Why the 2026 Solar Eclipse Is the New Bucket-List Travel Experience

Solar Eclipse Photography

From Iceland’s glaciers to Spain’s vineyards to the wild coast of Ireland, eclipse travel blends celestial wonder with cultural immersion.

A total solar eclipse has always been one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles. But for a growing number of travelers, it’s also becoming a compelling reason to explore the world. If you remember in 2024, airlines even had flights specifically for the solar eclipse. For the next one in 2026, travel companies are going all out — which means you can experience a new destination and have a front-row seat for something cosmic.

“The 2026 eclipse is more than an astronomical event,” says Sydney Schellinger, founder of The Poodle Booked It. “It’s a reason to go somewhere you've always dreamed of — and to see it in a way you'll never forget.”

With the path of totality crossing some of Europe’s most iconic regions, “eclipse tourism” is catching on: curated trips that revolve around the eclipse but are rich in culture, food, and storytelling. Here are three unique ways to make it part of your 2026 travel plans:

Dont forget those Glasses

Ireland with Azamara’s Ireland Intensive Cruise

Dates: August 7–19, 2026 Best For: Travelers who want to see all of Ireland, enjoy a small ship, and only unpack once

This 12-night sailing with Azamara wraps around the Emerald Isle’s most charming ports — including Dublin, Cork, and even an overnight in Belfast — with a front-row seat off the coast of Gijón, Spain, for the August 12th eclipse.

“This is an amazing cruise on its own — I went on it in 2022 and loved the small ports we got to experience,” says Schellinger. “But to pair that with the eclipse? That’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of moment.”

Cliffs of Moher

Total Solar Eclipse in Spain — Small Group Land Tour

Dates: August 6–13, 2026

This intimate group tour (max 24 guests) winds through Madrid, Ávila, Segovia, Valladolid, and León. Expect medieval walls, Roman aqueducts, royal palaces, and — of course — plenty of tapas and wine. You’ll view the eclipse in León, a historic city with deep roots and a stunning Gothic cathedral.

Leon, Spain

Total Solar Eclipse in Iceland — Private Tour

Dates: August 8–14, 2026

This private itinerary layers Iceland’s fire-and-ice beauty with the drama of totality. Black sand beaches, glacier lagoons, dramatic waterfalls, and a remote eclipse viewing on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula - one of the most photogenic spots along the path. Add in a soak at the Blue Lagoon and a full Golden Circle day, and it’s the kind of trip that lingers in your memory.

Iceland Waterfall

With availability already tightening for 2026, these aren’t just great trips, they’re rare chances to experience Europe with a whole new lens. And if 2026 feels too soon, there are more chances ahead including future eclipses in places like Australia on July 22, 2028 and Egypt on August 2, 2027.

Lets Fly Away

Eclipse Travel 2026 – FAQ

1. What makes eclipse travel so special?

At The Poodle Booked It, we see eclipse travel as the perfect excuse to explore the world in a whole new way. It’s not just about witnessing the eclipse — it’s about experiencing that magic moment somewhere unforgettable, like Iceland’s black sand beaches or a medieval plaza in Spain. We design trips that blend that celestial wow with culture, food, and ease.

2. Will I actually get a good view of the eclipse?

Yes — that’s non-negotiable. The Poodle Booked It only recommends itineraries where you’ll have front-row seats for the eclipse, whether it's sailing off Spain’s northern coast, standing in León’s historic square, or soaking in the silence of Iceland’s Snæfellsnes Peninsula. We work with trusted partners to make sure your view is as epic as the moment itself.

3. What else is included besides the eclipse?

When you book through The Poodle Booked It, you’re not just checking off an eclipse. You’re tasting wine in Rioja, exploring castles in Ireland, or marveling at glaciers in Iceland. Every itinerary we curate includes deep cultural experiences, beautiful accommodations, and little touches that make the whole trip feel seamless.

4. Is this a good trip for someone who's never done a group or cruise tour?

Definitely. The Poodle Booked It works with travelers of all styles, and we make sure your experience fits you. If you’re into boutique hotels and private drivers — we’ve got it. Prefer small group tours with great pacing? We’ve got that too. We’ll help you skip the stress and go straight to the kind of travel that feels personal.