As 2026 winds down, the travel world is already buzzing about next year. Airlines are teasing new routes, hotels are polishing their lobbies, and National Geographic has just dropped its annual Best of the World list for 2027. The 25 destinations span every corner of the globe, but this isn't your typical roundup of crowded capitals and over-photographed beaches.
The editors behind the list say they're chasing something deeper. Nathan Lump, National Geographic's editor-in-chief, told USA TODAY that travelers today want their trips to feel meaningful. "People's leisure time is so precious," he said. "Our list is really focused on trying to find places that deliver that for people across a wide range of interests." That means you'll find everything from a Scottish region known for its dark skies to a Peruvian citadel that predates the Incas.
From Baltimore to the Transcaucasian Trail
The list is a mix of familiar names and true surprises. Baltimore makes the cut as the birthplace of the American railroad, while Grenada is highlighted for its creative wellness offerings. For history buffs, Luxor in Egypt and Kuélap in Peru offer ancient wonders without the crowds of more famous sites. Nature lovers can head to the Southern Ozarks or the Transcaucasian Trail in Armenia, a multi-day trek through dramatic mountain landscapes.
Lump's personal standout is Kuélap in northern Peru. "It's a really interesting pre-Incan site that has only recently become more accessible," he said. Built by the Chachapoya people around 500 BC, it features human-shaped sarcophagi perched on cliffsides. "It's one of those really mysterious places that most people have probably never heard of," he added.
How the List Was Made
National Geographic didn't just pick these spots out of a hat. They asked their community of writers, photographers, explorers, and editors to submit their favorite destinations, then whittled hundreds of proposals down to just 25. Each finalist had to have a certain wow factor, and the final list had to show a good range of geographies and interests.
For travelers planning ahead, this list is a goldmine. It's not just about where to go, but why. Take Niigata in Japan, known for its sake and ski slopes, or Penang in Malaysia, where street food is practically a religion. The list also includes Leipzig in Germany, a city that's been quietly building a reputation for art and music, and Santander in Spain, which offers a more laid-back alternative to the Costa del Sol.
Reader's Choice Winner
National Geographic also let its readers vote for a special pick. The winner for 2027 is Catalina Island, California, just an hour's ferry ride from Long Beach. It's a classic escape that's been charming visitors for over a century, and it clearly still has a hold on people's imaginations.
If you're already dreaming of your 2027 adventures, this list is a great starting point. And if you're looking for more inspiration, check out our story on Belgium's lambic country or the 2026 bar rankings that put West Africa on the map. For those who prefer to stay closer to home, our guide to Europe's sweltering hotspots might change your plans.
Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just someone who needs a break, the 2027 list has something for you. The only hard part is choosing where to go first.
