Where St. Johns is Traveling in 2027

​The destinations, experiences, and travel trends already shaping next year’s vacations.

By Vanessa M. Kromer, Luxury Travel Advisor
follow Vanessa on instagram |  @vanessakromermmv
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​After more than 16 years of planning travel, I can usually tell when the tide is beginning to turn. Certain destinations start appearing in conversations more often. Clients begin asking different questions. The wish lists change. And as my St. Johns County clients begin planning and booking their 2027 vacations, some very clear trends are emerging. The biggest one? People still want to travel, and they are willing to invest in incredible trips. But they are becoming much more intentional about how they do it.




FAVORITES

Italy Is Still the Star, But We're Seeing More of It
​- Italy isn't going anywhere.

It remains one of the destinations I book most often, but the way my clients want to experience Italy is changing. First time visitors will always want Rome, Florence and Venice, and they absolutely should. But repeat travelers are ready to venture farther. Northern Italy's lakes, the Tuscan countryside, Umbria, smaller wine regions and lesser known towns are becoming part of the conversation.

I'm also seeing travelers slow their itineraries down. Instead of trying to squeeze four or five Italian cities into one vacation, they may choose two or three locations and really experience them. There is something wonderfully luxurious about unpacking your suitcase and knowing you aren't touching it again tomorrow.


Africa Is Moving From “Someday” to “Let's Go”!

For years, an African safari was the trip people told me they wanted to take “someday.” Someday is apparently 2027. Interest in Africa continues to grow, particularly among travelers looking for a major milestone trip or an experience completely different from their previous vacations. And luxury safari travel may surprise people who still picture it as roughing it in the wilderness. Today's high-end safari lodges can offer beautiful suites, exceptional dining, private plunge pools, spa experiences and extraordinary service, all surrounded by some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing in the world.

South Africa is especially compelling because it allows travelers to combine safari with Cape Town and the Winelands. It is adventure, food, wine, scenery and luxury all wrapped into one journey.


River Cruising Is Having a Moment

European river cruising remains one of the most requested travel styles among my clients, and I expect that momentum to continue into 2027.

It makes sense. You can wake up in a different European destination without packing your suitcase every two days. Smaller ships travel directly into cities and towns, making it easy to explore Europe while keeping one comfortable home base. The Rhine and Danube remain classics, while seasonal sailings through the Netherlands and Belgium, Christmas market cruises and wine-focused itineraries are giving travelers even more reasons to consider the rivers. For people who love Europe but are tired of navigating trains, transfers and multiple hotels, river cruising can be a wonderful alternative.

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​France Beyond Paris; Paris will always be Paris.

​But I’m seeing more travelers ask, “Where should we go after Paris?” That is where France gets really interesting Alsace, Champagne, Provence, Bordeaux, Burgundy and the French countryside offer entirely different experiences, and pairing Paris with one additional region can completely transform a vacation. Rather than visiting Paris and immediately hopping to another country, travelers are beginning to give France more time.
And that is a trend I love.

This may be the most important shift I am seeing for 2027. More travelers are asking for fewer hotel changes, longer stays, and better experiences.

• They want the beautiful hotel.
• They want the private guide who can open doors they would never find on their own.
• They want the winery lunch that lasts three hours.
• They want an afternoon with absolutely nothing scheduled.
• They are beginning to understand something seasoned travelers learn eventually: more isn’t always better.

Five countries in ten days might look impressive on paper, but it doesn’t necessarily create a better vacation. Sometimes luxury is simply having enough time.

​WHERE IS VANESSA TRAVELING NEXT?

​Part of being a travel advisor is continuing to experience destinations firsthand. Over the next several months, I'll be heading back to Europe and making my way to Africa, researching hotels, experiences, and destinations along the way.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | PARIS + STRASBOURG, FRANCE
I'm returning to Paris before heading east to Strasbourg and the Alsace region, with time dedicated to luxury hotels, local experiences, food, wine and exploring another side of France beyond Paris.

JANUARY 2027 | SOUTH AFRICA
Next up is a luxury South African safari, paired with time in Cape Town and the Winelands. I'll be experiencing luxury safari lodges firsthand along with one of the destination combinations I'm most excited about for 2027.

APRIL 2027 | ITALY
Of course, Italy is back on the calendar. This trip will take me through Lake Maggiore, Tuscany, Florence, and Milan, with a focus on luxury and boutique hotels, local experiences, and some of the regions I'm increasingly recommending for travelers ready to see more of Italy.

Follow along as I experience these destinations firsthand and bring the very best discoveries home to my St. Johns County travelers.