Expedia's 2027 trending travel hotspots include California, Japan and Uruguay
The trending holiday destinations for 2027 include South Lake Tahoe in California, Hyogo in Japan and Punta del Este in Uruguay, according to Expedia Group.
Flight and accommodation search data from the global marketplace has been used to identify where traveller interest is surging – to reveal the fastest-growing places to visit.
And over the period of September 1 2025 to July 27 2026 and September 1 2024 to July 27 2025 searches for South Lake Tahoe in California, USA are up 195 per cent.
Described as perfect for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, the resort city in the Sierra Nevada mountains offers a range of activities such as skiing and scenic hiking trails.
Second in the top 10 is Hyogo in Japan, with searches up 95 per cent, while Punta del Este, Uruguay came third, with searches up 65 per cent.
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 places in the top 10 include Sedona, Arizona, USA (up 55 per cent), Busan, South Korea (up 50 per cent) and Holbox, Mexico (up 45 per cent).
With Perugia, Italy (up 35 per cent), The Tweed, New South Wales, Australia (up 35 per cent), Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada (up 35 per cent) and Chichester, UK (up 30 per cent) also featuring.
Ariane Gorin, CEO 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."
In addition to featuring search data, the report from the global marketplace saw 26,000 global respondents, including 2,000 from the UK, who’ve ever been on holiday and intend to in the next three years polled.
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 57 per cent are “likely” to book an over 18s trip to an amusement park next year, with this figure rising to 71 per cent among Gen Z and Millennials.
For travellers from the UK specifically these trips are about having fun and enjoying a carefree day out (74 per cent) and spending quality time with their partner, friends or other loved ones (64 per cent).
Taking a break from everyday responsibilities (60 per cent) is also a factor.
The trend of ‘Trip Snacking’ comes as searches via Hotels.com for one-night stays between Thursday and Sunday increased by nearly 10 per cent during the past 12 months compared to the 12 months prior.
While the poll found 79 per cent of travellers are planning to book a one-night stay in the coming year, with this figure climbing to 83 per cent among Gen Z and Millennials.
The popularity is due to wanting to attend concerts, shows and sporting events (49 per cent), to celebrate life milestones (42 per cent) and wanting a break between ‘normal’ holidays (23 per cent).
The ‘Gothic Getaways’ emerged as 65 per cent revealed they’re specifically interested in booking a Gothic-style hotel in 2027 – rising to 71 per cent among Gen Z and Millennials.
With 56 per cent having booked hotels specifically for the atmosphere or aesthetic previously.
Among the 54 per cent of UK travellers interested in booking a Gothic-style hotel in 2027, 51 per cent prefer historic hotels, castles, or properties with a rich past.
In addition, 41 per cent enjoy destinations associated with folklore, legends or the supernatural and 40 per cent find the dramatic architecture and visual atmosphere of Gothic-style hotels appealing.
Finally, ‘The 2027 Set-Jetting Forecast’ comes as searches for Monaco spiked by more than 120 per cent in the 30 days after Emily in Paris season six was confirmed to be filming there.
It emerged that 18 per cent have booked a trip to a destination after seeing it featured on television or in films.
And 46 per cent of those who watch TV or films have researched or booked trips to places featured in yet-to-be-released shows and films - rising to 58 per cent among Gen Z and Millennials.
On average, UK respondents would spend £600 to visit a set location – increasing to £629 for those with children.
Ariane 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.”
2027 DESTINATIONS OF THE YEAR:
1. SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA, USA - Alpine adventure, crystal-clear waters, year-round mountain escape.
2. HYOGO, JAPAN - Centuries-old heritage, healing hot springs, unforgettable coastal cuisine.
3. PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY - Chic coastal escape, golden beaches, laid-back glamour.
4. SEDONA, ARIZONA, USA - Red-rock vistas, spiritual calm, adventure under endless blue skies.
5. BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA - Vibrant seaside city, buzzing markets, cosmopolitan atmosphere.
6. HOLBOX, MEXICO - Barefoot beaches, bioluminescent waters, laid-back island ease.
7. PERUGIA, ITALY - Medieval streets, historic art, unforgettable food.
8. THE TWEED, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA - Golden beaches, lush hinterland, relaxed coastal charm.
9. NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, CANADA - Storybook streets, scenic vineyards, lakeside charm.
10. CHICHESTER, UK - History, creative culture, scenic countryside near the coast.
TOP HOLIDAY TRENDS FOR 2027:
DESTINATIONS OF THE YEAR (EXPEDIA) - The fastest-growing travel destinations where traveller interest is surging.
UN-ADULTING (EXPEDIA) - Grown-up getaways full of childlike activity.
TRIP SNACKING (HOTELS.COM) - One-night stays that can be squeezed into busy schedules and tighter budgets to enjoy more breaks throughout the year.
GOTHIC GETAWAYS (HOTELS.COM) - Moody and dramatic stays, from neo-Gothic architecture and candlelit corridors to castle hotels and dark colour-drenched rooms.
SET-JETTING FORECAST (EXPEDIA GROUP) – Trips inspired by TV shows and movies.