Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 features León’s old stone lanes and Monteverde’s misty canopy, along with the slow climb of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The guide’s fifty picks, 25 destinations and 25 experiences, reflect a shift away from collecting passport stamps. Travelers are seeking quiet and meaning.
Lonely Planet’s editors skipped the usual tourist hotspots, selecting places and experiences for those willing to go off-script. Built from firsthand stories, the list favors destinations where crowds thin out and discovery is possible. Its advice is simple: go deep, not wide, and let the journey itself matter.
New travel priorities
León stands out in Spain for its medieval center and soaring Cathedral. Its evening tapas ritual is another draw. The city’s history runs deep, from the Basílica de San Isidoro to its lively streets. It shows that world-class travel can be close to home. Euronews and other outlets report that León is one of ten European picks for 2027. Others include Šibenik in Croatia and the Swedish Riviera. France’s Route Napoléon also made the list.
For travelers drawn to the open road, France’s Route Napoléon follows history through mountains and small towns. The lead is slow by design, pushing back against the rush of modern tourism. Time Out notes that the 2027 list favors scenic drives and pilgrim trails over the usual sightseeing blitz. Rail journeys also feature.
Some trips take more work. Walking St Cuthbert's Way to Lindisfarne in the UK means checking tide tables and packing for mud. The payoff is a crossing to an island that feels far away from everything. In India, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway climbs slowly through tea fields and fog. Seats are limited, and the nostalgia is real.
Lonely Planet’s global network of travel experts also selected lesser-known regions such as The Tweed in Australia and Gujarat in India, alongside classic destinations. Fulidhoo in the Maldives is another pick. Forbes says the approach is intended to encourage travelers to explore beyond the obvious and embrace responsible, off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Nature and wildlife encounters
Nature fans have plenty to choose from. California’s coastal redwoods offer quiet among giants, especially outside summer. In Costa Rica, Monteverde’s cloud forests are thick with mist and hanging bridges. Wildlife is another draw. CNN reports that the list also includes nature-focused experiences such as Minnesota’s scenic byways and Alaska flightseeing.
Wildlife is a big draw. The list includes Tanzania’s chimpanzees, whose forests shaped Jane Goodall’s work, as well as river trips in Malaysia to spot orangutans. Both require advance booking and licensed guides. Responsible travel is a must.
Experiences for the senses
Not every pick is about scenery. The guide highlights four sensory adventures. Travelers can learn tango in a Buenos Aires milonga or dive in Greek waters. Taiwan’s food is another focus, as are wines from Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. Each connects travelers to a place through movement, taste, or tradition.
Practical advice for Spanish travelers
The list came out just before vacation-planning season, giving Spanish travelers a head start. The advice is blunt: don’t try to see all fifty at once. Pick two or three, one nearby and one farther away, and save the rest for later. European spots are reachable by car or train without breaking the bank, including León and France. The UK and Greece are other options. Trips to Asia and Africa need more planning and a bigger budget; the same applies to the Americas. Book long-haul flights early; prices rise fast and the best seats vanish. For Spanish train trips, the Renfe website has the latest schedules and ticket rules.
Packing matters. Bring sturdy shoes for walking routes and a rain jacket for outdoor trips; many highlights are exposed to the weather.
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 makes a case for rethinking travel: the focus is shifting from crowded hotspots to places and experiences that reward patience and curiosity. For those planning a trip, the real luxury might be slowing down and choosing well. Each journey can leave its mark.
