The key facts

  • 57% of travelers plan an 'un-adulting' trip in 2027; among Gen Z and millennials it is 71%
  • 79% plan to book a one-night stay; searches for such stays on Hotels.com grew by 10%
  • Demand for castles under the 'Gothic Getaways' trend grew 20% year over year

Expedia publishes its 2027 trend forecast

Expedia Group presented its annual Unpack ’27 report, which describes five key travel trends for 2027. The report draws on data from Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, a survey of 26,000 travelers in 16 countries, as well as social media data. 'Travel is about making memories, and Unpack ’27 reveals the destinations and experiences shaping those moments,' said Expedia Group CEO Ariane Gorin. According to her, in 2027 travelers will choose adventures more deliberately, seeking a more personal and meaningful experience.

'Un-adulting': trips for the inner child

The first trend is 'un-adulting': travelers swap the routine of everyday life for playful trips to amusement parks, water parks and places with nostalgic activities. 57% of respondents said they would book such a trip in 2027, and among Gen Z and millennials that figure reaches 71%. Among popular options, Expedia names Tokyo Disneyland, Color Factory in Chicago and Park Xcaret in Mexico.

'Trip snacking': short spontaneous getaways

In 2026, according to the report, 'snackpacking' was popular — tasting chips, chocolate and other supermarket products during trips. In 2027 it gives way to 'trip snacking' — quick spontaneous trips that fill the gaps between longer and rarer journeys. 79% of travelers plan to book a one-night stay next year, and searches for such stays on Hotels.com grew by 10%.

Gothic hotels and hobby trips

After the release of the screen adaptation of 'Wuthering Heights' in 2026, interest in everything gothic rose: 56% of travelers booked hotels specifically for the atmosphere or aesthetics, and 65% of them are interested in a gothic hotel — a historic castle or a place connected with folklore and the supernatural. According to Hotels.com, demand for castles under the 'Gothic Getaways' trend grew 20% year over year. The 2026 'skillcations' trend will continue in the form of 'hobby hubs': travelers book vacation homes for craft weekends, photography retreats, mahjong evenings and antique hunting.

'Heartland hideouts': hidden gems deep in the continent

The fifth trend is 'heartland hideouts': gaining popularity 'hidden gems' — landlocked destinations. The report does not give specific examples of such places.