Get off the beaten track in 2027: Lonely Planet's Best in Travel guide features Irish fjords, a Himalayan railway and China's hip-hop capital

Lonely Planet has released its highly anticipated Best in Travel list for 2027, spotlighting 50 destinations and experiences that stand out for their unique appeal and travel potential. This annual compilation, curated by a global panel of experts, aims to inspire travelers seeking fresh and meaningful adventures beyond the usual tourist paths.

Reflecting a growing trend toward immersive and slower-paced travel, the 2027 selection emphasizes destinations where visitors can engage deeply with natural beauty, heritage, and local culture. Among the noteworthy entries is Ireland’s Killary Fjord, the country’s sole fjord, nestled in County Galway. Its dramatic landscapes along the Wild Atlantic Way offer a breathtaking alternative to more frequented European sites.

Closer to home, the UK features prominently with St Cuthbert's Way, a historic 62-mile pilgrimage route traversing the Scottish Borders and Northumberland. This trail blends cultural heritage with rugged moorlands and coastal views, appealing to travelers who appreciate history and scenic hiking.

The list also encourages exploration through classic travel modes such as train and road trips. France’s Route Napoléon offers an iconic driving experience through picturesque settings, while India’s Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, invites those eager to experience heritage rail journeys.

In the United States, options range from solitary overnight stays at the historic Rose Island Lighthouse in Rhode Island to vibrant urban bar-hopping in Miami’s South Beach. Nature lovers can opt for a scenic drive along Minnesota’s north shore of Lake Superior or aerial sightseeing tours in Alaska, where vast wilderness remains largely inaccessible by road.

For those seeking remote and extraordinary natural encounters, Lonely Planet highlights expedition cruises to the Antarctic and Galápagos Islands. Activities such as polar plunges in icy waters and encounters with unique wildlife promise unforgettable experiences for adventurous travelers.

The 2027 guide also seeks to counter overtourism by promoting lesser-known yet culturally rich locations. European destinations like Šibenik in Croatia, León in Spain, and the Swedish towns of Skanör-Falsterbo showcase heritage and local traditions away from crowded hotspots. Morocco’s capital, Rabat, is recognized for its blend of history, gardens, and contemporary cultural vibrancy.

Further afield, the list introduces travelers to dynamic urban centers such as Chengdu in China, renowned for its tea culture and burgeoning hip-hop scene. Southeast Asia’s Danang serves as a gateway to UNESCO World Heritage sites and offers a mix of coastal and mountainous landscapes.

Natural grandeur is also a theme in North America and Africa with the Northern California Coast’s ancient redwoods and Kenya’s Tsavo National Parks, respectively. These locations are praised for their vast ecosystems and opportunities to witness wildlife in relatively uncrowded settings.

New Zealand’s Dunedin and the Waitaki region appear as emerging destinations blending Scottish heritage with quirky, contemporary culture. This inclusion underscores Lonely Planet’s commitment to showcasing diverse experiences that combine natural beauty with community character.

Complementing the list is the Best in Travel 2027 book, which provides detailed narratives and insights from Lonely Planet’s writers, helping travelers plan meaningful trips. The guide aligns with modern travel preferences by promoting sustainable tourism and authentic engagement with destinations.

Overall, Lonely Planet’s 2027 Best in Travel list serves as a comprehensive resource for travelers eager to explore beyond conventional routes. It balances cultural discovery, adventure, and environmental awareness, marking a shift toward more thoughtful and personalized travel experiences, according to dailymail.com.