Expedia’s travel trends for 2027 point to a shift towards more personal, playful and flexible holidays, with travellers showing growing interest in Gothic hotels, nostalgic experiences, short overnight breaks, hobby-focused stays and lesser-known inland destinations.
The predictions come from Expedia Group’s annual Unpack ’27 report, which draws on insights from Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, a survey of 26,000 travellers across 16 countries, and social media data. The report identifies five trends that the company expects to influence how people plan their holidays in 2027.
“Travel is about creating memories, and Unpack ’27 uncovers the destinations and experiences shaping those moments,” said Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group. She added that travellers were becoming more deliberate about choosing adventures that feel personal and purposeful.
One of the report’s leading trends is “un-adulting”, a style of travel centred on fun, nostalgia and activities that allow adults to step away from their usual responsibilities. Rather than prioritising traditional sightseeing or a packed itinerary, travellers may choose theme parks, water parks and other experiences associated with childhood.
According to Expedia Group, 57% of travellers say they plan to book an un-adulting trip in 2027. That figure rises to 71% among Generation Z and millennial travellers, suggesting that younger adults are particularly interested in holidays built around play and nostalgia. Suggested destinations and attractions include Tokyo Disneyland in Japan, Colour Factory in Chicago and Xcaret Park in Mexico.
Shorter holidays are also expected to become more popular. Following the rise of “snackpacking”, a travel trend focused on sampling local snacks and supermarket treats, Expedia Group has identified “trip snacking” as a way for people to take more frequent, shorter breaks between their main holidays.
The concept centres on spontaneous getaways that require less time and planning than a longer trip. Expedia Group reports that 79% of travellers intend to book a one-night stay in the coming year, while searches for one-night accommodation on Hotels.com have increased by 10%. If this pattern continues, overnight breaks could become a more common way for travellers to enjoy a change of scenery without committing to a full holiday.
Accommodation itself is another focus of the report, particularly hotels with distinctive architecture, history or atmosphere. Expedia Group calls this trend “Gothic getaways”, reflecting interest in properties that offer a darker, more dramatic aesthetic, from historic castles to places associated with local legends and folklore.
The report says 56% of travellers have booked a hotel specifically because of its atmosphere or appearance. Among this group, 65% are interested in staying at a Gothic-style hotel. Hotels.com has also recorded a 20% year-on-year increase in demand for castles, according to the report.
The renewed interest in Gothic settings comes amid wider cultural attention to the genre, including the 2026 release of “Wuthering Heights”. For travellers drawn to historic buildings, dramatic interiors and stories rooted in local history, the appeal may lie as much in the character of a property as in its practical facilities.
Hobby-focused holidays are also expected to remain popular. Building on the interest in “skillcations”, or trips organised around learning a new skill, Expedia Group predicts that travellers will increasingly seek out holiday homes suited to particular interests. The company calls these stays “hobby hubs”.
These trips could include crafting weekends, photography retreats, mahjong gatherings and antique-hunting breaks. Instead of choosing accommodation solely as a place to sleep, travellers may look for properties that provide the right setting for spending time on a shared interest or developing a personal hobby.
The fifth trend, described as “heartland hideouts”, centres on lesser-known destinations away from the usual tourist hotspots, particularly inland locations. The idea reflects interest in places that may receive less international attention than major cities and established coastal resorts. Expedia Group expects these destinations to attract travellers looking for different surroundings and experiences beyond the most familiar holiday routes.
Taken together, the five predictions suggest that travel in 2027 may be shaped by a broader mix of motivations. Some travellers will seek playful escapes from everyday routines, while others will favour brief overnight breaks, distinctive accommodation, interest-led holidays or destinations beyond the usual tourist circuit.
The findings represent Expedia Group’s forecast based on survey responses, platform data and social media insights, rather than a guarantee that every trend will grow across all markets. However, the report offers a snapshot of the experiences and accommodation styles that the company expects to attract attention as travellers make plans for the year ahead.
