This Natural Phenomenon Is the No. 1 Travel Experience Americans Want in 2026

"Commissioned by Icelandair, the survey collected responses from 3,000 Americans aged 16 and older. The results indicate that 43 percent of travelers in the U.S. are planning to cross a dream destination off their travel wish list in 2026. When it comes to particulars, over 34 percent of respondents said that a trip to see the northern lights is their biggest dream destination overall. And the cosmic colors have cross-generational appeal: It was the top destination among age groups 16-24, 25-34, and 55-plus."

"Right on the southern edge of the Arctic Circle, Iceland is one of the best places to witness the northern lights. Peak season runs from September to March, when exceptionally long nights give travelers hours on end to enjoy the dancing colors in the sky. There are areas of low light pollution all around the island nation, from the Snaefellsnes Peninsula to the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon."

"Although the aurora borealis can be seen at Dark Sky Places around the U.S., the world's most awe-inspiring displays take place in high-latitude locations close to Earth's poles. Other northern destinations like Finland, Sweden, and Canada are also popular among aurora chasers. There are countless ways to structure a northern lights trip, from going on a luxurious multiday private-jet journey to booking a glass igloo or taking a weekend getaway to an underrated domestic destination."

A survey of 3,000 Americans aged 16 and older found that 43 percent of U.S. travelers plan to cross a dream destination off their wish list in 2026. Over 34 percent named a trip to see the northern lights as their biggest dream destination overall, leading among ages 16–24, 25–34, and 55-plus. The aurora borealis can appear at Dark Sky Places in the U.S., but the most awe-inspiring displays occur in high-latitude regions near the poles. Iceland offers prime viewing from September to March with long nights and low light pollution at sites like Snaefellsnes and Jökulsárlón. Finland, Sweden, and Canada also attract aurora chasers, and trip styles range from luxury private-jet tours to glass igloos and short domestic getaways.

Read at Travel + Leisure