, their chants and rituals echoing the ancient ways that once honored the sun’s vital power. For millennia, this event marked a time of celebration, renewal and reverence for the celestial cycles that governed early life. See Stonehenge for yourself on Best of Britain.
4. Fall breaks
Discover what really made the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is one of the world’s most unique natural phenomena, famous for its geology and folklore. This UNESCO site features over 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. Legend says the columns are the remnants of a giant’s causeway built by Finn McCool to cross from Ireland to Scotland and fight a rival. Some stories describe the formations as Finn’s footprints, adding a mythical charm to the site. On-site exhibits, guided tours, and interactive displays enable visitors to deepen their understanding of both geology and legend.
A spectacular display of fall colors, New England, USA
Fall in New England is a season like no other, with a breathtaking tapestry of colors that draws visitors from around the world. As the air cools and daylight shortens, deciduous trees such as maples, oaks and birches burst into brilliant shades of red, orange and gold. The best places to experience this natural spectacle include Vermont’s Green Mountains, where rolling hills are draped in vivid foliage; New Hampshire’s White Mountains, offering stunning mountain vistas against a canvas of fall colors; and the Berkshires in western Massachusetts.
Autumn in New England is a fleeting, awe-inspiring display of nature’s artistry, making it a perfect time for scenic drives, hikes, and capturing unforgettable photographs of this colorful wonderland. Book your place now on New England’s Fall Foliage and see nature’s spectacular display in style.
Shimmering metallic pools, Zion National Park
Hidden within the rugged beauty of Zion National Park, the surreal Metallic Pools beckon explorers, and the fall is an excellent time to visit, with temperatures cooler and crowds more sparce. Carved over thousands of years by the relentless flow of water, these natural marvels resemble giant, gleaming glass baths nestled among the red rock cliffs, and change with the seasons. Visit Zion on America’s Magnificent National Parks.
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About Leanne Williams
I'm a writer, editor and interview specialist with a lifetime's love of travel. There’s nothing more inspiring to me than meeting, and writing about, the world's leading destination experts and travel industry insiders. The thing I love most about writing for Insightful is that I'm always learning something new.
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