Where to go in 2027

2027 is giving us plenty of reasons to explore new horizons and feel excited about travel. On a long list of international events, there’s a total solar eclipse crossing three continents, a major lineup of exhibitions for culture-seekers to enjoy in London, and the thrill of Eurovision in Bulgaria, to name a few. Add to the mix a few underrated countries finally getting some attention, and there’s plenty to consider as your travel bucket list takes shape. Here are the destinations worth escaping to in 2027, including a mix of headlining hotspots, up-and-coming destinations, and quiet alternatives to the crowded places everyone else is booking.

Where to travel in 2027: top destinations to add to your bucket list

South Korea: for lesser-known experiences away from the crowds

Seoul has long been a favorite for its red chili-infused cuisine, iconic palaces, age-old traditions and lively nightlife, but South Korea‘s quieter corners are finally getting more attention in 2027. Travelers are now booking peaceful stays in the mountains and across volcanic coastlines, for something entirely different.

Gyeongju has become a recent favorite of travelers looking to go off the beaten path. Once the capital of the Silla Kingdom, this scenic coastal city is perfect for escaping Seoul’s crowds, as it’s home to royal tombs, ancient observatories, and mountain temples such as the UNESCO-listed Bulguksa.

Jeju Island sits off the southern coast, beloved for its striking volcanic landscape. Enjoy a morning hike to the summit of the dormant, UNESCO-listed Hallasan volcano, sunbathe on the white -sand beaches, or go underground at Manjanggul Cave, the island’s famous lava tube formed thousands of years ago.

Denmark and Sweden: hidden gems in Scandinavia’s top countries

Copenhagen and Stockholm are the most popular Scandinavian cities to visit, but both Denmark and Sweden have quieter regions that, if you’re wondering where to travel in 2027, are well worth adding to your list. In Denmark, the picturesque town of Skagen is gaining attention for its artist influence, while in Sweden, you can explore small archipelago towns outside Stockholm or the magical landscapes of Swedish Lapland.

Located at the northern tip of Denmark, Skagen is known for the unusual light that once drew a whole generation of painters to the town. At Grenen, the sandy spit just outside town, you can stand where the Baltic and North Seas visibly meet. Swedish Lapland, meanwhile, offers reindeer herding traditions, the northern lights in winter, and near-endless daylight in summer.

Both countries appeal to travelers who enjoy a slower style of travel. You can cycle instead of drive, stay in local accommodations rather than big-city hotels, and give yourself time to experience hygge, or its Swedish counterpart, lagom, rather than rushing between sights.

Yokohama, Japan: for green thumbs seeking a different kind of adventure

Japan‘s Yokohama is set to host the World Horticultural Expo in 2027, a major event featuring garden displays with 10 million flowers and plants, sustainability initiatives, and international landscape design. For anyone with an interest in nature, that’s reason enough to visit. But Yokohama also has an allure on its own, with picture-perfect harbor views and a famed Chinatown.

The World Horticultural Expo is expected to draw large crowds, so book your tickets and accommodation well in advance. While a day trip to Tokyo is easy, consider spending time exploring Yokohama itself. Wander the Minato Mirai waterfront area and visit the 69th-floor Sky Garden for views of Mount Fuji on a clear day, or browse dumpling stalls in Japan’s largest Chinatown. All ages will love the Cup Noodles Museum, where you can design and package your own instant ramen flavor as a souvenir.

Luxor, southern Spain and more: for the total eclipse in August

A total solar eclipse will cross parts of southern Europe and North Africa in August 2027. Some of the longest viewing windows will be in Egypt and southern Spain; and it’s easy to build a memorable vacation around the event in both regions.

In Luxor, pair eclipse-watching with a visit to iconic attractions like the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and a Nile cruise. Watch a sunrise from a hot air balloon over the Valley of the Kings and West Bank, then sail the Nile at sunset on a felucca, Egypt’s traditional wooden sailboat.

In southern Spain, you can base yourself in Málaga, Marbella or Cádiz, one of Europe’s oldest cities. Watch the eclipse from the latter city’s ancient sea walls or La Caleta beach, then spend the rest of the trip tapas-hopping through the old town.

Accommodation directly along the path of totality typically books out fast, so this is one of the more time-sensitive picks on this list. Totality itself will last only a few minutes, but it’s a true bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime event for many.

Zanzibar, Tanzania: an island to pair with your safari

If you’re headed to Tanzania for a bucket list wildlife vacation in 2027, adding a few days in Zanzibar at the end of a safari offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. This underrated island is gaining prominence, yet it still remains lesser-known enough to offer peaceful escapism away from the crowds.

Explore Stone Town, Zanzibar’s UNESCO-listed old town, to see its vibrant spice markets. For wildlife encounters, snorkel or dive Mnemba Atoll, a small coral island off the northeast coast. It boasts clear waters, vibrant reef life, and the chance to spot green sea turtles. To swim with dolphins, head to Kizimkazi on the southern coast.

After days spent tracking the Big Five, the island’s white-sand beaches and swimmable waters at Nungwi and Kendwa offer an excellent setting to recharge.

Read more: Heavenly Asian islands to visit for pure escapism

Poland: for a European trip with a difference

Poland is one of Europe’s most rewarding countries to explore, and it feels distinctly different from its more popular Western European counterparts. It’s easy to navigate between cities, so it’s worth exploring multiple destinations to understand the country’s rich cultural traditions and history. Walk through Krakow‘s old town, explore Warsaw‘s mix of rebuilt history, and head north to the Baltic coastline around Gdansk.

Tucked into the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is known for its scenic hiking trails and unique highland culture that feels far removed from its bigger cities, while Wrocław‘s market square hides hundreds of small bronze dwarf statues scattered through its streets. Tracking them down has become one of the city’s favorite pastimes for kids and adults alike.

A tailor-made itinerary genuinely helps when planning a trip to Poland. The country’s regional highlights, from mountain towns in the south to coastal cities in the north, are easy to miss without local input.

London, England: where to travel in 2027 for endless art and culture

London’s 2027 exhibition calendar is reason enough to plan a trip around the city’s museums. Across the English capital, major shows dedicated to Monet, Hockney, Munch, van Eyck, Thomas Gainsborough, and the Bayeux Tapestry will be spread across the city’s top galleries and institutions. It’s a rare concentration of exhibitions this significant in a single year.

After soaking up the incredible artwork collections, catch a West End show, spend an afternoon browsing Borough Market, or take in the free permanent collections at the British Museum and National Gallery. If you have time to explore outside the city, take the train to Windsor Castle or spend a few days in the countryside, exploring the Cotswolds‘ honey-hued villages and lively market towns.

Chile: for unrivaled Atacama adventures

There’s been a lot of interest lately in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. 2027 looks set to continue that trend, with adventure-seekers tackling Chile‘s Atacama Crossing, an epic, multi-day endurance race through the desert’s salt flats, sand dunes, slot canyons, and otherworldly landscapes like Moon Valley and Valle de la Muerte.

The region’s dark skies also make it one of the best places in the world for astro-tourism. The lack of light pollution means you can marvel at the sparkling skies with ease, further facilitated by the presence of observatories and guided stargazing tours in the area.

You can also cross into Argentina and visit the Puna plateau, which borders the Atacama. Explore the multicolored Cerro de los Siete Colores, Salinas Grandes salt flats, and the colonial towns and picturesque vineyards of Jujuy and Salta. The Jama Pass connects both regions, making it easy to combine them in one trip.

Bulgaria: an underrated gem and Eurovision host in 2027

If you’re wondering where to travel in 2027 and are craving a fun-loving European escape, look no further than Bulgaria: hosting the year’s Eurovision contest is set to put this underrated country right in the spotlight. There’s a lot to see and do outside of the international competition, including the chance to explore capital Sofia’s Roman ruins and Soviet-era architecture. Less well known to international travelers, the country’s Black Sea coast is full of resort towns with sandy beaches that are largely crowd-free.

Venture outside of the capital city to explore some of Bulgaria’s highlights. Two hours from Sofia, the Rila Monastery is Bulgaria’s most famous, known for its photogenic arches and frescoes, while Plovdiv’s cobblestoned streets, 19th-century Revival houses, and a beautifully preserved Roman amphitheater are a must-see. For relaxation, seaside towns like Sozopol and Nessebar offer a quiet escape, likely to be needed after a few days of living it up at Eurovision.

Istanbul, Turkey: for the European Games in a unique setting

The popular capital of Turkey is hosting the fourth European Games from June 16 to 27, 2027. It will feature 26 sports, with rowing (beach sprint), weightlifting, and squash all making their European Games debut.

As the only city in the world straddling two continents, Istanbul offers a long list of highlights on both sides. Stop to see iconic sights like the Hagia Sophia, then pick up souvenirs in the bustling streets of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Hop on a Bosphorus cruise for city skyline views from the water while crossing between Europe and Asia in a single afternoon.

As with any major sporting event, booking your accommodation and flights well in advance is advised, and expect the city to be busier and pricier than usual during the Games.

Read more: Our top foodie destinations in 2027

Make it happen

Ready to see the world in new and exciting ways? If these destinations have inspired your checklist for where to travel in 2027, head on over to our destination pages to explore our array of trip ideas and start planning your tailor-made journey, with help from our locally-based travel experts.