Travel Inspiration: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027
Don’t store your swimwear just yet! Lonely Planet has unveiled its list of 50 destinations and experiences for 2027, designed to inspire your future travels.
The 53-year-old guidebook company recently released the Lonely Planet app, allowing adventurers to streamline trip planning through the app, the booking platform Journeys, and their beloved guidebooks. Senior vice president Nitya Chambers highlights the app’s early success, predicting they’ll reach 100,000 downloads shortly.
The Best in Travel 2027 list was curated from Lonely Planet’s global community of travel experts, showcasing experiences that range from longboat journeys through Malaysia’s orangutan territory to significant Christian pilgrimage routes in northeast England.
Chambers emphasizes that the list encompasses diverse trips tailored to various interests, whether it’s diving in the Aegean Sea, savoring crab dishes in Maryland, or kayaking in Okinawa.
Awe-Inspiring Highlights
Among the standout recommendations are California’s Coastal Redwoods, towering ancient giants that evoke a sense of humility and wonder. In Newport, Rhode Island, visitors can become temporary lighthouse keepers, immersing themselves in a unique historical experience.
European highlights include Dessau, Germany, renowned for its Bauhaus architecture, and the historic cities of Verona and Padua in Italy.
Chambers suggests that the list aims to provide accessible, exciting experiences, whether awe-inspiring or world-changing, including a polar plunge in Antarctica or marveling at Monteverde’s cloud forest in Costa Rica.
Wildlife treks in Tanzania’s Gombe National Park, and the picturesque lagoons of New Caledonia are among the exciting destinations. Chengdu, China, well-known for its giant pandas, also stands out for its culinary delights.
Chambers encapsulates the spirit of exploration, emphasizing that travel should leave individuals feeling transformed, pushing them beyond their comfort zones.
Recommended Places and Experiences
North America
Places
- Québec, Canada
- Coastal Redwoods, California, USA
- Maryland, USA
- Prince Edward Island, Canada
- New Mexico, USA
Experiences
- Become a keeper at Rose Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island, USA
- Flightsee in Alaska, USA
- Wine and dine in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
- Hotel-hop South Beach, Miami, USA
- Savor the Slow Road, Minnesota, USA
Europe
Places
- Veneto, Italy
- Dessau, Germany
- Swedish Riviera, Sweden
- Šibenik, Croatia
- León, Spain
Experiences
- Road-trip through the Route Napoléon, France
- Sail the Aeolian Islands, Sicily
- Walk St Cuthbert’s Way to Lindisfarne, UK
- Dive into Greece’s underwater world
- Enjoy breathtaking Killary Fjord, Co Galway, Ireland
Latin America
Places
- Montserrat
- Bariloche, Argentina
- Granada, Nicaragua
- Bocas del Toro, Panama
Experiences
- Go on a Galápagos expedition cruise, Ecuador
- Dance tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Take a polar plunge, Antarctica
- Marvel at Monteverde’s cloud forest, Costa Rica
Africa & Middle East
Places
- Oman
- Rabat, Morocco
- Tsavo National Parks, Kenya
Experiences
- Visit museums in Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Take a safari trek in Gombe, Tanzania
- Explore São Tomé and Príncipe’s island paradise
Oceania
Places
- Dunedin and the Waitaki, New Zealand
- The Tweed, Australia
- New Caledonia
Experiences
- Immerse in art in the Red Centre, Australia
- Experience Faʻa Sāmoa, Samoa
- Embark on adventures in French Polynesia
Asia
Places
- Okinawa, Japan
- Chengdu, China
- Gujarat, India
- Danang, Vietnam
- Fulidhoo, Maldives
Experiences
- Glide on a longboat to orangutan territory, Malaysia
- Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
- Trek the Michinoku Coastal Trail, Japan
- Follow a foodie trail, Taiwan
- Admire Kazakh architecture in Astana
Embrace the spirit of exploration, push your boundaries, and come back transformed from your adventures in 2027!
