Travel lists for 2027 are already full of big names, but some of the best picks are a little more surprising. Think a Egyptian city lined up with a total solar eclipse, a Caribbean island with a buried capital, and a Patagonian cape where the road simply ends.
This list covers places on every continent, from fjords and safari plains to Korean beaches and red rocks. Some are famous favorites with fresh reasons to go.
Others are just starting to climb onto traveler radars. Each stop comes with a clear reason to put it on your calendar, plus a few practical ideas to help you plan.
Grab a notebook, because you will probably want to save a few of these for later.
Luxor, Egypt
Mark August 2, 2027 on your calendar, because Luxor sits directly in the path of a total solar eclipse. More than six minutes of totality are expected in the Luxor area, which is a long time for the sun to disappear.
Eclipse aside, the city is packed with ancient sites that fill several days. Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple are both large complexes with towering stone columns and carved walls.
Across the Nile, the Valley of the Kings holds royal tombs cut into the hills.
The Temple of Hatshepsut is another strong stop, set against steep cliffs on the west bank. Its terraced design looks very different from most other temples in the region.
Plan early if the eclipse is your goal. Hotels and tours around such a rare event are likely to book up well ahead of time, so reserving months in advance is a smart move.
Bring a hat and water, since the sun here is strong even without an eclipse.
Vestland, Norway
Picture a fjord so narrow that cliffs seem to rise straight from your kayak. That is the kind of scene Vestland delivers, and National Geographic picked the region as a standout destination for 2027.
Nærøyfjord is a favorite for paddling, while Hardangerfjord offers a wider landscape of orchards, villages, and mountain views. Hikers often head toward Trolltunga, a famous rock ledge that sticks out above a lake.
It is a long, demanding trail, so start early and bring proper shoes.
Sightseeing boats are also becoming more sustainable, which gives travelers a quieter way to see the water without paddling.
Waterfalls and glaciers add even more variety to the region. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so pack a rain jacket even in summer.
A few days here can easily mix easy village strolls with big outdoor days.
Penang, Malaysia
Food fans, this one is for you. Penang is known for hawker stalls where you can sample many local dishes in a single afternoon, and the island also has history, beaches, and rainforest.
George Town has a UNESCO-listed historic center filled with colorful buildings, temples, and street art. Walking it slowly is the best plan, since new murals and old shophouses appear around almost every corner.
Penang Hill rises above the city and offers rainforest scenery and wide views. A new cable-car connection from the Penang Botanic Gardens toward the hill is planned for 2027, which could make the trip even easier.
Go in the cooler part of the day for walking, because the tropical heat builds fast. Bring a refillable bottle and a good appetite.
Between the temples, the beaches, and the markets, a week here goes by quickly.
Normandy, France
In 1027, a boy was born in Normandy who would later be known as William the Conqueror. In 2027, the region marks the 1,000th anniversary of that birth, and events are planned to celebrate it.
Even without an anniversary, Normandy has plenty to offer. Medieval towns, dramatic coastlines, and the island abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel make it a rich destination for history lovers and photographers alike.
D-Day history is another major draw. Beaches, museums, and memorials tell the story of the 1944 landings, and many visitors plan a full day just for that theme.
Renting a car makes it easier to link small towns and coastal stops. Because anniversary events could bring bigger crowds, book lodging early and check local schedules before choosing your dates.
Spring and early fall are often more relaxed than peak summer.
Tsavo East and Tsavo West, Kenya
Elephants covered in red dust are the signature sight here, and they look like they have been painted by the landscape itself. Tsavo East and Tsavo West make up a huge safari area in Kenya, and Lonely Planet included them among its best places to visit in 2027.
The scenery shifts a lot from one section to the next. Wide savanna stretches out in some areas, while volcanic formations add a rugged edge in others.
Wildlife ranges from lions to giraffes, so game drives rarely feel repetitive. Early morning and late afternoon are usually the best times to look for animals.
These parks can be a good option for travelers who want a safari without the busiest crowds of some better-known reserves. Ask your operator about road conditions and park rules.
Pack neutral clothing, sunscreen, and binoculars.
The Veneto, Italy
Most people stop in Venice and call it done, but the region around it has a lot more to say. Lonely Planet chose the Veneto for its Best in Travel 2027 list, and the reasons are easy to see.
Verona and Padua offer historic city centers that feel very different from Venice’s canals. Lake Garda adds a breezy waterside stop, and vineyards and historic villas fill the countryside between towns.
The Dolomites are close enough for day trips, which gives you mountain scenery without a separate trip to another region. That mix of canals, cities, lakes, and peaks is rare in one place.
Trains link many of the main cities, so you can skip a rental car if you stick to the larger stops. Spring and fall tend to be calmer than midsummer.
Give Venice a night or two, then use the rest of your time to roam.
Okinawa, Japan
Tokyo and Kyoto are not the whole story of Japan, and Okinawa proves it. This chain of subtropical islands has turquoise water, coral reefs, and a pace of life that is noticeably slower than the mainland.
Ryukyuan culture is a big part of the appeal. Okinawa has its own history, traditions, and castle sites that differ from what you see in mainland Japan, so a visit can feel like a fresh chapter of the country.
Snorkeling and beach time are easy to fit in, and the coral reefs give underwater explorers plenty to see. Lonely Planet named Okinawa among its recommended destinations for 2027.
Renting a car can help you reach beaches and sights outside the main city. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and check local conditions before swimming.
A few days here makes a great break after a busy city trip.
Montserrat, Caribbean
Here is an island with a buried capital. In the 1990s, volcanic activity reshaped Montserrat, and the former capital of Plymouth now lies covered in ash and debris.
That history gives the island a different feel from many Caribbean stops. Visitors come for black-sand beaches, green mountains, and hiking trails that show off the volcanic scenery.
Crowds are smaller than on many neighboring islands, so the pace is quieter. It suits travelers who prefer walking and exploring to resort lounging.
Lonely Planet highlights it as one of the Caribbean’s more unusual adventures. Check access rules for any restricted zones near the volcano, and consider hiring a local guide for hikes.
Pack sturdy shoes, since volcanic ground can be uneven, and plan for a slow, flexible schedule.
Bariloche and Argentina’s Lake District
Chocolate shops are a big part of the Bariloche story. The city has a famously strong chocolate tradition, so a sweet stop between outdoor activities is almost expected.
The setting is the real star, though. Snowy mountains, deep-blue lakes, and forests surround a town with alpine-style architecture, which gives it a look that surprises many first-time visitors to South America.
Depending on the season, you can hike, kayak, ski, or drive scenic mountain roads. Summer suits water and trail days, while winter brings snow sports.
Lonely Planet included Bariloche and the surrounding Lake District among its 2027 picks. Book ski gear or kayak rentals ahead during busy holiday weeks.
Layers are a good idea, since mountain weather can swing from sunny to chilly within a few hours.
Busan, South Korea
Searches for Busan rose by 50 percent in Expedia’s analyzed data, and the company named it one of its 2027 Destinations of the Year. That jump suggests more travelers are looking beyond Seoul.
South Korea’s second-largest city mixes city energy with beaches, mountains, and temples. Seafood markets are a highlight, and colorful hillside neighborhoods give it a look all its own.
Because the city sits on the coast, you can combine sightseeing with beach time in a single day. Public transit is a handy way to move between districts.
Wear comfortable shoes, since many of the best views involve hills and stairs. Try visiting a seafood market with an open mind and ask staff what is fresh that day.
Busan works well as a weekend add-on to a Seoul trip or as a destination on its own.
Cape Froward, Chile
Where does the mainland of South America end? Right here, at Cape Froward in southern Patagonia, which marks the continent’s southernmost point on the mainland.
This is not a casual sightseeing stop. The area has rugged coastlines, forests, mountains, and remote hiking terrain, so it suits travelers who want a genuine expedition.
National Geographic highlighted plans to protect the landscape as a new Chilean national park by the end of 2027. That makes it a place worth watching as access and services may develop.
If you plan to go, work with experienced guides and check current conditions, since weather in Patagonia can change fast. Pack waterproof gear, sturdy boots, and extra layers.
Treat it as a serious adventure that needs careful planning rather than a quick day trip.
Québec, Canada
You can hear French on cobblestone streets without needing a passport to Europe. Québec brings European-style streets and French-speaking culture to North America, and Lonely Planet placed it among its leading destinations for 2027.
Montréal and Québec City are the big draws, with strong food scenes and plenty of history. Beyond them, the province opens up into small villages, mountain regions, and coastal landscapes.
Wineries and wilderness areas add even more variety, so a trip can mix city days with quiet countryside time. A road trip is a good way to link them.
Visit in summer for festivals and long days, or in winter for snow activities. Learning a few French greetings goes a long way and is usually appreciated.
Pack for the season, because temperatures can differ sharply between regions.
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Island hopping is the whole game in Bocas del Toro. This Caribbean archipelago in Panama is made for small boats, short crossings, and plenty of time in the water.
Rainforest, mangroves, beaches, and coral reefs share the same map. You can snorkel one day, surf another, and spend a third exploring tropical ecosystems by boat.
The island communities have a laid-back pace, so schedules tend to stay flexible. That suits travelers who like to decide the next move over breakfast.
Bocas del Toro appears on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 list. Book boat tours with licensed operators and ask about conditions before heading out.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a quick-dry towel, and insect repellent for the jungle areas.
Šibenik, Croatia
Dubrovnik gets the fame, but Šibenik has stone streets, sea views, and fortresses without the same level of international attention.
The historic center includes the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James, a landmark worth a slow visit. Wandering the narrow lanes around it is an easy way to spend a morning.
Fortresses overlook the town and the Adriatic, which gives you a good reason to climb for the views. Islands are also within easy reach.
Nearby Krka National Park is a natural add-on to a coastal itinerary, with waterfalls and walking paths. Lonely Planet selected Šibenik for its 2027 travel list.
Visit in spring or early fall for milder weather and fewer crowds, and bring comfortable shoes for the stone paths.
Malawi
Lake Malawi is so large that it feels like a sea. Malawi pairs this huge freshwater landscape with wildlife experiences, which makes for a trip with both water and land adventures.
Conservation programs have helped restore wildlife populations in several protected areas. That progress is creating stronger safari opportunities than in the past.
Between game drives, you can kayak, snorkel, hike, or stay in lakeside lodges. The mix gives you room to slow down after early-morning wildlife outings.
National Geographic named Malawi among its Best of the World destinations for 2027. Ask operators about the best season for the parks and lake activities you want.
Pack light layers, sun protection, and binoculars for the animals.
Sedona, Arizona
Searches for Sedona rose 55 percent year over year, according to Expedia, which named it one of its 2027 Destinations of the Year. One look at the red rocks explains the interest.
Enormous formations surround the town, and desert trails wind through them. Hiking and mountain biking are popular, while scenic drives give you a gentler way to see the landscape.
Wellness retreats are another reason people stay for several days. After a morning outdoors, a spa or quiet retreat fits easily into the schedule.
Stargazing rounds out the day once the sun goes down. Start trails early to beat the heat and crowds, and carry plenty of water.
Parking at popular trailheads can fill up, so plan ahead and check whether any passes are required.
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