11 Meals Worth Planning a Trip Around in 2026

Hey reader,

It’s a rare day that an airport meal is the best of a trip, but that happened to me this past August on a layover in Denver. I dined at The Bindery, the recently-opened all-day restaurant from chef/owner Linda Hampsten Fox following the success of her like-named restaurant and market location in the city’s LoHi neighborhood. The menu and experience stood out to me not simply because it easily triumphed over the sub-par buffet in the United lounge down concourse, but because it highlighted how much a great meal stands out during even the most exciting of trips (I’d just wrapped up five days in West Virginia’s New River Gorge).

On that note, Matador editors ate in more than 30 countries in 2025, and made a point to dine adventurously in each place. We compiled the best of these dining experiences into one epic run-down of meals worth traveling for in 2026. Interestingly, the far north featured heavily in our memories. Commissioning editor Suzie Dundas wrote of an unforgettable Viking dinner in Iceland, while editor Katie Gavin recalled a perfect meal at Sjøbua in Ålesund, Norway. There were, of course, several big city fine dining experiences that came to mind, but there was also a diner in Moab, a hole-in-the-wall sushi counter in Japan, and a meal inside the forested confines of the “Amazon bubble” in Seattle. I hope reading of these experiences inspires you to plan for a memorable meal in the near future, whether that’s finally booking that long-sought reservation or simply organizing a casual evening out with your crew.

Here’s to a year full of reasons to get together and nosh.

Tim Wenger, transactional content editor

EXPLORE THE MEALS →

N E W S

All 200-Plus Oceania Cruises Are Now Adults-Only

As of January 7, 2026, Oceania Cruises is now an adults-only cruise line, making it one of the few major ocean cruise brands to formally exclude children from all new bookings.

SEE THE DETAILS →

T O - D O

JANUARY EDITION

• Where to travel: Seoul

• Where to stay: The most scenic Jackson Hole Airbnbs

• What we’re loving: The best dog-friendly trips to take in 2026

• What to do: Enter to win a dream trip to Iceland

• Make plans this winter: Ottawa’s Winterlude Festival (Jan 30–Feb 16, 2026)

W E L L N E S S

The 19 Most Rejuvenating Hot Springs in the US

From rugged natural pools to thoughtfully developed resorts, America’s hot springs have drawn travelers for centuries. Mineral-rich waters, dramatic settings, and a slower pace make these some of the most restorative places to travel right now.

SOAK IN THESE HOT SPRINGS →

S P O N S O R E D

Saskatchewan’s Skies Are a Stargazer’s Dream

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SASKATCHEWAN

Vast landscapes and minimal light pollution make Saskatchewan one of North America’s best places for stargazing. From aurora viewing to endless night skies, here’s where to look up.

SEE THE STARS →

S T A Y S

The Best Airbnbs for a Winter Escape in Lombardy, Italy

With the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games approaching, Lombardy is about to be in the spotlight. From Milan’s fashion-forward neighborhoods to alpine towns like Livigno and Bormio, these Airbnbs put you close to the action.

FIND YOUR STAY →

Travel Well

The Matador Editorial Team