(Image: Googlee Maps)
Escapism, adventure and a touch of nostalgia are set to shape the way we travel, according to a new travel trends report.
Expedia and Hotels.com have launched their latest travel trends report, Unpack '27: The Trends in Travel, revealing the top destinations and emerging travel behaviours expected to define 2027.
The report combines first-party data, a survey of 26,000 travellers and social listening to identify a shift towards more intentional, personalised journeys.
Ariane Gorin, chief executive 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.
"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."
Among the fastest-growing destinations globally, Chichester in the UK featured on Expedia’s 2027 Destinations of the Year list, alongside South Lake Tahoe in California, Hyogo in Japan, and Punta del Este in Uruguay.
The report highlights the growing appeal of “Un-Adulting” getaways—child-free escapes packed with playful, nostalgic activities.
More than half of travellers (57%) said they are likely to book such a trip in 2027, rising to 711% among Gen Z and Millennials.
British travellers described these experiences as "having fun and enjoying a carefree day out" (74%), a way to spend "quality time with loved ones" (64 per cent), and a break from "everyday responsibilities" (60%).
Hotels.com identified a surge in “Trip Snacking”—short, one-night stays designed to fit around busy schedules and limited budgets.
Nearly eight in 10 travellers (79%) plan to book a one-night stay in the coming year, with numbers rising to 83% among younger generations.
For British travellers, top reasons for these mini-breaks include attending concerts or sporting events (49%), celebrating milestones (42%), or simply needing a quick reset (23%).
Atmosphere is becoming increasingly important, with 56% of travellers booking hotels for their atmosphere or aesthetic appeal.
A growing number (65%) are specifically interested in “Gothic Getaways”—dramatic, moody stays featuring neo-Gothic architecture, castles and dark, immersive interiors.
These experiences are especially popular among Gen Z and Millennials, with 71% expressing interest.
Social media mentions of Gothic architecture and travel have risen by 38%, and global demand for castle properties on Hotels.com has grown by 20%.
Film and television continue to influence the way we travel, with nearly one in five travellers booking trips to destinations featured on screen.
UK respondents reported spending an average of £600 on these “Set-Jetting” trips, with the figure rising to £629 for those travelling with children.
Recommended reading
- Ryanair to introduce new airport check-in rule from November
- Major UK airport change means you won't need to show passport
- I visited UK's best beach, Folkestone, Is it worth the hype?
New seasons, sequels and franchise extensions mean that this travel trend is likely to continue well into 2027.
Almost half of travellers surveyed said they had researched or booked trips to locations from upcoming shows or films, a figure that jumps to 58% among younger travellers.
Expedia’s 2027 trend report paints a picture of travel that is increasingly playful, purposeful and influenced by the worlds of entertainment and design.