Lonely Planet has announced its "Best in Travel 2027" list, featuring 50 curated destinations and experiences. The collection aims to guide travelers toward meaningful, slower-paced adventures that avoid the pitfalls of overtourism.
The 50-destination push to escape overtourism
Travel trends are shifting away from the frantic pace of traditional sightseeing toward a more intentional style of exploration. As Lonely Planet reported, the "Best in Travel 2027" list highlights 50 specific destinations and experiences that cater to this growing desire for meaningful connection and slower movement.
This movement is a direct response to the exhaustion caused by overtourism in major global hubs. By focusing on "underrated" locations, the publication is attempting to redirect the flow of travelers toward places that can better sustain the influx without losing their cultural essence.
St Cuthbert’s Way and the Killary Fjord lead the UK and Ireland
The United Kingdom and Ireland feature prominently in this year's selection,with a focus on natural beauty and historical depth. One standout is the 62-mile St Cuthbert's Way, a historic pilgrimage route that stretches from Melrose through the Scottish Borders to the intertidal zone of Holy Island .
In Ireland, the list highlights Killary Fjord in County Galway. As the country's only fjord, it offers a dramatic landscape along the Wild Atlantic Way, cutting ten miles inland toward Leenaun. patricia Yates, the CEO of VisitBritain and VisitEngland,noted that the endorsement of such trails is fitting given Britain's wealth of breathtaking coastlines and heritage.
From the Darjeeling Railway to Alaska’s roadless wilds
The 2027 list also emphasizes diverse modes of transport , ranging from scenic rail journeys to rugged road trips.. The UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in India is cited as a premier experience, alongside France's iconic Route Napoléon.
For those seeking more remote environments, the report mentions Alaska, noting that only 20 per cent of the state is accessible by road, making flightseeing a necessity. other high-adventure options include polar plunges in Antarctica and expeditions through the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador.
Exploring the 'underrated' in Veneto and Skanör-Falsterbo
To combat the density of crowds in famous capitals, Lonely Planet has identified several "underrated" regions for 2027.. These include the Veneto region in Italy, Dessau in Germany, and Šibenik in Croatia, all of which offer immersive cultural alternatives to more mainstream destinations.
In Sweden, the twin towns of Skanör-Falsterbo—often referred to as the "Swedish Riviera"—are highlighted for their colorful cottages and coastal charm. This focus on lesser-known gems like León in Spain or Rabat in Morocco suggests a strategic attempt to spread the economic benefits of tourism more broadly.
Who are the experts behind the 2027 list?
While the report claims the destinations were chosen by a "global community of experts," several details remain unverified. The publication does not disclose the specific identities of these experts or the exact methodology used to weight different criteria, such as sustainability versus novelty.
Furthermore, it is unclear how the list balances the promotion of these "underrated" spots with the risk of them becoming the next overtouristed hotspots.. Readers are left to wonder if the selection process includes a rigorous impact assessment for the very locations being encouraged to grow.
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