The search for surprise: Booking.com’s 2027 travel predictions

Reimagine your usual travel style. That’s our takeaway after hearing from thousands of travelers around the world. While last year’s predictions prioritized hyper-personalized travel plans, next year jet-setters are looking to take a more genuine approach to their travel habits. 

Whichever way you’re looking to transform your vacation—whether being more deliberate about your travel companions or choosing destinations based on their thrill factor—our insights can inspire you to try a new kind of trip to a new destination.

This year’s predictions are based on responses from 28,000 people across 32 countries and territories, which have revealed nine trending behavioral trends, paired with ten hot-spot destinations. Get ready to ditch tradition and embrace change.

Hyperconnectivity often seems deeply rooted in our day-to-day lives, from ever-evolving algorithms to never-ending social feeds. Doing something disconnected from the social conversation can feel impossible.

Enter plot twist travel: the antidote to predictability. It’s about breaking free from your usual travel style by ditching the algorithms and doing something out of your ordinary. 

Just over two-thirds of travelers (67%) are on board, saying their next trip should surprise them in some way – and the shock factor isn’t just about surprising themselves either. Many travelers (36%) are looking to surprise their nearest and dearest by sharing pictures from their trip purely for their reactions. It might be time to trade your yearly beach vacation for an itinerary-filled city trip.

Christchurch, New Zealand: multi-faceted adventures 

Christchurch offers jam-packed hiking itineraries one day and the chance to escape into some of the world’s most remote landscapes the next. That means that whatever your travel style, getting away from routine will come naturally here. 

If laid-back vacations are normally your go-to, a day trip from Christchurch to Mount Cook and Tekapo swaps sun loungers for alpine adventures. You’ll hike to destinations like Lake Pukaki and the Tasman Glacier, where you’ll have plenty of time to take a few photos that are sure to surprise your family and friends. 

Meanwhile, if a busy city trip is your usual preference, Birdlings Flat and Kaitorete Spit’s barren landscape will help you forget the bustle of city life. The flat sits at the start of a low-lying area that stretches for several miles, where you’ll have the opportunity to soak in the remote beachscape.

With the latest boom in food trends—from protein-pumped produce to fibermaxxing—how people engage with food has undeniably changed. And next year, vacations are going to reflect these attitudes, with 67% of travelers saying at least one health or lifestyle change has influenced their choice of vacation destination. 

This shift extends beyond picking a destination, with many travelers also looking for food and drink options that align with their health priorities wherever they go. From the 23% of jet-setters hoping for low- or no-alcohol drink alternatives to the 35% searching for high-protein meals, there’s a growing appetite for vacations to reflect the shift towards health-conscious lifestyles. 

Pescara, Italy: fresh flavors

Pescara, a city on the eastern coast of Italy, is just the spot for simple yet delicious cuisine. Boasting ultra-fresh produce, the city center and beachfront offer an inviting stroll from seafood restaurants to trattorias. There, you’ll be able to sample the flavors at your own pace. 

If you prefer freshly prepared food to an all-you-can-eat buffet, you’re in good company. For the 69% of travelers that are looking for fresh plates over a smorgasbord, Pescara’s cuisine has plenty to offer. Whether a regional specialty like pallotte cacio e ova (cheese and egg dumplings) or the catch of the day being served straight from the sea to your plate, finding fresh flavors will be easy. Brodetto alla pescarese (fish soup) is a standout dish for protein lovers featuring a variety of local seafood like shrimp and sole, finished with tomatoes and chilli peppers.

Gone are the days of inviting friends and family on vacation because you feel like you have to, as 2027 is going to see travelers planning around social currency. We’re talking about deliberately inviting that frugal friend who knows all the affordable spots or traveling without family members who you’d normally feel obliged to invite, to save some extra money.  

50% of travelers are already on board, admitting they’ve reconsidered who to invite on a trip because of budget differences or spending. This budgeting trend is especially popular with Gen Zs, with 62% of the demographic stating they’ve previously had disagreements on vacation due to spending differences. This is more than double that of Boomers (27%) who have experienced the same. Who will you leave off the guest list next year?

Bratislava, Slovakia: something for every budget

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is just the place for every kind of budget. Offering undeniable charm with plenty of free attractions, including the grounds of its eponymous castle and the Old Town, there’s an old-world feel that runs through the capital.

One of the city’s biggest draws is its compact layout, helping you save on transportation so you can stroll from attraction to attraction with ease. If you’re looking to experience Bratislava’s offerings on a budget, you can book onto a free tour around the city. Wander through the cobblestoned streets, learn about historical tales, and take some snaps along the way.

Some travelers aren’t just looking for a change of scenery, but are actively looking for experiences that make them feel connected to the “other side.” As a result, global travelers are searching for trips that evoke fear, with just under two-thirds (65%) expressing an interest in vacations that feature horror, gothic, or thriller-centric experiences. 

Whether you’re swapping out a classic guided walking tour for something a little more ghoulish—like exploring Gothic architecture (23%), creeping through horror movie locations (22%), or visiting destinations tied to true crime stories (20%)—it’s likely you’ll have fellow thrill-seekers along that want a trip to question life, loss, and what lies beyond.

Rosario, Argentina: gothic architecture and haunted tours

Don’t let Rosario’s relaxed, riverside vibe distract you from its eerie experiences. Boasting Gothic architecture and plenty of haunted tours, there really is something for every type of fear-seeker. 

Hoping for some horror-related landscapes? Why not stop by some of the city’s notable Gothic buildings? Between the towering presence, pointed arches, and distinctive bell, Parroquia Santa Rosa de Lima’s neo-Gothic facade sets the scene for a trip that harks back to a shadowy past.

Beyond its buildings, Rosario also has many off-script landmarks that will transform your experience beyond a typical vacation itinerary. A stop by the Cementerio El Salvador offers an insightful yet sobering atmosphere shaped by history and time. The site occasionally offers night tours during festivals, which only heightens the thrill of the setting.

If going on vacation is one of the ways you can properly switch off, you’re certainly not alone. The majority of respondents (89%) feel it’s important to be completely separated from work when away on a trip. And to help protect what can feel like a fleeting disconnection, next year, jet-setters are looking at tech-savvy ways to protect their presence on vacation even more. 

More than just using AI to plan their trip’s itinerary, next year, vacationers are looking to leverage tech to protect their work identity while they’re away. Nearly a quarter (24%) of employed travelers are looking to use AI to cover their day-to-day work tasks like keeping on top of their inbox and to-do list. 

With admin taken care of back home, travelers are confident they’ll be able to make more of their trip too. 56% agreed that returning to an organized work inbox would increase how much they’d enjoy a trip. Switch the Sunday scaries for disconnected bliss.

Sendai, Japan: the high-tech hub

Sendai, colloquially known as the “City of Trees,” gives you the best of both worlds: a tech-first cityscape set amidst striking natural landscapes.

Serving as a high-tech hub for disaster prevention technology and scientific research, the city’s innovative nature is abundant. By comparison, the outskirts feel far removed from the technological core, with castle ruins scattered about the surrounding mountains, streets lined with zelkova trees, and a waterfall thrown in for good measure. 

If tech is the main focus of your trip, many of the city’s hotels offer a futuristic feel, with Henn na Hotel Premier Sendai Kokubuncho being a standout. Featuring holographic receptionists, you might even be greeted by a dinosaur. Check-in just became the highlight of your stay.

When planning a vacation, it’s likely your main considerations are about what happens after you land: where you'll be staying, how you’ll get there, and what you’ll do on your trip. But when it comes to flights, there’s more to it than just the price and departure time – the plane’s cabin and amenities onboard can also shape the experience.

Next year, more travelers are looking to get in the vacation mood as soon as boarding calls. They’re looking to feel more relaxed mid-flight and ready for the timezone change once they land.

And in-flight improvements aren’t just drawing in those traveling first class either. Added extras like on-flight information to help reduce jet lag, family activity packs, and the ability to pre-order children’s meals on board would make travelers more likely to go on a long-haul flight by 18%, 17%, and 12% respectively. Don’t wait to land – boarding is calling.

Puri, India: wellness first

If you're ready to embrace this wellness-first approach from takeoff to touchdown, Puri should feature on your list. Prized as a coastal hub for pilgrimages and spiritual traditions, the city offers plenty of opportunities for mindfulness and renewal, long after you land.

During the day, embark on one of the city’s spiritual culture tours to visit a variety of Hindu temples and sites, while learning about sacred destinations and rituals along the way. Finish your days with a stay in a hotel like Mayfair Waves, where you savor the day’s rejuvenation with a spa treatment and steam session.

Reims, France: rural calm

If you’d rather swap pilgrimages for a more natural setting, Reims, France offers a different path to revitalization. Upon arrival, the city will greet you with vineyard air and forest trails, making the transition from flight to fresh air easier than ever. 

Many of the nature walks center around the Parc naturel régional de la Montagne de Reims, where you can stroll under canopies and spot local wildlife making appearances along the way. From roe deer to wildcats, a meander around this park is a peaceful way to carry on the rejuvenation from your flight. And going on one of Remis’ many champagne tours will provide a scenic backdrop to enjoy some of the region’s local produce. 

Ditch the map – next year is all about catching feelings before flights. With 81% of travelers agreeing that they’d rather pick a vacation destination based on how they want to feel, rather than where they want to go, it might be time to switch the bucket list out for a journaling session.

And 76% of travelers are ready to put this into practice next year, saying they’d be up for using a search tool or filter to find their mood-cation. This tech-first approach to feelings is especially popular with Gen Zs and Millennials, both of which would use such a tool to find their next vacation (87% and 85%, respectively). And taking it one step further, 61% of all travelers would be willing to share data about how they’re feeling to help a travel provider guide their trip.

Monterey, U.S.A.: a multi-faceted coast

Monterey’s coastal location offers slow days by the sea one day and ventures throughout the hills, dunes or trails the next. For a sense of calm, saunter along the beaches and take in the Pacific scenery. For something more active, the 19-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail gives you the chance to fill your day with activities as it stretches between nearby towns and past attractions, including the nonprofit Monterey Bay Aquarium. The path is popular with hikers, joggers, and cyclists, letting you combine sightseeing with outdoor adventure.

Looking to switch up the mood entirely? Monterey is a two- to three-hour road trip away from San Francisco, meaning you can transition from quiet coastlines to vibrant city life depending on the day.

Do you love nothing more than being active on vacation? With 81% of travelers stating they’ve done some type of physical activity when on vacation, active trips are only becoming more popular.

Whether it’s marathon running, spin classes or a jog around the park, next year, travelers are looking to take these activities abroad with fellow cardio-enthusiasts. With a focus on community, 66% of travelers who previously ventured alone have experienced a lasting connection through physical exercise on vacation. If you’re wanting to jet off with someone who’s seen you through the high and low heart rate zones, this is the trend for you.

Whatever your reason for physical activity abroad—whether that’s to enjoy nature (like 31% of travelers) or to just keep active (23%)—find your cardio buddy, pack the carbon-plated shoes, and go for a PB.

Goiânia, Brazil: scenic parks and local run clubs

A stop in Goiânia, Brazil may be just the right choice for the 62% of people who are hoping to return from a trip feeling like they’ve physically made a change that will impact their daily life.

With abundant green spaces, this city masterfully balances vibrant city life with expansive nature, meaning you can celebrate in style once you’ve gone the distance. Popular spots for cardio include Parque Vaca Brava and Parque Flamboyant, complete with shaded running loops and active fitness communities. At either of these parks, you’ll likely spot local run clubs lacing up for laps. 

For something a bit more challenging, you can test your endurance with hikes, trail runs, or long endurance races through the Cerrado savanna just beyond the city’s perimeter. Whatever your ability, Goiânia makes it easy to test your stamina alongside the ones you’ve built lasting connections with over a shared love for movement.

Historically, vacations have offered travelers a chance to step away from the demands of everyday life, leaving the stresses and tensions of home behind. In 2027, couples are challenging this very notion, looking at vacations as a way to have those tricky conversations, audit their relationship, and return home stronger than they left. 

With almost half (47%) of all respondents who travel with their partner considering going on vacation to resolve conflicts, couples are ready to drop their guard. And the most popular activity of all for these conversations? Spending time in nature (38%). For these travelers, the physical journey is just as important as the emotional one.

Asunción, Paraguay: reset together by the promenade  

Asunción in Paraguay offers an alluring mix of bustling city life with natural landscapes and unhurried charm. This transition from urban to rural creates a natural change of environment, helping you and your partner drop your guard and speak from the heart.

As 81% of respondents said at least one activity on vacation helped them have difficult conversations, a stroll by the city’s promenade may help you talk about what’s on your mind. For some, the physical act of walking side by side can help invite a vulnerable conversation, without the intensity of face-to-face confrontation. 

If you plan to have an all day walk to completely reset your connection, you’ll be treated with a romantic backdrop come evening. Ease any of the day’s tension with views of the sunset, which slowly sinks past the horizon, revealing the dazzle of Asunción’s skyline.

2027 is the year to take an out-of-the-ordinary approach to your travel routine. Whether you’re planning a drastic change or you’re looking to start breaking your travel habits, it’s time to ditch the algorithms, traditions, and expectations – this is the start of your next, most disruptive adventure yet.

And as Paul Hennessy, Chief Marketing Officer at Booking.com comments: “Travel is becoming less about following a formula and more about expressing who you are. Travelers are challenging the conventions of how, why, and with whom we travel, and technology is giving them more freedom to do it with confidence. At Booking.com, we’re actively building for the future of travel by combining AI with deeper personalization to customize every step of the journey to individual intent and emotion, making it easier for everyone to experience the world – on their own terms.”

For more information, take a look at our press release: Expect the unexpected: Booking.com’s 2027 travel predictions reveal the ultimate travel flex is going off-script.

Travel Predictions 2027 research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12–24 months. Survey undertaken July–August 2026, 28,230 global respondents, margin of error +/- 0.6%, online data collection, in the following markets: Argentina (1003), Australia (1009), Austria (505), Belgium (1004), Brazil (1000), Canada (1007), Colombia (1012), Croatia (508), Denmark (505), France (1004), Germany (1005), Greece (503), India (1005), Ireland (518), Italy (1004), Japan (1006), KSA (509), Mexico (1007), Netherlands (1006), New Zealand (1008), Portugal (1006), Singapore (508), South Korea (1008), Spain (1013), Sweden (507), Switzerland (503), Taiwan (505), Thailand (1007), UAE (511), UK (2017), U.S.A. (2013), Vietnam (504).