Lonely Planet has published its annual Best in Travel list, naming the destinations and experiences its writers and editors think deserve a place on travellers’ plans for 2027. Released on Wednesday, September 23, this year’s selection leans towards slower trips, smaller places and destinations that avoid the worst of overtourism.
The places on the list
The full collection includes 50 destinations and experiences. Among the highlights:
- North America: Quebec and Prince Edward Island in Canada; Maryland, New Mexico and the Northern California coast with its redwoods in the US.
- Europe: the Veneto in Italy, Dessau in Germany, Skanör-Falsterbo in Sweden, Šibenik in Croatia and León in Spain.
- Latin America and the Caribbean: Montserrat, Bariloche and the Argentine lakes, Granada in Nicaragua and Bocas del Toro in Panama.
- Africa and the Middle East: Oman, Rabat in Morocco and Kenya’s Tsavo East and West national parks.
- Asia-Pacific: Okinawa in Japan, Chengdu in China, Gujarat in India, Danang in Vietnam, Fulidhoo in the Maldives, New Caledonia, the Tweed region in Australia and Dunedin and the Waitaki in New Zealand.
What ties the list together
Lonely Planet says the picks reflect a growing appetite for slowing down, dodging crowds and finding something more meaningful. Many entries are second cities or regions next to famous neighbours: Šibenik rather than Split, León rather than Madrid, the Veneto beyond Venice. Others, such as Dessau, home of the famous Bauhaus school building, and Rabat, Morocco’s calm capital, reward travellers interested in design and history.
Value is also a theme. With airfares elevated in 2026, the list includes several destinations that can be reached on short-haul routes from major hubs, and places such as Fulidhoo, a small island in the Maldives.
How to use the list
Lists like this are best treated as inspiration rather than a ranking. A few practical pointers:
- Popular picks can see price rises quickly once a list is published, so book early if one of them appeals.
- Check visa and entry rules well ahead; several countries are introducing digital travel authorisations.
- Consider shoulder seasons, when many of these places are quieter and cheaper.