Lonely Planet's 2027 Best in Travel: Europe's Hidden Gems and Global Experiences

Key points

• Lonely Planet's 2027 Best in Travel list includes 25 'best places' and 25 'best experiences' selected by global travel experts.
• European 'best places' include the Veneto region in Italy, Šibenik in Croatia, León in Spain, Skanör-Falsterbo in Sweden, and Dessau in Germany.
• European 'best experiences' include hiking St Cuthbert's Way in the UK, road-tripping Route Napoléon in France, sailing the Aeolian Islands in Italy, diving in Greece, and visiting Killary Fjord in Ireland.
• The list reflects a growing traveler desire to 'slow down, escape the crowds, and seek out more meaningful experiences,' according to Lonely Planet editors.
• Other global highlights include California's Coastal Redwoods, Australia's Tweed region, and Chengdu in China.

Background

Lonely Planet's annual Best in Travel list is a key resource for travelers planning their trips. Previous coverage highlighted the 2027 list's emphasis on immersive experiences and less crowded destinations, with specific mentions of U.S. and Australian picks. The 2027 solar eclipse, which will cross parts of Europe and Africa, is also a major travel event for the year.

How outlets are covering it

Euronews and CNN both highlight the European selections, with Euronews providing more detail on the specific destinations and experiences. CNN emphasizes the global scope of the list and the new Lonely Planet app. The Guardian focuses on the Australian Tweed region, noting local concerns about overtourism and rising property prices. RTE.ie highlights the Irish selection, Killary Fjord, and provides details on its natural beauty. All sources agree on the list's emphasis on meaningful, less crowded experiences.

Why it matters

The 2027 Best in Travel list provides a curated guide for travelers seeking immersive and less crowded destinations. It reflects a shift in travel trends towards sustainable and meaningful experiences, offering alternatives to overtouristed hotspots. The list also highlights the growing importance of digital tools, like the new Lonely Planet app, in trip planning.

What to watch

Travelers can use the 2027 Best in Travel list to plan their trips, focusing on the highlighted destinations and experiences. Lonely Planet's new app and Journeys booking platform will likely see increased usage as travelers plan their 2027 adventures. The 2027 solar eclipse will also be a major draw for travelers in Europe and Africa.