County Galway’s Killary Fjord is feayrued in Lonely Planet’s latest “Best in Travel 2027” list of 50 destinations, released on September 22, 2026.
The list highlights 50 standout global destinations and experiences, split evenly into 25 must-visit destinations and 25 must-do experiences, focusing on uncrowded charm, sustainability, and slower, more meaningful travel.
Killary Fjord is singled out as a “criminally undersung” natural wonder, Ireland’s stunning glacial fjord made the global spotlight for its breathtaking scenery and tranquil escape.
Other highlights include the Tweed (Australia), named as a top destination, this uncrowded region nestled between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay stands out for its paddock-to-plate dining, hinterland rail trails, and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, and Rose Island Lighthouse (Newport, Rhode Island, USA): Highlighted as a unique stay where travelers can volunteer as a lighthouse keeper, trading hotel luxury for solitude and coastal chores.
The broader 50-item list spans international gems ranging from Okinawa (Japan) and Oman to Valle de Guadalupe (Mexico), Taiwan’s culinary trails, and wildlife tracking in Tanzania’s Gombe National Park. The two separate lists are in alphabetical order by country:
Places;
- Bariloche and the lakes, Argentina
- The Tweed, Australia
- Québec, Canada
- Prince Edward Island, Canada
- Chengdu, China
- Šibenik, Croatia
- Dessau, Germany
- Gujarat, India
- Veneto, Italy
- Okinawa, Japan
- Tsavo East and West National Parks, Kenya
- Fulidhoo, Maldives
- Montserrat, Montserrat
- Rabat, Morocco
- New Caledonia, New Caledonia
- Dunedin and the Waitaki, New Zealand
- Granada, Nicaragua
- Oman, Oman
- Bocas del Toro, Panama
- León, Spain
- Swedish Riviera (Skanör-Falsterbo), Sweden
- California’s Coastal Redwoods, USA
- Maryland, USA
- New Mexico, USA
- Danang, Vietnam
Experiences
- Dance sultry tango in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Take a polar plunge, Antarctica
- Immerse yourself in art in the Red Centre, Australia
- Marvel at Monteverde’s cloud forest, Costa Rica
- Go on a Galápagos expedition cruise, Ecuador
- Road-trip through history on the Route Napoléon, France
- Embark on ocean adventures, French Polynesia
- Dive into an unexpected underwater world, Greece
- Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
- Be wowed by wonderful Killary Fjord, Co Galway, Ireland
- Sail the Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy
- Trek the Michinoku Coastal Trail, Japan
- Admire Astana’s architecture, Kazakhstan
- Glide on a longboat to orangutan territory, Malaysia
- Enjoy wine and fine-dining in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico
- Experience Faʻa Sāmoa, Samoa
- Explore Africa’s unsung island paradise, São Tomé and Príncipe
- Follow a Foodie Trail, Taiwan
- Take a safari trek in Gombe National Park, Tanzania
- Visit Abu Dhabi’s museums, United Arab Emirates
- Walk St Cuthbert’s Way to Lindisfarne, United Kingdom
- Become a temporary keeper at Rose Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island, USA
- Flightsee in the “last frontier,” Alaska, USA
- Hotel-hop South Beach, Miami, USA
- Savour the Slow Road, Minnesota, USA
The details
- Abu Dhabi’s museums, United Arab Emirates: Discover Saadiyat Island’s dazzling cultural district, the centrepiece of Abu Dhabi’s 21st-century renaissance, with world-class museums and modern architecture.
- Aeolian Islands, sailing in Sicily, Italy: Escape to little-known volcanic islands with rugged coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and authentic Italian island life.
- Alaska, USA (Flightsee): With only about 20% of the state accessible by road, scenic flights reveal Alaska’s vast, spectacular wilderness.
- Antarctica (polar plunge): Join an expedition cruise to see penguins, seals, whales, icebergs and glaciers, then (if brave enough) take the ultimate polar plunge.
- Astana’s architecture, Kazakhstan: Be dazzled by the futuristic skyline of Kazakhstan’s capital — a city rooted in tradition yet fully embracing the future.
- Bariloche and the lakes, Argentina: Gateway to Argentina’s Lake District, with pristine waterways, soaring mountains, dense forests and outdoor adventure.
- Bocas del Toro, Panama: Caribbean archipelago with abundant wildlife, an emerging culinary scene, and magical bioluminescence on nighttime tours.
- Buenos Aires, Argentina (tango): Immerse yourself in the passionate nightlife of milongas, where couples and strangers share the sensual embrace of tango.
- California’s Coastal Redwoods, USA: Stand among the tallest trees on Earth — centuries-old giants in parks such as Redwood National and State Parks that inspire awe and a sense of scale.
- Chengdu, China: From leisurely teahouses and giant pandas to hip-hop, street style and famous Sichuan cuisine, everyday life here feels like an art form.
- Danang, Vietnam: Vibrant coastal city with mountains, a long beach, a cool vibe, and easy access to three nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India: Ride the charming UNESCO-listed “Toy Train” as it climbs through spectacular Himalayan scenery.
- Dessau, Germany: Small city with a huge cultural legacy as the home of the Bauhaus movement in art, architecture and design.
- Dunedin and the Waitaki, New Zealand: Once called the “Edinburgh of the South,” this cool, quirky region combines Scottish heritage with dramatic landscapes and wildlife.
- Faʻa Sāmoa, Samoa: Experience Samoa’s traditional way of life alongside white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, soaking up local warmth and pride.
- French Polynesia (ocean adventures): Dive into one of the world’s largest marine sanctuaries, renowned for whale watching and other ocean experiences.
- Fulidhoo, Maldives: A non-resort local island offering powdery white sands, crystal-clear waters and a more authentic, affordable Maldivian experience.
- Galápagos expedition cruise, Ecuador: Explore the vast archipelago by ship, reaching outer islands inaccessible to independent travellers and encountering unique wildlife.
- Gombe National Park safari trek, Tanzania: Follow in Jane Goodall’s footsteps to encounter chimpanzees and experience the legacy where she began her groundbreaking research in 196
- Granada, Nicaragua: One of the oldest European-built cities in the Americas, celebrated for its colourful Spanish colonial architecture and hospitality.
- Greece (diving underwater world): Dive into the Aegean Sea’s unexpected underwater playground of wrecks, caves and centuries of maritime history.
- Gujarat, India: A diverse region of sunbaked salt flats, temple towns, wild Asiatic lions, ancient crafts and India’s longest coastline.
- Killary Fjord, Co Galway, Ireland: One of Ireland’s most breathtaking spots on the Wild Atlantic Way — a dramatic fjord cutting inland through Connemara’s steep peaks.
- León, Spain: Evocative medieval city in northern Spain, off the main tourist trail, with magnificent Gothic architecture and lively contemporary spirit.
- Malaysia (orangutan territory longboat): Glide by longboat into Sarawak’s Lanjak-Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a large population of orangutans and accessible only by water.
- Maryland, USA: Explore rolling hills, coastal towns, maritime heritage, local quirks and an abundance of fresh seafood (especially crab).
- Michinoku Coastal Trail, Japan: Hike this epic ~1,000 km trail along Japan’s northeastern coast, combining dramatic scenery, culture and warm local hospitality.
- Minnesota, USA (Savour the Slow Road): Scenic, slower-paced road trip from Minneapolis along the North Shore of Lake Superior, featuring Indigenous heritage and wild landscapes.
- Monteverde’s cloud forest, Costa Rica: Walk through a misty, ancient cloud forest alive with birdsong and biodiversity — a magical, elevated perspective on the natural world.
- Montserrat: One of the Caribbean’s most overlooked islands, the ermadl isle of the region with pleasant peaks, black-sand beaches and a history shaped by volcanic activity.
- New Caledonia: Blend of French and Indigenous cultures, with UNESCO-recognised tropical lagoons, rugged mountains and surprising “Wild West” scenery.
- New Mexico, USA: Road-trip across otherworldly high-desert landscapes, Wild West scenery and thriving Native American culture and arts.
- Okinawa, Japan
- Subtropical island chain in Japan’s far south with distinct culture, lush nature and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Oman: Land of spectacular contrasts: vast deserts, mountains rising over 10,000 ft, and an extraordinary coastline.
- Prince Edward Island, Canada: Canada’s smallest province and “food island,” known for lighthouses, red sandstone cliffs, white-sand beaches and outstanding seafood.
- Québec, Canada: Canada’s largest province, blending European charm, French-Canadian culture, vibrant cities and dramatic natural landscapes.
- Rabat, Morocco: Morocco’s capital mixes historic sites and atmospheric gardens with a modern skyline, lively music scene and soft-sand beaches.
- Red Centre, Australia (art immersion): Discover vibrant Aboriginal artistic traditions set against the extraordinary landscapes of Australia’s Northern Territory.
- Rose Island Lighthouse, Rhode Island, USA: Become a temporary keeper for an off-grid overnight or longer stay, complete with chores, solitude and spectacular sunsets.
- Route Napoléon, France: Historic 324-kilometer road-trip route in southern France that traces the historic path taken by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815 upon his return from exile on Elba from Golfe-Juan on the French Riviera to Grenoble at the foot of the Alps.
- São Tomé and Príncipe: Africa’s unsung island paradise of forest-clad volcanic islands, deserted beaches and dramatic landscapes with rich stories.
- Šibenik, Croatia: Lively small Adriatic city combining impressive historic architecture, excellent food and a colourful festival calendar.
- South Beach, Miami, USA (Hotel-hop): Soak up the sunshine and Art Deco glamour of Miami’s iconic hotels, hopping between them for the atmosphere (and cocktails).
- Saint Cuthbert’s Way to Lindisfarne, England: Walk the 62-mile historic pilgrimage from Melrose (Scottish Borders) to Holy Island, through wild uplands, moorland and villages commemorating the Scottsih born Celtic saint Cuthbert (634-687).
- Swedish Riviera (Skanör-Falsterbo), Sweden: Charming twin coastal towns linked by a bridge, known for colourful cottages, gardens and an endless sandy coastline.
- Taiwan (Foodie Trail): Savour a culinary melting pot of Indigenous, Chinese and Japanese influences, exceptional seafood and abundant local produce.
- The Tweed, Australia: Northern NSW region (between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay) known for its food and arts scene, the developing Northern Rivers Rail Trail and one of the world’s largest erosion calderas, 1,303 square kilometers in all.
- Tsavo East and West National Parks, Kenya: Vast red-earth savannahs with huge elephant herds, dramatic lava flows and relatively quiet, crowd-free wildlife viewing.
- Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico (wine and fine-dining): Emerging Baja California wine region where farm-to-table restaurants, beautiful architecture and excellent wines meet.
- Veneto, Italy: Beyond Venice: dramatic Dolomites and Lake Garda landscapes plus Renaissance cities such as Verona and Padua.
