H59)WHERE TO TRAVEL IN 2027: 12 PLACES WITH A REASON TO GO

 In 2027, several events give you a specific reason to travel: a total solar eclipse, a World Expo, two European Capitals of Culture, and several major sports tournaments.

Here are twelve places to visit in 2027, each with a specific reason why this is the year to go. Number one is Egypt, where the August eclipse lasts longest.

Number twelve: Belgrade, Serbia.

From May to August 2027, Belgrade hosts a specialised World Expo, with countries from around the world presenting pavilions on the theme of sport, music and art. Even without the Expo, Belgrade is one of Europe's most underrated capitals: a huge fortress above two rivers, a legendary nightlife on floating clubs, and some of the best value food in Europe.

Number eleven: Évora, Portugal.

Évora, in the Alentejo region, is one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2027. It's a walled city with a Roman temple, white houses, and a chapel decorated with human bones. The capital of culture year brings exhibitions, concerts, and events throughout the region. Combine it with vineyards, cork forests, and the quiet beaches of the Alentejo coast.

Number ten: Liepāja, Latvia.

The second European Capital of Culture in 2027 is Liepāja, a port city on Latvia's Baltic coast. It's known as the city where the wind is born, and it has a big music scene, wide sandy beaches, and the haunting former military district of Karosta. It's a great excuse to discover the Baltics, which remain much quieter than Western Europe.

Number nine: Ireland.

In September 2027, the Ryder Cup, golf's biggest team competition between Europe and the United States, comes to Adare Manor in County Limerick. Even if golf isn't your thing, it's a good moment to explore the west of Ireland: the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren, and the Wild Atlantic Way are all within reach. Book early, because accommodation in the region will fill up fast.

Number eight: Brazil.

In the summer of 2027, Brazil hosts the FIFA Women's World Cup, the first to take place in South America. Matches will be held in several cities, which means the chance to combine football with Rio de Janeiro, the waterfalls of Iguaçu, or the old town of Salvador. June and July are winter in Brazil, which means more comfortable temperatures in many regions.

Number seven: Australia.

From October to mid-November 2027, Australia hosts the Men's Rugby World Cup, with matches in seven cities from Perth to Townsville. Spring is a fantastic time to visit, with warm weather in the north and wildflowers in the west. Remember that most visitors need an electronic travel authority or eVisitor before flying, and book match tickets only through the official tournament website.

Later in this video: southern Spain, Morocco and Egypt, which all lie in the path of the eclipse.

Number six: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

These three countries co-host the Cricket World Cup in late 2027. That's a great reason to plan a trip that combines Cape Town, a safari, and the Victoria Falls, or the dramatic desert landscapes of Namibia. October and November are also excellent months for safaris, before the rains turn the landscape green.

Number five: Japan.

Japan never really needs a reason. But 2027 is a good year to go if you plan carefully. The new tax-free refund system is in place, the cherry blossom forecasts get better every year, and the regional rail networks make it easier than ever to escape the crowds in Kyoto and Tokyo. Go in spring or autumn, and spend at least a few days somewhere off the main route, like Kanazawa, Shikoku, or Kyushu.

Number four: Northern Norway.

The sun has passed the peak of its activity cycle, but the Northern Lights are still very active in the coming winters. Northern Norway, from Tromsø to the Lofoten Islands, combines a good chance of seeing them with dramatic fjords, whale watching in winter, and cosy fishing villages. Go between late September and March.

Number three: Southern Spain.

On the second of August 2027, the moon will completely cover the sun over the southern tip of Spain. In Tarifa and the province of Cádiz, totality will last more than four minutes. It's one of the most accessible places in Europe to see a total solar eclipse. Combine it with Seville, Granada, or the white villages of Andalusia. Just be aware that it's peak summer season, so hotels near the coast are already in high demand.

Number two: Morocco.

Just across the Strait of Gibraltar, northern Morocco is also in the path of totality. Tangier will experience nearly five minutes of darkness. Morocco is easy to reach from Spain by ferry, so you could even watch the eclipse in one country and explore the other afterwards. Add Chefchaouen, Fes, or a trip to the Sahara, though remember that August is extremely hot inland.

Number one: Egypt.

On the same day, the second of August 2027, the eclipse reaches its maximum near Luxor, in southern Egypt. Totality there will last over six minutes, one of the longest total solar eclipses over land in over a century. Luxor also has some of the clearest skies in the world in August. In Luxor, the sky will turn dark above temples that are over three thousand years old.

The second reason is the Grand Egyptian Museum. The museum near the pyramids of Giza has been fully open since November 2025, displaying the complete treasures of Tutankhamun together for the first time. Hotels in Luxor are already filling up for the eclipse, so if this is on your list, book now.

A quick honourable mention: if none of these events fit your calendar, think about timing instead of place. Many of the world's most popular destinations are far better outside their peak season. Lisbon in February, Kyoto in late November, Iceland in March, or Bali in May all give you most of the beauty with a fraction of the crowds. Travelling outside the high season also means fewer crowds and lower prices.

How to plan your 2027 trip. Pick one big event and build your trip around it. Book accommodation early for anything event-related, because prices rise fast as the date gets closer. And keep some flexibility, because the best trips often combine one big highlight with a few quiet days somewhere nobody else is going.

If the eclipse caught your attention, I made a full guide on where to watch it, with the best locations, the weather odds, and how to stay safe. It's on screen now.