Plot twist trips could become a defining travel trend in 2027, as more holidaymakers look beyond familiar destinations and traditional getaways to try experiences that challenge their usual habits. According to Booking.com’s 2027 travel predictions report, travellers are increasingly interested in choosing holidays that reflect a different side of their personalities, surprise the people around them and take them outside their comfort zones.
Based on research involving more than 28,000 travellers worldwide, the report identifies nine emerging trends that could influence how people plan their holidays next year. The findings suggest that travel decisions are becoming less predictable, with people reconsidering not only where they go, but also who joins them and what they want to gain from the experience.
The plot twist trip is built around the idea of doing something unexpected. Booking.com reports that 77% of respondents are interested in choosing a holiday specifically to do something completely out of character. For 36%, part of the appeal is surprising friends and family with a travel decision they would not normally expect.
The desire for a different kind of holiday is also reflected in how people share their experiences online. Nearly three in 10 respondents, or 29%, said they had deleted or avoided posting about a holiday because it felt too predictable or ordinary. The findings suggest that some travellers want experiences that feel more personal, distinctive and worth remembering, rather than trips that follow familiar holiday routines.
Beyond unusual travel choices, Booking.com’s other predictions point to a growing interest in holidays that better match individual preferences, personal relationships and budgets.
One of these trends, described as “all-exclusive”, focuses on travellers who want greater control over what they pay for. Some 66% of respondents said they would like holiday packages that allow them to remove services they do not intend to use. Rather than paying for a standard bundle of extras, these travellers want to choose the elements that suit their plans.
The “vibe check(in)” trend suggests that the emotional experience of a destination could become as important as its name or reputation. According to the report, 81% of respondents would choose a destination primarily based on how they want to feel, rather than simply deciding where they want to go. This points to a more personal approach to destination selection, with travellers placing greater emphasis on the atmosphere they hope to experience.
Travel companions are another consideration. Under the “social currency” trend, financial differences are influencing decisions about who joins a holiday. Half of respondents said they had reconsidered inviting someone on a trip because of differences in spending habits, while 38% said they had removed someone from a travel group entirely.
Family travel preferences may also be changing. The report found that 61% of parents were interested in travelling without their children so they could spend more on themselves. The finding suggests that some parents are considering adult-only breaks as an opportunity to prioritise their own interests and experiences.
For travellers drawn to the unexplained, Booking.com identified interest in paranormal experiences as another emerging trend. Some 65% of respondents said they were interested in paranormal activities, while 48% would seek an experience in the hope of communicating with someone who had died. The report describes this interest as a journey into the supernatural, although it does not establish how many respondents have already taken such trips.
Technology and work are also shaping expectations for time away. Under the “PTO: powered by AI” trend, 64% of respondents said they were interested in having artificial intelligence cover their work while they were on holiday. The idea reflects a desire to disconnect from professional responsibilities without returning to an overwhelming backlog, although the research measures interest rather than actual workplace adoption.
Wellness is extending into the journey itself, not just the destination. Booking.com’s “hotel in the sky” trend found that 89% of respondents would take a long-haul flight if it guaranteed they would arrive feeling rested and refreshed. The finding highlights interest in a more comfortable travel experience, particularly on journeys where fatigue can affect the first days of a holiday.
Shared activities could also play a role in how travellers build relationships. Under the “sweat synergy” trend, 66% of respondents who had travelled alone said taking part in a physical activity or challenge with others had led to a lasting connection or friendship. Activities that bring people together may therefore offer solo travellers a way to meet others without having to rely entirely on traditional social settings.
For couples, meanwhile, a getaway may serve a purpose beyond relaxation. Booking.com’s “trailside therapy” trend found that 47% of respondents would consider taking a trip to resolve disagreements or conflicts with a partner. Walking and hiking were identified as activities that could help couples discuss difficult subjects in a different setting.
The report also identifies 10 destinations that Booking.com expects to attract attention in 2027. The list spans several continents, with three European destinations included: Reims in France, Bratislava in Slovakia and Pescara in Italy. Other destinations named are Monterey in California, Sendai in Japan, Rosario in Argentina, Puri in India, Christchurch in New Zealand, Goiânia in Brazil and Asuncion in Paraguay.
Together, the predictions present a picture of travel that extends beyond conventional sightseeing and resort holidays. Some travellers want greater control over their spending, others are looking for stronger social connections or more restorative journeys, while some are drawn to experiences that challenge how friends and family see them. The findings describe reported interests and intentions rather than guaranteeing that every trend will become widespread in 2027, but they offer a useful indication of the different experiences travellers are considering for their next holiday.
