Shorter breaks and experience-led trips set to reshape travel in 2027

Hotels.com’s latest travel report highlights how short breaks, screen-inspired trips, and experience-led stays are reshaping travel in 2027, creating new considerations for insurers.

Its Unpack ’27: The Trends in Travel report, published on 14 October, draws on search data, global surveys, and social media analysis to identify five emerging trends.

Mini-vacations are gaining traction, with searches for one-night stays up nearly 10% year on year. In Norway, 86% of travellers plan to book an overnight stay in the coming year, signalling potential growth in shorter, more frequent trips.

Meanwhile, 54% of Norwegian travellers have booked or considered a trip after seeing a destination on screen. Searches for Monaco across Expedia Group platforms rose more than 120% in the 30 days after Emily in Paris season six was confirmed for filming there.

Experience-led accommodation is also influencing decisions. More than half (52%) of Norwegian travellers have booked a hotel for its atmosphere or aesthetic, while global castle searches rose 20% year on year.

The report also highlights interest in nostalgic, playful holidays, with half of Norwegian travellers considering a childlike-themed trip in 2027.

“Travellers are more deliberate when choosing their next adventure, seeking experiences that feel more personal and meaningful,” said Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group.

These shifts raise questions about how products and distribution can adapt. More frequent short breaks, screen-inspired destinations, and experience-driven bookings may require clearer communication around cancellation, disruption, and activity-related cover.

As travel habits evolve, insurers have an opportunity to ensure protection keeps pace with changing expectations – before the next trend becomes the next claim.