- Expedia revealed its Unpack 27 travel trends report.
- South Lake Tahoe recorded a 195pc search increase.
- Trip Snacking sees one-night stay searches up nearly 10pc.
- 50pc of travellers booked a hotel for its atmosphere or aesthetic.
- 78pc are likely to take a hobby-focused trip in 2027.
Expedia Group has revealed its Unpack 27 travel trends drawing on first-party insight from Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo alongside global traveller research and social listening. The report identifies 2027 Destinations of the Year using real search data to track where traveller interest is climbing. South Lake Tahoe in California recorded a 195pc increase followed by Hyogo in Japan at 95pc and Punta del Este in Uruguay at 65pc.
The report highlights trends including Un-Adulting for travellers reclaiming child-like joy with getaways built around play and spontaneity. Trip Snacking sees travellers fitting more frequent bite-sized breaks into busy lives with searches for one-night stays up nearly 10pc year over year. Gothic Getaways see 50pc of travellers having booked a hotel specifically for its atmosphere or aesthetic.
Hobby Hubs reflect travellers planning trips around passions with 78pc likely to take a hobby-focused trip in 2027. Heartland Hideouts show growth in interest for landlocked destinations with searches rising for Bentonville Arkansas at 140pc and Deadwood South Dakota at 120pc. Set-Jetting continues with nearly one in five travellers having booked a trip after seeing a destination in a TV show or movie.
Ariane Gorin shared “Travel is about creating memories and Unpack 27 uncovers the destinations and experiences shaping those moments. In 2027, travellers are being more intentional in choosing their next adventure, seeking experiences that are more personal and purposeful to them.”
