
by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 6:21 PM ET, Tue November 10, 2026
In just over one month, we will be ushering in a new year and with it, a flurry of new travel trends and developments. And tis’ the season for predictions about what those trends might look like and include.
The most recent forecast for 2027 comes courtesy of Fora travel, which has just issued its ‘Hot List’ for the year ahead, an annual report that includes insights surrounding the destinations, travel trends, and experiences poised to shape the coming 12 months.
According to Fora’s experts, 2027 will see travelers getting more adventurous in their choices and more particular about their experiences.
“They’re looking beyond the familiar, whether that means sailing the Nile during a total solar eclipse or trading Europe’s busy capitals for Finland’s lakes and forests,” says the report. “And while curiosity is growing, so are expectations. Travelers are seeking experiences that feel thoughtful and personal, with less patience for complicated planning and travel logistics.”
The ensuing report, which this year includes a new ‘Taste Index’ based on booking data, insights from top travel advisors, new hotel openings and expanding air routes, is meant help travelers decide what’s “truly worth exploring” in 2027.
Here’s a closer look.
Trends to watch
Anti-algorithm travel
Raise your hand if you’ve had enough of algorithms watching every move you make online - including what you like, share, and comment on - in order to predict what you will want to see next. (Raising mine)
If you're irked by the algorithm as well, you’re hardly alone. Come 2027, Fora predicts we will see the rise of so-called ‘anti-algorithm travel.’ What does that mean exactly? It seems that 18% of Fora advisors say clients are looking to experience destinations more deeply, while 13% say avoiding overtourism is a priority.
Think Zimbabwe over Tanzania for safari or Todos Santos over Cabo.
Slow-fast travel
Another trend on tap for the coming year is something Fora has dubbed ‘slow-fast’ travel. If that sounds confusing, you’re not alone.
Here’s the deal: 28% of advisors say clients are craving fewer destinations and a slower pace, while 7% are seeing demand for shorter, more frequent trips.
Ultimately, it seems travelers are prioritizing intentional getaways with one home base and more meaningful experiences.
VIP airport services
Making your way through the airport and catching a flight is typically about as fun as going to the dentist. (Am I right?) So, it only stands to reason that there’s growing search interest in VIP airport services.
Fora says interest has increased 80% year over year, reflecting travelers’ desire to make the airport experience smoother and more seamless. And let’s be honest, who isn’t on board with that?
Hobby-led travel
Whether it’s pickleball or mahjong, hobbies make life more fulfilling And travelers are increasingly planning trips around those personal interests and passions, making experiences and activities a central part of the itinerary. Expect to see far more of that in 2027.
Longevity getaways
Wellness travel is hardly a new thing. But the various ways to pursue wellness while traveling are indeed evolving. From high-tech biohacking to promote longevity to spiritual pilgrimages focused on mental health and clarity—there’s all manner of ways to combine wellness with globetrotting. And in the year expect to see even more emphasis on longevity and feeling your best, say the experts at Fora.
Top destinations for 2027
What do China, Malta, Slovenia and Egypt have in common? They all made it onto Fora’s hot list for 2027. The same goes for Vietnam, Finland and Taiwan. Alaska, St. Thomas and St. John round out Fora’s picks for 2027.
Here's what Fora had to say about the top five destinations to watch in 2027.
China
“With China increasingly found in the spotlight for its advances and global influence, travelers are curious to see the country for themselves. Fora bookings to China nearly tripled over the last year, making it the fastest-growing country in our booking data.”
Booking growth: 184% yoy
Malta
“Malta has been having a moment on screen. Ridley Scott rebuilt ancient Rome here for Gladiator II, and Christopher Nolan filmed part of this summer’s The Odyssey there too,” says Fora.
“But Malta is way more than a scenic view or a party scene. Phoenician, Roman, Arab, Norman, and British influences have all left their mark here, and Malta offers centuries-old streets, layers of history, excellent food, and a sense of place unlike anywhere in Europe.”
Booking growth: +129% yoy
Slovenia
“New development will make Slovenia even easier to reach in 2027 with United’s first nonstop flight from Newark Liberty International to Ljubljana starting in May. Once there, travelers can see an impressive amount of the country in a single trip, with plenty of time to linger along the way,” says Fora.
Booking growth: +152% yoy
Egypt
“Egypt has long inspired awe, from the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of the Nile Valley,” says Fora. “Now, a landmark museum opening, a rare solar eclipse, and a new generation of hotels and Nile cruises are giving travelers fresh reasons to go. Back on Fora’s Hot List for the first time since 2023, Egypt is drawing travelers ready to revisit long-delayed plans.”
Booking growth: 140% yoy
Vietnam
“Travelers are discovering just how much Vietnam has to offer,” says Fora. “The country welcomed a record number of international visitors in 2025, with 2026 on track to surpass it. Fora bookings more than doubled over the past year, led by Hanoi and the Da Nang–Hoi An region.”
And there’s more to come in 2027, adds the Fora report. That includes Phu Quoc preparing to host APEC, bringing an expanded airport and new luxury hotels, while the long-awaited Long Thanh airport is slated to open in December 2026, with most international flights expected to move there over time.
Booking growth: 119% yoy
To find out more about why these destinations should be on your radar for the coming year, read the full Fora report here.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore