Australian region highlighted in 2027 Destinations of the Year
Expedia and Stayz Unpack '27 highlights increased search activity for its 2027 Destinations of the Year - including one Australian region
Unpack ’27: The Trends in Travel, the annual global travel trends report from Expedia and Stayz, features an Australian region among its 2027 Destinations of the Year.
The Destinations of the Year list highlights places that are seeing a growth in search traffic from travellers keen to discover new hotspots.
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The list features a range of global destinations including Perugia in Italy, Hyogo in Japan, and Chichester in the UK. In eighth place, with a 35 percent increase in search activity, was The Tweeds in New South Wales, noted in the report for its “Golden beaches, lush hinterland, [and] relaxed coastal charm”.
The rise of “un-adulting”
Also highlighted in the report was the rise of “un-adulting” holidays, where adult travellers embrace their inner child with fun, nostalgic experiences. Alongside the top “un-adulting” destination of Tokyo Disneyland, travellers have their sights set on Gold Coast: Dreamworld.
Substantial numbers of Australians say they are likely to take a trip like this in the near future; 50 percent of Aussie travellers say they’re likely to book an un-adulting trip in 2027, rising to 74 percent of Gen Z and Millennials.
Travellers say that their main motivations are wanting a carefree day (67 percent), a genuine break from responsibilities (56 percent), and want to relive childhood memories (40 percent).
Increased appetite for “heartland holidays”
Demand for something different is also seeing a rise in what Stayz has dubbed “heartland holidays” – trips to landlocked destinations. Emerging wine and foodie destinations account for much of the list, alongside mountain getaways.
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All of the holiday spots mentioned in the report have seen a rise in search traffic, with Canberra topping the charts with a 55 percent search increase. Other hot destinations include:
- Crackenback, NSW (45 percent increase)
- Mount Hotham, VIC (40 percent increase)
- Dubbo, NSW (20 percent increase)
- Blue Mountains, NSW (20 percent increase)
- Nannup, WA (15 percent increase)
- Hahndorf, SA (15 percent increase)
- Southern Highlands, NSW (15 percent increase)
- Tamborine Mountain, QLD (15 percent increase)
- Yarra Valley, VIC (10 percent increase)
Personalised travel
A standout feature of destinations on the list is their individuality, which reflects changing traveller demands for bespoke, authentic experiences, said Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group.
“Travel is about creating memories and Unpack ’27 uncovers the destinations and experiences shaping those moments.”
“In 2027, travellers are being more intentional in choosing their next adventure, seeking experiences that are more personal and purposeful to them.”
