Travel Trends 2027: How to Plan Better Holidays

Skyscanner's 2027 travel trends highlight digital detoxes, group trips and better-value destinations. Learn how to turn these ideas into affordable holidays.

Travel planning for 2027 is shifting towards experiences that feel more personal and worthwhile. Skyscanner's newly released Travel Trends 2027 report highlights interest in digital detoxes, group getaways, historical journeys, fitness-focused holidays and destinations where money goes further.

For travellers, the message is not to follow every new trend. It is to decide what matters most, compare the complete cost of a trip and spend money on experiences that genuinely suit their priorities.

Key Takeaways

• Skyscanner's Travel Trends 2027 report identifies seven themes shaping travel choices, including digital disconnection, group trips, historical experiences and exchange-rate-conscious travel.
• The report combines Skyscanner search data with insights from more than 28,000 travellers worldwide.
• Australian-focused coverage of the report found that 78% of surveyed Australians planned to travel as much or more in 2027, according to news.com.au.
• Travellers can improve value by comparing full itineraries, considering alternative destinations and setting a realistic spending limit.
• A discount calculator can help compare savings, while an inflation calculator can help estimate how general price changes affect a travel budget.

Why Travel Trends 2027 Matter Now

The months before a new year are an opportunity to plan holidays around work schedules, family commitments and available budgets.

Skyscanner's latest report suggests that travellers are becoming more deliberate about how they spend their time and money. Rather than choosing destinations only because they are popular, people are considering experiences that reflect their interests.

The official Travel Trends 2027 report identifies seven themes: Signal Severance, Together Trips, Grand Odysseys, Currency Chasers, Sound Bound, Gym-cation and Merch Tourism.

These trends range from disconnecting from screens to travelling for music, fitness or destination-specific souvenirs.

The findings are based on search data and traveller research, so they should be treated as indicators of interest rather than guarantees about what every traveller will choose.

What Changed in Travel Trends for 2027?

1. Digital detox holidays

Signal Severance describes a desire to step away from constant notifications and spend more time experiencing a destination directly.

This could mean staying somewhere quiet, choosing a walking holiday or setting aside parts of the day without checking social media.

A digital detox does not require an expensive retreat. A weekend in a nearby town, a countryside walk or a simple camping trip may provide the same kind of break, depending on what the traveller wants.

The important decision is whether the destination and itinerary support that goal.

2. Group getaways and shared celebrations

Together Trips reflects interest in travelling with friends or family for celebrations and shared experiences.

Group travel can create opportunities to divide certain costs, but it can also introduce planning challenges. Different budgets, accommodation preferences and activity schedules can make it difficult to agree on one itinerary.

Before booking, decide which expenses will be shared and which will remain individual.

A written agreement about deposits, cancellation conditions and payment deadlines can help prevent misunderstandings later.

3. Historical and culture-focused journeys

Grand Odysseys describes travel inspired by history, legendary journeys and significant cultural sites.

Travellers might plan a trip around historic walking routes, archaeological sites, museums or locations associated with books and films.

These holidays can be rewarding, but popular attractions may require advance reservations. Research opening times, transport connections and entry requirements before choosing travel dates.

The best itinerary leaves enough time to explore rather than trying to visit every attraction in a single day.

4. Choosing destinations for better value

Currency Chasers highlights the role of exchange rates and overall destination costs in travel decisions.

A destination with a cheaper flight is not necessarily the least expensive holiday. Accommodation, meals, transport, entry fees and currency conversion charges all affect the final budget.

Travellers should compare the complete trip cost and consider how far their money is likely to go after arrival.

Exchange rates also change, so a destination that appears affordable today may not offer the same value later.

5. Music and fitness-focused holidays

Sound Bound describes travel connected to concerts, festivals and other live experiences.

Gym-cation reflects interest in maintaining fitness routines while travelling.

Both trends show how travellers may choose a destination around a particular activity instead of treating the destination as the only attraction.

However, event tickets, accommodation and transport can become expensive when demand is concentrated around specific dates. Check the complete cost before committing to a booking.

6. Destination-specific souvenirs

Merch Tourism describes trips motivated partly by items that travellers want to buy in person.

These might include local crafts, products from a particular shop or souvenirs associated with a destination.

The experience can be meaningful, but it is worth setting a spending limit. A souvenir should fit within the holiday budget rather than becoming an unexpected expense.

Who Is Affected?

United States: Travellers planning 2027 holidays

US travellers can use these trends to compare established destinations with less familiar alternatives.

Someone planning a music-focused trip might compare the cost of attending a major festival with a smaller event in another city.

A traveller interested in historical sites could compare accommodation, transport and attraction costs across several destinations before booking.

United Kingdom: Families planning school holidays

UK families can begin with school dates and work backwards to identify affordable travel windows.

If everyone needs to travel during the same busy period, consider comparing destinations with different accommodation and transport costs.

Families should also consider the total price of activities for every traveller, rather than comparing destinations using adult ticket prices alone.

India: Travellers planning festive and international trips

Indian travellers planning Diwali, winter holidays or international trips can compare travel dates, destination costs and currency movements.

A shorter domestic holiday may offer better overall value than a longer international itinerary, depending on airfare and accommodation.

Travellers should also verify passport validity, visa requirements and other entry conditions before paying for non-refundable bookings.

How to Plan a Better-Value Holiday

Step 1: Choose the experience before the destination

Start by identifying what you want from the trip.

You might want relaxation, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, a family celebration or a music event.

Once the goal is clear, compare destinations that can deliver it. This approach can prevent you from paying more simply because a particular place is popular.

Step 2: Set a total budget

Estimate the full cost of the trip, including:

• Flights, trains or other transport.
• Accommodation and local transport.
• Food and drinks.
• Activities, tours and event tickets.
• Travel insurance and applicable fees.
• Shopping and souvenirs.
• Emergency expenses.

A realistic budget should include costs after arrival, not just the advertised price of transportation.

Step 3: Compare alternative destinations

Suppose you are planning a four-night holiday and comparing two hypothetical options.

Destination A

• Transport: $450.
• Accommodation: $600.
• Meals: $240.
• Activities and local transport: $210.
• Total: $1,500.

Destination B

• Transport: $350.
• Accommodation: $520.
• Meals: $220.
• Activities and local transport: $180.
• Total: $1,270.

In this example, Destination B costs $230 less, a saving of approximately 15.3%.

These figures are illustrative rather than current destination prices. Actual costs depend on travel dates, availability, exchange rates and personal choices.

The LexoraTools discount calculator can help calculate percentage reductions when comparing travel offers or accommodation prices.

Step 4: Check how prices affect your budget

General inflation can reduce the purchasing power of money over time, but it does not predict the exact price of flights or hotels.

The LexoraTools inflation calculator can help estimate the effect of general price changes on a budget.

For actual trip planning, compare current prices for the specific expenses you expect to pay. Check whether the quoted amount includes baggage, taxes, transfers and other charges.

Step 5: Book according to your priorities

Once you have shortlisted suitable options, decide which expenses matter most.

If the main purpose is attending a concert, securing the event ticket may be more important than choosing a premium hotel.

If the objective is rest, a quieter location and a flexible schedule may be worth more than a long list of attractions.

Make sure the booking conditions fit your circumstances, especially when dates are fixed or other travellers are contributing to the cost.

A Practical Holiday Planning Checklist

Before confirming a trip, ask:

• Does the destination match the experience I want?
• Have I calculated the complete trip cost?
• Are alternative dates or destinations more affordable?
• Have I checked cancellation and refund conditions?
• Are accommodation and transport convenient for the planned activities?
• Have I verified passport, visa and entry requirements?
• Have I allowed money for meals, local transport and unexpected expenses?
• If travelling in a group, have we agreed on shared costs?
• Does the itinerary leave enough time to enjoy the destination?

This checklist can help you avoid unnecessary spending without sacrificing the purpose of the trip.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing a destination only because it is trending. A popular destination may not match your interests or budget.

Comparing flights without accommodation. A cheaper flight can be offset by more expensive hotels or local transport.

Assuming group travel is always cheaper. Shared accommodation may reduce costs, but group activities and transport can increase total spending.

Ignoring exchange rates. Currency movements and conversion fees can affect the final price of an international holiday.

Overplanning every day. A packed itinerary can increase transport costs and leave little time for spontaneous experiences.

Booking without checking conditions. Non-refundable tickets and accommodation can become expensive if plans change.

Our Take

The most useful message from Skyscanner's 2027 travel trends is that a good holiday is not defined by how much it costs or how many places it covers. It is defined by how well the experience matches the traveller's priorities. Whether you prefer a digital detox, a cultural journey or a shared celebration, a clear budget and realistic expectations can help you get more value from your time away.

What to Watch Next

As more travellers plan for 2027, watch how destination interest, airline schedules, accommodation availability and currency movements affect the cost of different trips.

Trend reports can help generate ideas, but they cannot guarantee that a destination will be affordable or suitable when you book.

Check current prices and official travel requirements before making commitments. If your dates are flexible, compare several options and choose the itinerary that offers the best balance of cost, convenience and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest travel trends for 2027?

Skyscanner's Travel Trends 2027 report highlights digital detoxes, group getaways, historical journeys, currency-conscious destination choices, music travel, fitness-focused holidays and destination-specific souvenirs. These themes indicate changing interests rather than guaranteed behaviour. Travellers should use them for inspiration and evaluate destinations according to their own budgets and priorities.

How can I save money on holidays in 2027?

Set a total budget, compare alternative dates and destinations, and calculate transport, accommodation, meals and activities together. Check baggage fees, cancellation terms and currency conversion costs. If your schedule allows flexibility, compare several itineraries before booking instead of choosing the first advertised deal.

What is a digital detox holiday?

A digital detox holiday is a trip designed to reduce screen time and create more opportunities for rest, outdoor activities or personal connection. It might involve a remote destination, a walking holiday or simply limiting phone use during the day. It does not require an expensive retreat.

How do I choose a destination with better travel value?

Compare the full cost of transport, accommodation, meals, local travel and activities. Consider exchange rates and conversion fees for international trips. A destination with a cheap flight may still be expensive overall, so use current prices and realistic spending estimates rather than relying on airfare alone.

Is group travel cheaper than travelling alone?

Group travel can reduce some costs when accommodation, transport or activities are shared. However, savings depend on group size, destination and individual preferences. Agree on budgets, payment deadlines and cancellation arrangements before booking. Compare the complete group itinerary with individual alternatives to determine whether the savings are worthwhile.