At the "Ask an Editor in Chief" panel in London, Travel + Leisure editors from around the world named five places they believe are worth visiting in the next two years. Puerto Rico, Puglia, Peru, mainland China and Nepal found themselves in the spotlight not by chance: each is experiencing a moment when a return to roots combines with new opportunities for travelers.
Puerto Rico, according to the editor of the Spanish and Mexican editions, Luis Meyer, is entering a "special moment." Locals are increasingly turning to their own traditions — not only in music, but also in cuisine, architecture and everyday culture. This is not mere nostalgia, but a deliberate choice in favor of authenticity in the face of mass tourism.
Puglia has long been in the spotlight, yet the editor of the Italian edition, Federico de Cesare Viola, is certain that the region's influence will only grow. It combines hospitality, landscapes and top-quality wines, while new hotels such as Vista Ostuni offer additional reasons for a trip. Peru earns praise from the editor for the same things — the diversity of produce, wine and cuisine — and Travel + Leisure editor-in-chief Jacqui Gifford adds an interest in history and the hope of visiting Machu Picchu.
Mainland China and Nepal were the choices of the editor of the Asian edition, Jennine Lee-St. John. China has eased its visa regime, while luxury hotels and wine regions cater to increasingly sophisticated local travelers. In Nepal, a growing network of boutique hotels — from safari lodges to mountain camps — helps organize a route across the whole country: from the valleys to the Himalayas.
Behind all the recommendations lies a common principle: the editors are looking not simply for beautiful views, but for places where hotels and communities work together. They highlight projects that support local residents and want to understand why service remains at a high level. In 2026–2027, these destinations offer exactly that balance — between a return to roots and new comforts for those ready to travel deeper.
