Historic travel is emerging as a major theme for 2027, with travellers increasingly drawn to ancient ruins, sacred walking routes and destinations made famous by films and television. Skyscanner’s latest travel trends report identifies this growing interest as “Grand Odysseys”, a trend that reflects a desire to connect with the past through places linked to mythology, history and enduring human stories.
The report combines global travel search insights with research involving more than 28,000 travellers. Skyscanner also drew on data and contributions from partners including TikTok, ClassPass, Wise, Universal Music Group for Brands and AllTrails to identify changing travel preferences ahead of 2027.
The interest in historic journeys follows a wider rise in travel inspired by films and television. Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey has helped bring ancient Greek mythology into the travel conversation, encouraging audiences to look beyond the screen and consider visiting places associated with legendary journeys. Historical epics such as Gladiator have also contributed to interest in destinations connected to the ancient world.
According to Skyscanner’s findings, travellers are increasingly looking for experiences that offer more than a conventional holiday. Ancient routes, archaeological sites and landscapes associated with historical figures or mythical characters give visitors a way to engage with stories that have survived for centuries. The appeal may also lie in the opportunity to step away from the demands of modern life and spend time in places shaped by a much longer human history.
Social media is helping turn that interest into travel inspiration. Data cited in the report shows that TikTok video views for cinematic travel content have increased by 346% year on year, while posts featuring the hashtag #HeroJourney have risen by 452%. The figures point to growing online interest in destinations that resemble the settings of epic adventures, although social media engagement does not necessarily translate directly into completed trips.
The report also highlights the influence of ancient stories on travel decisions. Skyscanner’s research found that The Odyssey had inspired a third of respondents to plan a trip connected to the epic. Meanwhile, 43% of Millennial respondents said films and television programmes set in antiquity, including stories about Troy and ancient Greece, had inspired them to consider similar destinations. Some have already acted on that interest: 24% of Millennials surveyed said they had travelled in the footsteps of ancient stories, compared with 30% of Gen Z respondents.
For travellers who want to experience history on foot, AllTrails identified five walking routes that fit the Grand Odysseys trend. The selection spans Greece, Argentina, China and Italy, combining places associated with mythology and history with landscapes that attract hikers in their own right.
At the top of the list is the Cape Drastis Loop on the Greek island of Corfu. The area is linked to Phaeacia, the mythical land in Homer’s Odyssey where Odysseus recounts his long journey home after being shipwrecked. The connection is part of the route’s appeal for visitors interested in exploring the landscapes associated with the ancient poem.
The second route takes walkers to Horcones Viewpoint, Horcones Lagoon and Espejo Lagoon in Argentina. Set beneath Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America, the route offers views of glacial lakes and the surrounding Andean landscape. Its inclusion shows that historic travel does not have to be limited to archaeological monuments. Natural settings and the stories people attach to them can also shape a journey.
In China, the Xi’an City Wall offers a different experience. Visitors can walk along the substantial fortifications dating from the Ming Dynasty, passing historic gateways while looking out over the city. The route brings architectural heritage into an accessible outdoor experience, allowing travellers to explore an important part of China’s past on foot.
Italy’s Monte Santa Caterina, on the island of Favignana, ranks fourth. The climb leads to the island’s highest point, where a historic castle overlooks the surrounding area. Favignana has also been associated with traditions connecting the island to the voyages of Odysseus, adding a mythological dimension to the walk.
The fifth route returns to Greece, where the Cave of Eumaeus, also known as Rizes Cave, lies on Ithaca. In Homer’s epic, Eumaeus is the loyal swineherd who helps Odysseus after his return to his homeland. The walking route passes through olive groves above the Ionian Sea before reaching the cave associated with the story.
Shelby Eagleburger, head of data integrity at AllTrails, said historic routes allow visitors to experience landscapes that have remained meaningful across generations. She noted that the mountains, forests and horizons encountered by modern walkers can create a sense of connection with people who travelled through similar environments centuries ago.
The Grand Odysseys trend is only one of seven travel patterns identified in Skyscanner’s report. Together, the predictions suggest that travellers are looking for holidays that reflect more personal interests, whether those involve disconnecting from technology, collecting distinctive souvenirs, combining celebrations with overseas trips, maintaining fitness routines or attending live cultural events.
One of the other trends, called “Signal Severance”, centres on the desire to spend less time connected to digital devices. Skyscanner found that one in four Gen Z travellers planned to disconnect during their travels in 2027. Remote destinations and places offering opportunities to switch off are attracting attention, with Finnish locations including Kittila and Rovaniemi identified in the report as seeing rising interest for digital detox trips.
Shopping is also becoming a reason to travel. Rather than choosing souvenirs that are widely available online, some travellers are building itineraries around regional clothing, locally made crafts and items sold only at particular destinations. Skyscanner reported that one in four travellers had taken a trip specifically to purchase something they could not buy online. Examples cited include the popular Trader Joe’s tote bag in the United States and merchandise from the Ritz Paris.
Another trend concerns overseas celebrations. The report points to growing interest in combined stag and hen parties, often called “sten dos”, which bring both groups together for a shared trip before a wedding. A quarter of surveyed travellers said they were choosing these joint celebrations abroad, with respondents drawn to the prospect of making arrangements easier and potentially reducing costs.
Fitness-focused holidays are also expected to attract attention. Skyscanner found that 67% of Millennial respondents were more likely to book a hotel offering a nutritious breakfast, while 40% of Gen Z respondents prioritised hotels with gyms. TikTok data cited in the report showed a 659% year-on-year increase in video views for content about gym hotels. These findings suggest that some travellers are choosing accommodation based partly on how well it supports their exercise and wellness routines.
Music and cultural experiences are another part of the forecast. Traditional carnivals ranked highly among 33% of Gen Z respondents and 30% of Millennials. Meanwhile, a quarter of those surveyed said the setting of a concert was almost as important as the music itself. That interest could benefit unusual venues, including ancient caves and historic structures, where the location becomes part of the experience.
The final trend, “Currency Chasers”, reflects the role of exchange rates in holiday planning. Skyscanner reported that 45% of Gen Z respondents and 40% of Millennial respondents had changed their destination to make their money go further. Vietnam was highlighted as a popular option for travellers seeking relatively affordable experiences while exploring the country’s cities, landscapes and cultural attractions.
Taken together, Skyscanner’s 2027 predictions point to a broadening idea of what makes a worthwhile trip. For some, the appeal will be finding a destination where daily digital demands can be left behind. For others, it will be discovering a particular craft, attending a concert in an unusual setting or following a story that has endured for centuries. Historic travel stands out because it combines several of these interests: culture, outdoor exploration, storytelling and the chance to encounter a place through the past that gives it meaning.
