Where you should Travel in 2027: 10 Adventure Destinations
Choosing where to travel in 2027 is not simply a matter of looking at the latest “best places to visit” lists. With geopolitical uncertainty affecting parts of the world, and some popular destinations becoming increasingly crowded, it is worth looking a little further afield — or choosing a different way to experience places we already know.
For this list, I’ve chosen ten destinations that offer something a little different. Some are remote and difficult to reach, others are rich in history and culture, and a few are ideal for travellers who would rather explore on foot. They also reflect the kind of travel I enjoy: discovering new landscapes, meeting local people, learning about different cultures and getting beyond the obvious sights.
Here are my choices where you should travel in 2027.
1. Northwest Passage: An Expedition into Canada's Arctic
There are few journeys that feel quite as remote or as historically significant as sailing the Northwest Passage. Stretching through the Canadian Arctic, this legendary route connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through a maze of islands, channels and ice-filled waterways.
For centuries, explorers searched for a navigable passage through the Arctic, often at enormous personal cost. Today, expedition ships allow travellers to follow in their wake, visiting Inuit communities, historic exploration sites and some of the most remote landscapes in North America.
Wildlife is another major attraction. Depending on the route and conditions, you may encounter polar bears, walrus, seals, whales and enormous colonies of seabirds. Zodiac excursions bring you closer to the coastline, while shore landings offer opportunities to hike across tundra and explore places that few people will ever visit.
I’ve sailed the Northwest Passage myself, and it remains one of the most meaningful journeys I’ve taken. There is something about the combination of history, isolation, wildlife and the sheer scale of the Arctic landscape that stays with you. It is not a conventional cruise, and that is precisely the point.
For travellers looking for a genuinely different experience in 2027, this is hard to beat. Expedition cruises have limited capacity and operate during a relatively short Arctic summer, so planning ahead is important.
2. Georgia: Discover the Mountains and Culture of the Caucasus
Georgia is one of the most interesting destinations at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Located in the Caucasus, between the Black Sea and the mountains bordering Russia, it has a distinctive culture, a long history and some of the most impressive mountain scenery in the region.
The capital, Tbilisi, is a good introduction. Its old town is a maze of narrow streets, balconies, churches and cafés, while the surrounding region offers historic monasteries, vineyards and mountain villages.
The Caucasus Mountains are a major attraction for active travellers. The region of Svaneti, with its medieval defensive towers and dramatic mountain setting, is particularly appealing for hiking. The journey along the Georgian Military Highway towards Kazbegi is another highlight, with views of high peaks and the striking Gergeti Trinity Church.
Georgia is also known for its food and wine. Its traditional winemaking methods, including fermentation in large clay vessels called qvevri, are part of a culture that goes back thousands of years. Meals are often generous affairs, with local dishes such as khachapuri cheese bread and khinkali dumplings.
I have included Georgia because it offers a combination of culture, mountains, history and hospitality that is difficult to find elsewhere. It is also a destination that can be combined with neighbouring Armenia and Azerbaijan for a broader exploration of the Caucasus.
3. South Africa: Wildlife, Mountains and Coastal Adventures
South Africa is one of the most rewarding destinations for travellers who want variety. In a single trip, you can combine wildlife safaris, dramatic mountain scenery, coastal drives, fascinating history, excellent food and wine, and some of the continent's most appealing cities.
The obvious starting point for many visitors is Cape Town, with its setting beneath Table Mountain, lively food scene and access to the Cape Peninsula. From there, the possibilities are extensive. The Garden Route combines forests, lagoons, beaches and coastal trails, and the Cape Winelands are well worth a few days of exploration. Further north, the Greater Kruger area offers some of Africa's finest wildlife viewing, while the Drakensberg Mountains provide excellent hiking and dramatic scenery.
South Africa is also a destination where you can travel at different paces. You might spend several nights at a private game reserve, take a self-drive journey along the coast, or join a small-group adventure that combines several regions.
I have travelled to South Africa numerous times, and it remains one of my favourite countries. The variety is a big part of its appeal, but so is the opportunity to experience different cultures and landscapes within one destination.
If you have not been, 2027 could be a good year to put South Africa on your list. If you have visited before, there is plenty beyond the traditional Cape Town and Kruger itinerary to discover.
4. Antarctica: An Expedition to the Last Great Wilderness
Antarctica is one of those destinations that is difficult to compare with anywhere else. It is a continent of enormous glaciers, towering icebergs, snow-covered mountains and wildlife that has adapted to one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
Most visitors explore the Antarctic Peninsula on an expedition cruise departing from Ushuaia in Argentina. Days are spent travelling through spectacular channels, making Zodiac excursions and landing on remote shores. Penguins are often the stars of the show, but encounters with seals and whales can be equally memorable.
There is also a strong sense of discovery. Weather and ice conditions determine where a ship can go, meaning no two expeditions are exactly alike. One day you might be walking among a penguin colony; the next, watching humpback whales feeding in a sheltered bay or navigating between enormous tabular icebergs.
I have been to Antarctica twice, and I would happily return. The scale of the landscape is difficult to convey in photographs, and being there gives you a very different perspective on the natural world.
An Antarctic expedition is a significant investment, both in time and money, but for travellers who want to experience one of the world's truly exceptional wilderness areas, it deserves serious consideration. The Antarctic summer runs from approximately November to March. If you are considering a 2027 departure, it is worth booking soon.
5. South Korea: Culture, History and Mountain Landscapes
South Korea is an intriguing destination for travellers who want to experience a country where ancient traditions and contemporary culture exist side by side. While Seoul has become internationally familiar through its music, television, food and technology, there is much more to the country than its capital.
South Korea occupies the southern half of the Korean Peninsula and is predominantly mountainous. Its landscapes include national parks, forested mountains, coastal areas and islands. The country also has a long and complex history, reflected in its temples, palaces, traditional villages and UNESCO-listed heritage sites.
A journey might combine the energy of Seoul with the historic city of Gyeongju, once the capital of the ancient Silla kingdom. Andong offers a glimpse of traditional Korean architecture and customs, while Busan brings a different atmosphere, with beaches, markets and a strong seafood culture. For those interested in hiking, the country's mountainous national parks offer a welcome contrast to its cities.
Food is another compelling reason to visit. From street markets and barbecue restaurants to regional specialities and traditional tea culture, eating your way around South Korea is part of the experience.
South Korea is a good choice for 2027 if you are interested in Asia but would like to look beyond the destinations that tend to dominate travel itineraries. It offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, nature and modern life.
6. Peru: Hiking the Inca Trail and Exploring the Amazon
Machu Picchu is undoubtedly Peru's best-known attraction, but it would be a mistake to think of the country as simply a destination for visiting one archaeological site. Peru offers an extraordinary combination of ancient history, mountain scenery, jungle experiences, remote communities and some of South America's most distinctive food.
For active travellers, the Andes are a major draw. The classic Inca Trail remains one of the world's great multi-day hikes, following ancient stone paths through mountain scenery and archaeological sites before reaching Machu Picchu. I have hiked the Inca Trail myself, and arriving at the citadel on foot is a very different experience from simply taking the train and bus.
There is plenty more to explore. Cusco is a fascinating city in its own right, with a blend of Inca foundations and colonial architecture. The Sacred Valley is dotted with traditional villages, markets and archaeological sites, while Lake Titicaca offers insight into communities whose lives remain closely connected to the water.
The Amazon rainforest stretches east from the Peruvian Andes across the country and into Brazil, and Peru's Amazon region is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Wildlife spotting, birdwatching, walks through the jungle and canoe trips to clay licks are but some of the activities on offer.
Peru also has a remarkable culinary scene. Lima has become one of Latin America's leading food destinations, and sampling regional dishes is an important part of understanding the country.
Peru is a destination that rewards travellers who allow enough time to explore beyond the headline attractions. In 2027, consider combining the classic highlights with a few days of hiking, cultural encounters, jungle explorations or time in a less-visited region.
7. Namibia: Desert Landscapes and African Wildlife
Namibia is a destination for travellers who appreciate space, striking landscapes and the feeling of being a long way from anywhere. Located on Africa's south-western coast, it is one of the continent's least densely populated countries, and much of its appeal lies in the vastness of its scenery.
The Namib Desert is home to the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei, among the highest in the world. Further south, Fish River Canyon cuts a vast gorge through the landscape, while the Skeleton Coast is a remote stretch of desert shoreline marked by shipwrecks and rugged beauty.
Wildlife is another reason to visit. Etosha National Park is one of southern Africa's premier wildlife destinations, with waterholes that attract elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos and many other species. In Damaraland, travellers may have the opportunity to look for desert-adapted elephants and rhinos.
I have travelled throughout Namibia, and what I particularly enjoy is the contrast between its different regions. The landscapes are often stark, but they are rarely monotonous. There is always something new around the next bend in the road.
Namibia is particularly well suited to a road trip, although distances are considerable and some routes require careful planning. For 2027, it is an excellent option for travellers who want an African experience that combines wildlife with remote landscapes rather than focusing exclusively on safari.
Italy: The Best Walking and Hiking Holidays
Italy is hardly an undiscovered destination, but there is a good reason it remains one of the world's most popular countries. The food, history, architecture and landscapes are difficult to resist. The trick is to experience it differently.
My suggestion for 2027 is to explore Italy on foot. Walking gives you a chance to slow down, spend time in smaller communities and discover landscapes that can be missed when travelling from one major city to another.
I have hiked in several parts of Italy, including the Dolomites, the Alps, Puglia, Umbria, Tuscany, Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast. Each offers something quite different. The Dolomites are a spectacular mountain destination, with trails passing beneath dramatic limestone peaks. Tuscany and Umbria are ideal for walking between medieval hill towns, vineyards and olive groves. Puglia offers quieter country lanes, ancient olive trees and traditional villages, while the coastal trails of Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast combine walking with memorable sea views.
The beauty of a walking holiday in Italy is that the experience is about more than the trail. Lunch in a village trattoria, a glass of local wine at the end of the day and an evening stroll through a historic town are all part of the journey.
If you have already visited Rome, Florence and Venice, consider making 2027 the year you discover a different side of Italy.
9. Morocco: Culture, Mountains and the Sahara Desert
Morocco is a destination that engages all the senses. Its medinas, markets, architecture, food and landscapes make it a fascinating country to explore, and its location between the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the Sahara gives it an extraordinary variety.
Marrakech and Fes are among the best-known cities, with their historic medinas, traditional markets and remarkable architecture. But Morocco's appeal extends well beyond its cities. The Atlas Mountains offer opportunities for hiking and village visits, while the Sahara provides the chance to spend a night among the dunes under a remarkable night sky.
There are also Roman ruins at Volubilis, coastal towns such as Essaouira and the fortified settlements and kasbahs that line the routes through the country's interior.
I travelled through Morocco on an Intrepid Premium Adventure tour, and what stood out for me was the opportunity to experience everyday life beyond the main tourist sights. Visits with local families, time in markets and encounters with people working in traditional crafts added a great deal to the journey. It reinforced my view that the best way to experience Morocco is to take the time to engage with its people and culture.
For 2027, Morocco is a strong choice for travellers who want a destination that combines history, food, landscapes and cultural experiences. A small-group tour or tailored itinerary can be a particularly good way to get beyond the cities and make the most of the journey.
10. Svalbard: An Expedition to Europe's High Arctic
If the idea of the Arctic appeals but you would prefer a destination that is a little more accessible, consider Svalbard. This Norwegian archipelago lies in the Arctic Ocean, roughly halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Its largest island, Spitsbergen, is home to Longyearbyen, the world's northernmost permanent settlement of any size.
Svalbard is a land of glaciers, rugged mountains, fjords and vast stretches of tundra. It is also one of the best places in the Arctic to look for polar bears, although sightings are never guaranteed. Walrus, Arctic foxes, reindeer and enormous seabird colonies add to the wildlife experience.
An expedition cruise is one of the best ways to explore the archipelago. Ships can reach remote fjords and coastlines, with Zodiac excursions and shore landings providing opportunities to experience the landscape at close quarters. In summer, the midnight sun means daylight can last around the clock.
I visited Svalbard on an expedition with Aurora Expeditions, and it was a wonderful reminder of how much there is to discover in the High Arctic. For me, the appeal is not just the wildlife, but also the feeling of being somewhere that remains largely shaped by nature rather than human development.
Svalbard is an excellent choice for 2027 if you want an Arctic experience without committing to a much longer Northwest Passage voyage.
Where Will You Travel in 2027?
These ten destinations are very different from one another. Some involve expedition ships and remote wilderness, others are best explored on foot, and a few offer a deep dive into history, food and culture. What they have in common is the opportunity to experience something beyond the familiar.
Of course, the right destination depends on the kind of journey you are looking for, the time you have available and your appetite for adventure.
If one of these destinations has caught your attention, I would be happy to help you explore the possibilities. Whether you are considering an expedition to the Arctic, a walking holiday in Italy or a small-group adventure in South Korea, I can help you find an itinerary that fits the way you like to travel. Contact me today.
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