As the travel industry looks ahead to 2027, a wave of new reports from booking platforms and guidebook publishers offers a glimpse of where holidaymakers might be heading – and what they’ll be seeking when they arrive. The consensus: travellers are increasingly drawn to quieter alternatives, emerging city breaks, and destinations with strong cultural credentials.
Europe features prominently in many of the predictions. Albania, lesser-known Greek islands, and smaller cities in Italy, France, and Germany are all attracting attention. Our own forecasts for 2027 also point to a rise in popularity for the Spanish cities of Cádiz, Marbella, and Málaga, thanks to a total eclipse next August, as well as growing interest in second cities like Basel in Switzerland and Cambridge in the UK. For those looking beyond Europe, China – now offering visa-free entry for up to 30 days to citizens of more countries than ever – is expected to be hot, while Indonesia’s Komodo National Park, Lombok, and Raja Ampat are set to draw travellers away from busy Bali.
Expedia’s picks: Perugia and Chichester
Online travel platform Expedia ranked its top 10 destinations by year-on-year search growth. In seventh place was Perugia, capital of Italy’s Umbria region, with searches up 35% from 2025 to 2026. Perugia is known for its hilltop medieval centre, packed with 14th-century landmarks, and for its jazz and chocolate festivals held in July and November.
The other European entry was Chichester in southern England, where searches rose 30%. The historic city in West Sussex boasts Roman ruins and the most intact Roman town defences in southern England, forming a walking trail around the city walls. It’s also a gateway to the South Downs National Park, Arundel Castle, and sandy beaches like West Wittering.
Booking.com: Reims, Bratislava, and Pescara
Accommodation platform Booking.com highlighted three European destinations in its 2027 trending list. Reims, in the heart of France’s Champagne region, is famous for its Gothic cathedral where French kings were crowned for centuries, and for the Champagne houses whose cellars lie beneath the city. Less than 45 minutes from Paris by high-speed train, it’s an easy city break.
Bratislava, Slovakia’s compact capital, sits on the Danube between Vienna and Budapest. Its medieval old town, hilltop castle, and lively food and drink scene make it a draw, while the nearby Little Carpathians offer vineyards and wine-producing towns.
Pescara, on Italy’s Adriatic coast, is often overlooked in favour of the western coastline, but the city has long sandy beaches, a lively waterfront, and abundant seafood restaurants. It’s also a good base for exploring the Abruzzo region, known for its mountains, national parks, and wine.
Lonely Planet: Veneto, Šibenik, León, Skanör-Falsterbo, and Dessau
Lonely Planet’s 2027 Best in Travel list includes five European picks. The Veneto region of Italy – home to overtouristed Venice – is recommended for its wider attractions, from the Dolomites and Lake Garda to Verona and Padua.
Šibenik in Croatia, one of the country’s oldest cities, makes the list for its “impressive architecture, gastronomic delights and a colourful calendar of festivals throughout the year.” In Spain, León in the north offers an excellent alternative to more crowded spots, with its Gothic architecture and Antoni Gaudí’s Casa Botines, set on the French Way of the Camino de Santiago.
Coolcations are set to become even more popular in 2027, so it’s no surprise that Skanör-Falsterbo, the twin towns in Sweden’s Skåne province, are included. Known as the Swedish Riviera, the area encourages slow travel, coastal scenery, and nature reserves – all with lower temperatures than much of Europe. Finally, Dessau in Germany is described as “synonymous with the Bauhaus movement,” offering a big cultural punch despite its small size.
Skyscanner: Malmö and beyond
Skyscanner’s top 10 trending destinations, based on search growth, include four European spots. Malmö in southern Sweden is known for its mix of historic architecture and modern design, as well as its lively food scene. Its location makes it an easy base for exploring the cross-border Öresund region, with Copenhagen just a short train ride away.
These expert picks reflect a broader shift in European travel: away from overcrowded capitals and toward places that offer authenticity, culture, and a slower pace. As off-season travel becomes more popular, destinations like these are likely to benefit from travellers seeking to avoid the crowds. For those planning ahead, 2027 looks set to be a year of discovery across the continent.
