The hottest travel destinations for 2027

Every fall, the big travel names publish their lists for the year ahead. National Geographic picks places with something new to celebrate. Expedia and Skyscanner look at where travelers are actually searching. Put the three together and you get a good picture of where 2027 is heading, and which trips are worth booking now.

A once-in-a-lifetime sky over Luxor

On August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse crosses North Africa, and Luxor, Egypt sits close to the center of its path. Totality there is expected to last a little over six minutes, around 1 p.m. local time, which is extraordinary for an eclipse. National Geographic put Luxor on its Best of the World 2027 list for it. Picture the sky going dark over the temples of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.

If this is on your list, plan now. When a single date like this lands on a hotel's calendar, the best rooms go first and rates climb as the city fills.

Milestone years worth showing up for

• Jaipur, India turns 300 in 2027. The Pink City was founded in 1727, and a birthday year is a lovely excuse to see its palaces, forts and bazaars.
• Baltimore, Maryland marks the bicentennial of American railroading, a natural fit for anyone who loves a scenic train journey.
• Normandy, France celebrates 1,000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror.
• Vestland, Norway leads National Geographic's list with its fjords and coastline, best seen from the deck of a small ship or a fjord-side hotel.

National Geographic's readers also had a say: their Readers' Choice pick for 2027 is Santa Catalina Island, a short boat ride off the Southern California coast.

Where travelers are searching

Expedia's Unpack '27 report ranks destinations by the jump in searches over the past year. Its top pick is South Lake Tahoe, up 195%, for its alpine lake in summer and its ski resorts in winter. Close behind:

• Hyogo, Japan (up 95%), home to Himeji Castle and the hot springs of Arima Onsen.
• Punta del Este, Uruguay (up 65%), a glamorous beach town on the Atlantic.
• Sedona, Arizona (up 55%), red rock trails by day and desert spas after.
• Perugia, Italy (up 35%), a medieval hill town in Umbria with a serious food scene.

Skyscanner's 2027 report for U.S. travelers tells a similar story, led by Vero Beach, Florida, with searches up about 201%. Olbia, the gateway to Sardinia's beaches, is up about 143%, Da Nang in central Vietnam about 127%, and Puebla, Mexico, about 113%.

How to choose yours

Lists are a starting point, not a plan. A few questions narrow it down quickly:

• Is there a date you can't move? The Luxor eclipse and Jaipur's anniversary year reward booking early.
• What would make the trip feel restful? Hyogo's onsen and Sedona's spas are made for slowing down.
• Do you want food and wine at the center of it? Perugia and Sardinia are easy to pair with a wine country stay.
• How do you want to move? A fjord cruise in Vestland or a rail journey through the Rockies can be the highlight, not just the transfer.

Where I come in

If one of these caught your eye, tell me which one and when you'd like to go. I'll find the right hotel, look at whether to book now or wait, and add partner perks where they're available. There's no fee for my planning.