The Bird’s Word Blog

Places & Experiences For Your Travel Style, Recommended by Adventure Specialists

When we asked our team what travel experiences they’d recommend for 2027, the conversation quickly moved beyond country names to particular places and activities. Traveling by riverboat through Borneo’s rainforest to see orangutans. Spending time with farming communities in Peru’s Sacred Valley. Exploring South Korea’s mountains and coast. These are the kinds of experiences that make us curious about a place and eager to explore it.

After nearly 50 years of helping people plan their travels, we’ve come to appreciate how personal the idea of adventure really is. Your interests, abilities, travel experience, and expectations all shape what makes a trip rewarding. At Journeys, we often talk about finding that sweet spot just beyond your comfort zone, where trying something unfamiliar can lead to new perspectives, meaningful discoveries, and personal growth. What that looks like is different for everyone, and it may even change from one trip to the next.

With that in mind, we’ve put together 13 recommendations for 2027 that reflect a wide range of interests and approaches to adventure. Rather than simply suggesting destinations, we’re highlighting specific experiences we think are worth considering, along with Journeys sample itineraries that can help you explore the possibilities for an adventure that fits you.

#1: Travel by Riverboat to See Orangutans in Borneo, Indonesia

In Indonesian Borneo, the journey to see orangutans begins aboard a klotok, a traditional wooden riverboat that will be your home for several nights in Tanjung Puting National Park. As you navigate the Sekonyer River, watch the trees for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and other rainforest wildlife. The expert guide will help you spot animals that can be surprisingly difficult to see among the vegetation.

The highlight is a visit to Camp Leakey, an orangutan research and conservation center established in 1971. Here, you can observe orangutans, including at supplemental feeding stations, and learn about the challenges of protecting them and their remaining habitat. The riverboat has an air-conditioned cabin, but you’ll still experience Borneo’s tropical heat, humidity, and insects during excursions. For travelers who have long wanted to observe orangutans in their natural environment, it’s a remarkable opportunity.

Recommended itinerary: Apes, Arts, and Dragons combines Borneo’s orangutans with Komodo dragons and cultural experiences elsewhere in Indonesia.

#2: Explore South Korea’s Mountains and Coast Around Sokcho

South Korea has much to offer beyond Seoul and Busan. On the northeastern coast, Sokcho sits between the East Sea and Seoraksan National Park, making it an excellent base for combining mountain exploration with time along the water. You can take the cable car toward Gwongeumseong for panoramic views of Seoraksan’s granite peaks, or choose from hiking trails that lead through forests, past Buddhist temples, and toward mountain waterfalls.

There’s plenty worth exploring along the coast, too. In nearby Gangneung, Haslla Art World is an unusual combination of contemporary art galleries and outdoor sculptures overlooking the sea. Elsewhere in the country, Danyang’s 1.2-kilometer Danyanggang Jando Trail follows a cliff face above the Namhan River. We particularly recommend South Korea for travelers who enjoy independent exploration, walking, regional food, and a mix of city and countryside experiences, all supported by well-developed travel infrastructure.

Recommended itinerary: Discover South Korea offers a customizable starting point. Ask an Adventure Specialist about incorporating Sokcho, Seoraksan National Park, and Danyang.

#3: Learn Traditional Farming and Weaving in Peru’s Sacred Valley

Machu Picchu is certainly a priority for most explorers, but some of our favorite experiences in Peru take place among the villages and agricultural communities of the Sacred Valley. Near Lamay, visit Viacha, where local farmers share their knowledge of cultivating potatoes and other Andean crops at elevations where farming requires considerable skill. Farther into the mountains, communities in the Lares region are known for their textile traditions, with skilled weavers creating intricate designs using techniques passed down through generations.

These encounters are part of a lodge-based itinerary that also includes Inca archaeological sites, mountain trails, and a traditional pachamanca meal cooked with hot stones in an earth oven. One feature we particularly appreciate is the choice between more demanding hikes and cultural alternatives on several days. It allows travelers with different interests and hiking abilities to share an adventure without necessarily doing the same activities every day.

Recommended itinerary: Hiking Sacred Inca Paths combines Andean community visits, flexible hiking options, comfortable mountain lodges, and Machu Picchu.

#4: Search for Polar Bears, Walruses, and Whales in Svalbard, Norway

Svalbard is one of those places where the wildlife determines much of the day’s excitement. An expedition ship takes you among the fjords, glaciers, and islands of this Norwegian archipelago, high above the Arctic Circle. With naturalist guides, you’ll search for polar bears, walruses, Arctic foxes, reindeer, whales, and seabirds. Summer brings nearly continuous daylight, allowing more time to explore and observe the animals.

Excursions might include traveling by Zodiac along a glacier front, walking across the tundra, or watching wildlife from the ship. The itinerary changes according to sea ice, weather, and conditions on the ground, and specific landings or sightings can never be promised. Travelers who appreciate natural history and are happy to let the day’s circumstances influence the plan often find expedition travel especially rewarding. There’s considerable satisfaction in witnessing an unexpected wildlife encounter after spending time learning where and how to look.

Recommended itinerary: Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway is an 11-day expedition focused on Arctic wildlife and natural history.

#5: Discover Rural Bhutan in the Haa Valley

Most first-time visitors to Bhutan explore Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, but we recommend considering an extension into the Haa Valley in western Bhutan. Opened to international visitors in 2002, Haa receives fewer travelers than the country’s better-known valleys, and its farming communities, traditional architecture, and religious sites offer much to explore.

The drive from Paro crosses the high mountain pass of Chele La before descending into a valley of cultivated fields, forested hills, and traditional homes. Visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo, known as the White and Black Temples, and spend time exploring villages and learning about the agricultural and Buddhist traditions that shape community life. Haa is particularly interesting for travelers who want to understand Bhutan beyond its celebrated monasteries, with time for local encounters and walks in the surrounding countryside.

Recommended itinerary: Start with Views, Valleys, and Visions, and add a day to explore the Haa Valley.

#6: Learn to Make Traditional Amazigh Stuffed Bread in Morocco

One of the pleasures of traveling in Morocco is discovering how its food varies from region to region. Near Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara, we recommend learning to make medfouna, a traditional stuffed flatbread sometimes called “Berber pizza.” Unlike conventional pizza, the filling is enclosed inside the dough before baking, with recipes commonly featuring seasoned meat, onions, herbs, and spices.

Preparing the dish with a local cook provides a hands-on introduction to the culinary traditions of the area’s Amazigh communities. It’s also an opportunity to spend time together over a shared activity, learning about ingredients and methods that might not be familiar. Later, you can travel by camel into the dunes of Erg Chebbi and spend the night at a desert camp. The following morning, the changing light across the sand is reason enough to rise early.

Recommended itinerary: Morocco Through the Senses includes the cooking experience, local cultural visits, and an overnight stay in the Sahara.

#7: Ride with an Andean Cowboy Near Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Many travelers think first of the Galápagos Islands when planning a trip to Ecuador, but the mainland offers a great deal worth exploring. In the volcanic highlands near Cotopaxi National Park, you can experience the landscape on horseback with a traditional Andean cowboy, known as a chagra.

Starting from a historic hacienda, you’ll ride across the grasslands surrounding Rumiñahui Volcano with a local guide who shares knowledge of traditional horsemanship and highland ranching life. On clear days, Cotopaxi’s snow-covered summit provides a dramatic backdrop, and you may encounter wild horses or Andean birds along the way. The ride lasts approximately two hours, although longer options can be arranged on other itineraries. It’s worth discussing your riding experience and comfort with high elevations when planning.

Recommended itinerary: Ultimate Ecuador: Galapagos, Andes, and Amazon offers chagra horseback riding as an activity choice, along with exploration of the Amazon rainforest and Galápagos Islands.

#8: Explore Vietnam’s Mountain Villages and Traditional Crafts in Mai Chau

A few hours west of Hanoi, the mountain landscape around Mai Chau offers an opportunity to experience rural Vietnam at a different pace. We recommend staying at Avana Retreat, where forested hills, rice fields, and waterfalls surround a comfortable base for exploring the countryside.

One guided walk follows quiet paths through agricultural villages, while a longer hike leads past fields of rice and corn to nearby Thai communities. Along the way, you can visit a family home and learn about local customs and daily life. At the retreat, activities include rattan basket weaving and a small museum housed in a traditional stilt house. Between excursions, there’s time to enjoy the gardens, waterfalls, and mountain setting. It’s a particularly appealing way to combine walking and cultural visits with a few days of relaxation during a longer Vietnam trip.

Recommended itinerary: Vivid Vietnam includes a stay at Avana Retreat, along with visits to Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, and other regions.

#9: See the Serengeti from Above and Meet the Hadzabe in Tanzania

Most wildlife viewing in the Serengeti takes place from a safari vehicle. A sunrise hot-air balloon flight offers an entirely different perspective. You’ll depart before dawn and rise above the grasslands as the sun begins to illuminate the plains, watching for giraffes, elephants, antelope, and herds moving below. Sightings depend on the season and flight route, but even without a major wildlife encounter, the views reveal the scale of the Serengeti in a way that’s difficult to appreciate from the ground.

We also recommend including time near Lake Eyasi, where locally guided visits with members of the Hadzabe community offer opportunities to learn about traditional hunting, tracking, and foraging. The Hadzabe maintain an extensive knowledge of their environment, and spending time with community members provides a perspective on northern Tanzania that goes well beyond its famous national parks.

Recommended itinerary: Karibu, Tanzania! includes the Serengeti and Lake Eyasi, with a hot-air balloon safari available as an optional addition.

#10: Experience Nepal’s Himalayan Culture Without a Major Trek

Nepal is rightly celebrated for its trekking routes, but you don’t need to undertake a strenuous mountain expedition to appreciate its scenery and cultural heritage. Dhulikhel, a traditional Newar town east of Kathmandu, offers a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding countryside, with views toward the Himalayas on clear days.

Walk through the town’s narrow streets, visit nearby temples and Buddhist monasteries, or take a guided hike through neighboring villages. The routes can be adjusted to accommodate different walking abilities and interests. Nearby Bhaktapur is also worth exploring, with historic squares, intricate woodcarving, pottery workshops, and traditional architecture. Together, these places offer an introduction to Nepal’s religious and artistic traditions without the physical demands of a multi-day Himalayan trek.

Recommended itinerary: Nepal Namaste! combines Dhulikhel and the Kathmandu Valley with wildlife exploration in Chitwan National Park.

#11: Explore Mulu’s Limestone Caves and Rainforest Rivers in Malaysia

In Malaysian Borneo, Gunung Mulu National Park protects an enormous network of limestone caves surrounded by tropical rainforest. The UNESCO World Heritage Site offers some fascinating opportunities to explore underground, with enormous chambers, unusual rock formations, and one of the park’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles.

A forest walkway leads to Deer Cave, where you can explore the cavern before watching for the evening bat exodus. When conditions are favorable, huge streams of bats emerge from the cave and spread across the sky in search of food. Another excursion takes you by longboat along the Melinau River to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave, with a stop at a Penan community settlement along the way. Much of the main cave exploration uses established paths and boardwalks, though there are plenty of steps and the rainforest environment is hot and humid.

Recommended itinerary: Discover Malaysian Borneo includes Mulu’s caves and river excursions alongside wildlife and cultural visits elsewhere in Sarawak and Sabah.

#12: Follow the Silk Road to Kashgar in Western China

For travelers interested in the history of the Silk Road, Kashgar offers an opportunity to explore one of its important historic trading centers. Located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region near Central Asia, the city reflects a cultural history quite different from that of eastern China, particularly in its food, Islamic traditions, and regional craftsmanship.

With a knowledgeable guide, explore Kashgar’s markets and historical sites while learning about the city’s role in centuries of trade and the substantial changes it has undergone in more recent times. Try regional specialties such as hand-pulled noodles, grilled kebabs, and freshly baked flatbread. Beyond Kashgar, the Karakoram Highway leads toward Karakul Lake and Tashkurgan, passing through striking mountain scenery beneath peaks such as Muztagh Ata. This is a region that rewards curiosity about history and cultural complexity, and one where an informed local guide is especially valuable.

Recommended itinerary: Tashkurgan & Karakul Lake is a four-day extension from Kashgar that can be incorporated into a longer western China adventure.

#13: Attend the Mount Hagen Cultural Show in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is home to hundreds of languages and an extraordinary diversity of cultural traditions. Each August, the Mount Hagen Show brings together groups from across the country for sing-sing performances featuring traditional music, dance, and elaborate ceremonial adornments.

The variety is astonishing. Participants wear feathered headdresses, shell ornaments, and distinctive face and body paint that reflect the identities and traditions of their communities. Traveling with experienced local guides allows you to learn about the participating groups and the significance of their performances. We recommend combining the festival with visits to Highlands communities and the Sepik River region, where local artists are known for their woodcarving and other traditional crafts.

Papua New Guinea also illustrates why it’s important to choose an adventure that suits you. Transportation can be complicated, infrastructure is limited in some areas, and flexibility is essential. For travelers particularly interested in cultural learning and comfortable with these realities, it offers experiences that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Recommended itinerary: Mt. Hagen Show Tour Vista combines the festival with cultural visits in the Highlands and Sepik River region.

Find the Right Adventure for You in 2027

We could have chosen 13 entirely different experiences for this list, and they might have been just as compelling. Different experiences speak to different travelers, and the best trip is the one tailored to your travel goals.

Perhaps you’re ready to explore a place unlike anywhere you’ve been before. Or maybe you’d like to return to a familiar destination with a different focus, spending more time with local people, trying a new activity, or exploring beyond the places you’ve already visited. There’s no particular distance you need to travel or level of difficulty you need to achieve to make an adventure worthwhile.

At Journeys International, our Adventure Specialists help you work through those choices, drawing on decades of destination experience and relationships with local guides and partners. We can begin with one of the sample itineraries on our website, adjust it to your interests and needs, or explore options in destinations we haven’t published. We’ll also help you understand the practical considerations, including activity levels, travel conditions, accommodations, and the best seasons for particular experiences.

If you’re considering travel in 2027, we’d welcome the chance to hear what interests you and help you explore the possibilities.

Connect with an Adventure Specialist using the form below to discuss your travel plans and request a customized trip proposal: