I'm a firm believer that holidays need a balance of organisation and freedom so that you can do all the things you were looking forward to, without feeling like past you is forcing present you to do things you're no longer interested in. Starting to organise and book things well in advance can make your experience considerably better, especially when planning trips to particularly popular destinations – but that's not the only reason why you should already be thinking about what to add to your 2027 travel bucket list.
Planning a trip in advance, long before your suitcase ever leaves the cupboard, offers up a very particular and potent type of dopamine hit. The moment you confirm a flight or secure a coveted reservation delivers its own quiet thrill (the traveller's version of quiet luxury, perhaps?), a reminder that the joy of travel lives not only in the trip itself, but in the anticipation that precedes it.
And with 2027 shaping up to be a year of more personal, experience-led travel, there's even more reason to start planning ahead. According to Booking.com's 2027 travel predictions, 77 per cent of travellers are interested in taking a holiday that pushes them outside their comfort zone, while 81 per cent would choose a destination based on how they want to feel rather than simply where they want to go.
Booking early has myriad practical advantages, too: It can protect you from soaring prices, guarantee access to peak-season experiences, and ensure a smorgasbord of accommodation options that often fill up months before departure. The extra planning room also allows you to seek out lesser-known routes and time your visit to seasonal spectacles. Plus, it offers the underrated delight of months filled with small frissons of excitement every time you think about what is to come. Whether you’re dreaming of tracking wildlife in East Africa or weaving through the Peloponnese in Greece, these are the 17 trips worth booking well ahead for 2027.
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England, UK
Best for: easy, restorative jaunts
We’re firm believers that you don’t necessarily need to board a plane in order to get that holiday feeling. Life is busy (beautiful, but busy), and the absence of a luggage weight limit, airport check-in queues and crowded airports is sometimes the biggest gift you can give yourself when booking a trip in advance. Which is why England has made it into our top 17 trips to book for 2027.
England’s landscapes offer a surprising breadth of adventure for such a compact country, from the rugged drama of the Lake District to the chalk cliffs and wildflower-strewn downs of the South East and the mellow, biscuit-hued villages that string all of this together. A rich tapestry of moors that feel wonderfully remote, market towns that hum with independent food producers, and stretches of coastline where seals bob with the rhythm of the waves can all be woven together into a hearty staycation, with the added ease of just being able to ring up and book. Outdoorsy types can opt for hiking along windswept coastal paths in Cornwall, paddleboarding through still-water estuaries in Devon, or following ancient woodland trails in the New Forest, while those who prefer a slower pace can settle into long lunches at quaint English vineyards (Chapel Down in Kent and Rathfinny in Sussex, to name a few), wander through sculpture parks or spend languid afternoons in honey-stone villages where the loudest sound is often the church bell.
For those seeking the same sense of escape on a gentler scale, a clutch of estates across England is quietly rethinking the country house stay. Just outside London, The Grove in Hertfordshire is a firm family favourite, amid rolling parkland and its own championship golf course. The addition of two quaint cottages tucked into the grounds in 2025 offers a more private way to experience the estate, with access to its extensive grounds and family-friendly activities, from mini Land Rover rides to archery and woodland walks. Further north, The Tawny in Staffordshire offers a more immersive relationship with the landscape, where architecturally considered treehouses and lakeside retreats complement woodland gardens, dining at The Plumicorn restaurant and paths to explore across its two adjoining estates. While in Hampshire, Avington Park Estate leans into its historic setting, pairing grand riverside scenery with elegant accommodation and access to fishing, wild swimming and a range of wellness experiences, including a lakeside sauna pod.
All this, though, with the caveat that some of the most sought-after Great British stays can fill up well ahead of peak weekends and school holidays, so it's worth getting your reservation in early if you have your heart set on a particular property or date in 2027. Anya Meyerowitz
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The Peloponnese, Greece
Best for: sun-drenched road trips
The Peloponnese invites a slower, deeper kind of Greek escape, one built around winding coastal roads, mountain passes scented with wild herbs and ancient sites that appear almost without warning. This southern peninsula feels far removed from the island throngs, yet it offers a richness that rivals any Aegean hotspot. Planning ahead is key, particularly if you want to secure small guesthouses, family-run inns or farm stays in popular coastal areas during July and August. For a 2027 trip, consider travelling in May, June or September, when temperatures are generally more comfortable for sightseeing and the roads are less crowded than at the height of summer.
A favourite among avid road trippers, routes here weave through layers of history and landscape. One moment you’re exploring the fortified town of Monemvasia, built on a towering rocky islet connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, and the next you are wandering through the ruins of Mycenae or the venerable theatre at Epidaurus. The distances are manageable with a well-planned itinerary, which leaves ample time to pause at quiet coves, watch fishermen haul in their morning catch or break for lunch under vine-covered pergolas in medieval villages. Allow at least a week if you want to explore several parts of the peninsula rather than rushing between archaeological sites, and consider choosing a handful of bases, such as Nafplio, Monemvasia, the Mani peninsula or Pylos, to make the most of the journey.
The Mani peninsula is stark and dramatic, dotted with stone towers and rugged beaches that glow at sunset. To the west, the region opens into long ribbons of sand, olive groves that stretch toward the horizon and wetlands alive with birdlife. Near Pylos, the Gialova Lagoon is an important stopping point for migratory birds, while the nearby crescent-shaped Voidokilia Beach makes a particularly tempting stop on a coastal drive. Inland, the mountains of Arcadia offer cool respite in summer and timeless hiking trails that trace the contours of rivers and valleys. If you're travelling in 2027, book your preferred accommodation and hire car early for peak summer dates, but leave enough room in the itinerary for spontaneous detours. In fact, for travellers drawn to the romance of the open road, there are few places as rewarding or as effortlessly cinematic as the Peloponnese. Anya Meyerowitz
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Hawaii, USA
Best for: a spacious, sunlit romance
For couples planning a celebration trip in 2027, Hawaii remains one of the most evocative places to unwind together. The archipelago pairs volcanic drama with serene beaches, vibrant reefs and an open, inclusive spirit. It has long been a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, and the islands’ deeply held sense of community gives romance a grounded, almost effortless quality.
For a romantic escape, the choice of island is just as important as the hotel. On Hawai'i Island, volcanic landscapes and stretches of coastline set the scene for a slower-paced holiday, while O‘ahu combines beautiful beaches with Honolulu's lively restaurants and nightlife. The hotel scene offers plenty of tempting options, from the traditional-style, thatched-roof hale at Rosewood Kona Village and the extensively renovated Mauna Lani, Auberge Collection, both on Hawaiʻi Island, to smaller gems such as White Sands Hotel and Surfjack in Waikiki, where the atmosphere feels intimate and the focus is on simple pleasures: warm evenings, good waves and the unhurried rhythm of island life.
Flights from the UK typically involve at least one connection, often via a US mainland airport, so consider whether a short stopover might ease the long journey. For a honeymoon or anniversary trip in 2027, it's worth booking your preferred resort and flights in advance, particularly if you're travelling over Christmas, New Year or during the summer holidays. And if you're hoping to explore more than one island, allow enough time for the additional flights rather than trying to squeeze too much into one trip. Once you arrive, time stretches. Days blend into one another, shaped by swims, long breakfasts and the pleasure of simply being in a place where the horizon feels endless. Watching the sky soften over the Pacific becomes a quiet ritual, one that lingers in the memory long after the trip ends. Anya Meyerowitz
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Utah, USA
Best for: rediscovering your sense of wonder
The landscapes of Utah, with their sandstone spires, rust-red cliffs that glow in the late-afternoon light and labyrinthine slot canyons that twist into shadow and sun, feel almost as though they have been conjured straight from the detailed imagination of a dreamer. This is a state where geology becomes a storybook, particularly at Utahraptor State Park, home to one of the most significant dinosaur bone sites in North America. Located around 15 miles northwest of Moab, the park protects the Dalton Wells Dinosaur Quarry, where thousands of dinosaur bones have been discovered, including those of its namesake predator. Further south, the astonishing petroglyph panels at Newspaper Rock offer a rare glimpse into centuries of Indigenous history, with carvings attributed to Basketmaker, Ancestral Puebloan and Ute peoples. The rock surface is carved with creatures, symbols and scenes that feel as vivid today as when they were first etched.
Both sites can be reached from Moab, a small desert hub that continues to evolve. From April to early November 2027, Canyon Spirit, formerly Rocky Mountaineer's Rockies to the Red Rocks service, is scheduled to operate its two-day train journey between Denver and Moab, with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs. With panoramic windows framing Colorado's mountains, river valleys and dramatic red-rock canyons, it is a journey that turns the simple act of moving from one place to another into an experience in its own right. Winter, too, brings a different kind of spectacle to Utah, when canyon walls catch the low light and snowfall softens the edges of its famously rugged terrain. It is an ideal moment to see the state’s scenery at its most serene. For a 2027 trip, it's worth securing your preferred train departure and accommodation in Moab well ahead, particularly if you're travelling in spring or autumn, when temperatures are generally more comfortable for exploring the desert on foot. Anya Meyerowitz
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Vancouver Island, Canada
Best for: retreating into true wilderness
Vancouver Island offers a rare kind of quiet, the sort that settles over old-growth forests, wild shorelines and mountain lakes so still they resemble polished stone. It is also a place where Indigenous presence remains central. The lands of the Kwakwaka’wakw, Nuu-chah-nulth and Coast Salish peoples continue to shape the island’s identity, and planning ahead allows travellers to seek out experiences rooted in cultural respect rather than commercial interpretation. Ferries can fill up quickly during summer, making advance bookings worthwhile on reservable routes and giving you time to curate a thoughtful route. BC Ferries generally opens reservations six months ahead and recommends booking at least four to six weeks before long weekends, so it's worth planning your crossings early if you're travelling with a car or camper van.
On the water, you can join marine excursions informed by generations of coastal knowledge or explore the Salish Sea with Indigenous guides who share their knowledge of the region's history, wildlife and cultural traditions. Fishing trips with Indigenous-owned outfitters offer another way to experience the island's coastal traditions, while storytelling walks and wildlife encounters reveal how land, sea and culture are intertwined. Vancouver Island’s landscapes match this richness. Orcas pulse through cold channels, black bears forage along shorelines and in forest clearings, and mist drifts between cedar trees that have stood for centuries. Whether you pitch a tent north of Campbell River or take a slow-rolling road trip in a camper van, this is a destination where the outside world becomes the centrepiece. Summer is a particularly rewarding time to explore, with longer days for hiking and kayaking, while whale-watching opportunities vary by location and season. If you're planning a 2027 escape, check campsite reservation opening dates and arrange popular guided wildlife excursions and Indigenous-led experiences ahead of your visit, particularly for July and August. Anya Meyerowitz
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Costa Rica, Central America
Best for: a far-flung family holiday
Your kids might learn about the rainforest at school – but there’s nothing like seeing it in real life to nurture their interest in nature and inspire their curiosity. Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with more than a quarter of its territory protected for conservation, and it’s not just children who are enchanted by brightly coloured butterflies, noisy green macaws, bead-eyed tree frogs and comical-looking sloths. It’s a relatively small country, so it’s possible to take in the rainforest canopy, pineapple plantations, sandy beaches and mist-topped mountains all in one trip. From spotting wildlife on guided rainforest walks to exploring hanging bridges around Arenal or watching the waves roll in along the Pacific coast, there are plenty of ways to turn a family holiday into an adventure.
The best eco-lodges, home rentals and hotels in Costa Rica are worth booking well ahead, particularly for Christmas, Easter and school holidays. The Pacific coast's dry season generally runs from December to March, with April marking the transition towards the rainy season, making these months popular for beach holidays and outdoor adventures. The Caribbean coast follows a different rainfall pattern, with September and October often among its driest months. Plan in advance and book into one of the country's famous eco-friendly stays – we like the Victorian-style bungalows at Aguas Claras in Puerto Viejo or the luxurious Lapa Rios Lodge on the Osa Peninsula. Aguas Claras welcomes children aged three and over and can arrange activities such as surfing lessons and wildlife excursions, while Lapa Rios, which accepts children aged six and over, offers guided rainforest experiences and opportunities to learn about conservation. For a private stay, there are some truly fantastic Airbnbs in Costa Rica, including treehouses surrounded by tropical greenery and villas near the beaches of Santa Teresa.
For a 2027 family trip, it's worth planning your route as carefully as your accommodation. Although Costa Rica looks small on a map, winding mountain roads and travel times between regions can make an ambitious itinerary tiring, particularly with younger children. Choose a few bases rather than trying to see everything, and book popular guided activities ahead of time. Some national parks also require advance online tickets, so check the relevant booking arrangements before visiting.
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South Korea
Best for: recipe collectors
South Korea’s capital Seoul is famous for its cafés and K-food, but the country’s cuisine is much more than bulgogi barbecue, bibimbap rice and Insta-friendly designer dishes. The kitchens in the southern regions are drawing travellers down and out of the capital, with tour operators designing itineraries that guide guests through the ingredients, culture and history of each recipe. Responsible Travel has put together an eight-day experience with departures available throughout much of 2027, inviting travellers to sample regional specialities, spend a night at a Buddhist temple near Gyeongju, explore traditional food markets and learn to make kimchi. On the coast, Jeollanam-do spotlights fresher, lighter flavours straight from the ocean such as soy-marinated crab, known as ganjang gejang, plus richer dishes including beef-rib soup. You can also stay in a temple at Baekyangsa, where Buddhist nun and chef Jeong Kwan (of Chef’s Table fame) has a meditative approach to Korean cooking. The temple offers a separate overnight experience featuring a demonstration of her temple cuisine, with sessions generally held once a month and dates released around a month in advance.
Most arriving by air will travel through Seoul at some point – so factor in a few days to check out chefs such as Yim Jung-sik and Mingoo Kang, who have been putting the city on the Michelin-starred map with their internationally-acclaimed menus. Mingoo Kang's restaurant Mingles holds three Michelin stars in the 2026 guide, while Yim Jung-sik's Jungsik has two, making both tempting additions to a food-focused itinerary. For an authentic stay, book into a beautiful Hanok homestay in Seoul, perhaps in the historic Bukchon neighbourhood, where traditional tiled-roof houses sit alongside galleries, tea rooms and small boutiques. Be aware that tourist sightseeing is restricted between 5pm and 10am in designated residential streets, so check the local rules before visiting.
With specialist food tours, temple stays and sought-after restaurant reservations to coordinate, South Korea is a particularly fun destination to plan well ahead. If you're hoping to experience Jeong Kwan's cooking in person, check the temple's programme before arranging the rest of your itinerary, as places are limited and individual dates are announced closer to departure.
Ludovic Balay
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Best for: romantics
Ask most people what’s on their travel bucket list, and you can guarantee that a trip on Belmond's Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is up there. Long associated with romance and timeless glamour, there are few things as enjoyable as a journey on one of these famous trains through Europe. Thanks to a focus on slow travel, you can now justify your ticket as a greener way of getting around – although this experience is about much more than getting from A to B. From the moment you arrive at the station and the lacquered dark blue carriages come into view – the gold lettering glinting as passers-by take photos and smartly dressed porters hop on and off assisting other lucky passengers with their luggage – you feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of an Agatha Christie novel.
There are 70 routes to explore, including Paris to Verona and Amsterdam to Venice. On the Florence to Paris route, squeeze in a stay at Castello di Casole beforehand so you can start your trip with freshly cooked pizza from the hotel’s 16th-century pizza oven and glasses of wine from their vineyard while watching the sun set behind the rolling Tuscan hills.
Once on board and directed to your cabin, there’s little to do but sit back, sip Champagne and watch as the train station melts away and towns and fields speed past you. A three-course lunch in one of the three 1920s dining cars is next, followed by an afternoon drinking cocktails in '3674' – the train’s Art Deco bar car – before dressing in your finery for the evening.
Time slips away as quickly as the snow-capped mountains whizzing past the window, and after a decadent dinner followed by martinis in the bar car – accompanied by the tinkling of a piano and, if you’re lucky, a sing-song from the bar staff – it’s time to climb into bed and let the movement of the train (and aforementioned martinis) lull you to sleep.
If you don’t quite manage the 6am wake up to see the sunrise over Champagne, then you’ll stir as the train pulls into Paris and coffee and pastries arrive promptly at your cabin. All that’s left is to wonder how quickly you can save for your next Venice Simplon-Orient-Express adventure. With 2027 journeys already available to book, it's worth reserving early if you have a particular route, date or cabin category in mind. Sarah Allard
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Uruguay
Best for: using up leftover annual leave
Uruguay’s summer runs from December to February, although warm weather and beach holidays can extend into March, so it’s a popular winter break for sun-starved Europeans and the best time to experience the country's coastal resorts at their liveliest, when seasonal restaurants and hotels are most likely to be open. While Montevideo offers a mix of city beaches, markets and culture, further along the coast, José Ignacio – a former fishing village turned buzzy beach town – draws a fashionable crowd of local and international holidaymakers. The area has become a magnet for art lovers, foodies and design enthusiasts, with places such as Posada Ayana, home to James Turrell’s Skyspace installation, and Luz, a wine lodge surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, around ten minutes' drive from José Ignacio. Guests at Posada Ayana can experience Turrell's Ta Khut installation at sunrise and sunset, while Luz offers wine tastings and culinary experiences that make it worth venturing away from the beach.
Seafront favourite Playa Vik continues to attract visitors with its striking architecture, art-filled interiors and views over Playa Mansa. Just out of town, the high-design Sacromonte Landscape Hotel offers a more secluded escape in the wild sierras of Maldonado, where contemporary cabins overlook the surrounding vineyards and countryside. Although Francis Mallmann’s restaurants Chiringuito and Bodega Garzón are on many bucket lists, few know that visitors can also stay at Casa Anna, the chef's charming guesthouse in nearby Pueblo Garzón. Alongside regular accommodation, Casa Anna offers separately arranged hosted culinary experiences with Mallmann, including shared meals and opportunities to discover his distinctive approach to open-fire cooking.
If you're planning to spend the last of your annual leave in the South American sunshine, aim for late December or January to experience José Ignacio at its buzziest, but be prepared for higher prices and limited availability at the most sought-after hotels. February and March can offer a quieter alternative, although some seasonal businesses begin winding down as summer draws to a close. For the festive period and peak January dates, booking in advance is particularly worthwhile, especially if you're hoping to secure one of the area's smaller, design-led retreats.
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Hokkaido, Japan
Best for: skiing
The ski-in-ski-out Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono boasts Molière Montagne, a restaurant from three-Michelin-starred chef Hiroshi Nakamichi, an impressive selection of restaurants and bars, and hot-spring bathing facilities for unwinding after a day on the slopes. Sansui Niseko offers a fully serviced alternative to townhouses by Kasara or Airbnb (the latter of which are particularly high quality here), with direct ski-in-ski-out access to Grand Hirafu's Family Course, an onsen and spacious suites for those travelling with family or friends.
The outskirts of Sapporo are stunning in autumn, with the koyo (the appearance of autumn leaves) at its most colourful around mid-October, but winter is when Niseko really comes into its own. The 2026–27 ski season is scheduled to begin on 28 November, with some ski areas planning to remain open into early May, depending on snowfall. January and February are generally the best months for the famously light, dry powder that draws skiers and snowboarders from around the world, although snow conditions can never be guaranteed.
For a trip during the 2026–27 winter season, booking accommodation, ski lessons and equipment hire well in advance is a good idea, particularly over Christmas, New Year and the Lunar New Year holidays. With four interconnected ski areas, a thriving restaurant scene and plenty of opportunities to warm up in an onsen after a day in the snow, Niseko is the kind of destination where a little advance planning can make all the difference.
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Jordan, Middle East
Best for: an otherworldly desert escape
Another blockbuster backdrop, Jordan’s archaeological city of Petra was named one of the new seven wonders of the world in 2007 for its extraordinary rock-carved architecture and the Al Siq canyon. A couple of hours' drive from Petra, the sliver of Red Sea coast around Aqaba draws visitors for its sun, souks and scuba-diving opportunities, with colourful coral reefs and warm waters making it a favourite among underwater explorers. Beyond the coast, the extraordinary landscapes of Wadi Rum are another reason to add Jordan to your 2027 travel wish list. Here, towering sandstone formations, rust-red dunes and vast desert valleys provide the setting for guided excursions with local Bedouin communities and nights spent beneath the stars at desert camps.
Spring and autumn are among the best times to visit, with milder temperatures making it easier to explore Petra's archaeological treasures and venture into the desert. If you fly into the capital, Amman, a metropolis of ancient tradition and entrepreneurial spirit greets you, alongside a slew of social enterprises such as SEP, a fashion and lifestyle brand working with Palestinian refugee embroiderers, and Beit Sitti, a cooking school founded by three sisters where visitors can learn to prepare traditional Arabic dishes alongside local women.
For those hoping to combine Petra, Wadi Rum and the Red Sea in one trip, planning ahead allows time to arrange local guides, accommodation and transport between the country's most spectacular destinations. It's also worth looking into the Jordan Pass, which includes admission to more than 40 attractions, including Petra, and a tourist visa fee waiver for eligible visitors who purchase it before arrival and meet the relevant stay requirements. With travel schedules and regional conditions subject to change, check the latest official advice before confirming your 2027 plans.
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Antarctica
Best for: the thrill of an extreme environment
Antarctic travel is still trying to strike a balance between over-tourism and sustainable travel, with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) recording more than 113,000 tourists travelling to the region during the 2025–26 season, including cruise-only passengers, visitors making landings and those joining inland expeditions. Once accessible only to wealthy explorers or well-funded scientists, it’s exciting that this stark, striking landscape is now attracting a growing number of adventurous travellers, although its increasing popularity raises important questions about protecting one of the world's most fragile environments. Many choose to visit during the austral summer (November to March), when there’s less sea ice and more sun (ideal for kayaking, wildlife watching and, on certain specialist expeditions, skiing and snowshoeing).
From vast penguin colonies and seals resting on ice floes to humpback whales feeding in the Southern Ocean, Antarctica offers extraordinary opportunities for wildlife encounters, both on land and at sea. For many travellers, a polar cruise is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the continent, with expedition vessels offering guided shore landings and Zodiac excursions, while larger ships may provide scenic cruising without disembarkation. Choosing an operator committed to responsible tourism is essential, although even carefully managed expeditions have an environmental footprint. Consider a vessel with hybrid-electric propulsion, such as Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot, the first hybrid-electric polar exploration ship powered by liquefied natural gas, which also carries two onboard scientific laboratories, or book with an operator such as Abercrombie & Kent or White Desert, which offers a different way to experience the continent through its fly-in expeditions and luxury land-based camps, including Whichaway Camp.
With the Antarctic travel season concentrated into just a few months and places on specialist expeditions limited, planning a year ahead is particularly worthwhile. Travellers hoping to visit during the popular summer months of December and January, or to secure a place on a small-group expedition, should start comparing itineraries and booking well before departure.
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Ladakh, Himalayas
Best for: against-the-odds explorers
Trekking in the Himalayas comes with its own set of logistical, financial and physical challenges, so booking well in advance can make a huge difference to how much you take away from this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Big groups will struggle to be spontaneous, and allowing yourself several months to improve your fitness is well worth it for long days on the mountains – the fitter you are, the easier and more enjoyable it will be. But physical preparation is only part of the equation: Ladakh's high altitude means visitors also need to allow sufficient time to acclimatise, particularly when arriving in Leh, which sits at around 3,500 metres above sea level. Local tourism authorities recommend at least 48 hours of rest before heading to higher-altitude areas.
If you’re determined to spot the region’s elusive snow leopard too, a good local guide is essential, and they book up fast. Hemis National Park is one of the world's best-known places to search for these elusive big cats, with experienced trackers scanning the rocky slopes and valleys for signs of movement. Unlike conventional trekking holidays, snow leopard expeditions are best undertaken during the colder months, generally between November and April, when specialist wildlife tours operate in the region. The conditions can be challenging, with freezing temperatures and unpredictable mountain weather, but the rewards can be extraordinary. Ladakh is at its loveliest, and busiest, during the warmer months, from June to September, for those interested in trekking and exploring its Buddhist monasteries and mountain landscapes, while wildlife enthusiasts hoping to spot snow leopards should plan their visit around winter.
Consider booking through a sustainable operator such as Voygr Expeditions, andBeyond or Responsible Travel, all of which offer specialist snow leopard expeditions with experienced local guides or trackers. Some itineraries also incorporate visits to local communities and conservation initiatives, including andBeyond's support for the Snow Leopard Conservancy. With several 2027 departures already sold out, securing a place six to twelve months ahead is advisable, especially for those hoping to travel during the peak winter months.
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Rwanda, Africa
Best for: seasoned safari-goers
For decades, safari centred around Big Five game, but Rwanda has something that Kenya, Zambia and Botswana do not: silverback mountain gorillas. As a country, Rwanda has been a champion of ecotourism since long before the term went mainstream, with reforestation, conservation and caps on visitor numbers protecting the environment and the wildlife within it. These efforts have contributed to a remarkable conservation success story, with the mountain gorilla population across the Virunga Massif, which spans Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, increasing from 480 in 2010 to 604 in 2016. In the Virunga Mountains, only eight people may trek to visit a particular gorilla group each day, with encounters limited to one hour. Visitors are told to stay at least seven metres away to protect the gorillas from human diseases, although the animals themselves may occasionally approach more closely (recall David Attenborough’s encounter in 1978, when he commented, ‘There is more meaning and mutual understanding in exchanging a glance with a gorilla than any other animal I know’).
A collection of established luxury lodges, such as Magashi Camp, Singita Kwitonda Lodge, One&Only’s Gorilla’s Nest and Nyungwe Tea Forest Resort, formerly One&Only Nyungwe House, have proven themselves to experienced safari-goers. While Magashi offers traditional Big Five game drives in Akagera National Park, Singita Kwitonda and Gorilla's Nest provide luxurious bases for gorilla trekking, and Nyungwe Tea Forest Resort is ideally placed for exploring the rainforest and tracking chimpanzees. For those wanting to venture beyond the forests, Lake Kivu offers a completely different perspective on Rwanda's landscapes. The Kivu Queen uBuranga, which began welcoming guests in December 2023, takes travellers across the lake aboard a luxury floating hotel, with opportunities to explore its islands and discover local communities and traditions.
Gorilla trekking permits currently cost US$1,500 (around £1,121) per person for most international visitors, and with only eight visitors allowed per habituated gorilla group each day, booking several months in advance is strongly recommended, particularly during the drier seasons from June to September and December to February. Those hoping to combine gorilla trekking with a stay at one of the country's most exclusive lodges should start planning even earlier, especially if travelling during peak holiday periods.
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Northern Territory, Australia
Best for: exploring Aboriginal cultures
Australia’s east coast has become something of a gap-year student’s rite of passage, so in comparison the country’s Northern Territory feels relatively unfamiliar to many international travellers. Yet this vast, sparsely populated region is home to some of Australia's most spectacular landscapes, from the towering sandstone cliffs of Nitmiluk Gorge to the wetlands and ancient rock art of Kakadu National Park. Australia’s Aboriginal cultures are central to the experience of travelling here, with Aboriginal-owned tourism businesses such as Cicada Lodge inviting visitors to learn about the Jawoyn people and their connection to Country. Then there are the Tiwi Islands, just 80km north of Darwin. The archipelago is known as the ‘islands of smiles’, and the Tiwi people have maintained their distinct languages, cultural traditions and artistic practices, which visitors can discover through locally guided tours, visits to art centres and traditional dance (yoi) performances.
Access to the islands is limited, with SeaLink NT operating scheduled ferry services from Darwin to Wurrumiyanga on Bathurst Island, a journey of around two and a half hours. Services vary throughout the year, so booking ahead is advisable. SeaLink's Tiwi by Design tour offers visitors the opportunity to meet local artists, explore the historic mission precinct and take part in a screen-printing workshop. It's easiest to book a day trip through an operator, as visitors travelling beyond Wurrumiyanga independently need to arrange a permit with the Tiwi Land Council. We recommend staying at Cicada Lodge, an ideal, beautifully designed base from which to explore Nitmiluk National Park, around 320km south of Darwin. The 18-room, Jawoyn-owned retreat offers contemporary accommodation surrounded by native bushland, with opportunities to explore the gorge by boat, discover Aboriginal rock art and learn about the region's cultural heritage. After a day trip to Tiwi, return to Darwin and board the Ghan Expedition train through the Outback all the way to Adelaide. The four-day journey includes stops in Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy, with off-train experiences and a memorable dinner under the stars. With limited departures and some of Australia's most sought-after wilderness accommodation to consider, this is a journey worth organising well in advance for 2027.
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Las Vegas, USA
Best for: pure, unadulterated fun
For those momentous celebrations on the horizon, the glamour, glitz, silliness and sparkle of Las Vegas may do just the trick. The ideal venue? Resorts World Las Vegas, which opened in 2021 and remains one of the Strip's biggest playgrounds, has a Southeast Asian island-inspired dayclub, a nearly 5,000-capacity theatre hosting some of the biggest names in entertainment, and a sprawling collection of bars, restaurants and nightlife venues. But there's plenty more to look forward to in 2027, from spectacular concerts at Sphere, the city's immersive entertainment venue with its enormous wraparound LED screen, to the return of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which will see Formula 1 cars racing down the famous Strip from 18 to 20 November 2027.
The Strip has also seen a handful of places to stay making efforts to reduce their environmental impact, such as the Waldorf Astoria and Aria Resort & Casino, both of which have LEED Gold-certified buildings, and MGM Resorts, partially powered by large-scale solar projects. Airlines tend to release flights to Vegas up to 12 months in advance, but be aware that it's worth checking the full hotel price, including taxes and mandatory resort fees, before booking. Big conventions and major sporting events can drive up costs and, weatherwise, spring is one of the best times to visit. For those planning a trip around a particular concert, residency or the Grand Prix, securing tickets and accommodation well ahead of time is especially worthwhile.
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Peru
Best for: exploring ancient sites
Ancient citadels, Crayola-hued mountains, lush jungles and cities full of culture and colour – Peru's roster of attractions appeals to everyone from backpackers to luxury-loving travellers. Of course, Machu Picchu – the 15th-century Inca citadel – is world-famous for a reason. With visitor numbers exceeding a million annually and daily entry limits in place to protect the UNESCO World Heritage Site, securing tickets well in advance is essential, particularly during the busy season. Those prioritising a seriously glamorous holiday can make the journey part of the experience aboard the ultra-chic Hiram Bingham, A Belmond Train, where fine dining, live music and sweeping views of the Andes make for a memorable journey to the ancient Inca city.
Away from Machu Picchu, though, there is much else to be discovered – a buzzing capital, Lima, which has a UNESCO-protected historic centre; an astonishing restaurant scene; and the sprawling Peruvian Amazon, the second-largest portion of the Amazon rainforest after Brazil's. Then there's Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, where cobbled streets and colonial architecture sit alongside centuries-old Inca stonework, and the Sacred Valley, dotted with traditional Andean villages, archaeological sites and spectacular mountain scenery. For those who prefer their adventures on foot, the famous Inca Trail is another experience worth planning months ahead, with a limited number of permits available each day.
Flights from the UK to Lima generally involve a connection, so it's worth comparing routes and fares well ahead of your departure. Remember to book trips to Machu Picchu in advance – especially in the dry season (May to October) – and check which of the site's designated circuits you want to explore before purchasing your ticket. If you're travelling aboard the Hiram Bingham, remember that train tickets don't automatically guarantee entry to the archaeological site, so it's worth arranging both well in advance.