A Defining Year for Global Travel
As travelers look ahead to 2027, the global landscape calls for journeys with genuine substance. Modern wanderlust has pivoted away from rapid sightseeing toward immersion—seeking out places shaped by milestone anniversaries, once-in-a-lifetime astronomical occurrences, deep ecological wilderness, and vibrant regional arts.
National Geographic has released its curated Best of the World 2027 list, spotlighting 25 destinations across six continents. Selected by an international network of explorers, photographers, and editors, these selections capture regions redefining heritage, conservation, and cultural hospitality. From India’s royal capital preparing to celebrate its tri-centennial to an Egyptian valley lining up for the eclipse of the century, 2027 offers an extraordinary itinerary for every type of traveler.
National Geographic Top 25 Destinations for 2027
| No. | Destination | Country / Region | Key Travel Experience & Highlights |
| 1 | Vestland | Norway | Glacial fjords, cascading waterfalls, and eco-cruises through Nærøyfjord |
| 2 | Penang | Malaysia | Heritage architecture in George Town, street food trails, and the Penang Hill Biosphere |
| 3 | Luxor | Egypt | Ancient Nilotic temples, the Valley of the Kings, and the August 2027 Total Solar Eclipse |
| 4 | Madison, Wisconsin | United States | Lake Monona bike circuits, the Dane County Farmers’ Market, and vibrant lakeside dining |
| 5 | Puerto Rico | Caribbean (US) | Afro-Boricua dance traditions, bioluminescent bays, and culinary hubs in Piñones |
| 6 | Dumfries and Galloway | Scotland, UK | Dark sky stargazing reserves, coastal walking paths, and literary heritage |
| 7 | Niigata | Japan | The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, mountain sake breweries, and heirloom rice culture |
| 8 | Chengdu | China | Giant Panda research bases, fiery Sichuan gastronomy, and Sanxingdui archaeological relics |
| 9 | Pacific Coast Highway | California, USA | Rugged Big Sur coastal cliffs, ocean vistas, and artistic coastal enclaves |
| 10 | Jaipur | India | 300th foundation jubilee, the 20th Jaipur Literature Festival, and royal forts |
| 11 | Grenada | Caribbean | Organic spice estates, marine sculpture parks, and vibrant Spicemas celebrations |
| 12 | Salvador | Brazil | Historic Pelourinho squares, Afro-Brazilian Capoeira, and pulsating samba percussion |
| 13 | Cape Froward | Chile | Sub-Antarctic trekking expeditions, pristine peatlands, and dramatic sea channels |
| 14 | Santander | Spain | Centro Botín modern art, sweeping Cantabrian coastal beaches, and fresh pinchos |
| 15 | Normandy | France | Medieval cathedral cities, D-Day historical remembrance, and pastoral apple orchards |
| 16 | Southern Ozarks | United States | Premier mountain biking networks, clear river floats, and underground cave tours |
| 17 | Halifax, Nova Scotia | Canada | Mi’kmaq Indigenous experiences, historic harborside boardwalks, and Atlantic seafood |
| 18 | Transcaucasian Trail | Armenia | Cross-country alpine hiking trails connecting ancient monasteries and valleys |
| 19 | Melbourne | Australia | World-class specialty coffee culture, hidden laneway street art, and marquee sporting events |
| 20 | Leipzig | Germany | Classical music heritage honoring Bach and Mendelssohn, contemporary art complexes, and canal routes |
| 21 | Baltimore, Maryland | United States | Historic maritime shipyards, vibrant inner harbor revivals, and B&O railroad heritage |
| 22 | Malawi | Africa | Lake Malawi freshwater snorkeling, community-led wildlife conservation, and safari plains |
| 23 | Maya Ka’an | Mexico | Community-managed biosphere sanctuaries, sacred cenotes, and living Maya traditions |
| 24 | Tricity (Gdańsk, Sopot, Gdynia) | Poland | Baltic amber craft markets, red-brick gothic architecture, and seaside piers |
| 25 | Kuélap, Chachapoyas | Peru | High-altitude Cloud Warrior ruins, Amazonian cloud forests, and Gocta waterfall |
Readers’ Choice Spotlight: Catalina Island, California, earned additional acclaim as the worldwide public favorite for coastal recreation, bison trails, and kelp-forest marine exploration.
In-Depth Spotlight: Five Destinations You Cannot Miss in 2027
1. Jaipur, Rajasthan, India: The Pink City’s 300th Year
Founded in 1727 by the astronomer-king Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II and planned under the vision of architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya, Jaipur represents one of South Asia’s first planned urban settlements. In 2027, the capital of Rajasthan marks its 300th anniversary, ushering in an entire calendar year of civic festivals, historical exhibitions, and royal courtyard restorations.
- The 20th Jaipur Literature Festival: Scheduled for mid-January 2027, the world’s preeminent free literary gathering celebrates its milestone 20th edition, bringing together hundreds of international authors, Nobel laureates, and thinkers.
- Monumental Heritage: The UNESCO-listed Walled City encompasses the honeycomb facade of Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), the sprawling City Palace complex, the imposing hilltop Amber and Jaigarh Forts, and Jantar Mantar—home to the world’s largest stone sundial.
- Artisanal Markets: Johari Bazaar provides access to classical kundan and meenakari enamel jewelry, while Chandpole and Bapu Bazaars showcase hand-block-printed textiles, blue pottery, and fine leather craft.
2. Luxor, Egypt: Ground Zero for the Great Solar Eclipse
Luxor has captivated historians for millennia with its concentration of Pharaonic architecture along the Nile. However, on August 2, 2027, the ancient city will witness an astronomical phenomenon of unprecedented scale: a Total Solar Eclipse providing an extraordinary duration of totality—exceeding six full minutes directly over the Valley of the Kings.
- Archaeological Splendor: Travelers can walk through the colossal hypostyle hall of Karnak Temple, explore Luxor Temple illuminated at dusk, and venture into the underground tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI.
- Nile Experiences: Sunrise hot-air balloon flights offer panoramic aerial views where the fertile green banks of the Nile abruptly meet the stark desert dunes, while traditional wooden felucca boats provide tranquil river navigation between historical landings.
3. Niigata, Japan: Where Alpine Art Meets Culinary Craft
Tucked along the northwest coast of Honshu, Niigata prefecture has long been revered for produce grown from rich alpine snowmelt: prized Koshihikari rice and refined, dry varieties of sake. In 2027, Niigata becomes a focal point for global design enthusiasts via the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale.
- Land Art in the Snow Country: Known as the “field of artworks,” the triennale transforms terraced paddy hillsides, beech forests, and repurposed timber schoolhouses into contemporary outdoor galleries created by international sculptors and architects.
- Gastronomy & Microbreweries: Visitors can tour century-old sakagura (sake breweries), indulge in fresh seasonal seafood from the Sea of Japan, and unwind in secluded hot-spring (onsen) villages tucked within the Japanese Alps.
4. Vestland, Norway: Europe’s Crown Jewel of Fjords
Forming the western spine of Norway, Vestland showcases dramatic coastal geography shaped by deep glacial carving. The region has led sustainable tourism developments, emphasizing low-emission electric passenger vessels that glide silently through dramatic fjords.
- Fjordland Escapes: Folgefonna National Park and Hardangerfjord provide access to ice-walking routes across blue glaciers, while the narrow Nærøyfjord presents sheer granite rock walls rising over 1,000 meters straight out of emerald waters.
- Adventure & Culture: Hikers can take on the iconic climb to Trolltunga’s rocky ledge, while urban explorers can stroll through Bergen’s UNESCO-listed Bryggen quarter, known for its colorful wooden trade houses, fresh fish markets, and classical music traditions.
5. Chengdu, Sichuan, China: Ancient Civilizations and Giant Pandas
Chengdu balances an unhurried, tea-drinking urban lifestyle with cutting-edge preservation and groundbreaking historical discoveries. Beyond its international fame as the native haven of the Giant Panda, Chengdu serves as the gateway to ancient kingdoms that predated modern China.
- Archaeological Marvels: The newly expanded Sanxingdui Museum houses thousands of enigmatic bronze masks, jade scepters, and gold leaves dating back over 3,000 years, providing insight into the mysterious Bronze Age Shu civilization.
- Sanctuaries and Tea Culture: Travelers can observe wildlife conservation efforts up close at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, followed by relaxed afternoons sampling jasmine tea at bamboo-shaded teahouses inside People’s Park, capped with an authentic Sichuan peppercorn hot pot feast.
Practical Traveler Planning Checklist for 2027
To make the most of travel in 2027, keep the following logistical considerations in mind:
- Event Booking Horizons: High-demand milestone events—particularly Luxor for the August 2027 Solar Eclipse and Jaipur during the January 2027 Literature Festival—require flight and hotel reservations 9 to 12 months in advance.
- Visa Regulations: Always review entry criteria well ahead of departure. Many nations now require digital travel authorizations (such as the European ETIAS or US ESTA) in addition to traditional consular visas.
- Responsible Tourism: Support local economies directly by choosing licensed regional guides, dining at independent family-run establishments, and favoring low-impact transportation options such as regional rail networks and electric ferries.