# Global travel trends and destination shifts

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-travel-trends-and-destination-shifts
> Updated: 2026-11-04T23:35:49.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

Industry reports from Expedia Group and Skift indicate a significant shift in traveler priorities, with a growing preference for cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path destinations over traditional tourist hubs. Skift’s State of Travel 2026 report notes that cultural immersion has become the leading global travel priority, surpassing adventure and luxury. In North America, 39% of travelers identify as seekers of cultural immersion.

Expedia Group’s “Unpack ’27” report, which analyzed search data from September 1, 2025, to July 27, 2026, identifies several emerging destinations with surging interest. South Lake Tahoe, California, leads growth with a 195% increase in searches for flights and accommodations. Other notable rising locations include Hyogo Prefecture, Japan (+95%), Punta del Este, Uruguay (+65%), Sedona, United States (+55%), Busan, South Korea (+50%), Holbox, Mexico (+45%), and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada (+35%).

Six of the top ten destinations received the Expedia Smart Travel Health Check, a designation inspired by the World Travel and Tourism Council. This framework recognizes locations with rich cultural and natural offerings that avoid the extreme crowding typical of major global cities. While interest in language travel is increasing, experts distinguish between formal classes and true immersion. Reports note that while search interest is rising, actual arrivals and hotel occupancy remain dependent on factors such as seasonal conditions and air connectivity.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-04: Expedia identifies top travel destinations for 2027

An Expedia report reveals South Lake Tahoe, California, as the top trending travel destination for 2027, following a 195 percent surge in searches.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/expedia-identifies-top-travel-destinations-for-2027

### 2026-10-28: Travel trends show rising demand for cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path destinations

Travelers are increasingly prioritizing cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path destinations, with rising interest in locations like South Lake Tahoe, Hyogo, and Punta del Este.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/travel-trends-show-rising-demand-for-cultural-immersion-and-off-the-beaten-path-destinations

### 2026-10-21: Expedia report identifies fastest-growing travel destinations for 2027

Expedia’s ‘Unpack ’27’ report highlights South Lake Tahoe (+195%) and Hyogo, Japan (+95%) as top rising travel destinations for 2027.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/expedia-report-identifies-fastest-growing-travel-destinations-for-2027

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Cite as: Global travel trends and destination shifts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-travel-trends-and-destination-shifts