Where to Travel in 2027: The Destinations Worth Booking Early

Where to Travel in 2027: The Destinations Worth Booking Early

Fewer crowds and easier connections. SW and Destinology on the seven places shaping the year ahead.

The most interesting trips of 2027 are not to the places everyone already knows. Travellers are looking for somewhere that still feels like a discovery, rich in culture and light on crowds, yet simple to reach from a major international airport.

That shift is already showing in how people book. The most sought-after stays for 2027 are being reserved well ahead, as travellers move early to secure the rooms, cabins and villas they want.

With the help of luxury travel specialists Destinology, SW has picked out the seven destinations leading that change, and what makes each one worth planning now.

1. The Dolomites, Italy

The summer mountains

The Alps are no longer a winter-only proposition. As travellers look for cooler climates and a break from crowded coastlines, the “coolcation” has pushed the Dolomites onto 2027 wishlists, with summer now as compelling as ski season.

Expect wellness-led stays, dramatic peaks and a growing choice of luxury hotels opening their doors through the warmer months. Venice and Verona both make easy gateways.

2. Regional Japan

Off the Golden Route

Japan’s visitor numbers continue to climb, and repeat travellers are now heading beyond Tokyo and Kyoto. Kawaguchiko, Shikoku and Kanazawa are all drawing fresh attention from those looking for something more immersive.

Kanazawa is the standout, with its geisha districts, samurai history and impressive art scene, all without Kyoto’s crowds. The country’s rail network makes linking several regions in one trip remarkably simple, and the food and culture remain the main draw wherever you go.

3. Grenada, Caribbean

The Caribbean at a slower pace

For travellers who want an island with real character, Grenada is quietly rising. Known as the Spice Island, it remains far less commercialised than many of its neighbours.

Inland, rainforest and volcanic scenery give way to spice plantations, while the coastline is lined with quiet beaches. New boutique hotels are arriving, making this the moment to go for anyone drawn to slower, nature-led travel.

4. Con Dao Islands, Vietnam

Southeast Asia, unhurried

Vietnam’s cities and Ha Long Bay are well known. The next wave of interest is heading to its remote islands, and Con Dao leads the way.

Much of the archipelago is a protected national park, its beaches are quiet, and high-end hotels such as Six Senses are setting a new standard. Improved domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh City make it straightforward to reach, and it suits travellers drawn to conservation and less-explored corners of the region.

5. Norway’s Northern Coast

Fjords and Arctic light

As Iceland becomes a mainstream choice, travellers in search of space are heading further north. Norway’s fjords offer the drama with far fewer people.

Expedition-style cruising is in strong demand here, and the northern lights remain a powerful pull. Oslo and Tromsø both provide easy access.

6. The Atacama Desert, Chile

Under the clearest skies

Chile is fast becoming South America’s answer to high-end, nature-led adventure. In the Atacama, salt flats and flamingo lagoons sit within lunar landscapes, beneath some of the clearest night skies on earth.

That makes it a natural home for the growing world of astro-tourism and dark-sky travel. Better direct flights into Santiago have made this remote corner far more accessible.

7. Panama

Rainforest, coast and city in one trip

Panama is appearing more and more in long-haul searches and cruise itineraries, particularly for trips that combine land and sea. Its appeal is how much it fits into a compact country, from rainforest to coastline to a lively capital.

Panama City’s strong international connections make it easy to reach, while rising interest in wildlife and eco-tourism is bringing a wider choice of luxury places to stay.

What’s driving the shift

Three changes sit behind this list. Travellers want somewhere new without complicated logistics. Concerns about climate and over-tourism are shaping where people choose to go. And nature, culture and food now matter more than ticking off traditional sights.

The result is a more deliberate way to travel. For 2027, the best trips belong to those who decide early and choose with intention, not those who travel furthest.

Plan your 2027 escape

Destinology’s specialists have visited each of these destinations and can advise on the 2027 luxury holidays worth securing now. Reach out to the SW team to start planning your trip with Destinology.