Best Places to Travel in 2027: 10 Emerging Destinations to Add to Your Bucket List
I can’t believe we’re already talking about where to travel in 2027. I swear I was just planning my 2026 trips, and somehow I already have a whole new list of places I want to go.
But choosing where to travel isn’t always about finding the next big destination. In 2027, I think we’re going to see more travelers looking beyond the obvious itineraries and exploring destinations in a different way. Exploring smaller cities, less-visited regions, and places that offer a completely different experience from the usual tourist route.
So I put together this guide on the best places to travel in 2027 and the destinations I’m most excited about. Some I’ve already visited and absolutely loved, some are at the very top of my own list, and a few I think are about to become the next hot spot.
Whether you want incredible food, wild landscapes, rich culture, or a trip that feels completely different from your last one, these are the places to keep on your radar for 2027.
Reasons You Can Trust This Trending Destination in 2027 List
Between Oliver and me, we’ve visited over 70 countries, and after traveling full-time for the last several years, our approach to travel has changed quite a bit. We’re not as interested in checking countries off a list as we are in slowing down, spending more time in a destination, and finding the places that make us want to stay a little longer.
Japan was a perfect example of this. We visited some of the big-name destinations, and while Kyoto was incredible, there were SO many people that it made us want to explore beyond the usual itinerary. That’s what led us to places like Kanazawa, where we found incredible food, beautiful neighborhoods, and a completely different side of Japan.
We’ve already explored a handful of the destinations on this list, and the rest are places we’re genuinely excited to experience ourselves. We’re dreaming up itineraries, saving restaurants, and constantly finding new places to add to the list.
Hopefully, this guide gives you a few ideas for your own 2027 travels, and maybe we’ll see you out there.
10 Best Places to Travel in 2027
From one side of the world to the other, this 2027 travel list has something for just about everyone, let’s get into it!
1. Kanazawa & Takayama, Japan
What Makes It Special: Beautiful old neighborhoods, incredible food, traditional culture, and fewer crowds
Why It’s Trending: Japan isn’t slowing down, but travelers are starting to look beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
Best Time to Visit: March to May or October to November
Since, I mentioned it earlier, we will go ahead and start this list with Japan.
Now I know Japan is not an “emerging” destination, and I don’t see its popularity dying down anytime soon. But what I do see happening is a shift away from the main three destinations, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, toward smaller cities with more traditional culture.
Oliver and I visited Kanazawa last year and holy cow, it was awesome. We had some of the best seafood of our entire Japan trip, the neighborhoods were gorgeous, and it felt like we were getting a much more authentic taste of Japanese culture without the crowds.
Takayama is just about an hour away, making these two an easy combination for anyone wanting to get beyond the typical Japan itinerary. Between the traditional streets, local food, historic neighborhoods, and mountain scenery, I think Kanazawa and Takayama are perfect for travelers who want to experience a different side of Japan in 2027.
📍Aren’t sure yet? Check out my guide to if Kanazawa is worth visiting here!
2. Menorca, Spain
What Makes It Special: Rugged coastlines, crystal-clear Mediterranean water, incredible food, and a slower pace than Mallorca.
Why It’s Trending: Mallorca’s overtourism is pushing travelers toward quieter, less-developed islands like Menorca.
Best Time to Visit: May to June or September to October.
Menorca is like Mallorca’s cool little sister. After visiting Mallorca this summer and seeing how badly the effects of overtourism are changing the island, I think Menorca is becoming the perfect alternative. It’s less developed but still has those incredible blue waters of the Mediterranean, rugged landscapes, delicious food, and plenty of Spanish siestas and fiestas.
If you’ve been considering Mallorca, I’d seriously consider Menorca instead. The more we spread out beyond the same hotspots, the more we can actually enjoy these places while keeping them affordable and worth visiting.
3. Austin, Texas
What Makes It Special: BBQ, honky tonks, swimming holes, and unapologetically Texas culture.
Why It’s Trending: Country music is going global, the Texas Longhorns are drawing more attention to Austin, and people everywhere seem to be getting a little more obsessed with Texas.
Best Time to Visit: March-June & September-November. Avoid July & August when it’s peak summer
Now, I might be a little biased on this one because I’m from Texas, but Oliver and I recently spent some time in Austin and had such a fun time. It genuinely feels like nowhere else in the US. Between the BBQ, Barton Springs, the lakes, ACL Fest, live music, and of course the classic honky-tonk Texas stops, there’s a lot more to Austin than just a weekend in the city.
It’s also becoming more popular with international travelers, and I think 2027 is going to be a great time to experience Austin before it gets even bigger on the travel radar.
4. Taiwan
What Makes It Special: A little bit of everything, from incredible food and rich culture to mountains, beaches, and lively cities, all without a huge price tag.
Why It’s Trending: Travelers looking for an alternative to pricier Japan or a more approachable introduction to Asia are starting to put Taiwan higher on their lists.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and late fall, especially March to May and October to December.
Taiwan is one of my favorite destinations in all of Asia. This small island completely blew me away when I visited in 2025, with everything from gorgeous mountains and cool cities to some pretty epic surf spots.
It’s also surprisingly budget-friendly, easy to navigate, and a fantastic destination for all types of travelers. If you’re nervous about visiting China or South Korea, Taiwan is a great place to start exploring Asia without breaking the bank.
📍Check out our Taiwan guides here for the best time!
5. Kenya (Diana Beach)
What Makes It Special: World-class safaris, amazing wildlife and white-sand beaches, along with rich local culture.
Why It’s Trending: Africa is becoming more popular with travelers looking for unique destinations, and Kenya offers the perfect mix of safari, culture, and beach.
Best Time to Visit: June to October
Kenya has been on my bucket list for FOREVER. The first time I saw Diani Beach pop up on my Instagram, I was genuinely shocked to find out it was in Kenya.
Seeing the Big Five, visiting Maasai communities, exploring the Great Rift Valley, and then ending your trip on strips of white sand in Diani Beach? That is truly a once-in-a-lifetime trip. While so many travelers head to Zanzibar for the classic safari-and-beach combination, Diani gives you a similar experience with a little less development and fewer crowds.
This is HIGH on my list for 2027.
6. Montevideo, Uruguay
What Makes It Special: Beautiful beaches, laid-back cities, incredible food, and a slower side of South America
Why It’s Trending: Travelers are looking beyond the usual South American hotspots for destinations that feel a little more under the radar
Best Time to Visit: December to March
I’m currently obsessed with Uruguay, and I’ve never even been. I’ve already visited a lot of the “big” South American destinations, and Uruguay feels like the next one I need to explore. From the beaches of Punta del Este to the historic streets of Montevideo, there’s something about the slower pace, incredible food, and coastal lifestyle that has me completely sold.
I also love that Uruguay feels like one of those places you can actually slow down in. You can spend your days exploring Montevideo, eating your way through local markets, drinking wine, relaxing on the coast, or venturing into the countryside. If you’re looking for a South American destination that feels a little less obvious and a little more relaxed, Uruguay is VERY high on my 2027 list.
7. South Korea
What Makes It Special: K-pop, K-beauty, history, beaches, art districts, and huge skyscrapers all in one incredibly well-rounded destination.
Why It’s Trending: The global obsession with K-pop, K-beauty, and Korean pop culture is putting South Korea firmly on travelers’ radar.
Best Time to Visit: April to May or September to October.
Seoul took the top spot as my favorite city in all of Asia last year. I spent a week here and, honestly, I still won’t shut up about it. South Korea has been getting more attention thanks to the global rise of K-pop and, of course, the massive popularity of KPop Demon Hunters, but it’s still significantly less visited than Japan. I think that’s going to change.
South Korea is incredibly easy to navigate, packed with thousands of years of history, and you don’t need weeks to see a lot of it. With a little planning, you can easily combine Seoul with Busan and Jeju Island for a pretty incredible trip.
📍Save my Seoul itinerary to hit all the highlights!
8. Slovenia
What Makes It Special: A mix of turquoise lakes, dramatic mountains, wine regions, castles, and ridiculously cute little cities.
Why It’s Trending: Travelers are starting to look beyond the typical “euro summer” destinations for a quieter escape with just as much scenery and adventure.
Best Time to Visit: May to October; December for Christmas markets and winter wonderlands
Slovenia might just be one of Europe’s most underrated countries, and I still can’t believe I haven’t made it there yet.
It has everything I love about traveling through Italy, Austria, and Croatia, from alpine landscapes and gorgeous lakes to wine regions and little mountain towns, but without quite the same crowds.
Lake Bled and the Soča River have been living rent-free in my travel-planning brain for years, and I have a feeling 2027 might finally be the year I make it there.
9. Scotland
What Makes It Special: Castles, dramatic landscapes, cozy pubs, and centuries of history
Why It’s Trending: The Tartan Army, and it’s wildly underrated compared to Ireland and England
Best Time to Visit: May to September
Scotland is no hidden gem, but after all of the Scots took over Boston during the World Cup, I think America, and the rest of the world, became more intrigued than ever to visit the homeland of the Tartan Army! I mean, it’s higher on my list now than ever. I’m dreaming of a misty escape to a castle, playing some bagpipes, and of course drinking a pint at the local pub.
Scotland is the perfect place for pretty much anyone who wants a trip that mixes incredible scenery with history, culture, and a little adventure. You can road trip through the Highlands, hike through dramatic landscapes, explore castles and historic cities, visit whisky distilleries, or just find a tiny pub and settle in for the afternoon.
10. Mainland China
What Makes It Special: Ancient history, incredible food, massive cities, and SO much to explore.
Why It’s Trending: China is becoming more accessible to travelers, and people are looking for destinations that feel completely different from what they know
Best Time to Visit: March to May or September to November.
When Oliver and I were flying to the Philippines, we had a layover in China and saw advertisements for the 240-hour visa-free transit program. We looked at each other and thought, “Wait, that would be so cool.” So, at the very end of 2025, we decided to actually do it, and man, was it one of the most culturally shocking experiences I’ve had in a looooong time.
China is MASSIVE, and there is so much to see that you could spend months exploring it. Between thousands of years of history, ancient landmarks, incredible food, enormous cities, and completely different landscapes, every stop feels like a new experience.
FAQ: Where to Travel in 2027
What are the best places to travel in 2027 with family?
For a family trip, I’d look for destinations that have a mix of culture, easy transportation, good food, and activities for different ages. Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Sri Lanka are all great options, with plenty to do beyond just sightseeing.
Where are the best places to travel in 2027 in Europe?
Slovenia, Scotland, and Menorca are three European destinations that I have high on my list for 2027. They each offer something completely different, from mountains and lakes in Slovenia to rugged coastlines in Scotland and Mediterranean beaches in Menorca.
What are some cheap travel destinations in 2027?
If keeping costs down is a priority, I’d look toward Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Lombok. Southeast Asia and South Asia continue to offer some of the best value for food, accommodation, transportation, and activities, especially once you’re on the ground.
What are the best international places to travel in 2027?
Honestly, this whole list is full of fantastic options but I’d consider Taiwan, Scotland, or Kenya. These destinations offer very different experiences, but they all have that feeling of being somewhere genuinely different from home.
What are the trending travel destinations in 2027?
I think 2027 is going to be less about discovering completely unknown destinations and more about embracing local culture and getting off the beaten path. Smaller cities and lesser-visited regions in places like Japan, South Korea, and Spain are likely to get more attention as travelers look beyond the instagram hot spots.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Travel in 2027
There ya have it! That’s the list and the destinations I’m currently obsessing over and think deserve a spot on your 2027 travel list. Some I’ve already fallen in love with, and others are at the top of my own must-visit list. Either way, these are the places I know that you’ll have an epic holiday at any of them!
