A fascinating shift in global travel habits is being revealed for the coming year. Holidays are no longer treated as standard routines. Instead, individual passions and deep personal desires are being prioritised by jetsetters everywhere.
According to fresh insights gathered from 26,000 global holidaymakers, the conventional two-week trip is being replaced by distinct travel trends.
The is an annual travel trends report produced by and its sister companies, Hotels.com and .
Surging Destinations for the Year Ahead
Specific global hotspots are seeing dramatic increases in traveller searches. Leading the list on Expedia is South Lake Tahoe, California, where searches have jumped by 195%. Hot spring retreats in Hyogo, Japan, have surged by 95%, followed by coastal glamour in Punta del Este at 65%.
Responsible tourism is also being encouraged alongside destination growth. Locations like Sedona, Perugia, and Chichester have been recognised with Smart Travel Health Check marks. These destinations offer rich cultural rewards without the burdens of overcrowding.
Set-Jetting inspired by screen and cinema
On-screen backdrops continue to inspire our real-world holiday destination choices. Nearly one in five travellers have booked trips after seeing locations featured in TV shows or films. On average, £600 is spent by UK travellers when embarking on screen-inspired trips.
Upcoming releases are heavily influencing travel planning. Trips are actively being researched by 48% of travellers before titles are even released. For instance, searches on Expedia for Monaco spiked by 120% after new filming announcements for Emily in Paris. Meanwhile, social media interest in Miami has surged by 64% due to the upcoming reboot. series 2 is enticing us to Toronto and Montreal and the new series of has us planning escapes to the south of France.
Reclaiming joy with un-adulting escapes
Growing up can be exhausting, so carefree escapes are now being embraced by adult travellers. The trend of ‘ is defined by trips filled with playful, childlike wonder. It is reported that 57% of travellers plan to book an Un-Adulting getaway in 2027. That figure rises to 71% among Gen Z and Millennials.
Responsibility is being traded for pure joy. Fun days out are sought by 74% of British holidaymakers, while quality time with loved ones is prioritised by 64%. In response, child-free theme park lounges and late-night adults-only events are being launched across the globe. Experiences like Tokyo Disney, the Niagara Falls Zipline and Chicago’s Color Factory are now top picks for grown-up fun.
Embracing the dark romance of gothic getaways
Sun-soaked beaches are being swapped for dark, atmospheric retreats. ‘ are becoming a dominant travel trend on Hotels.com. Castle hotels, candlelit corridors, and dark rooms are being selected for their dramatic mood. Over half of surveyed travellers (56%) have chosen hotels based purely on visual aesthetic.
Interest in Gothic properties is expressed by 65% of holidaymakers. This desire is driven by pop culture, dark fantasy and historic folklore. Castle stays are requested by 51% of interested Brits, while destinations steeped in supernatural lore attract 41%. Boutique properties like L’oscar London and historic venues like the Grand Hôtel Stockholm are favoured for these moody retreats.
Micro-breaks and the art of trip snacking
When full-length holidays cannot be taken, bite-sized stays are being booked instead. Known as ‘, single-night stays are being fitted into busy schedules and modest budgets. Search data shows that demand for 24-hour getaways on Hotels.com has grown by nearly 10%. Furthermore, one-night stays are being planned by 79% of respondents over the next twelve months.
Quick trips are frequently used to attend concerts, celebrate life milestones, or simply reset. Good deals are sought out by 71% of micro-breakers to hold them over until longer holidays.