Major new travel trends for 2027 with one Aussie town surging in popularity
Updated . First published
It doesn’t matter how old I get but every time I walk through the turnstiles at a Disney park (any of them) you cannot wipe the smile off my face.
It’s that sense of completely shrugging off whatever else might be going on in your life for just a little moment of feeling like a kid again. And that is something travellers are chasing now more than ever.
Excuse me while I go feel like a kid again. Supplied/Kristine Tarbert
Expedia and Stayz have released the latest Unpack ’27: The Trends in Travel report, and “un-adulting” holidays are on the rise, with 50 per cent of Aussie travellers planning an Un-Adulting trip in 2027.
The trend is all about booking holidays built entirely around childlike joy.
Think an adults-only getaway but with activities more associated with youngsters.
From visiting theme parks to doing other nostalgic activities, the data showed travellers want a carefree day (67 per cent), a genuine break from responsibilities (56 per cent), and want to relive childhood memories (40 per cent).
“After juggling work, family commitments and the demands of everyday life, travellers are now making fun a priority for holidays next year,” Darren Karshagen, Expedia Group Director, told nine.com.au.
“Aussies no longer feel they need a special occasion to treat themselves. Instead, they’re embracing grownup holidays full of kid-like activities simply because they want to.”
Theme park giants like Universal Studios and Disney are catering to this demand with adults only experiences.
Disney knows how to bring anyone child-like joy. AAP
Walt Disney World has a kid-free GEO-82 lounge at EPCOT and its late-night After-Hours events. Meanwhile, Universal Studios Japan’s adults-only Halloween Horror Nights overnight experience is also growing in popularity.
Leading the charge in Australia is the Gold Coast’s Dreamworld, which has been included on Expedia’s global Un-Adulting list for 2027.
“From thrill rides and nostalgic attractions to Halloween events and after-dark experiences, Dreamworld on the Gold Coast delivers the ultimate Un-Adulting escape, giving adults the perfect excuse to leave responsibility behind and embrace their playful side close to home,” Darren said.
Dreamworld on the Gold Coast was among Expedia’s top picks for an Un-adulting holiday. AAP
Top un-adulting experiences to try in 2027:
- Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan
- Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA
- Colour Factory Chicago, Chicago, USA
- Niagara Falls Zipline, Niagara Falls, Canada
- Park Xcaret, Cancun, Mexico
- Princess Senses The Mangrove Resort, Green Island, Jamaica
- Virgin Voyages, Miami, USA
- Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, USA
- Gold Coast: Dreamworld, Gold Coast, Australia
- Museum of Ice Cream, New York, USA
Aussie spot surging in interest
Unpack ’27 has also ranked the fastest-growing travel destinations, based on data, insights from a survey of 26,000 travellers, and social media posts.
Expedia’s 2027 Destinations of the Year list identifies where traveller interest is surging. South Lake Tahoe in America landed at number one and Australia’s very own The Tweed made the top ten with interest up 35 per cent.
The region between Byron and the Gold Coast was also named as one of the Top 25 Best Destinations to visit in the world in 2027 by Lonely Planet.
The Tweed region in NSW is gaining interest from travellers in 2027. The Tweed
“Travel is about creating memories and Unpack ’27 uncovers the destinations and experiences shaping those moments,” Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group, said.
“In 2027, travellers are being more intentional in choosing their next adventure, seeking experiences that are more personal and purposeful to them.”
2027 Destinations of the Year
- South Lake Tahoe, California, USA
- Hyogo, Japan
- Punta del Este, Uruguay
- Sedona, Arizona, USA
- Busan, South Korea
- Holbox, Mexico
- Perugia, Italy
- The Tweed, NSW, Australia
- Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada
- Chichester, UK
