Travel Trends 2027 Report: 5 Ways Gen Z Is Redefining Exploring, From Currency Chasing To Grand Odysseys

Gen Z has been challenging the traditional patterns in every aspect, and travel also happens to be one of them. Skyscanner, the leading global travel app, recently launched its Travel Trends 2027 report, which unveiled some exciting top trending and best value destinations for next year. The company also showcased  the seven key trends influencing traveller behaviour and key shifts in the travel industry in the coming year.

Some of the trends that have been adopted by Gen Z might surprise you but they make perfect sense and can take the travel industry into new path.

Music has always been an integral part of the culture across the world but you will definitely be surprised to know that it is also influence traveler's choices. According to a report by Skyscanner, 43% of Indian travellers choosing carnival experiences and 38% preferring unique venues such as volcanoes, pyramids and caves for music-based experiences while on holiday.

Vacations are often a cheat code for taking a break from routine and enjoying amazing cuisines without any worry. However, health, fitness and travel are now going hand in hand for Gen Z as Indian travellers to seek out destinations where staying active and prioritising nutritious choices is as easy as sightseeing. A staggering 91% are likely to book a hotel offering nutritional-performance breakfast options, while 53% actively look for fitness facilities.

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Many couples in their 20s are choosing to marry later in life, opting not to have traditional celebrations. The  'stag' or 'hen' trip means the joint travel with the close family and friends, where 73% Indian travellers prefer either a shared celebration or a mix of shared and separate celebrations. Couples wanting to have more fun, spending more time together before the wedding and wanting to save money are influencing travel trends too.

Vacations are the best time to take a break and refresh your mind before getting into the real world. 43% of Indian travellers say it takes a little time to clear their head and stop checking their phone, while only 23% switch off immediately at the start of their journey. However, 75% want to feel more connected to nature and 73% to themselves without their phones. The popularity of places like Pokhara, Agatti and Phu Quoc have skyrocketed due to this.

Both Gen Z (84%) and Millennials (82%) are particularly likely to have travelled for an exclusive purchase. Nearly half (49%) would even fly for up to three to six hours to buy something they cannot get elsewhere.

The movies like The Odyssey has heavily inspired Indian travellers to connect with history and explore places that tell a story. 89% had their travel plans inspired by a historic event, a classical story or myth, or both. Historical figures (61%), architectural wonders (57%) and mythological legends (52%) are among the strongest sources of inspiration.

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The biggest hack for Gen Z and Indian travellers to explore more has become 'Currency Chasers'. 69% always or often consider a destination’s currency strength when booking holidays, while 67% have actually changed a holiday destination because another offered better value. Among Gen Z, that rises to 77% when including those who have changed or considered changing destination.

Due to these trends and changing travelling behaviour of Gen Z in India, there are many places that have or will become more popular in 2027. Among these destinations that are trending are:

Trending Destinations*	% Increase In Searches
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan	+748%
Rupsi, India	+502%
Okinawa, Japan	+279%
Malvan, India	+258%
Tirana, Albania	+237%
Podgorica, Montenegro	+236%
Sandakan, Malaysia	+189%
Pokhara, Nepal	+166%
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei	+139%
Phu Quoc, Vietnam	+133%

The rising costs are not stopping Indians from exploring the world. Around 8% plan to travel abroad more in 2027, while 56% plan to spend more on flights and 44% on accommodation. 67% have also changed a destination because an alternative offered better value.

Another trend emerging among Indian is the use of AI to make travel plans. More than half are planning to turn to AI for destination research, 1 in 2 using it to compare flights, accommodation and prices, and almost 2 in 5 using it to book flights.

(Image Credits: Magnific)
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