‘Plot twist trips’: Why going off-script is the ultimate travel flex

Fellow travellers, it’s time to forget about that all-too-comfortable beach break and plan to do something that’s, let’s say, not on your usual holiday agenda.

That’s the thinking behind the “plot twist trip”, one of nine trends identified in Booking.com’s travel predictions for 2027, which suggest holidaymakers are interested in “going off-script”.

Based on research from more than 28,000 travellers worldwide, the report’s findings show that people are rethinking where they are going, who they are travelling with, and how they experience the world.

Next year, travellers will “humble everyone who thought they had them figured out” and surprise themselves in the process with “a trip nobody saw coming”, said the online travel platform. And according to the data, 77% are interested in choosing a holiday specifically to do something “completely out of character”.

Booking.com said the reaction from others will be “part of the appeal”, with 36% actively wanting to surprise their friends and family with their holiday choices. “These trips are designed to disrupt the status quo, rewrite the story everyone thought they knew, and deliver the twist nobody predicted.”

In fact, nearly a third of respondents (29%) have deleted or avoided posting about a holiday “because it felt too predictable or ordinary”.

So, will 2027 finally be the year that they have something worth sharing on their socials? As Booking.com puts it: “The best souvenir? The look on everyone else’s face.”

From all-exclusives to a hotel in the sky

Beyond the plot twist trips, Booking.com’s predictions suggest that travellers want holidays tailored to their lifestyles and budgets.

Its “all-exclusive” trend sees 66% of respondents wanting packages that let them remove services they won’t use. “Moving forward, the most appealing travel package isn’t the one that includes everything.”

Meanwhile, “vibe check(in)” finds 81% of travellers would choose a destination primarily based on how they want to feel, rather than where they want to go.

Under “social currency”, money could shape the holiday guest list. Half of travellers have reconsidered who to invite on a trip because of spending differences and 38% have removed people from a travel group entirely. The kids may not make the cut either as 61% of parents are keen to travel child-free so they can spend more on themselves.

Venturing into the supernatural, 65% are interested in paranormal experiences and a “trip to the beyond”. Nearly half (48%) would seek an experience with the hope of speaking to someone on the “other side”.

While back in the working world, the “PTO: powered by AI” trend finds that 64% are interested in having AI cover their work while they’re away.

“Hotel in the sky” reflects demand for wellness in the air, with 89% of respondents saying they would take a long-haul journey if it guaranteed they would arrive rested and refreshed.

For “sweat synergy”, 66% of respondents who have travelled alone say a shared physical activity or challenge has led to a lasting connection or friendship.

Under “trailside therapy”, the new romantic getaway may be more about tough talks with your partner, rather than candlelit dinners. The data found that 47% would consider a trip to resolve conflicts or arguments, with walking and hiking among the activities that help couples tackle difficult conversations.

Top trending destinations for 2027

Alongside its predictions report, Booking.com has revealed 10 trending destinations for 2027, including three in Europe: Reims in France, Bratislava in Slovakia, and Pescara in Italy.