October 23, 2026, by Florine Klein Ikkink

This is what our travel year 2027 looks like according to the latest travel trends.

Accommodation, Holidays
October 23, 2026, by Florine Klein Ikkink

This is what our travel year 2027 looks like according to the latest travel trends.

Where is the journey headed? Nice question, but in 2027 we would rather first ask ourselves how we want to feel. And whether our travel companions actually have the same budget. Booking.com's annual trend report gives us a sneak peek into the travel year 2027. The conclusion? AI can guard our inboxes, we’re going ghost hunting, and even a relationship crisis can be a perfectly good reason to pack our bags these days. In any case, it won’t be boring. These are Booking.com’s ten travel trends:

The trends are based on research among more than 28.000 travelers from 32 countries and territories.

1. AI as out-of-office

Out-of-office on, laptop closed, and yet your mind still stuck on that overflowing inbox. Sound familiar? In 2027, we’ll simply outsource that worrying. AI monitors the emails, we hold the cocktail. A perfect division of labor, right?

2. Ghostbusters on vacation

Sun, sea, and sand? Meh, give us a haunted castle instead. We prefer to seek out something a bit more mysterious. From creepy places to an attempt to make contact with the afterlife. Whether you actually run into anyone there is, of course, another matter.

3. Social currency

Going on vacation together is fun, until one orders oysters and the other would rather make a sandwich. So in 2027, we won't just check if our travel companions are nice, but also if our wallets match. Because a friendship is worth a lot, but that bill really does have to be paid.

4. Something different

Always stretched out on a beach chair? Try a mountain for a change. Normally not a camper? Hop into that tent. For once, we’re doing something that totally doesn’t suit us. You might discover a whole new side of yourself. Or that you really don’t like camping at all. Good to know, too.

5. From all-inclusive to all-exclusive

All-inclusive, but without everything you don't use anyway. Because why pay for unlimited cocktails if you'd rather drink sparkling water? In 2027, we prefer to put together our own vacation. The gym can be left off the bill, but we're happy to keep that extra dessert.

6. Sweating together

Want to make new friends? Forget the hotel bar and put on your running shoes. New holiday friendships are formed during marathons, hikes, and other sporting challenges. Sweating together apparently creates a bond. And after a mountain climb like that, you at least have something to talk about right away.

7. Hotel in the air

Sleeping on a plane without waking up with a neck that’s stiff for three days. Is that really too much to ask? Flying comfortably, that’s what we want. More legroom, better seats, and a halfway decent night’s sleep. Champagne at high altitude is nice, but first just give us a seat our knees fit in.

8. Therapy on vacation

A weekend away to celebrate love? Or just to talk out that argument first? We simply take our relationship issues along on vacation. A good conversation during a mountain hike can work wonders. Although we would have that conversation before the descent. It saves an awkward return trip.

9. Vibe check(in)

Paris, Portugal, or Peru? Feel it first. In 2027, we choose our destination based on our mood. In the mood for adventure, romance, or just not speaking to anyone for three days? AI will find a place for you.

10. Being human

The smarter AI becomes, the more we crave good old-fashioned human things. Making pasta with an Italian nonna, pottery with a local, or simply getting lost without Google Maps. In 2027, the screens go off and we roll up our sleeves. Meanwhile, AI can stay home and manage the inbox.

Booking travel

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