Australian travellers are expected to become more selective about how, why and with whom they travel in 2027, with new research pointing to mood-based destination choices, wellness-focused flying, personalised packages and greater use of AI.
Booking.com’s 2027 Travel Predictions draws on responses from more than 28,000 travellers across 32 countries and territories, including 1,009 Australians, and identifies nine trends expected to influence travel decisions next year.
One of the strongest shifts is towards choosing destinations according to how travellers want to feel rather than where they want to go. Some 78% of Australians surveyed said mood could determine their destination, while 73% would use a search tool that recommends places based on their emotional state.
Long-haul passengers are also placing greater emphasis on arriving rested. Around 93% of Australians said they would take a long-haul journey if it helped them arrive refreshed, with travellers showing interest in sleep-supporting food and drink, circadian lighting and quieter cabin areas.
Packaging may also become more flexible. Almost three quarters of travellers surveyed said they would prefer a holiday package that allows them to remove services they do not expect to use, while 53% said dietary requirements could influence their choice of accommodation or destination.
Artificial intelligence is expected to extend beyond holiday planning and into travellers’ working lives. Some 60% expressed interest in AI managing work while they are away, while 44% said they would be comfortable allowing it to handle emails and administrative tasks.
Sport and fitness are another growing influence, particularly among solo travellers. More than half of respondents said they would be interested in joining a community of like-minded athletes while travelling, while 55% of those who had travelled alone said shared physical activities had led to lasting friendships or connections.
Other trends include travelling specifically to do something out of character, paranormal and spirituality-based experiences, choosing travel companions based on budget compatibility and couples using holidays to have difficult conversations away from everyday routines.
Todd Lacey, Booking.com Regional Manager Oceania and Korea, said Australians were becoming more intentional about the experiences they choose.
“Aussies are putting wellbeing first, leaning into experiences that reflect what matters to them, and getting far more intentional about how, why, and who they explore the world with,” Mr Lacey said.
The report also identified Christchurch, Monterey, Sendai, Reims, Rosario, Pescara, Puri, Goiânia, Asunción and Bratislava among its trending destinations for 2027.
