Booking.com's 2027 Travel Predictions: Nine Trends Led by "Off-Script" Travel

Booking.com's annual forecast offers a read on what demand signals the platform expects to shape 2027 bookings, based on a large 32-country survey.

Published on 14 October 2026, the 11th annual Travel Predictions report argues that travel is becoming less about fixed itineraries and more about mood, budget and a desire for surprise. Paul Hennessy, Chief Marketing Officer at Booking.com, said: "Travel is becoming less about following a formula and more about expressing who you are."

The nine trends

1. Plot Twist Trip: 77% are interested in a vacation that is completely out of character; 36% want to surprise friends and family with their choices.
2. Social Currency: 50% have reconsidered who to invite because of spending differences; 61% of parents want child-free trips.
3. Vibe Check(In): 81% would pick a destination based on how they want to feel; 76% would use a tool recommending destinations by emotional state. Gen Z is far more willing than boomers to share personal data for this (76% versus 35%).
4. The All-Exclusive: 66% want packages that let them drop unused services; 58% would let their diet shape their destination or accommodation.
5. Trip to the Beyond: 65% are interested in paranormal experiences.
6. PTO: Powered by AI: 64% would like AI to cover their work while on vacation; 44% would use that cover to take an extra day off.
7. Hotel in the Sky: 89% would take a long-haul flight if it guaranteed they'd arrive rested; 24% would choose a designated quiet, no-children zone.
8. Sweat Synergy: 66% of solo travelers say a shared physical activity led to a lasting friendship.
9. Trailside Therapy: 47% would consider a trip to resolve conflicts.

Methodology

The research was commissioned by Booking.com and conducted online from July to August 2026 among 28,230 adults planning business or leisure travel in the next 12 to 24 months, across 32 countries and territories. The margin of error is ±0.6%.