The Best Places for 2027 Holidays: Emerging Destinations

Travel curiosity is widening again. After a decade of ticking off icons and following social media trends, search data shows a fast-growing appetite for more niche travel destinations in both 2026 and 2027 – places that feel new, culturally rich and refreshingly uncrowded, but still relatively easy to reach from major international airports. Increasingly, travellers are quietly circling what are becoming some of the best places for 2027 holidays, booking earlier to secure the most sought-after stays.

Think “discovered early” rather than “hard to reach”. Here’s the next shortlist gaining traction — and a look at some of the best places for 2027 holidays worth having on the radar.

Japan Beyond Tokyo & Kyoto

The Slow Rise of Regional Japan

Japan’s tourism numbers continue to surge following reopened borders, but perhaps the most interesting shift is where travellers want to go next. Regional destinations like Kawaguchiko, Shikoku, and Kanazawa are seeing rising search interest as visitors move beyond the Golden Route and into the ‘real’ Japan.

These quieter regions are increasingly appearing in conversations around the best places for 2027 holidays, especially for repeat visitors looking for something more immersive.

Why It’s Trending:

Japan’s rail network makes multi-region travel seamless

• Food tourism and cultural immersion continue to be globally attractive
• Kanazawa offers geisha districts, samurai history and world-class art without Kyoto-level crowds

Chile’s Atacama Desert

Luxury Travel Meets Vast Landscapes

South America continues its tourism resurgence into 2027, with Chile emerging as a standout for high-end adventure and nature-led travel. It’s increasingly mentioned among the best places for 2027 holidays for travellers moving beyond traditional long-haul beach or safari itineraries.

The Atacama Desert offers salt flats, flamingo lagoons and some of the clearest night skies on earth. Its surreal, almost lunar landscapes are driving renewed interest in astro-tourism.

Why It’s Trending:

• Dark-sky tourism is rapidly growing
• Improved direct flight access into Santiago
• Strong demand for dramatic, remote natural environments

The Dolomites, Italy

Alpine Luxury, Reworked for Summer

The Alps have long been winter territory, but year-round mountain travel is now firmly on the rise — and the Dolomites in Italy are increasingly cited among the best places for 2027 holidays in Europe.

Search demand for summer alpine stays has surged as travellers look for cooler climates, wellness-focused escapes and scenery without coastal crowds.

Why It’s Trending:

• Growth of “coolcations” and climate-aware travel
• Easy access via Venice and Verona
• Expanding luxury hotel offerings across summer seasons

Vietnam’s Con Dao Islands

A Quieter Corner of Southeast Asia

While Vietnam’s main cities and Ha Long Bay continue to dominate interest, a more subtle shift is happening towards its remote island clusters — particularly Con Dao.

It’s beginning to appear in luxury travel discussions as one of the more unexpected best places for 2027 holidays, especially for travellers seeking low-density, nature-led escapes.

Once largely under the radar, Con Dao is now recognised for its protected national park, empty beaches and increasing presence of high-end hospitality, including the Six Senses brand. Access via Ho Chi Minh City keeps it surprisingly straightforward.

Why It’s Trending:

• Growing demand for less-explored Southeast Asia
• Focus on conservation-led travel experiences
• Improved domestic flight connections

Grenada, Caribbean

The Spice Island with a Slower Rhythm

While the Caribbean is full of well-known names, Grenada is quietly rising in travel search trends as travellers seek less commercialised islands with more character.

Often referenced as one of the best places for 2027 holidays, Grenada offers rainforest interiors, volcanic landscapes and fragrant spice plantations alongside soft, uncrowded beaches.

Why It’s Trending:

• Shift toward less saturated Caribbean islands
• Rising interest in slower, nature-led travel
• Increasing boutique hotel development

Panama

A Crossover of Nature and Connection

Panama is increasingly appearing in long-haul planning searches and cruise itineraries, particularly for travellers combining land and sea travel.

It’s often included in lists of the best places for 2027 holidays thanks to its mix of rainforest, coastline and urban energy, all within a compact geography.

Why It’s Trending:

• Strong international air connectivity via Panama City
• Rising wildlife and eco-tourism demand
• Growth in luxury accommodation options

Norway’s Northern Coast

Fjords, Space and Arctic Light

As Iceland becomes increasingly mainstream, travellers are turning further north — and Norway’s fjords are benefiting.

This region is frequently highlighted among the best places for 2027 holidays, particularly for those seeking dramatic scenery with fewer crowds.

Why It’s Trending:

• Strong demand for expedition-style cruising
• Continued popularity of northern lights travel
• Easy access via Oslo and Tromsø

Why These Destinations Matter Now

The rise of emerging travel destinations 2027 reflects three clear shifts in behaviour:

• Travellers want new destinations with simple logistics
• Climate and overtourism are reshaping where people choose to go
• Nature, culture and food are now stronger drivers than traditional sightseeing

Increasingly, the best places for 2027 holidays are being booked well in advance — not discovered last minute.

The next decade of travel isn’t about going further, but about going earlier, and choosing more intentionally.

Our experts have travelled widely across these regions and can guide you through what’s truly worth securing for 2027.