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The totality of an eclipse is never long enough. My first total solar eclipse experience in 2017 made for the shortest two minutes of my life: the sun transforming into a blazing diamond ring, the beautiful delirium of darkness, that perfect circle in the sky. Before I knew it, the eclipse was over—and my friends and I were plotting how we could catch our next.
During my second total eclipse in Ohio, I savored nearly double that time—four minutes of totality. Those extra moments gave me time to tune into the full sensory experience. As birds slowed their songs, crickets filled the false twilight with their chirping. All the people around me fell silent amid the cool, still air, and the corona of the sun radiated and wisped above. It wasn’t long after those beautiful four minutes ended that I began scheming, again, about my next opportunity to relive the cosmic experience. Now, I’ve fully embraced my identity as an umbraphile—literally, a “shadow lover,” but better known as someone who chases total solar eclipses.
For umbraphiles like myself based in the United States, the next total solar eclipse to hit the US is in 2033—although it will only grace the western half of Alaska, along with Russia. In 2044, another total solar eclipse will swoop across Canada into Montana and the Dakotas. The next “Great American Eclipse” to cut across a wide swath of the nation won’t arrive until 2045, though that one will stretch all the way from Northern California to Florida, across Utah, Colorado, Georgia, and many more states.
If you can’t bear to wait more than two decades for that stunning event, the good news is that many more eclipses will occur before then—you just have to go abroad to catch them. Whether you saw the 2024 total solar eclipse and are eager to plan your next trip to the path of totality, or you missed it and want to discover what all the hype is about, consider this your guide to seeing a total solar eclipse in the next four years.
August 12, 2026: The Arctic, Iceland, and Spain
Your earliest chance to catch another total solar eclipse is August 12, 2026, when the path of totality will curve northeast across the Arctic Ocean and south through remote eastern Greenland, terminating in the Balearic Sea just east of Mallorca. While there are several worthy destinations for umbraphiles during the 2026 eclipse, the totality experience will be relatively short, lasting only 1-2 minutes, depending on where you are within the path.
One spot to add to your eclipse planning list is Western Iceland, where you may also be able to catch Northern Lights on your trip to enhance the cosmic experience. The capital of Reykjavik sits on the edge of totality, making it a fine and accessible viewing destination. The downside? Totality will only last a minute there. To extend the experience, head about three hours west by car. Snæfellsjökull National Park—a seaside park named for a volcano and glacier—will experience 2 minutes and 10 seconds of totality. Stay in the nearby hamlet of Búðir, about 30 minutes away. Or head to the village of Patreksfjordur in the Westfjords, about a five-hour drive from Reykjavik for a similarly longer totality.
If a more Mediterranean eclipse experience appeals, the spot to be is Spain. The path of totality will also clip northeastern Portugal. In northern Spain, the medieval cities of Oviedo (1 minute and 49 seconds totality) or Burgo (1 minute and 44 seconds totality) are good places to watch, right in the center of the totality path. For a more urban experience, consider Zaragoza (1 minute and 24 seconds of totality) or seaside Valencia (1 minute totality).
Perhaps the most unique place to take in the 2026 eclipse in Spain is upon the island of Mallorca. Partying in Palma, reveling in secluded beaches, or overlooking the sea upon the island’s limestone cliffs would all make enviable ways to take in the 1 minute and 36 seconds of totality. With around 300 days of sunshine annually, Mallorca is also a safe bet for clear skies. If you prefer to leave the planning to the pros, consider a guided eclipse trip through a company like Sirius Travel, which is also offering an Iceland eclipse trip. Note that some other guided 2026 eclipse tours are already sold out, so don’t wait to reserve.
One of the most unusual places to witness an eclipse is aboard a cruise ship, and there are already several potential options available—after all, this eclipse is only a couple years out and plans are underway. Bundle up and hop aboard the Greenland Solar Eclipse cruise hosted by Albatros Expeditions. The 13-day itinerary includes a tour of fjords and glaciers, a visit to Nuuk, and of course, the 2-minute, 17-second totality experience (starting at $19,600 per person). Cunard is offering three solar eclipse cruise experiences: one through Norway and Iceland, and two more near Spain and the Mediterranean.
August 2, 2027: Northern Africa and the Middle East
Just a year later, another eclipse will travel across Northern Africa and the western edge of the Middle East—this one with a prodigiously long totality time. The eclipse will cross over the southern tip of Spain and Gibraltar, which will enjoy 4 minutes and 28 seconds of totality.
Across Northern Africa, several cities make excellent viewing points. The beaches of Tangier, Morocco, will take in 4 minutes and 50 seconds totality. In Tunisia, the ancient oasis of Gafsa will clock over 5 minutes of totality.
For the longest totality time, consider Luxor, Egypt, which will see a stunning 6 minutes and 22 seconds of darkness, likely amid sunny skies. This is only about a minute shy of the known record for longest totality time: 7 minutes and 28 seconds, back in 743 B.C. Besides, could anything eclipse the mystical sight of a pyramid than a literal eclipse darkening the skies above the Ancient Egyptian monuments?
Cruises and guided tours for the 2027 eclipse are also already on offer. Take a cruise through the Mediterranean with Eclipse Tours and witness totality at sea (starting at $4,999), or tour Morocco and enjoy the eclipse from a beach with Astro Tours (price unlisted).
July 22, 2028: Australia and New Zealand
If you can wait four years, consider an eclipse trip to Oceania. This eclipse will traverse central Australia and southern New Zealand, and there are many incredible spots to consider within the path for your viewing experience, whether you prefer to dance in the darkness or be immersed in the wild.
In Australia, Sydney is smack dab in the middle of the 2028 path, with 3 minutes and 49 seconds of totality. While no festivals or events are in the works yet, have no doubt Australia will rise to the occasion. For a more nature-based experience, consider the ancient rock formations and trails of Mirima National Park; stay in the nearby town of Kununurra. This area will enjoy just under three minutes of totality. Of course, an Australia eclipse-themed cruise already awaits, too, though the eclipse itself is to be viewed on land (starting at $14,500).
In New Zealand, enjoy nearly three minutes of totality include Queenstown and Dunedin. Take in the New Zealand eclipse from the stunning shores of Lake Wakatipu of Queenstown, where you can chase the rush of an eclipse with one of the world’s highest bungee jumps. Amid the Scottish-meets-Maori heritage of Dunedin, bookend the eclipse with a visit to the Larnach Castle or the Otago Peninsula and its penguins.
Tips for planning an eclipse trip around the world
You’re not the only traveler drawn to the elusive experience of a total eclipse—which is why places in the path of totality tend to experience a massive spike in tourism. Lodging books early, prices surge, rental cars run out, and those who fail to plan in advance are often left high and dry—or forced to spend a small fortune.
My advice on preparing for an eclipse trip in the US applies doubly when it comes to an international voyage to the path of totality. Here are a few key pointers before you plan your trip, whether to the Arctic, Spain, Egypt, or Australia:
It’s never too early to book: Some tours are already sold out, while hotel reservations are sure to go fast. Make your reservations as soon as you can, especially for the 2026 eclipse—you can always cancel later if your trip falls through. This applies to rental cars and flights as well.
Give yourself a buffer around the eclipse: Don’t plan to show up the day before the eclipse or day of, nor should you plan to depart the day of or day after. Adding some wiggle room will allow you to maximize the serenity of the experience, rather than sabotage it with the chaos of eclipse travel.
Get to your viewing spot at least a few hours in advance: This way your plans won’t be foiled by any unexpected traffic, you can find the perfect perch, and you’ll have time to set up any camera tripods or telescopes.
Hold on to your eclipse glasses—or buy them early: Don’t plan to pick up a pair at your destination. And make sure they’re ISO certified.
Finally, turn your eclipse travels into a longer trip of about a week or two. Look into local observatories or stargazing tours to up the astronomical ante. A few months ahead, research eclipse festivals, events, and viewing parties, if that’s of interest. Meet some fellow travelers who you might be interested in viewing with. Then, one to six minutes of totality will be just the pinnacle of your celestially inspired trip, rather than the entirety of it.