As the travel industry looks ahead to 2027, Skyscanner has released its annual trends report, and this year’s findings point to a profound shift: travellers are increasingly turning to the past. The report, based on insights from over 28,000 travellers and data from platforms like TikTok, AllTrails, and ClassPass, identifies “Grand Odysseys” as one of the defining movements of the coming year.
The trend is a direct response to the frenetic pace of modern life. “People are seeking out history that offers context and grounds them in timeless human stories,” the report notes. This desire for connection is being fuelled by cinematic releases, with Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and the Gladiator sequel inspiring real-world bookings. TikTok data supports this: views for cinematic travel content are up 346% year-on-year, while posts featuring #HeroJourney have surged by 452%.
Walking in ancient footsteps
AllTrails, a partner in the report, has identified the top five historic hikes for 2027. Topping the list is the Cape Drastis Loop on the Greek island of Corfu, believed to be Homer’s mythical Phaeacia, where Odysseus recounted his ten-year journey home. Next is a route in Argentina’s Aconcagua Provincial Park, offering glacial lakes beneath South America’s highest peak. China’s Xi’an City Wall takes third place, where visitors can stroll along Ming Dynasty ramparts. Italy’s Monte Santa Caterina on Favignana island, linked to Odysseus’s voyage, and Rizes Cave on Ithaca – where Odysseus sought refuge – round out the list.
Shelby Eagleburger, head of data integrity at AllTrails, captures the appeal: “It’s grounding to visit a trail and realise you’re seeing the same rugged peaks, ancient forests, and horizons that travellers did thousands of years ago. Historic routes remind us that exploring the outdoors is a universal human experience, and it connects us across generations.”
Beyond the odyssey: other 2027 trends
Grand Odysseys is just one of seven trends in the report. Another is “Signal Severance,” reflecting a growing desire to disconnect. One in four Gen Z travellers plan to switch off entirely in 2027, with Finnish destinations like Kittilä and Rovaniemi seeing rising demand for digital detoxes.
The report also highlights a shift towards experiential souvenirs. One in four travellers have taken trips specifically to buy items unavailable online, from Trader Joe’s totes to Ritz Paris merchandise. Meanwhile, “sten dos” – combined stag and hen parties – are gaining popularity, with 25% of travellers opting for these mixed celebrations abroad.
Fitness and wellness continue to shape travel choices: 67% of millennials prioritise hotels with nutritious breakfasts, and 40% of Gen Z travellers look for gyms. TikTok data shows a 659% year-on-year increase in gym-cation content.
As Europe’s travel sector continues to outpace global growth, these trends suggest a more thoughtful, experience-driven approach to tourism. The rise of historic travel also aligns with broader conversations about climate change and tourism’s impact, as travellers seek meaningful connections rather than mere consumption.
For those planning a 2027 odyssey, the message is clear: the past is the new frontier. Whether walking ancient trails in Greece or exploring legendary ruins in Italy, travellers are finding that history offers a sense of place and purpose that modern life often lacks.
