Australian Travel Trends 2027: Expedia Reveals The Destinations And Experiences Shaping Travel

Australia's travel landscape is changing, with holidaymakers seeking new destinations, shorter getaways, unique experiences and greater flexibility when planning their trips.

Expedia Group's latest Unpack '27 Travel Trends Report reveals the travel behaviours expected to influence holidays in 2027, highlighting the growing popularity of regional destinations, film-inspired travel, experience-led holidays and more personalised accommodation choices.

Drawing on travel research involving 26,000 travellers across 16 countries, alongside Expedia Group search and booking data, the report provides insights into how people are planning their next getaway.

For Australian travellers, the findings suggest that 2027 could be a year of discovering lesser-known destinations, embracing shorter holidays and choosing accommodation that offers comfort, convenience and flexibility.

1. Australian Destinations Are Gaining International Attention

One of the standout findings from Expedia's 2027 report is the growing international interest in Australia's Tweed region in northern New South Wales.

The Tweed recorded a 35% year-on-year increase in Expedia search interest, securing eighth position on Expedia's global Destinations of the Year list for 2027.

Located between the Gold Coast and Byron Bay, the region offers a combination of beautiful beaches, subtropical hinterland, national parks, boutique accommodation and a thriving food scene.

Destinations such as Kingscliff, Cabarita Beach and Murwillumbah offer visitors opportunities to explore the region while enjoying a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

The Tweed's inclusion among the world's trending destinations highlights the growing appeal of Australian locations beyond the country's traditional tourism hotspots.

For travellers planning their next Australian holiday, it may be worth exploring regional destinations that offer distinctive experiences without the crowds associated with major tourist centres.

2. Inland Australian Holidays Are Becoming More Popular

While Australia's beaches remain a major attraction, travellers are increasingly exploring inland destinations.

Expedia's Australian research found that 57% of surveyed travellers had booked a non-coastal holiday during the previous 12 months.

Destinations attracting attention include Canberra, Crackenback, Mount Hotham, Dubbo and the Blue Mountains.

These locations offer a variety of experiences, from cultural attractions and food festivals to mountain adventures, wildlife encounters and outdoor activities.

Canberra continues to attract visitors with its museums, galleries and national attractions, while Crackenback and Mount Hotham appeal to travellers interested in alpine experiences.

The Blue Mountains remain popular for scenic escapes, bushwalking and wellness retreats, while Dubbo offers regional experiences and family-friendly attractions.

This growing interest in inland travel suggests Australians are increasingly looking for holidays that combine relaxation with opportunities to discover something new.

3. Set-Jetting: Travelling to Destinations Seen on Screen

One of the most interesting trends highlighted by Expedia is the continued rise of set-jetting, where travellers visit destinations featured in their favourite television shows and films.

According to Expedia, nearly one in five surveyed travellers globally have booked a holiday after seeing a destination featured on screen.

The research also found that almost half of respondents had researched or booked travel connected to upcoming productions before their release.

Among Gen Z and Millennial travellers, this figure increased to 58%.

For 2027, international destinations expected to attract film-inspired visitors include Greece, Monaco, France, South Korea and New Zealand.

Although Australia does not feature among Expedia's leading set-jetting destinations for 2027, the trend demonstrates the growing influence of entertainment on holiday planning.

With Australia's diverse landscapes, iconic cities and established film production industry, the country also offers opportunities for travellers interested in exploring locations associated with film and television.

4. Short Getaways Are Changing How Australians Holiday

Another trend identified in Expedia's report is Trip Snacking, which describes travellers taking shorter, more frequent holidays rather than relying exclusively on one extended annual trip.

A weekend city break, three-night regional escape or spontaneous getaway can provide an opportunity to explore somewhere new without committing to a lengthy holiday.

For Australian travellers, this approach can make it easier to experience destinations closer to home.

Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth offer opportunities for city breaks, with restaurants, cultural attractions, entertainment and sporting events providing plenty of reasons to visit.

Shorter holidays can also encourage travellers to explore nearby regional destinations, particularly when travel time and convenience are important considerations.

When planning a city getaway, centrally located accommodation can make a significant difference by reducing travel time between attractions and allowing visitors to make the most of their stay.

5. Travellers Are Planning Holidays Around Their Interests

Expedia's Hobby Hubs trend highlights the growing popularity of holidays built around personal interests and shared activities.

Rather than choosing a destination first and deciding what to do afterwards, travellers are increasingly planning trips around experiences they already enjoy.

These might include food and wine, hiking, cycling, wellness, photography, music, sporting events or cultural activities.

Australia is well positioned for experience-led travel, with destinations offering everything from wine regions and coastal walking trails to major sporting events and internationally recognised arts festivals.

Melbourne, for example, attracts visitors throughout the year for its sporting calendar, live entertainment, dining scene and cultural attractions.

Meanwhile, regional destinations offer opportunities for travellers to combine accommodation with outdoor adventures and local experiences.

The trend reinforces the importance of choosing a destination that suits the purpose of the trip rather than simply selecting the most familiar holiday location.

6. Accommodation Choices Are Becoming More Personalised

As travel preferences evolve, accommodation continues to play an important role in the overall holiday experience.

Different trips require different accommodation options.

A weekend city break might call for a centrally located hotel, while a family holiday or extended visit may benefit from a self-contained apartment with additional living space.

Travellers staying for longer periods may particularly value accommodation with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, separate bedrooms and comfortable living areas.

Furnished apartments and serviced accommodation can offer a practical alternative to traditional hotel rooms, particularly for families, groups and travellers seeking a more residential experience.

Location also remains an important consideration, with easy access to public transport, restaurants, attractions and business districts helping travellers enjoy a more convenient stay.

Although Expedia's report does not specifically measure demand for furnished apartments, its broader findings highlight the diversity of travel preferences and the importance of accommodation that suits individual needs.

7. What Can Australian Travellers Expect in 2027?

Expedia's Unpack '27 report suggests that the coming year will be shaped by greater interest in discovering new destinations, enjoying meaningful experiences and taking a more flexible approach to travel.

Regional Australia is gaining international visibility, inland holidays are attracting attention and entertainment continues to inspire travel decisions.

At the same time, shorter getaways and interest-based holidays are providing travellers with more reasons to explore destinations closer to home.

Whether planning a weekend escape, family holiday, extended city visit or interstate adventure, travellers have more opportunities than ever to tailor their accommodation and experiences to their individual preferences.

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