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Top 10 Biggest Travel Trends for 2027

Wondering about the top 10 biggest travel trends for 2027?

Virtuoso’s newly released 2027 Luxe Report offers a revealing look at the experiences shaping travel plans for the year ahead. Based on insights from more than 3,100 travel advisors in over 50 countries, the report reflects what affluent travelers want now.

The big takeaway: travelers are investing in experiences that bring people together, feel more meaningful, and create lasting memories. Here are the top 10 biggest travel trends for 2027, according to Virtuoso advisors worldwide.

Virtuoso’s Top 10 Biggest Travel Trends for 2027

1. Multigenerational Family Travel

Travel that brings grandparents, parents, children, and sometimes even grandchildren together is Virtuoso’s number one trend for 2027. These trips are often built around milestone birthdays, anniversaries, or simply the desire to share precious time while everyone is healthy and able to travel.

For many families, a river cruise, small-ship cruise, private villa, or guided land journey can be an ideal way to accommodate different ages and interests without putting all the planning pressure on one family member.

2. Family Travel With the Immediate Family

Not every family vacation needs to include the entire extended family. Parents are also prioritizing meaningful travel with their own children, particularly as busy schedules make uninterrupted time together harder to find.

These trips might mean exploring Europe by river, taking a family safari, enjoying an Alaska adventure, or choosing a carefully planned beach escape where everyone can truly relax.

3. Expedition Cruising

Expedition cruising continues to capture the imagination of travelers who want to see the world’s most remarkable places in an immersive way. Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galapagos, Alaska, and remote regions of the South Pacific all offer that rare combination of adventure, learning, and extraordinary natural beauty.

These are not simply cruises with a different itinerary. The best expedition experiences include expert naturalists, enriching onboard programming, Zodiac landings and access to places that would be difficult to experience any other way.

4. Active and Adventure Trips

Travelers increasingly want more than a beautiful view from a tour bus. They want to hike, bike, kayak, snorkel, ski or otherwise experience a destination more directly.

The good news is that “active” does not have to mean extreme. Wonderful options exist for travelers who want a gentle bike ride through the countryside, a guided walk through a historic city, or a more ambitious day of hiking with the right support in place.

5. Cultural Immersion

Luxury travelers want a deeper connection to the places they visit. They want to understand local history, meet the people, enjoy regional food and wine, and come home with stories that go beyond checking famous sights off a list.

That might mean a private after-hours museum visit, cooking with a local chef, learning about an artisan’s craft, or spending more time in fewer destinations. The goal is a trip that feels personal, not packaged.

6. Authenticity

Authentic experiences go hand in hand with cultural immersion, but they also mean avoiding the feeling that a trip was designed for everyone. Travelers want access to the real character of a destination, whether that is a small family-run vineyard in Italy, a local market in Japan or a private guide who brings a city to life.

7. Beach Resort Stays

There will always be a place for a beautiful beach, and travelers are choosing resort stays that make it easy to truly unwind. The appeal is not simply sun and sand. It is exceptional service, thoughtful dining, beautiful accommodations and the freedom to do as much—or as little—as you please.

For couples, families and multigenerational groups alike, the right resort can be a perfect balance between easy relaxation and optional activities.

8. Food, Wine and High-End Spirits Travel

For many travelers, food and drink have become a central reason to go. Wine-country stays, culinary cruises, private tastings, local cooking classes, and destination-focused dining are all part of this growing interest.

We see this especially on European river cruises and small-ship voyages, where regional cuisine and wine are often woven naturally into the itinerary. It is one of the most enjoyable ways to get to know a destination.

9. Ocean Cruising

Ocean cruising remains one of the most popular ways to explore the world comfortably, especially when travelers choose ships and itineraries that match their personal travel style. From the Mediterranean and Northern Europe to Japan, Alaska and the South Pacific, today’s luxury and premium cruise options offer a remarkable range of experiences.

For many of our clients, the appeal is clear: unpack once, enjoy excellent service and see multiple destinations without the hassle of constantly changing hotels.

10. River Cruising

River cruising rounds out Virtuoso’s top 10 trends for 2027, and we certainly understand why. It is a relaxed, highly enjoyable way to experience the heart of Europe, Egypt, Southeast Asia and beyond.

With smaller ships, centrally located ports, included excursions, and a more intimate atmosphere, river cruising remains one of our favorite ways for travelers to combine comfort, culture, and convenience.

Our Thoughts

What stands out most to us is that luxury travel in 2027 is not just about going farther or spending more. It is about traveling with intention—celebrating a milestone, sharing time with family, discovering a destination in a more meaningful way, or simply making room to rest and reconnect.

Virtuoso advisors are entering 2027 with their most confident outlook in three years. Fifty-three percent expect leisure travel demand to rise slightly, while another 22 percent anticipate a significant increase. Travelers also expect to invest more in quality, access, and experiences that matter to them.

If one of these trends has you thinking about your next adventure, now is a great time to start the conversation. The most desirable ships, suites, guides, and family-friendly accommodations tend to go first.

Planning Your 2027 Travels With Roaming Boomers Travel Services