If you’re already thinking about where to travel next year, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 list offers plenty of inspiration beyond the usual bucket-list destinations.
The annual selection includes 25 destinations, chosen around culture, food, landscapes and memorable local experiences. The list spans established regions and lesser-known places that could become much more popular in the year ahead.
Here are some of the destinations that stand out:
• Rabat, Morocco — Morocco’s capital combines historic architecture, contemporary arts, local artisans and major cultural festivals. Its coastal setting adds another dimension to a city that blends the country’s past and present.
• Montserrat — Known as the “Emerald Isle of the Caribbean,” this British Overseas Territory offers black-sand beaches, lush scenery and a quieter alternative to some of the Caribbean’s better-known islands.
• Tsavo East & Tsavo West, Kenya — Together, these parks form one of Kenya’s largest protected wilderness areas. Travelers can encounter elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, hippos and black rhinos while exploring the region’s vast landscapes.
• Okinawa, Japan — A different side of Japan, with a distinct island culture and landscapes that can make it an appealing alternative to the country’s heavily visited major cities.
• Bariloche and the Lakes, Argentina — Mountain scenery, lakes and outdoor experiences put this region on the list for travelers looking beyond Argentina’s major urban destinations.
Other selections include Québec, California’s Coastal Redwoods, Maryland, New Mexico, Veneto, León, Oman, Chengdu, Gujarat, Da Nang and the Maldives’ Fulidhoo, among others.
The Smarter Take: The most interesting part of the 2027 list isn’t simply finding the next famous destination. It’s spotting places before they become the next overcrowded hotspot. For travelers willing to go beyond the obvious, destinations such as Rabat, Montserrat and Tsavo offer a chance to experience something distinctive while demand is still developing.