Forget the usual holiday hotspots – 2027 could be the year to venture somewhere a little more unexpected.

From Norway’s breathtaking fjords and Egypt’s ancient wonders to a lesser-known corner of Scotland, there are plenty of destinations worth adding to your travel wish list as thoughts turn to next year’s getaway.

Now, National Geographic has unveiled its top 25 destinations to visit in 2027, shining a spotlight on everything from up-and-coming cities and spectacular wilderness to new national parks and off-the-beaten-track adventures.

Whether you’re dreaming of a far-flung escape or fancy discovering somewhere closer to home, the list offers plenty of inspiration for your next trip.

Here are all 25 destinations – and the one that could tempt you to try somewhere completely different.

1. Vestland, Norway

Norway's fjords have long attracted attention thanks to the majestic scenery, imposing cliffs and gorgeous waterfalls. 

Vestland, in the south-west of the country, is one of the wilder regions to visit, and should be right at the top of your 2027 travel list.

Visit one of Norway's largest glaciers at Folgefonna National Park, stop in Bergen for cobbled streets, hikes and fish and food markets.

Penang's George Town is a treat, all colonial architecture and street art.

It is home to the hotel Soori Penang, which has recently been voted one of the most beautiful new hotels in the world – it once housed 15 shophouses before being carefully restored by acclaimed architect Soo K Chan, who lived there.

The boutique hotel retains many of its original features and combines old Penang with the modern world.

For entertainment, visit the mountain peak of Penang Hill, and Kek Lok Si Temple, Malaysia's largest Buddhist temple complex.

The next total solar eclipse is expected to last for six minutes and 23 seconds in Luxor, Egypt – making it one of the longest of the century (and, incidentally, positioning Luxor as a top choice for summer 2027).

There's plenty to do year-round, from exploring Karnak and Luxor temples to the Valley of the Kings.

Plus, in 2027 Egypt will be launching its first luxury tourist sleeper train, which will include a stop in Luxor. 

Wisconsin might not sound like the most exotic of destinations, but the capital of the state, Madison, warrants a second glance.

It's one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US and boasts endless hiking trails and cycling paths to explore. 

Next year, the Madison LakeWay Project will add new trails and greenery along the Lake Monona waterfront.

5. Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico and its vibrant culture place it firmly on the tourism map for 2027, whether you're keen to visit its archaeological sites, Old San Juan's cobbled streets or the natural scenery. 

Flamenco Beach in Culebra in Puerto Rico offers a quieter escape for its world-class snorkelling, diving and tidal pools.

It is often ranked among the world's best, with white sands and green hills behind it – as well as abandoned military tanks left on the sand and in the water.

6. Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Unlike more high-profile Scottish destinations, Dumfries and Galloway has that glorious charm of a place that has been untouched by overtourism.

Local food producers gather monthly in the unique market site under the grand Victorian pavilion roof at Dumfries railway station – a standout choice for a British food market.

Galloway Forest Park, meanwhile, as the UK's first International Dark Sky Park, offers some of the darkest skies in Britain. A new observatory will be opening in 2027 in the region.

7. Niigata, Japan

For skiers, Niigata is one of Japan's best destinations. Echigo-Yuzawa and Naeba Ski Resorts serve as highly accessible hubs with extensive trail networks. 

Nearby, Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort offers expansive runs alongside exciting upcoming luxury developments, including the Six Senses Myoko, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma and slated to open in early 2029. 

Sado Island just off its coast is also worth a look, with its gold mine and ancient ruins – and wooden bathtub boats.

8. Chengdu, China

Chengdu, often dubbed China's hip-hop capital, should be on your radar too.

From leisurely tea houses to hip-hop, street style and a famously laid-back attitude, Chengduers have turned everyday life into an art form in this funky city. 

Yulin in Chengdu has recently been voted among the 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world in 2026, giving you even more reason to book a flight.

It's also home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – in Chengdu, you can see the creatures close up.

9. Pacific Coast Highway, California

California's Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most iconic routes in the US and, following mudslides and a three-year closure near Big Sur, closed sections have now reopened.

Beyond the road, there's much to discover, from Laguna Beach to Mendocino County.

Don't miss out on a stop at Bixby Bridge – and be sure to check out the scenery from nearby Castle Rock Viewpoint. 

10. Jaipur, India

Jaipur, known as the 'Pink City', is the capital of Rajasthan – and is unmissable for culture fanatics.

Check out the palace complex of the Amber Fort, as well as the City Palace, which provides insight into the region's complicated history.

Other notable sights to see include the Hawa Mahal palace, Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort.

11. Grenada

The Spice Isle – Grenada – is one of the Caribbean's top destinations for 2027.

Visit in August to enjoy the 150th anniversary of the country's Spicemas carnival, where you can expect parades, street parties and food galore.

Spas and wellness should also be on the agenda, with plenty of resorts offering yoga and nature retreats for resting in beautiful surroundings. 

12. Salvador, Brazil 

Salvador might not be as well known as Rio de Janeiro, but in 2027 it's set to be the centre of all the action in Brazil.

Next year, two major events will coincide in the city: Carnival and Festa de Iemanjá, both taking place in February.

Attend both in one trip to enjoy parades, street parties, dancing in the street and traditional foods served roadside and in restaurants. 

13. Cape Froward, Chile

A new national park is opening in 2027: Cape Froward, the southernmost point of South America's mainland.

Part of Patagonia’s Route of Parks, it is being developed by Rewilding Chile, with plans for campsites and shelters, alongside clear trails.

The rugged landscape will surely draw in adventurous travellers – you'll want to book a guided tour to see everything. 

14. Santander, Spain

Northern Spain is currently seeing huge investment in its tourism infrastructure. 

Its capital, Santander, is an alternative Spanish option to popular Barcelona and Malaga.

Once there, Santander has plenty of impressive architecture to check out – from the Magdalena Palace to Centro Botín.

15. Normandy, France

Normandy has long been a favourite among the French – and Britons are cottoning on.

Its capital Rouen is filled with the sort of charm you'd find in the Cotswolds. It is walkable, meaning there's no need to spend time (or money) on a crammed metro, and it's got just as much history and culture to offer as some of France's larger cities.

There's lots to do here – the city has its very own Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée des Beaux-Arts (Fine Arts Museum) and exhibition of Joan of Arc, bringing her story to life. One of the city's most beautiful spots is the Gros Horloge, its huge clock, a gem of architecture. 

16. Southern Ozarks, Missouri and Arkansas

The southern Ozarks blend nature with art, in this US trip through natural parks and small towns.

Buffalo National River is a must-see, as well as Whitaker Point, the most photographed spot in Arkansas.

In terms of small towns to visit, try Eureka Springs, Arkansas for Victorian streets, Mountain View for folk music and Bentonville for art.

17. Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax combines crisp ocean breezes with lush coastal woodlands – and is a perfect destination for the autumn months, travel experts at Iglu Cruise have confirmed.

Travel interest for Halifax is on the rise, with some of the best places to visit including Point Pleasant Park and McNabs Island. 

Additionally, short drives down the coastline offer easy access to colourful stands of red maple and golden birch.

18. The Transcaucasian Trail, Armenia

Armenia's Transcaucasian Trail takes you on an 819km (509 miles) adventure through almost untouched terrain, a far cry from the tourist-filled mountains and routes in better-known parts of Europe.

The trail connects Armenia and Georgia, and is being developed further to improve its accessibility.

Mount Azhdahak is one of the standout spots – new camps springing up are making it more approachable for hikers keen to get involved.

19. Melbourne, Australia

Many visitors highlight Melbourne's abundance of culture as a key reason for its success and popularity among solo visitors.

There's so much to see and do here, from the National Gallery of Victoria to the Royal Botanic Gardens and Queen Victoria Market.

Melbourne's after-dark scene is as eclectic as the city itself, with live music, LGBTQIA+ venues, cocktail bars and beloved neighbourhood pubs all playing a part. 

20. Leipzig, Germany

Music is the order of the day in Leipzig – and 2027 is the year to visit.

Follow the city's music trail through key landmarks, enjoy May's Beethoven festival marking the 200th anniversary of his death and visit for November's Mendelssohn Festival.

In other news, 'HypeZig', as it is known, is home to stunning architecture, unusual art and extremely cool bars and bistros – alongside green spaces such as the Palmengarten.

21. Baltimore, Maryland

Good morning, Baltimore! Featured in movie musical Hairspray, the city's streets once saw John Travolta waltzing through in fiction. Now, you can visit in real life.

There's much to do here, from the gorgeous waterfront to the Baltimore Peninsula neighbourhood, whisky distilleries and a network of kayaking trails.

Visit for a taste of US history – it was even recently voted as having one of the world's best city centres.

22. Malawi

Malawi is often overlooked in favour of higher-profile African destinations such as South Africa and Morocco – but in 2027, it's the place to be.

Wildlife has seen development here, with top regions home to the big five – Liwonde National Park and Majete Wildlife Reserve.

As well as safari, visit Lake Malawi, known as the 'lake of stars', with beaches, bars, boutique hideaways and family-friendly resorts.

23. Maya Ka'an, Mexico

Maya Ka’an is home to Indigenous communities and rich ecosystems, both of which draw visitors.

Linked by rail to the tourism hotspots of Cancun and Tulum, it's easier to reach this spectacular destination.

Take a jungle tour, enjoy a homestay and visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve for kayaking and marine safari. 

24. Tricity, Poland

Tricity in Poland refers to the area covering Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia on the Baltic Sea.

Go to Gdansk for cheap beer, a taste of history and quality museums.

Sopot specialises in health spas, with a nearby sandy beach and the longest wooden pier in Europe.

As for Gdynia, this little-known port city has modernist buildings and museum ships to explore.

25. Kuélap, Chachapoyas, Peru

Dubbed the 'Machu Picchu of the North' by National Geographic, Kuélap is a citadel that will soon be more accessible to visitors due to new trails and expositions.

Reach the destination by cable car, with incredible views of the landscape.

The pre-Inca construction dates back to the sixth century AD – making it almost a millennium older than Machu Picchu itself.

READER'S CHOICE: Catalina Island 

Rounding out the list is Catalina Island, one of California’s Channel Islands.

It's best known for the Mediterranean-style seaside town of Avalon.

'A popular tourist destination for well over a century, this historic seaside destination has attracted film stars, dignitaries and presidents throughout the years, and it still maintains its charm and allure today,' says Visit Catalina Island.

Hollywood glamour and the Art Deco casino are must-visits, too. 

The longlist for the 2029 UK City of Culture has been announced – and it's fair to say there are a few surprises in there, alongside some much more obvious contenders.

From well-known cities to places you might not immediately associate with a cultural crown, there's plenty to debate.

Judges will now whittle the nine contenders down before one is handed £10 million to spend on a year of cultural events, while three runners-up will receive £125,000 grants. But who deserves the big prize?

We've ranked all nine from least convincing to the one we think should be taking home the £10 million.

9. Sheffield

Can I shock you? I like Sheffield, despite ranking it ninth on this list. And culturally, I'd say it stands head and shoulders above the other candidates. 

My problem is that there's nothing this award will do for the city that Pulp, Sean Bean and snooker haven't already achieved. 

It's on the map already and there are places on the longlist where the money will simply be more beneficial.

8. Wrexham

I've been to Wrexham. It's nice. But, for this award, we're expected to assess it based on its cultural output. 

Though the town will point to its public art trail and Ty Pawb community centre, nice as those things are, the main reason people are now flocking to Wrexham is Ryan Reynolds. 

It's the nouveau riche, Manchester City of the longlist and is doing well enough on its own.

7. Milton Keynes

As a football fan, it's still hard to forgive Milton Keynes for the relocation of Wimbledon. 

But it's also hard to argue against Bletchley Park, the National Bowl and Concrete Cows as places of cultural significance.

Nevertheless, for Vinnie Jones' sake, seventh is where I'm putting it.

6. Blackpool

Blackpool is possibly the UK's most misunderstood town, unfairly dismissed due to an image of kitschy 'kiss me quick hats' and sticks of rock. 

But it's a place – nicknamed 'Las Vegas of the North' – where working-class culture has thrived for decades, while the new Showtown museum celebrates its place at the heart of show business.

Then there's the magnificent Opera House and Winter Gardens, the Grundy Art Gallery and Stanley Gardens – all parts of Blackpool that don't get enough credit. 

5. Ipswich

For many people, Ipswich is Ed Sheeran, a yo-yo football club and little else. 

But that's because they overlook its charm, its history and its riverfront, with the river itself even giving George Orwell his pen name. 

It's lousy with glorious medieval churches and other unique buildings that have been constructed throughout its long and storied past, with the town existing in one form or another since the 7th century. 

It's a town deserving of higher praise than it usually gets.

4. Swindon

For 25 years, the 'Swindon lot' have been unfortunately associated with a punchline in The Office about being 'little slugs with no personalities'. 

But the self-confessed 'town that dreams in public' wants to be, and should be, celebrated for its innovation, creativity and ambition.

It's built a youth-focused bid, highlighting things like democratic futures, youth-led change, technology, climate imagination and collective storytelling.

I'm placing fourth, but I wouldn't begrudge it being given the title, or at least one of the runner-up spots.

3. Inverness-Highlands

Inverness has made some exciting promises about what we can expect as part of its bid, including robotics, AI and gaming, which will feature alongside 'traditional elements' like Gaelic, the environment and music.

A Scottish city has never held the title before, either, so it would be groundbreaking for somewhere in the Highlands to take the crown. 

What's more, the bid has enlisted the help of youth champions to show that the region's culture encompasses much more than stuffy museums.

It's different, it's wholesome and I'm on board.

2. Portsmouth

The list of cultural assets associated with Portsmouth is far longer than you may first imagine. 

Charles Dickens, Peter Sellers, Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Emma Barton from Eastenders all hail from the seaside city. What's more, it's home to the Mary Rose and the D Day Story Museum, too.

Sure, it may have been the last place in the UK to imprison someone for witchcraft, but if you can look past that for the place where Rudyard Kipling grew up, if you can keep your head while everyone else around you is losing theirs (and saying Wrexham is better), then Portsmouth's could be the £10 million prize – and everything in it.

 What's more, you'll have given the money to a city that really deserves it, my son.

1. Middlesbrough 

Celebrating the culture of a place that gave the world Roy Chubby Brown feels a little insincere, but hear me out: Middlesbrough is on the up. 

This year will see it host the Turner Prize, while the art both on show at the Mima and being created in the studios at The Auxiliary demonstrates a more creative side to the 'Boro than outsiders may expect. 

Add to that the fact that the parmo and Juninho's right foot both belong in museums and you've got yourself a perfect candidate for the £10m. Long live the Boronaissance.