The hottest holiday destinations for 2027 feature South Lake Tahoe in California, Hyogo in Japan and Punta del Este in Uruguay, according to Expedia Group.
Flight and accommodation search data from the global marketplace has been analysed to pinpoint where traveller interest is soaring. Between 1 September 2025 to 27 July 2026, and from 1 September 2024 to 27 July 2025, searches for "South Lake Tahoe" in California, USA, surged by 195%.
Top destinations revealed
Hailed as ideal for thrill-seekers and outdoor lovers, the resort city nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains provides numerous activities including skiing and picturesque hiking routes. Taking second place in the top 10 is Hyogo in Japan, with searches climbing 95%, while Punta del Este, Uruguay secured third spot, with searches rising 65%.
These locations feature in Expedia and Hotels.com's Unpack '27: The Trends in Travel report, which outlines the destinations and travel patterns anticipated to define the coming year.
Additional spots in the top 10 comprise Sedona, Arizona, USA (up 55%), Busan, South Korea (up 50%) and Holbox, Mexico (up 45%). Alongside Perugia, Italy (up 35%), The Tweed, New South Wales, Australia (up 35%), Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada (up 35%) and Chichester, UK (up 30%) also making the list.
Travel trends for 2027
Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group, said: "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."
Beyond incorporating search data, the report from the global marketplace surveyed 26,000 worldwide participants, including 2,000 from the UK, who have previously holidayed and plan to do so within the next three years. Participants from 16 nations took part - including the UK, USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Norway and Sweden.
Both the research and search data were used to determine 2027 travel trends, including the '2027 Destinations of the Year', 'Un-Adulting', 'Trip Snacking', 'Gothic Getaways' and 'The 2027 Set-Jetting Forecast'.
Traveller behaviours and forecasts
'Un-Adulting' emerged as 57% are "likely" to book an over 18s trip to an amusement park next year, with this figure rising to 71% among Gen Z and Millennials. For UK travellers particularly, these excursions centre around having a laugh and relishing a worry-free day out (74%) and spending precious time with their partner, mates or other cherished ones (64%). Escaping from daily duties (60%) also plays a part.
The pattern of 'Trip Snacking' emerges as searches through Hotels.com for single-night bookings between Thursday and Sunday rose by almost 10% over the past 12 months compared to the previous 12-month period. The poll revealed that 79% of travellers are planning to book a one-night stay in the coming year, with this figure rising to 83% among Gen Z and Millennials. This surge in popularity is due to wanting to attend concerts, shows and sporting events (49%), to celebrate life milestones (42%) and wanting a break between 'normal' holidays (23%).
The 'Gothic Getaways' emerged as 65% revealed they're specifically interested in booking a Gothic-style hotel in 2027 – rising to 71% among Gen Z and Millennials. With 56% having booked hotels specifically for the atmosphere or aesthetic previously. Among the 54% of UK travellers interested in booking a Gothic-style hotel in 2027, 51% prefer historic hotels, castles, or properties with a rich past. In addition, 41% enjoy destinations associated with folklore, legends or the supernatural and 40% find the dramatic architecture and visual atmosphere of Gothic-style hotels appealing.
Finally, 'The 2027 Set-Jetting Forecast' comes as searches for Monaco spiked by more than 120% in the 30 days after Emily in Paris season six was confirmed to be filming there. It emerged that 18% have booked a trip to a destination after seeing it featured on television or in films. And 46% of those who watch TV or films have researched or booked trips to places featured in yet-to-be-released shows and films - rising to 58% among Gen Z and Millennials. On average, UK respondents would spend £600 to visit a set location – increasing to £629 for those with children.
Ariane Gorin added: "We're making it easier to discover, plan, and book the right trip, so travellers can spend less time managing the details and more time enjoying the moments that matter."
