17 Bucket-List Trips Worth Taking in 2027

1. Luxor, Egypt 

Great for: History and Culture · Once in a Lifetime Moments · Iconic Landmarks 

In 2027, Luxor offers a rare chance to pair one of the world’s great ancient landscapes with the total solar eclipse on August 2. Explore Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the Nile, then witness an extraordinary celestial event in a destination shaped by thousands of years of history. 

Only one hour to Luxor by air, base your IHG stay in Cairo where you can also explore the Sphynx and Pyramids all in one trip

2. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador 

Great for: Nature Lovers · Island Adventurers 

Ecuador's Galápagos Islands offer wildlife encounters found nowhere else, from giant tortoises and marine iguanas to sea lions and penguins. Explore by small ship, snorkel in clear Pacific waters and walk volcanic shores where animals show little fear of people. 

Explore more natural landscapes in the region like Patagonia stretching from Chile to Argentina. 

3. Yellowstone National Park, United States 

Great for: Wildlife Watching · Geothermal Wonders · National Parks 

Yellowstone delivers an unmatched combination of erupting geysers, colorful hot springs, sweeping valleys and abundant wildlife. Rise early for the best chance to see bison and wolves, and pair the park with Grand Teton for a classic American wilderness journey. 

Get more of the great outdoors by exploring the US National Parks.

4. Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Peru 

Great for: Iconic Landmarks · History and Culture 

Few journeys build anticipation like the route through Cusco and the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. Arrive by scenic train or the Inca Trail, then take in the ancient citadel framed by misty Andean peaks. 

Stay in nearby Lima for access to transportation.

5. Bhutan 

Great for: Mindful Travel · Spa  · Wellness

Bhutan turns a mountain journey into something deeply reflective, blending Himalayan scenery, Buddhist heritage and a measured approach to tourism. Hike to cliffside monasteries, cross forested valleys and leave room for quiet encounters along the way. 

Have more time? Round out your restorative journey in Kathmandu, Nepal.

6. The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia 

Great for: Beach Escapes · Luxury Travel

Saudi Arabia's Red Sea pairs clear turquoise water and coral reefs with wide stretches of desert and unspoiled coastline. Spend your days snorkeling, diving or relaxing on quiet beaches, then enjoy elevated resorts designed around the region’s natural beauty.

For a more secluded coastal escape, explore the islands, reefs and pristine beaches around Umluj.

7. Oaxaca, Mexico 

Great for: Culinary Travel · Artisan Traditions · Indigenous Culture 

Oaxaca is a cultural journey shaped by Indigenous traditions, celebrated cuisine, artisan villages and layered architecture. Explore markets and archaeological sites, learn directly from makers and extend the trip into the surrounding valleys and mountains. Must try one of the many versions of mole, a  complex, slow-simmered sauce indigenous to Oaxaca.

Have more time? Hop on a quick flight to Mexico City, known for its rich blend of Aztec heritage, Spanish architecture, world-class museums, and a vibrant culinary and nightlife scene.

8. Kyoto, Japan 

Great for: History and Culture · Foodie Trips

Kyoto brings Japan’s cultural heritage to life through temple gardens, lantern-lit lanes, traditional tea houses and seasonal color. Visit during cherry blossom season or autumn foliage, then balance celebrated landmarks with quiet mornings in lesser-known neighborhoods. 

If eager to get off the beaten path, check out Kanazawa, Japan.

9. Montréal, Québec

Great for: Winter Escapes · French Canadian Culture · Foodie Travel

Montréal blends European character with the energy of a modern North American city. Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal, explore vibrant neighborhoods and linger over standout cuisine shaped by the city’s French Canadian heritage. Visit in winter for sparkling lights and snowy streets, or in warmer months for festivals, café terraces and long days outdoors.

Want to experience more of Québec’s historic charm? Pair your stay in Montréal with a scenic trip to Québec City, known for its fortified walls, stone streets and storybook Old Québec district.

10. Grenada

Great for: Tropical Nature · Spice and Foodie Culture · Watersports

Grenada blends rainforest, waterfalls and spice-scented estates with calm beaches and a warm Caribbean rhythm. Explore colorful St. George’s, snorkel the underwater sculpture park and travel inland for a tropical getaway with culture, nature and room to slow down.

For a quieter, more nature-focused option, Dominica is another strong choice, especially for hiking, waterfalls, hot springs, and rugged landscapes.

11. Montenegro

Great for: Emerging Europe · Coastal Trips · Outdoor Adventure

Montenegro pairs medieval coastal towns and mountain-framed bays with Adriatic beaches and dramatic national parks. Travel from the historic lanes of Kotor to the shores of Budva and the rugged landscapes of Durmitor for a compact Balkan journey filled with scenic contrasts.

For a similar escape, try Albania, where the turquoise coves of the Riviera, Ottoman-era towns, and trails through the Accursed Mountains offer a fresh blend of coast, culture, and adventure.

12. Cartagena, Colombia 

Great for: History and Arts  · Caribbean and Latin Culture 

Cartagena pairs Caribbean warmth with a beautifully preserved walled city, flower-draped balconies and lively plazas. Explore historic streets and creative Getsemaní, then add a boat trip to Colombia nearby but lesser-known islands like Tierra Bomba and the Rosario Islands.

Make it a  double. Take a 1-hour 30 minute flight to Bogota to get immerse in Colombia's museums showcasing its rich history and one of kind artifacts.

13. Tbilisi, Georgia

Great for: Wine travel · Mountain Trips · Emerging Destinations

Georgia brings together the creative energy of Tbilisi, ancient monasteries, the storied vineyards of Kakheti and the rugged Caucasus Mountains. Travel slowly between family-run wineries, sulfur baths and mountain villages.

Looking for an alternative with similar vibes? Budapest, Hungary offers a similarly dramatic riverfront setting, centuries-old thermal baths, hilltop fortress views and grand architecture shaped by layers of history.

14. Con Dao, Vietnam

Great for: Quiet Beaches · Diving · Restorative Travel

Con Dao offers a quieter side of Vietnam, with forested hills, protected beaches and clear waters known for diving and seasonal sea turtle nesting. Its remote setting, thoughtful resorts and unhurried pace make it a compelling retreat for travelers seeking space to reset.

Also try Ho Chi Minh City, where lively markets, acclaimed restaurants, historic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods offer an energetic complement to Con Dao’s slower island pace.

15. Oman

Great for: Cultural Road Trips · Desert and Mountain Getaways · Coastal Escapes

Oman rewards travelers with striking variety, from Muscat’s waterfront, souqs and grand architecture to Nizwa’s historic fort and lively market. Continue into the cool heights of Jabal Akhdar, spend a night among the dunes of Sharqiya Sands and follow the coast toward turquoise wadis, fishing villages and sea turtle beaches for a journey that feels both adventurous and unhurried.

Extend your trip and explore Jordan, where rose-colored ruins, sweeping desert valleys, historic cities, and the mineral-rich Dead Sea create an equally captivating blend of culture and adventure.

16. Sedona, Arizona

Great for: Wellness Escapes · Hiking · Stargazing

Sedona pairs red-rock scenery with a deeply restorative atmosphere, making it one of the country’s standout wellness escapes. Build the trip around sunrise hikes, spa rituals, creative local dining and quiet moments beneath clear night skies.

For similar vibes, try Santa Fe, New Mexico, where adobe architecture, renowned galleries, restorative spas and high-desert landscapes offer a more artful take on a scenic wellness escape.

17. Chengdu, China 

Great for: Food Lovers · Pandas and Wildlife · Teahouse Culture

Come for the giant pandas, then stay for centuries-old teahouses, fiery Sichuan cuisine and an easygoing local rhythm. Chengdu combines a singular wildlife experience with one of China’s most distinctive food cultures. 

Want to make the most of your trip to China? Explore Xi'an by taking the Xi'an–Chengdu High-Speed Railway that gets you there in 3.5 hours.

Journeys Defining 2027 

Explore your world, your way. From nature's seasonal bounty, to spectacular wildlife, revered cultural landmarks and landscapes worth crossing the world to see.