Alexandria, VA – As I write this article, I am sailing on the Douro River onboard AMAWaterways enjoying the Douro Valley in Portugal. I had to see for myself why Portugal is one of the hottest destinations this year and a stronger destination for travelers in 2027.
Portugal seems to have it all – mountain trails, wineries, historic architecture, sandy beaches, and centuries of culture all within the same country. You can even drive across Portugal in a day. There is also great value here for money compared to pricier Western European destinations like France or Italy.
My Portuguese journey began in Lisbon with a 3-night stay at the Intercontinental Lisbon to explore the enchanting neighborhoods, historic monuments, and delicious Portuguese cuisine. One of the tours I highly recommend to travelers for the first time to Lisbon is to book a “Tuk Tuk” Tour with a private driver and guide. This is a terrific overview of the highlights, attractions, and history of Lisbon. After a few days in Lisbon, we traveled to Porto by motor coach (approximately 3 hours) to embark our riverboat through the valley. Note: Trains in Portugal are easier and faster than the highways when visiting a variety of cities.
Porto is not to be missed; it is known for wine, almonds, and olives, and there are plenty to be savored. In the 18th century, production of wine began in Porto with the Romans who brought the vines with them to the Douro Valley. Religious orders moved into this region and over the centuries signed treaties began between Portugal and UK. Then the export of port wine began. A lesser-known fact, the Douro Valley now has a Port Institute. The scenery along the banks of the valley is breathtaking, and I have to say it is one of the most beautiful regions of Europe I have ever visited.
If you are considering travel to Portugal, consider Lisbon (the capital, and its most-visited city), Porto (known for the Ribeira district and Dom Luís I Bridge views over the Douro), and the Algarve (cliffside beaches, fishing villages, golf resorts).
Other Destinations on the Hot List for 2027:
Japan welcomed a record number of international visitors in 2026 and is consistently ranked in the top three outbound destinations booked by travelers worldwide, with Tokyo and Osaka drawing especially high demand. The pull is the mix of ancient tradition with futuristic city life — temples and gardens next to neon and tech.
South Korea continues to benefit from the global popularity of Korean culture, entertainment, and cuisine. K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean food have all built a huge global fanbase that converts into travel.
Madrid took the #1 most popular European destination in 2026, beating out Paris — praised by city officials for its culture, openness and quality of life.
Italy dominates every list to include villages/cities like Verona, Burano, Sicily, Sardinia, and the Amalfi Coast.
Slovenia and Madeira are less crowded, beautiful destinations and both are getting attention as greener, more sustainable alternatives to the big-name capitals.
Other countries that never lose popularity are Germany, Spain, France, Belgium, Greece, Scotland, and Finland.
Top US Destinations
- Grand Canyon, AZ – U.S. News & World Report ranks it the #1 place to visit in the U.S. for 2026; go spring or early fall to dodge summer crowds and heat.
- Yellowstone, WY – geothermal features and wildlife watching
- Yosemite, CA – waterfalls, granite cliffs, and giant sequoias
Other Trends in Travel Destinations
- Solo Travel – Japan, Iceland, and New Zealand
- Sustainable Travel – Galapagos, Costa Rica, and Austria
- Wellness Travel – Bali, Switzerland, and Arizona
For travel expertise and recommendations, contact Anita Carson at [email protected]
