What destinations and experiences will inspire travel in 2027? In its new annual report, Expedia Group identifies seven trends that could shape vacationers’ choices, from short escapes to stays inspired by films and TV series. The study draws on responses from 26,000 travelers across 16 countries, as well as search data and social media analysis. Here are the key developments to watch as you plan your next getaway.
Rising Destinations and Indulgent Getaways
Destinations of the Year
Some destinations are seeing a marked uptick in traveler interest. According to Expedia’s flight and accommodation search data, South Lake Tahoe, California, tops the 2027 list, up 195% from the previous period. This American mountain region is followed by Hyogo, Japan (+95%), then Punta del Este, Uruguay (+65%). Sedona, Arizona, rises 55%, while Busan, South Korea, gains 50%. In total, ten destinations make the ranking, including Holbox, Mexico; Perugia, Italy; and Chichester, United Kingdom. Six of them also meet the Smart Travel Health Check criteria, a framework that distinguishes destinations offering rich cultural and natural experiences along with responsible tourism management.
Micro-breaks
Why wait for the main holidays to travel? Micro-breaks, those one-night stays or brief getaways, are expected to appeal to more travelers in 2027. According to Expedia Group’s survey, 79% of respondents plan to book a one-night stay, compared with 83% among Gen Z and millennials. In France, one-night stay searches on Hotels.com rose by nearly 10% in a year. These short trips allow, among other things, celebrating an important event for 34% of respondents, attending a concert, show, or sports competition for 32%, or recharging between two longer journeys for 28%. For 45% of travelers, the main criterion remains finding a good deal.
A Return to Childhood
Adults also crave the carefree spirit of holidays gone by. This trend involves planning trips centered on play, playful activities, and moments shared with loved ones, away from everyday constraints. In total, 57% of travelers say they are likely to book this type of trip in 2027, a share that climbs to 71% among Gen Z and millennials. Motivations are varied: 69% want to experience a day without obligations, 64% want to spend more time with loved ones, and 56% seek a temporary escape from responsibilities. Mentions of carefree adult getaways on social media have also risen by 41% year over year.
Shared Hobbies
Personal passions are also becoming travel determinants. Photography, board games, creative workshops, or antiquing can now shape the choice of vacation rental. According to the study, 68% of travelers plan to travel in 2027 to pursue a hobby or activity they care about. This share reaches 79% among younger generations. For 41% of those interested, the aim is to practice their hobby in a new environment. The same proportion wants to meet or reconnect with people who share their interests. Board games top the activities cited for family or friends’ trips, ahead of photography, antiquing, and creative hobbies.
Unconventional Accommodations and Pop-Culture-Inspired Travel
The Set-Jetting
Films and TV series continue to shape destination choices. This phenomenon, known as set-jetting, involves traveling to a location discovered on screen. Nearly one in five travelers worldwide has already booked a destination after seeing it in a movie or series, according to Expedia Group. In France, the share reaches 30%. For 2027, several productions could reinforce this trend, notably The White Lotus season 4, tied to Cannes and Saint-Tropez, the upcoming season of Emily in Paris, which is slated to pass through Greece and Monaco, or The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, linked to Wellington, New Zealand. Nearly half of the travelers surveyed are already seeking or booking stays in destinations shown in productions that have not yet been released. This share rises to 58% among Gen Z and millennials.
Gothic Getaways
Hotels are no longer merely places to sleep; they can become attractions in their own right. In 2027, Gothic-style properties, castles, and historic buildings are expected to draw travelers seeking a distinctive atmosphere. According to Hotels.com, 65% of those surveyed want to book a Gothic-style hotel, compared with 71% among Gen Z and millennials. More than half of travelers, 56%, already choose an accommodation solely for its aesthetics or ambiance. Searches for castles on Hotels.com rose by 20% in a year. Interest in these stays aligns with a broader appeal for historic places, legends, and dark fantasy worlds.
The Allure of the Hinterland
Today’s latest trend identified by Expedia Group is the appeal of inland destinations, away from the most frequented coastal resorts. Nearly 58% of travelers who stayed in a vacation rental say they visited an inland destination in the past twelve months. Characterful small towns, valued for their historic heritage by 65% of those surveyed, are especially popular. Travelers also seek culture, cuisine, and local arts scenes (32%), want to venture off the beaten path (31%), or avoid crowds (29%). For 27%, more affordable prices than on the coast are also a factor. This trend highlights another way to discover a territory, prioritizing its villages, rural landscapes, and local life over its most famous tourist sites.
These seven trends, presented in Expedia Group’s Horizons 2027 report, reflect a range of travel desires, from new destinations to themed stays and shorter getaways. They are based on an online survey conducted from August 4 to September 1, 2026, with 26,000 adults across 16 countries, complemented by search data and analysis of social media conversations.
