What if your 2027 trips could do more good than harm?
As travelers weigh where to go, they consider factors beyond just price and season. Now, people think about overtourism, their impact and how to have the most immersive experience in a destination. In Booking.com's Travel & Sustainability Report 2026, 43% of the 32,500 global respondents said they want to avoid overcrowded destinations. Around half of those travelers also plan to avoid activities that harm local wildlife or exploit the community.
While some destinations are asking for fewer visitors – and charging a tourist tax to double down on the message – others are actively encouraging more.
Small group tour company Intrepid Travel recently released its 2027 Not Hot List, comprising 10
overlooked destinations that are ready to welcome travelers and benefit from tourism dollars. Intrepid's global network of local guides and experts created the list based on three criteria: less-visited, tourism readiness, and what's new for 2027.
"If we want tourism to continue to be a force for good, we need to constantly rethink how and where we travel," Intrepid Travel's General Manager of Experiences, Erica Kritikides, said in a statement. "The Not Hot List isn’t just about surfacing lesser-known places, it aims to shift the conversation and help travelers to discover new destinations where their visit can make a meaningful contribution to local communities and economies."
If you're ready to get off the beaten path, here's Intrepid's 2027 Not Hot List.
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
If a safari has been on your bucket list, head to the Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. You'll be able to spot lions, elephants, oryx and many other wildlife without crowds of other tourists. This reserve sees a tenth of the visitor numbers compared to the popular Maasai Mara National Reserve. When you visit, you'll also be directly supporting the Samburu people and conservation efforts.
Mestia, Georgia
Hike through the upper Svaneti mountain range and explore Mestia's medieval tower villages. During the snowy months, the peaks transform into a winter paradise for skiers rivaling Aspen with the 2026 opening of the Tetnuldi Ski Resort.
Northern Highlands, Jordan
Jordan is best known for being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Petra, but it offers so much more. Travelers to the Northern Highlands can wander through protected forest reserves to birdwatch and see historical Roman, Islamic and Ottoman ancient sites, all while staying in locally owned guesthouses for an authentic experience.
Whitehorse, Canada
Home to the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, Whitehorse is the ultimate coolcation destination, with a fraction of the tourist numbers that British Columbia welcomes. Nature is abundant here, with hundreds of miles of trails past glacier-fed lakes and through spruce forests. Mountain biking, dipping in hot springs and kayaking the Yukon River are just the tip of the iceberg of activities to do here.
Alonnisos, Greece
While Greek islands like Santorini combat overtourism, Alonnisos remains a quiet, relaxed destination with just as much natural beauty. The surrounding waters are part of a protected marine park, and you can scuba dive the country's only underwater museum, a shipwreck dating back to the 5th century BC. The island also recently launched sustainable efforts such as recycling, renewable energy and biowaste management.
Dili, Timor-Leste
Few travelers ever reach this Southeast Asian island, but its gorgeous waters, mountains and beaches are worth the trek. The tourism industry is just emerging here, with two new flight routes from Darwin, Australia, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, recently launched.
Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's Pekoe Trail is a community-led tourism initiative, managed by a nonprofit that aims to support local communities and ecosystems. The approximately 186-mile-long trail traverses remote villages, waterfalls and Buddhist temples, prompting travelers to stay at locally owned guesthouses and homestays.
Liepāja, Latvia
Heading to the Mediterranean? Instead of the popular Dubrovnik, try Liepāja. This underrated city has rich history, culture and stunning white sand beaches but without the hordes of tourists. It has been dubbed the European Capital of Culture for 2027 for its roots in classical music, offering concerts and operas.
Carretera Austral, Chile
If you've always wanted to explore Patagonia but don't want to get lost in the crowds on the Torres del Paine, try the Carretera Austral. Locals call this partially paved highway Route 7, and it passes through the Aysén region in Chile's southern region with opportunities to fly fish, hike, kayak and see the Chaitén Volcano. This year, the government started a road improvement plan to make the drive more accessible.
Dalsland, Sweden
Looking to experience the Nordic lifestyle and pristine nature? Sweden's Lake District has you covered. Close to the border with Norway, this less-traveled region is home to over 2,000 lakes, granite canyons and forests for kayaking, camping, biking and more. A direct rail link between Malmo and Oslo that started in June means Dalsland is easier to get to than ever.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 10 surprising destinations that want more travelers in 2027
