Expedia Group has revealed the top trending holiday destinations for 2027, with South Lake Tahoe in California, Hyogo in Japan and Punta del Este in Uruguay leading the list. The global marketplace analysed flight and accommodation search data to identify where traveller interest is growing fastest.
Between 1 September 2025 and 27 July 2026, compared with the same period a year earlier, searches for South Lake Tahoe jumped by 195%. The resort city in the Sierra Nevada mountains is described as ideal for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering skiing and hiking trails. Hyogo in Japan saw searches climb 95% for second place, while Punta del Este in Uruguay – often called the 'Monaco of South America' – secured third with a 65% rise.
Other destinations in the top 10
Sedona, Arizona, USA (up 55%), Busan, South Korea (up 50%) and Holbox, Mexico (up 45%) also feature. Perugia, Italy (up 35%), The Tweed in New South Wales, Australia (up 35%), Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada (up 35%) and Chichester, UK (up 30%) complete the list.
The findings come from the 'Unpack'27: The Trends in Travel' report by Expedia and Hotels.com, which details destinations and travel behaviours expected to shape the year ahead.
Key travel trends for 2027
The report surveyed 26,000 respondents worldwide, including 2,000 from the UK, all of whom have travelled before and plan to do so within three years. Adults from 16 countries took part, including the UK, USA, New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Denmark, France, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Norway and Sweden.
Trends identified include 'Un-Adulting', with 57% saying they are likely to book an over-18s trip to an amusement park next year, rising to 71% among Gen Z and Millennials. For UK travellers, the main reasons are having fun (74%), spending time with loved ones (64%) and escaping everyday pressures (60%).
'Trip Snacking' reflects a rise in one-night stays, with searches on Hotels.com for Thursday-to-Sunday stays up nearly 10% year-on-year. Some 79% of travellers plan a one-night stay in the coming year, rising to 83% among Gen Z and Millennials. Motivations include attending events (49%), marking milestones (42%) and taking a break between holidays (23%).
'Gothic Getaways' appeal to 65% of respondents, rising to 71% among younger groups. Among UK travellers, 54% are keen on Gothic-style hotels, with 51% favouring historic properties. Also, 41% are drawn to destinations linked to folklore or the supernatural, and 40% appreciate dramatic architecture.
Finally, 'The 2027 Set-Jetting Forecast' shows searches for Monaco soared by over 120% in the 30 days after Emily in Paris season six was confirmed to film there. Some 18% have booked a trip after seeing a destination on screen, and 46% have researched or booked trips to locations in unreleased shows or films, rising to 58% among Gen Z and Millennials. UK respondents would spend an average of £600 to visit a set location, rising to £629 for those with children.
Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin 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.”
