We’re barely into autumn and Lonely Planet’s already three steps ahead, dropping its Best in Travel 2027 list before most of us have even sorted our Christmas plans. The list includes a collection of 50 destinations and experiences chosen by its global community of travel experts, all pointing towards a growing appetite for slowing down, dodging the crowds and seeking out something a bit more meaningful.
Among the picks is Montserrat, one of the Caribbean’s most overlooked islands, prized for its emerald-green peaks, black-sand beaches and a history shaped by volcanic fire. Stateside, Maryland gets a mention for its rolling green hills, coastal escapes, maritime heritage and no shortage of fresh seafood, while in Canada, Quebec earns its place for a mix of European charm, French-Canadian culture and dramatic wilderness.
In China, Chengdu gets a mention for its tea houses, street style and laid-back attitude, while Japan’s Okinawa gets a mention for its unique island culture and natural setting a world away from mainland Japan. In the Maldives, Fulidhoo offers a cheaper, local alternative to the country’s usual resort-island image. Kenya’s Tsavo East and West National Parks feature too, for their vast red-earth savannahs and huge elephant herds, but without the crowds found at more famous safari destinations.
Morocco’s capital Rabat gets a mention for its blend of historical sites, atmospheric gardens, modern skyline and soft-sand surf beaches. ’s editors already had their eyes on the city in January, when we featured it in our annual guide to the best places to travel for 2026. We also just named its beachy L’Ocean District the second-coolest neighbourhood in the world.
Other picks include Dessau in Germany, Šibenik in Croatia, León in Spain, and Italy’s Veneto region, best known for Venice but also home to the Dolomites, Lake Garda and Renaissance cities like Verona and Padua.
The 25 best places to visit in 2027, according to Lonely Planet
- Quebec, Canada
- Northern California Coast & its Redwoods, USA
- Maryland, USA
- Prince Edward Island, Canada
- New Mexico, USA
- The Veneto, Italy
- Dessau, Germany
- Skanör-Falsterbo, Sweden
- Šibenik, Croatia
- León, Spain
- Montserrat
- Bariloche and the lakes, Argentina
- Granada, Nicaragua
- Bocas del Toro, Panama
- Oman
- Rabat, Morocco
- Tsavo East and West National Parks, Kenya
- Dunedin & the Waitaki, New Zealand
- The Tweed, Australia
- New Caledonia, South Pacific
- Okinawa, Japan
- Chengdu, China
- Gujarat, India
- Danang, Vietnam
- Fulidhoo, Maldives
You can explore the full Best in Travel 2027 list on Lonely Planet.
Fancy more under-the-radar inspiration? Read up on the emerging travel destinations to visit in 2027, from northern Kenya to a quiet Greek island.
Plus: These are the world’s coolest neighbourhoods to visit right now.
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