Where Will 2027 Take You? Five Extraordinary Destinations Worth Planning Ahead For

From bear-watching in Canada to the ancient wonders of Egypt, culinary adventures in Vietnam and luxury African safaris, 2027 promises some remarkable travel experiences.

As we approach the end of another year, thoughts inevitably turn to what the next one might bring. And, if you're anything like me, that usually includes wondering where in the world you might like to explore next.

At DG Travel, we're already looking ahead to 2027, and there are some particularly exciting destinations and experiences worth considering.

One of the things I have always enjoyed about working in travel is discovering new ways to experience familiar destinations. Sometimes it's a remarkable new hotel, a unique cultural encounter or simply visiting somewhere at exactly the right time.

With that in mind, I've picked five destinations that I think deserve a place on your travel wish list for 2027.

1. Canada – Bears, Beautiful Scenery and the Great Open Road

There's something rather special about Canada. Perhaps it's the sheer scale of the scenery, the extraordinary wildlife or the freedom of exploring at your own pace.

For 2027, two experiences particularly stand out: bear-watching in British Columbia and a classic self-drive holiday through the Canadian Rockies.

British Columbia offers some wonderful opportunities to see bears in their natural habitat. Depending on the location and time of year, you might encounter black bears, grizzly bears or even the elusive spirit bear. Staying in a wilderness lodge and heading out with an experienced naturalist guide can make this an unforgettable experience.

Alternatively, consider a leisurely drive through the Rockies, taking in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, with their turquoise lakes, dramatic mountain scenery and charming small towns.

The beauty of a Canadian holiday is that it can be tailored entirely around you. Combine a few days in Vancouver with a wilderness lodge, take a scenic rail journey or hire a car and explore independently.

My suggestion: If bear-watching is high on your list, start planning early. Some of the smaller wilderness lodges have limited accommodation, particularly during the best wildlife-viewing periods.

2. Vietnam – A Country Best Discovered Through Its Food

Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia's most appealing destinations, and it's not difficult to understand why.

From the atmospheric streets of Hanoi to the lantern-lit town of Hoi An and the waterways of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam offers a fascinating combination of history, culture and spectacular scenery.

But one of the real highlights is undoubtedly the food.

Vietnamese cuisine is wonderfully varied, with each region offering its own specialities. Think fragrant bowls of pho, freshly prepared spring rolls, delicious bánh mì and the extraordinary variety of dishes served from tiny street-side kitchens.

One particularly enjoyable way to experience Hanoi is through a guided street-food tour, perhaps accompanied by a local food expert who knows exactly where to find those little places you might otherwise walk straight past.

It's these encounters that often become the most memorable parts of a holiday.

Vietnam also combines beautifully with neighbouring Cambodia, particularly if you've always wanted to visit the magnificent temples of Angkor.

My suggestion: Don't rush Vietnam. Allow enough time to explore both north and south, with a few nights somewhere relaxing along the coast if you'd like to finish with a little beach time.

3. Egypt – Ancient Wonders and a Remarkable Celestial Event

Egypt has fascinated travellers for generations, and 2027 could be an especially interesting year to visit.

The long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum, near the Pyramids of Giza, has brought renewed attention to the country's extraordinary archaeological heritage.

For anyone interested in ancient history, Egypt really is difficult to beat. The Pyramids, the Sphinx, the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the magnificent monuments at Abu Simbel are experiences that photographs simply cannot do justice to.

And there's something else happening in 2027.

On 2 August 2027, a total solar eclipse will cross parts of Egypt, with the area around Luxor expected to experience an exceptionally long period of totality, lasting approximately six minutes.

It's a remarkable opportunity for those who would like to combine one of the world's greatest historical destinations with a rare astronomical event.

Of course, August in Egypt is extremely hot, so careful planning is essential, particularly if you're considering travelling specifically for the eclipse.

For a more traditional Egyptian holiday, I still think combining Cairo with a Nile cruise is one of the finest ways to experience the country.

My suggestion: For the solar eclipse, availability and specialist arrangements will be particularly important. If you'd prefer a more comfortable sightseeing climate, consider travelling during the cooler months instead.

4. India – Discovering the Country Through a Different Perspective

India is one of those countries that can be wonderfully overwhelming in the best possible way.

Its colours, sounds, traditions, architecture and extraordinary diversity make it unlike almost anywhere else.

For 2027, one particularly interesting development is the growing popularity of travel experiences designed and led by local women.

One such initiative, Through Her Eyes, introduces visitors to Indian culture through encounters with women in local communities.

Experiences might include a traditional cooking session with a family in Udaipur, a guided cultural walk, or learning about local customs and everyday life from the people who know them best.

These are not simply sightseeing excursions. They're opportunities to engage with a destination on a more personal level.

And while India's famous Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur remains a wonderful introduction, there's so much more to discover.

Rajasthan's palaces, Kerala's tranquil backwaters, the Himalayan foothills and the wildlife reserves of central India all offer completely different experiences.

My suggestion: India lends itself particularly well to a privately guided, tailor-made holiday. Having your own driver and knowledgeable local guides can make an enormous difference to the experience.

5. South Africa – Safari Experiences with a Touch of Luxury

Few holidays can compare with the excitement of an African safari.

There's something quite extraordinary about heading out into the bush early in the morning, watching the landscape come to life and never quite knowing what you might encounter around the next corner.

South Africa remains one of my favourite recommendations for travellers considering their first safari, particularly because it combines wildlife, excellent accommodation and a wide variety of other experiences.

For 2027, one property worth looking at is Sandringham Private Game Reserve, a recently added property within the Sabi Sabi Collection.

Situated in a beautiful wilderness setting with four rivers, the reserve offers opportunities to observe wildlife gathering at the water, including animals coming to drink or cool off.

For many people, these quieter moments can be every bit as memorable as spotting the Big Five.

South Africa also works wonderfully as a multi-centre holiday.

You could spend several nights on safari before heading to Cape Town, explore the vineyards of the Cape Winelands or travel along the scenic Garden Route.

And for those who enjoy a little luxury, South Africa has some exceptional lodges and boutique hotels.

My suggestion: Don't try to fit too much into a safari. Three or four nights in a good lodge will usually give you a much more rewarding experience than moving between several properties in quick succession.

Why Planning Ahead Really Does Make a Difference

One question I'm often asked is whether it's really necessary to book a holiday so far in advance.

For a straightforward week in the sunshine, perhaps not. But for more specialised holidays, particularly those involving smaller luxury properties, wildlife experiences, private guides or travel around a particular event, the answer is often yes.

The best accommodation doesn't necessarily mean the largest or most expensive hotel. Frequently, it's the smaller, more individual properties that offer the most memorable experiences, and these naturally have limited availability.

Planning ahead also gives us time to put together an itinerary that works properly, rather than simply fitting your holiday around whatever happens to be available.

Your 2027 Holiday Starts with a Conversation

At DG Travel, we've been helping clients explore the world for many years, and I still believe that the best holidays begin with a conversation.

Whether you're dreaming of watching grizzly bears in Canada, enjoying a private culinary tour in Vietnam, discovering the treasures of ancient Egypt, exploring India or experiencing your first African safari, we can help put together something genuinely special.

We work with established specialist tour operators, including Audley Travel, to create tailor-made itineraries that reflect your interests, preferred standard of accommodation, budget and the way you like to travel.

You don't have to know exactly where you want to go or what you want to do. That's part of what we're here for.

So, where will 2027 take you?

If any of these destinations have caught your imagination, why not get in touch? I'd be delighted to help you start planning.

DG Travel Centre – Henley-on-Thames

Independent travel advice, tailor-made holidays and personal service.