With global tourism now surpassing pre‑pandemic levels, 2026–27 is shaping up to be a big couple of years for international travel – but travellers aren’t just returning to the same old places. Industry lists from Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Forbes, and other major players show clear momentum towards countries that combine strong infrastructure with nature, culture, and sustainability.
From Japan and South Korea in East Asia to Peru, Finland, Sri Lanka, Dominica, and beyond, these are some of the most trending travel destinations (by country) for 2026–27 – and why they’re on everyone’s radar right now.
How the Trending Countries for 2026–27 Were Chosen
To identify the most trending travel destinations for 2026–27, this overview draws on:
Best‑in‑class lists from Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026, National Geographic’s Best of the World 2026 and expert‑curated rankings from Forbes, U.S. News and others.
– UN Tourism data highlighting the fastest‑growing and best‑recovering destinations by international arrivals.
– Emerging‑destination round‑ups from specialist blogs and travel advisors focusing on sustainability, “second‑country” experiences and value.
– Across these sources, several countries repeatedly appear as stand‑out places to visit in 2026–27.
Japan
Japan continues to dominate wish‑lists, combining high‑speed rail, hyper‑modern cities and deeply traditional rural regions in one of the world’s most seamless travel experiences. It features prominently in National Geographic and other 2026 destination lists, driven by renewed interest in cherry blossom trips, autumn foliage travel and longer, multi‑region itineraries beyond the classic Tokyo–Kyoto route.
Strong yen‑related value for some markets, growing regional air capacity and investments in sustainable tourism – from local rail passes to lesser‑known prefectures – are further boosting Japan’s appeal for 2026–27.
South Korea
South Korea is emerging from Japan’s shadow as a stand‑alone “it” country, powered by K‑culture, food and nature‑driven itineraries. National Geographic highlights South Korea’s Dongseo Trail and new hiking infrastructure, while industry reports flag the country as a key Asia‑Pacific growth market for experience‑led travel in 2026.
Travellers are coupling Seoul’s design‑driven neighbourhoods and K‑pop energy with coastal escapes and island stays, particularly on Jeju‑do, which is being heavily promoted as a sustainable nature destination.
Peru
Peru is back in the global spotlight as more than “just Machu Picchu,” appearing on multiple 2026 best‑destination lists with an emphasis on expanded routes and regenerative tourism. Lonely Planet and others highlight Peru for its blend of gastronomy, Andean cultures and lesser‑visited regions like northern Peru and the Amazon, alongside classic hubs such as Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
New visitor‑management policies at key archaeological sites, improved domestic connectivity and a wave of boutique hotels and trains are helping reposition Peru as a longer, deeper trip for 2026–27, making it one of the best reasons for signing up for the Peru Group Tours by Indus Travels, one of the most popular and respectable tour operators in Canada, who are celebrating their 25th year anniversary this year.
Finland
Finland stands out among European countries for 2026, with Oulu named a European Capital of Culture and the wider country framed as a model for low‑impact, nature‑first travel. Best‑of lists
call out Finland’s combination of Aurora hunting, summer lake districts, national parks and design‑led cities, all supported by efficient rail and domestic flight networks.
For 2026–27, Finland is being sold as a flagship destination for “slow travel” – think saunas, forest cabins and long stays rather than rapid country‑hopping.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery is accelerating, and the country appears repeatedly in 2026 country‑level recommendations as a compact, high‑value destination. While guides highlight specific regions such as Jaffna in the north, the broader message is that Sri Lanka as a whole offers wildlife, tea country, beaches and culture in a single, relatively easy‑to‑navigate package.
Improved political stability, better air links and a conscious push towards community‑based and eco‑certified stays are helping position Sri Lanka as one of the most exciting – and affordable – long‑haul destinations for 2026–27.
Dominica
At country level in the Caribbean, Dominica is getting a disproportionate amount of buzz for 2026. Known as the “Nature Island,” Dominica features in both National Geographic and Forbes lists thanks to its volcanic peaks, hot springs, rainforests and plans to host one of the world’s first sperm‑whale reserves.
New nonstop flights from North America and a crop of eco‑forward boutique resorts are making Dominica more accessible while its tourism board strongly emphasises sustainability and low‑density development.
Botswana
Botswana continues to be held up as a benchmark for high‑end, low‑impact safari tourism and appears in several expert‑curated lists of the best countries to visit in 2026. Strict visitor caps in the Okavango Delta and other reserves, combined with conservation‑funding lodge models, mean travellers experience uncrowded wildlife viewing and meaningful community engagement.
For 2026–27, Botswana is increasingly marketed as a “once‑in‑a‑lifetime” trip for travellers who want to prioritise quality over quantity and support conservation with their spend.
Rwanda
Rwanda is another African country trending upwards, featuring in National Geographic’s 2026 best‑of list via Akagera National Park and singled out by bloggers and advisors as a safe, organised introduction to East Africa. Travellers are drawn by Kigali’s reputation as a clean, modern capital and the chance to combine savannah wildlife in Akagera with mountain gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Government‑backed sustainability and conservation programmes, plus steady improvements in air connectivity, make Rwanda a compelling 2026–27 choice for nature‑focused and impact‑conscious travellers.
Albania
Albania is one of Europe’s fastest‑rising countries, often described as a “last‑chance” Mediterranean bargain with wild beaches and mountain scenery that still feel under‑discovered. Travel writers repeatedly highlight Albania’s Valbona–Theth hike, Ottoman‑era towns like Berat and Gjirokastër, and its growing but still relatively low‑cost Riviera as reasons to go sooner rather than later.
With new routes bringing more direct flights from European hubs and ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure, Albania is poised to move from niche to mainstream between 2026 and 2027.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has been a sustainability poster‑child for years, but it remains one of the most recommended countries to visit in 2026 thanks to its mature eco‑tourism model. Lists from adventure‑focused platforms position Costa Rica as the go‑to for rainforest lodges, volcano hikes, surfing and wildlife, supported by strong environmental policies and protected‑area coverage.
For 2026–27, Costa Rica is particularly attractive to North American and European travellers looking for “easy” long‑haul nature trips with good connectivity and well‑developed adventure infrastructure.
Oman
On the Middle East map, Oman stands out as a trending country for travellers who want culture‑rich desert and coastal landscapes without the hyper‑urban feel of some Gulf neighbours. Forbes and other expert panels spotlight Oman’s focus on low‑rise architecture, protected wadis, mountain villages and more traditional forms of luxury that emphasise space, silence and scenery.
From Muscat’s corniche and forts to the dunes of the Wahiba Sands and the cliffs of the Musandam Peninsula, Oman is being promoted for 2026–27 as a “slow luxury” alternative in a region known for scale and spectacle.
How Travellers Can Use These Country Trends for 2026–27
For travellers and industry insiders alike, the countries trending for 2026–27 point towards a few clear takeaways:
– Go deeper in fewer places: Many of these destinations reward longer, multi‑region stays rather than quick hits.
– Look beyond capitals: Even in popular countries like Japan, Peru or Costa Rica, the most interesting growth is in regional areas connected by improved transport and new products.
– Follow the sustainability signal: Countries being championed for 2026–27 – from Dominica and Botswana to Finland and Costa Rica – are explicitly tying tourism growth to conservation and community benefit.
Whether it’s hot springs in Japan, whale encounters in Dominica, safari drives in Botswana, or hiking in Albania’s Alps, the most trending travel destinations for 2026–27 at country level all share one thing: they’re places where travellers can still feel like pioneers, without sacrificing comfort, safety, or conscience.
