Castles, AI Assistants, and Child-Free Trips: The Top 2027 Travel Trends
Travel giants Booking.com and Expedia have released their 2027 tourism forecasts, highlighting emerging trends such as child-free nostalgic getaways, gothic castle stays, AI-managed work interruptions, and ultra-short single-night trips.
The global tourism landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with travel giants Booking.com and Expedia releasing comprehensive trend forecasts for 2027. Based on surveys of tens of thousands of travelers worldwide, the reports reveal shifting vacation habits, ranging from child-free escapes and gothic-style castle stays to AI-driven work assistants and ultra-short getaways.
Reliving Childhood and Escaping Parental Duties
A growing number of parents are seeking vacations without their children to indulge themselves. According to a Booking.com survey, 61% of participating parents want child-free trips to spend more on personal experiences. Meanwhile, Expedia identified a trend termed "Un-Adulting," where travelers seek to recapture childhood joys without adult responsibilities. Some 57% of Expedia survey respondents—and 71% of Gen Z and millennials—indicated they are likely to book such nostalgic trips in 2027.
Supernatural Tourism and Gothic Stays
Traditional beach getaways are sharing space with more mysterious pursuits. Booking.com reported that 65% of respondents are interested in supernatural tourism, with 48% willing to participate in ghost-hunting or paranormal experiences. Similarly, Expedia noted a surge in demand for gothic-style accommodations, featuring dark corridors, antique furniture, and dramatic lighting. Hotels.com recorded a 20% increase in castle searches, while online mentions of gothic travel rose by 38%.
AI at Work While You Relax
The dread of returning to an overflowing inbox continues to plague travelers, with 58% stating that work anxiety ruins their final vacation day. To counter this, 64% of respondents expressed interest in using AI work agents to handle urgent emails and administrative tasks while they disconnect. Furthermore, 44% would consider using AI to catch up on missed work seamlessly, allowing them to enjoy an extra day of relaxation undetected.
Trip Snacking and Hobby-Driven Travel
Shorter, frequent breaks are also gaining traction. Expedia highlighted "Trip Snacking," with 79% of respondents planning single-night getaways in the coming year to celebrate milestones or break up long stretches between major vacations. Additionally, hobby-focused travel is surging, with 68% of vacation rental guests planning trips centered around specific interests such as photography, astronomy, or arts and crafts.
