# 10 Places on Booking.com’s 2027 Radar: Where I’d Go, What I’d Eat, and What I’d Budget
Booking.com’s reported list of trending destinations for 2027 has a nice mix of well-loved cities, quieter coastal escapes, mountain towns, and places that still feel a little under the radar. I wouldn’t treat the list as a command to book ten flights immediately, but it is a useful nudge toward places that offer more than the usual postcard stops.
Here are the ten I’d keep on my travel wish list, along with the practical details I’d want before booking.
## The Vibe & When to Go
The destinations on this list feel very different from one another. Some are made for long lunches and slow walks, while others are about snowy landscapes, street food, or escaping a packed city itinerary.
For most of them, **spring and autumn are the sweet spots**. You’ll usually find kinder weather, fewer crowds, and better hotel prices than in the busiest summer months. Tromsø and Tignes are the exceptions: winter is their main event, while Chiang Mai and Zanzibar are best planned around their rainy seasons.
One thing I like about this selection is that it rewards travelers who are willing to spend a little time beyond the obvious sights. A short walk away from the central square, beach, or famous market, the experience often becomes calmer and more personal.
## 1. Sanya, China
Sanya is China’s tropical getaway, with warm water, palm-lined beaches, seafood restaurants, and a much slower rhythm than Beijing or Shanghai.
**My top picks:**
– **Yalong Bay** is the classic beach choice, but I preferred arriving early before the tour buses and families filled the shoreline.
– **Wuzhizhou Island** is good for swimming and boat trips. Go on a weekday if you can.
– **Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone** is more polished than peaceful, but the coastal views and giant statue are impressive.
– For something more local, spend time around **Sanya’s seafood markets** and choose a restaurant where locals are eating.
**Best time to go:** November to April, when the weather is generally drier and cooler. Summer can be hot, humid, and rainy.
**Getting there and around:** Sanya Phoenix International Airport has domestic connections from major Chinese cities and some international routes. China’s visa rules depend heavily on your passport, so check the official embassy or immigration website before booking. Taxis and ride-hailing are practical, though many visitors use local apps such as DiDi. Having your hotel name written in Chinese is genuinely helpful.
## 2. Trieste, Italy
Trieste feels Italian, Austrian, and Central European all at once. Grand waterfront buildings sit beside old cafés, windy piazzas, and streets that seem to lead toward Slovenia.
**My top picks:**
– Walk the **Riva waterfront** around sunset and stop for an aperitivo.
– Visit **Piazza Unità d’Italia**, then wander into the smaller lanes behind it rather than staying only in the square.
– Have coffee at a historic café such as **Caffè San Marco**, but also try a neighborhood bar where locals stand at the counter.
– Take a bus or taxi up to **Miramare Castle**. The gardens are lovely, especially outside the busiest summer hours.
**Best time to go:** April to June and September to October. The famous bora wind can make winter surprisingly cold, even when the sky is bright.
**Getting there and around:** Trieste has an airport, but Venice and Ljubljana can also be convenient arrival points. EU, Schengen, and visa-exempt travelers should check the current Schengen rules for their nationality. The old center is easy on foot, and buses cover the wider city. A day trip to nearby Slovenia is simple, but carry your passport.
## 3. Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is compact, friendly, and surrounded by scenery that makes even a short bus ride feel like an expedition. In winter, the sky and northern lights are the main attraction; in summer, the sun barely seems to leave.
**My top picks:**
– Take the **Fjellheisen cable car** for a wide view of the city and surrounding islands.
– Book a northern-lights tour with a small group rather than chasing the lights alone.
– Walk around the harbor and visit the **Polaria** center on a rainy afternoon.
– Try a sauna followed by a very cold swim if you’re feeling brave. I was less brave than my friends, but the experience was memorable.
**Best time to go:** October to March for the northern lights and snow; late May to July for the midnight sun and hiking.
**Getting there and around:** Tromsø Airport has connections through Oslo and other Nordic cities. Norway is in the Schengen Area, so visa requirements depend on your passport. The city center is walkable, and buses are reliable. Taxis are expensive, so book them only when you really need one.
## 4. Tignes, France
Tignes is best known as a ski resort, but it has a different personality in summer. The high-altitude landscape is stark, bright, and beautiful, with hiking trails, mountain lakes, and roads that attract cyclists.
**My top picks:**
– Ski or snowboard in winter, but book lessons early during school holidays.
– In summer, hike around **Lac de Tignes** and take the time to sit beside the water.
– Try a guided mountain-bike route if you have experience; the slopes are not gentle.
– Eat regional dishes such as tartiflette and raclette, preferably after a day outside when you’ve earned the calories.
**Best time to go:** December to April for skiing; June to September for hiking and cycling. Some businesses close between seasons.
**Getting there and around:** Geneva, Lyon, and Chambéry are the usual airport choices, followed by a train and mountain transfer. France follows Schengen visa rules. Buses connect the resort villages, but a pre-booked transfer is much easier with luggage.
## 5. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is calmer than Bangkok but never dull. There are temple bells in the morning, excellent northern Thai food at night, and enough cafés and small galleries to fill a relaxed week.
**My top picks:**
– Visit **Wat Chedi Luang** early in the day, before the heat and crowds build.
– Explore the old city on foot, but don’t spend the entire trip inside the walls.
– Eat **khao soi**, the creamy northern curry noodle dish, at a local shop rather than a tourist-focused restaurant.
– Take a trip to **Doi Suthep**, then continue farther into the hills if you have time.
**Best time to go:** November to February is cooler and usually drier. March and April can bring heavy smoke from seasonal burning, so check air-quality reports before traveling.
**Getting there and around:** Chiang Mai International Airport has direct flights from Bangkok and several Asian cities. Visa-free stays and tourist visa rules vary by nationality and change regularly. Songthaews, tuk-tuks, Grab, and rental scooters are common. I’d only rent a scooter if you already ride confidently and have the correct license.
## 6. Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty surprised me with its mix of tree-lined streets, Soviet-era buildings, modern cafés, and enormous mountains visible beyond the city. It feels urban without being exhausting.
**My top picks:**
– Spend an afternoon around **Panfilov Park** and the colorful Zenkov Cathedral.
– Visit the **Green Bazaar** for dried fruit, cheese, bread, and small snacks for the road.
– Take the cable car or a taxi toward **Medeu and Shymbulak** for mountain air and panoramic views.
– Try local dishes such as beshbarmak and manty, but leave room for the excellent bakery and coffee scene.
**Best time to go:** May to June and September to October for comfortable city weather. Winter is good for skiing but can be very cold.
**Getting there and around:** Almaty International Airport has connections through Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, and regional hubs. Visa-free entry is available to many nationalities, but the length of stay differs, so check before departure. Taxis through apps such as Yandex Go are inexpensive and useful. The metro is small but handy for a few central routes.
## 7. Osaka, Japan
Osaka is energetic, informal, and wonderfully food-obsessed. Compared with Tokyo, it feels a little less polished and more straightforward, which is exactly why I enjoy it.
**My top picks:**
– Wander through **Dotonbori** after dark, but eat at smaller side-street places instead of the brightest signs.
– Spend a morning at **Kuromon Market**, arriving early for the freshest seafood and fewer crowds.
– Visit **Osaka Castle**, then explore the surrounding park rather than rushing off after taking a photo.
– Make time for **Shinsekai**, where the atmosphere is older, louder, and more local than the shopping districts.
**Best time to go:** March to May and October to November. Cherry-blossom season is beautiful but expensive and busy.
**Getting there and around:** Kansai International Airport serves Osaka. Japan generally requires a visa or visa exemption depending on your passport, and many travelers must complete online arrival procedures. Trains and subways are excellent. Get an IC transport card, keep your luggage manageable, and avoid rush hour when possible.
## 8. Porto, Portugal
Porto is hilly, tiled, a little weathered, and full of places where you can sit with a coffee or glass of wine longer than planned. The Douro River gives the city its best views, but the side streets are where I found most of its character.
**My top picks:**
– Cross the **Dom Luís I Bridge** on foot, preferably near sunset.
– Wander through Ribeira, then climb away from the river to find quieter streets and ordinary neighborhood cafés.
– Visit **Livraria Lello** only if you really want to see it; otherwise, choose one of Porto’s many less crowded bookshops.
– Take a day trip to the Douro Valley, but compare tours carefully. Smaller groups make the long day much more pleasant.
**Best time to go:** April to June and September to October. Winter can be rainy but often brings better hotel prices.
**Getting there and around:** Porto Airport has many European connections. Portugal follows Schengen visa rules. The metro is easy from the airport, and the center is walkable if you don’t mind hills. Use Bolt or regular taxis for late-night rides.
## 9. Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca is one of those places where the food alone can fill a travel diary. It also has colorful streets, craft villages, mezcal producers, and a strong local identity that deserves more than a quick weekend.
**My top picks:**
– Browse **Benito Juárez Market** and try tlayudas, mole, tamales, and fresh fruit drinks.
– Visit **Monte Albán** early, before the heat becomes intense.
– Spend an afternoon in the textile and craft villages outside the city.
– Take a mezcal tour with a producer who explains the process rather than treating it as a rapid tasting stop.
**Best time to go:** October to May for drier weather. The Day of the Dead period is unforgettable but crowded and expensive.
**Getting there and around:** Oaxaca International Airport has domestic flights and some international connections. Mexico’s entry rules depend on nationality and length of stay; most visitors receive a visitor permit rather than a traditional visa, but confirm the current process. Walk around the center, use taxis or ride-hailing where available, and book day trips through reputable operators.
## 10. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is more than a beach destination. Stone Town’s narrow lanes, old doors, spice markets, and oceanfront evenings give the island a history and personality that you miss if you stay entirely at a resort.
**My top picks:**
– Get lost—carefully—in **Stone Town** during the cooler morning hours.
– Take a spice farm tour, but choose one that supports local growers.
– Visit **Jozani Forest** and learn about the red colobus monkeys.
– Spend a few nights on the east coast for wide beaches and calm mornings, then return to Stone Town for food and history.
**Best time to go:** June to October and December to February. The long rains usually arrive around March to May, though weather patterns can shift.
**Getting there and around:** Zanzibar has an international airport with connections through Nairobi, Doha, Dubai, and Dar es Salaam. Tanzania requires many visitors to arrange a visa online or on arrival, and travelers may need proof of yellow-fever vaccination depending on their route. Pre-arranged transfers are easiest. Taxis are common, while local minibuses are cheaper but slower and less comfortable with luggage.
## Practical Travel Advice
### Getting There and Visa
Visa rules are based on your passport, not simply your country of residence. Before paying for a non-refundable flight, check:
– The destination’s official immigration or embassy website
– Whether you need an e-visa, visa on arrival, or no visa
– Passport validity requirements
– Proof of onward travel, hotel bookings, or funds
– Vaccination and travel insurance requirements
For this group, **Japan, most Schengen countries, Norway, France, Italy, and Portugal** often share related rules for many travelers, but exemptions still vary. China, Tanzania, Mexico, Kazakhstan, and Thailand each have their own systems. Give yourself extra time for e-visas and avoid relying on old blog posts.
Flight prices are usually better when you compare nearby airports. Venice can work for Trieste, Geneva for Tignes, and Bangkok for Chiang Mai. For mountain and island destinations, also price the transfer before booking the flight—the cheapest ticket can become expensive once ground transport is added.
### Where to Stay
– **Sanya:** Yalong Bay for resort comfort; central Sanya for food and lower prices.
– **Trieste:** The old town or Borgo Teresiano for walking access.
– **Tromsø:** Central harbor area for tours and restaurants; quieter neighborhoods for better sleep.
– **Tignes:** Stay close to your lift or shuttle stop. A beautiful remote apartment is less appealing when carrying ski gear.
– **Chiang Mai:** Old City for temples and first visits; Nimman for cafés and nightlife.
– **Almaty:** Around Panfilov Park or the central business district for easy transport.
– **Osaka:** Namba for food and evening energy; Umeda for rail connections.
– **Porto:** Baixa or Cedofeita for a first visit; Vila Nova de Gaia for river views.
– **Oaxaca:** Centro for atmosphere; Jalatlaco for a quieter, colorful stay.
– **Zanzibar:** Stone Town for history, Nungwi or Kendwa for swimming, and the east coast for a slower beach break.
### Getting Around
Most city centers on this list are walkable, though Porto, Almaty, and Tignes include plenty of hills. Trains are excellent in Japan and useful in parts of Europe. Grab, Bolt, Yandex Go, and DiDi can make rides easier, but availability differs by city.
For island, mountain, and countryside trips, arrange transfers ahead of time. Public transport may be cheap, but it can take much longer and may not run late at night.
## Real Costs and Local Tips
These are rough daily budgets per person, excluding international flights. They include a basic private room or simple guesthouse, meals, local transport, and one modest activity.
| Destination | Budget traveler | Mid-range traveler |
|—|—:|—:|
| Sanya | US$35–60 | US$90–180 |
| Trieste | €55–85 | €120–200 |
| Tromsø | NOK 900–1,400 | NOK 2,000–3,500 |
| Tignes | €70–120 | €180–350 |
| Chiang Mai | US$25–45 | US$60–110 |
| Almaty | US$25–45 | US$70–130 |
| Osaka | ¥8,000–13,000 | ¥20,000–35,000 |
| Porto | €45–75 | €110–190 |
| Oaxaca | US$35–65 | US$90–170 |
| Zanzibar | US$40–75 | US$120–250 |
### A few money-saving habits that helped me
– **Eat lunch like a local.** Set meals and market food are usually much better value than dinner in the busiest tourist streets.
– **Book the first night carefully, not the entire trip.** Once you understand the neighborhood, you may find a better area or a cheaper guesthouse.
– **Carry some cash.** Small cafés, buses, markets, and family-run restaurants may not accept cards.
– **Don’t assume a taxi price is fair.** Use a ride-hailing app where possible, or ask your accommodation what a normal fare should be.
– **Travel one week outside peak dates.** A few days around school holidays, festivals, or cherry blossoms can change the cost dramatically.
– **Check what tours include.** Airport transfers, entrance tickets, meals, and equipment are sometimes charged separately.
### Currency and Tipping
Tipping customs vary:
– In **Japan**, tipping is generally not expected and can cause confusion.
– In much of **Europe**, rounding up or leaving around 5–10% for good service is common, but not compulsory.
– In **Thailand**, Mexico, Tanzania, and China, a modest tip is appreciated in tourist-facing restaurants and for guides, though local expectations vary.
– For guides, drivers, and hotel staff, small tips in local currency are usually more useful than foreign coins.
My biggest piece of advice for this 2027 list is simple: choose one place that matches the kind of trip you actually want. If you crave food and city wandering, try Osaka, Oaxaca, Porto, or Chiang Mai. If you want dramatic scenery, look at Tromsø, Tignes, Almaty, or Zanzibar. The destination that looks less famous on a booking page may end up being the one you talk about for years.
KEYWORDS: travel destinations, world travel