The key facts

  • South Lake Tahoe (California) — Expedia's 'Destination of the Year 2027', search growth +195%
  • The top 10 include Hyogo (Japan, +95%), Punta del Este (Uruguay, +65%), Sedona (USA, +55%) and Busan (South Korea, +50%)
  • From Europe, only Perugia (+35%) and Chichester (+30%) made the list

Expedia identifies the main destinations of 2027

Booking service Expedia published its Unpack '27 trends report, in which it named 10 'destinations of the year' for 2027. The list covers North and South America, Asia and Australasia, with only two of the selected places located in Europe. The rankings are based on the dynamics of search queries compared with 2025.

The leader of the list — a Californian resort

First place went to South Lake Tahoe in California, where the number of search queries grew by 195%. It is the largest alpine lake in North America: in winter it offers ski holidays, and in summer kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, making the destination suitable for trips all year round.

Top 5: Japan, Uruguay, the USA and South Korea

Second place went to Hyogo Prefecture in Japan, with interest up 95%. According to Expedia, it is 'one of Japan's most underrated destinations, with coastline, mountains and castles in one area'. Hyogo was also recognised in the Smart Travel Health Check programme, introduced last year, which highlights destinations where tourism is managed responsibly while delivering a rich experience for travellers. Third place went to Punta del Este in Uruguay (+65%), fourth to Sedona in Arizona (+55%), noted for its yoga retreats, hiking and world-class spas. Rounding out the top five is Busan, a port city on the south-eastern coast of South Korea (+50%), known for its beaches, film festival and the film 'Train to Busan'.

European destinations: Perugia and Chichester

Perugia, the capital of the Italian region of Umbria, took seventh place with search queries up 35%. The city attracts tourists with its 14th-century historic centre, located on a hill, as well as jazz and chocolate festivals. The only other European destination on the list is Chichester in the English county of West Sussex (+30%). The city is known for its Roman ruins and a circular route along the city walls around the historic centre; nearby are the South Downs National Park, West Wittering beach and Arundel Castle.

Full list of destinations of the year 2027

1. South Lake Tahoe, California, USA (+195%); 2. Hyogo, Japan (+95%); 3. Punta del Este, Uruguay (+65%); 4. Sedona, Arizona, USA (+55%); 5. Busan, South Korea (+50%); 6. Holbox, Mexico (+45%); 7. Perugia, Italy (+35%); 8. Tweed, New South Wales, Australia (+35%); 9. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada (+35%); 10. Chichester, UK (+30%).