Which destinations should be explored in 2027 before they become too well known? Answering that question is Intrepid Travel’s “Not Hot List,” the annual selection that identifies ten places that are less frequented but ready to welcome new visitors. The list draws on the opinions of local leaders and destination experts, complemented by external research that evaluates the number of visitors, tourism readiness, and new initiatives.
The aim is to identify places where growth in responsible tourism can have a meaningful impact on local communities. Unfortunately, the list contains no Italian destinations.
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
At the top of the “Not Hot List” is the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya, a destination still less known than the country’s more famous safari areas. Tourism here can contribute to nature conservation and to supporting local communities, offering travelers the chance to experience wildlife in a quieter setting with fewer vehicles. The reserve is therefore recommended for those who want to get closer to wildlife in a less crowded environment.
The 10 destinations on the “Not Hot List”
Among the destinations on the list, after the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya, the second place goes to Mestia in Georgia, the gateway to the Caucasus thanks to improved accessibility and investments in tourism. This destination is increasingly appealing in every season thanks to opportunities for hiking, skiing and outdoor activities, set amidst vast mountain landscapes and traditional villages.
The Northern Highlands in Jordan grab the third position and present a lesser-known, greener face of the country, with Roman ruins, forest reserves and mountain trails. They expand the tourism offering beyond the usual itineraries that feature Petra and the Wadi Rum.
In fourth place is Whitehorse, in Yukon, Canada, which, thanks to an innovative tourism initiative, is becoming the beating heart for cultural, nature and adventure experiences managed directly by the local community in the Yukon.
Among the Greek islands, Alonnisos ranks fifth. It is characterized by turquoise waters and a calmer atmosphere compared with the more frequented destinations in the Aegean.
In sixth place is Dili in Timor-Leste. The capital, supported by new flight connections, serves as a gateway to a country still relatively little visited in Southeast Asia. Here, amid pristine coral reefs and majestic mountain ranges, there is a nation waiting to be discovered.
The Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka enters the list at seventh place. Thanks to new international flights, simpler visa rules and a strategy of responsible tourism, this recently established trail allows for slow travel through the hill regions, highlighting landscapes and local communities through a responsible approach.
In Europe, Liepāja in Latvia takes the eighth place. The Baltic Sea city will be the European Capital of Culture in 2027. It combines white-sand beaches, cultural heritage and military history, offering an alternative to the better-known Riga.
In South America, Chile’s Carretera Austral earns the ninth place. This incredible 1,240-kilometer route crosses Chilean Patagonia, with fjords, glaciers and lush rainforests.
Finally in Sweden, Dalsland is in tenth place, captivating visitors as the “land of lakes,” now more accessible thanks to a new rail link, and for the nature experiences it offers—from kayaking and hiking to camping and off-road trekking.
