6 Weird Travel Trends To Watch In 2027
What if your next holiday involves hunting ghosts, discussing relationship problems on a mountain trail or spending an entire weekend playing board games with strangers? Sounds like an unusual vacation, but travel in 2027 is shaping up to be anything but conventional. It's time to cross out the usual beach escapes, sightseeing tours and luxury hotel stays. Travellers are increasingly looking for holidays that reflect their personalities, interests and even their emotional needs. From paranormal encounters to nostalgia-fuelled adventures, the coming year could make some rather unconventional travel experiences mainstream. Here are 6 unusual, almost weird, travel trends that could shape how people holiday in 2027. A haunted hotel might not sound like everyone's idea of a relaxing holiday, but paranormal tourism is finding curious takers. Booking.com's 2027 Travel Predictions reveal that 65% of travellers are interested in experiences involving horror, gothic settings or paranormal encounters. Nearly half (48%) are even open to experiences that could help them connect with someone on the other side. This interest could translate into more ghost tours, stays in reportedly haunted properties, visits to abandoned locations and nighttime paranormal investigations. For travellers who find ordinary sightseeing predictable, a little mystery might make the holiday considerably more memorable. Time to bring out your ouija boards! Couples might soon be swapping candlelit dinners for challenging mountain trails when it comes to resolving relationship issues. This trend, called 'Trailside Therapy', is where partners use outdoor adventures and hiking as an opportunity to have difficult conversations. Away from household distractions, screens and everyday responsibilities, walking together can offer a different setting for meaningful discussions. The idea is not necessarily to solve every relationship problem on a holiday, but to make space for conversations that often get postponed. Minimalist interiors and bright, Instagram-friendly properties might have some unusual competition. Gothic getaways are gaining attention, with travellers showing interest in dramatic architecture, vintage furniture, atmospheric lighting and interiors that look straight out of a period horror film. Expedia Group's Unpack '27 report identifies Gothic Getaways as one of its emerging travel trends. This includes historic mansions, ornate interiors, moody bedrooms and stays where the atmosphere is as important as the amenities. Imagine booking a holiday with people you've never met, simply because everyone loves photography, crafting, stargazing or board games. Welcome to Hobby Hubs. According to the trend reports and travel research, 68% of travellers are likely to take a hobby-focused trip in 2027. These holidays allow people to pursue their interests, meet like-minded individuals and build friendships without the pressure of conventional socialising. Not every holiday needs an adventure-packed itinerary. Some travellers simply want to sleep, and sleep tourism is turning that wish into a travel experience. Hotels are increasingly incorporating sleep-focused offerings such as specialised bedding, relaxing environments, sleep consultations and wellness programmes. Instead of waking up early to squeeze in sightseeing, guests can prioritise rest, recovery and better sleep routines. Who says holidays have to be sophisticated? Adults are increasingly drawn to experiences that bring back the carefree feeling of childhood, whether that means amusement parks, nostalgic activities, playful adventures or simply spending a weekend doing things without worrying about productivity. Expedia identifies this as 'Un-Adulting' in its 2027 travel report. The appeal is simple: sometimes, the best holiday is one where adults can stop behaving like adults for a little while. Ultimately, travel in 2027 seems to be moving away from ticking destinations off a bucket list and more about finding experiences that feel personal, unexpected and occasionally bizarre. Whether it is chasing ghosts, fixing relationships on hiking trails or booking a holiday just to sleep, one thing is clear - the idea of a perfect vacation is changing and how!





