Vibe Check-In: Mood Over Maps
In 2027, the most important question won't be 'where do you want to go?' but 'how do you want to feel?'. An overwhelming 81% of travellers surveyed said they would choose a destination based on the mood they want to achieve, rather than a specific location.
Imagine searching for 'a quiet, cosy escape' or 'an energising city adventure' and getting recommendations tailored to that feeling. This trend suggests a major shift, with three-quarters of travellers ready to use search tools that recommend places based on their desired emotional state. This means hotels and airlines may soon highlight services that promote relaxation or energy, from quiet zones to amenities that help you arrive feeling refreshed.
Plot Twist Trips: Embracing the Unexpected
Routine is out; spontaneity is in. A significant 77% of travellers are keen to book a trip specifically to do something completely out of character. Dubbed 'plot twist trips', this trend is about disrupting personal comfort zones and rewriting your own story. Part of the fun is the reaction from others, with more than a third of people saying they actively want to surprise their friends and family with their unconventional travel choices. Whether it's swapping a beach holiday for a rugged mountain trek or a city break for a silent retreat, travellers are looking for experiences that nobody, including themselves, saw coming.
Social Currency: The Budget Guest List
Your travel budget is no longer just about your destination; it’s now dictating your guest list. The survey reveals that finances are becoming a major factor in who we travel with. Half of all travellers have reconsidered who to invite on a trip due to differences in spending habits. Furthermore, 51% reported experiencing tension over money on a trip because of mismatched financial expectations. This has led to some drastic measures, with many admitting to removing people from a travel group entirely. In 2027, expect more 'adults-only' trips, as 61% of parents are keen to travel without their children to spend more on themselves.
The All-Exclusive: Customised Packages
The era of the one-size-fits-all, all-inclusive package is fading. Modern travellers want more control and flexibility. A striking 66% of respondents said they want travel packages that allow them to remove services they don't plan to use, avoiding paying for things like an open bar they'll skip or activities that don't interest them. This is tied to a broader trend of wellness influencing travel decisions. With 67% of travellers saying a lifestyle change has affected their vacation choices, people want their trips to align with their personal routines, including diet. In fact, 58% said their dietary needs could influence their choice of accommodation.
Trip to the Beyond: The Rise of Paranormal Tourism
Travel is about to get a little spooky. A surprising trend identified in the report is a growing interest in the unknown. About 65% of travellers expressed interest in paranormal travel experiences, from staying in reputedly haunted hotels to taking ghost tours. Nearly half would even be open to activities aimed at making contact with the 'other side'. This doesn't mean everyone is becoming a ghost hunter, but it does point to a desire for more thrilling and unconventional experiences that explore history, local legends, and Gothic architecture. It reflects a broader move toward travel that challenges and excites, rather than just relaxes.
Trailside Therapy: Hiking to Connect
For many, travel is becoming a tool for strengthening relationships. The survey found that 47% of people who travel with a partner would consider planning a trip specifically to resolve a conflict or have an important conversation. The setting for these crucial talks is often in nature, with 35% identifying walking or hiking as the most effective environment for open communication. The idea is that the shared physical journey becomes as important as the emotional one. This trend also extends to friendships, with two-thirds of solo travellers saying a shared physical challenge on a trip has led to a lasting connection.
