The top trending travel destinations for 2027 according to Expedia – and one UK location features among the top holiday spots
Discover the top bucket list destinations for 2027(Image: Getty Images)
The hottest holiday destinations for 2027 include South Lake Tahoe in California, Hyogo in Japan and Punta del Este in Uruguay, according to Expedia Group.
The global marketplace has analysed flight and accommodation search data to pinpoint where traveller interest is soaring. Between 1 September 2025 and 27 July 2026, compared to 1 September 2024 to 27 July 2025, searches for “South Lake Tahoe” in California, USA, jumped by 195%.
The resort city nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains is described as ideal for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from skiing to picturesque hiking trails. Coming in second place is Hyogo in Japan, with searches climbing 95%, while Punta del Este, Uruguay secured third spot, with searches rising 65%.
The destinations form part of Expedia and Hotels.com’s “Unpack’27: The Trends in Travel” report, which details the destinations and travel behaviours expected to shape the year ahead.
Other locations making the top 10 include Sedona, Arizona, USA (up 55%), Busan, South Korea (up 50%) and Holbox, Mexico (up 45%). 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 made the list.
CEO of Expedia Group 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.”
The report from the global marketplace also surveyed 26,000 respondents worldwide, including 2,000 from the UK, all of whom have previously been on holiday and plan to do so within the next 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.
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’.
‘Un-Adulting’ emerged as a standout trend, with 57% saying they are “likely” to book an over 18s trip to an amusement park next year, a figure that climbs to 71% amongst Gen Z and Millennials.
For UK travellers in particular, these trips are all about having fun and enjoying a carefree day out (74%) and spending quality time with their partner, friends or other loved ones (64%). Escaping the pressures of everyday responsibilities (60%) also plays a significant role.
The ‘Trip Snacking’ trend has come to light as searches on Hotels.com for one-night stays between Thursday and Sunday soared by nearly 10% over the past 12 months compared to the previous year . The poll revealed that 79% of travellers are planning to book a one-night stay in the coming year, with this figure climbing to 83% amongst Gen Z and Millennials.
The surge in popularity is driven by a desire to attend concerts, shows and sporting events (49%), to mark life milestones (42%) and to enjoy a break between ‘normal’ holidays (23%).
‘Gothic Getaways’ have also emerged as a major trend, with 65% of respondents expressing a specific interest in booking a Gothic-style hotel in 2027 – rising to 71% amongst Gen Z and Millennials. Some 56% have previously chosen hotels purely for their atmosphere or aesthetic.
Amongst the 54% of UK travellers keen on booking a Gothic-style hotel in 2027, 51% favour historic hotels, castles, or properties steeped in a rich past.
Furthermore, 41% are drawn to destinations associated with folklore, legends or the supernatural, while 40% find the dramatic architecture and striking visual atmosphere of Gothic-style hotels particularly appealing.
Finally, ‘The 2027 Set-Jetting Forecast’ comes as searches for Monaco soared by more than 120% in the 30 days after Emily in Paris season six was confirmed to be filming there.
It also emerged that 18% have booked a trip to a destination after seeing it featured on television or in films.
Meanwhile, 46% of those who watch TV or films have researched or booked trips to locations featured in yet-to-be-released shows and films – rising to 58% amongst Gen Z and Millennials. On average, UK respondents said they would splash out £600 to visit a set location – rising to £629 for those with children in tow.
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.”